While a Joint Commission accreditation is one of the best, and should play into your decision on picking a specific treatment center, you can also look for CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) certifications or NAATP (National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers) certifications as well.
Full Answer
What qualifications do you need to be a substance abuse counselor?
Apr 03, 2019 · The therapeutic relationship between a counselor and client must be based on trust. For positive change to take place, you have to be open and honest about the problem. Look for a counselor that makes you feel safe, respects you as an individual, and does not pass judgement. The best substance abuse counselors have your best interests at heart.
What is a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation?
Dec 24, 2020 · To be licensed to work as a substance abuse counselor, a therapist must hold a master’s degree and have 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Additionally, addiction counselors must complete continuing education …
What is an addiction counselor certification?
Aug 31, 2021 · Updated on 08/31/21. In substance abuse treatment, an accurate diagnosis is the key to developing an effective, personalized care plan. In order to identify the root causes of a patient’s addiction, mental health professionals use a number of diagnostic tools, including face-to-face interviews, reviews of patient records, interviews with ...
What is substance abuse counseling?
A substance abuse counselor provides various type of counseling to individuals who suffer from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse counselors can be found in hospitals, rehab centers, outpatient treatment centers and correctional facilities as well as many mental health institutions. Substance abuse counselors provide many different types of counseling that has …
What are the essential skills characteristics and knowledge of a substance use disorder counselor?
Here are a few characteristics that make a good substance abuse counselor:Good listener.Strong desire to help others.Confidence.Motivation.Inspiration.Excellent communication skills.Respect privacy.
What are the eight practice dimensions of addiction counseling?
Training is designed to familiarize the participant with the eight practice dimensions necessary for effective performance as an addiction's counselor: clinical evaluation; treatment planning; referral; service coordination; counseling; client, family and community education; documentation; and professional and ethical ...
What are the roles of a substance abuse counselor?
What does a substance abuse counselor do?Meeting with clients to evaluate their health and substance problem.Identifying issues and create goals and treatment plans.Teaching clients coping mechanisms.Helping clients find jobs or reestablish their career.Leading group therapy sessions.More items...
What are the three elements of a substance abuse program?
A recent publication of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Overview of Addiction Treatment Effectiveness (Landry, 1996), divides substance abuse treatment along three dimensions: (1) treatment approach -- the underlying philosophical principles that guide the type of care offered and that ...
What are the Tap 21 competencies?
It discusses patient assessment and screening, treatment planning, referral, service coordination, counseling, family and community education, and cultural competency.
What is the first attitude of Competency 75?
Competency 75 Establish a helping relationship with the client characterized by warmth, respect, genuineness, concreteness, and empathy.
What are the pros and cons of being a substance abuse counselor?
Pros: It is very satisfying to see clients gain skills and beliefs that enable them to live drug or alcohol free lives, with relationships restored and hope regained. Cons: There is a lot of emotional drama as clients come off their drug of choice and begin to learn to live and work with other women.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a counselor?
A counselor is a qualified individual who uses counseling methods to help people manage and overcome mental and emotional issues. Their duties include listening to patients, developing treatment plans, and creating coping strategies. They work in mental health facilities, hospitals, and schools.
Are counseling and therapy the same thing?
Usually, counseling focuses on a specific issue for a limited amount of time. Therapy can be more long-term and focuses on you as an individual — how you see yourself and the world, your thoughts, and your behaviors, as well as the underlying patterns of why you do the things you do.
What is typically the first step in the substance abuse treatment process?
During the initial stage of treatment, the therapist helps clients acknowledge and understand how substance abuse has dominated and damaged their lives. Drugs or alcohol, in various ways, can provide a substitute for the give-and-take of relationships and a means of surviving without a healthy adjustment to life.
Which is the first step in treating a drug abuse problem?
Detoxification is normally the first step in treatment. This involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions. In 80 percent of cases, a treatment clinic will use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).Nov 2, 2018
What are treatment models?
There are many different models, techniques and approaches to therapy such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), reality therapy, and interpersonal therapy. FIT (or CDOI) encompasses many different kinds of therapy within one overarching philosophy.
What is a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation?
A comprehensive substance abuse evaluation: determines if you have a drug or alcohol addiction. assesses the extent or level of addiction. determines if there are any co-occurring conditions, including any physical or mental health concerns, as well as polydrug use. assesses how substance use affects your life.
What is the first step in alcohol rehab?
The first step of alcohol or drug rehabilitation—before treatment can even begin—is to have your substance use evaluated by the facility’s team. This evaluation gives staff a comprehensive perspective into your individual situation and reveals any special concerns that must be addressed.
What is assessment in addiction?
Assessment: a process for defining the nature of that problem, determining a diagnosis, and developing specific treatment recommendations for the problem or diagnosis. These components may be administered by a wide range of professionals trained to assess addiction.
What is a release for substance use?
You may be asked to sign a release that allows people with first-hand knowledge of your substance use to report their observations to the professionals assessing you. This information would only be collected from those closest to you and can help round-out the evaluation to better meet your treatment needs.
What is the purpose of a substance abuse assessment?
The purpose of an assessment is to find direct evidence that supports either the presence or absence of a condition that can be diagnosable, such as drug or alcohol addiction. A diagnostic interview is performed when an interviewer goes over ...
What is the cage questionnaire?
CAGE Questionnaire: This is a widely used method that asks four questions in a brief, yet sensitive manner. One criticism of CAGE is its measure of usefulness in circumstances where you may try to shield the extent of your substance abuse.
What are the steps of an evaluation?
An evaluation is broken down into two steps: screening and assessment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines these steps as: Screening: a process for evaluating the possible presence of a particular problem, in which the outcome is normally a simple yes or no. Assessment: a process for defining the nature of ...
How to identify root causes of addiction?
In order to identify the root causes of a patient’s addiction, mental health professionals use a number of diagnostic tools, including face-to-face interviews, reviews of patient records, interviews with family members, and standardized tests. To ensure that the treatment plan truly reflects the patient’s needs, and that therapy is effective, ...
What is the purpose of detoxing after admission?
In the admission stage, a period of detox is often required to cleanse the body and clear the mind. Once the drugs or alcohol have been cleared from the patient’s system, the treatment team can determine a diagnosis more easily. After detox, patients may respond more accurately to interviews and testing.
What is neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluation is one of the most important components of a comprehensive care plan. Without a thorough understanding of the patient’s psychological status, psychiatric history, and cognitive function, a rehab program probably will not be successful.
What is a mental health specialist?
Mental health specialists use several approach es to diagnosing a mental illness or substance use disorder. In addition to meeting with the patient and talking to him or her in person, they can administer tests, talk with loved ones, and research the patient’s medical and psychiatric history through medical records.
What are the different types of personality tests?
Diagnostic instruments fall into a number of categories, including: Intelligence tests. Cognitive tests. Projective tests.
Can neuropsychological testing help with substance abuse?
A study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs shows that neuropsychological testing in substance abuse treatment can lead to improvement in patient outcomes. Patients enrolled in a two-week rehab program were given neurocognitive tests on admission and during treatment.
Can psychiatric diagnoses be corrected?
Psychiatric diagnoses are not always correct, and they may be revised over the course of a patient’s treatment. Unlike diseases that affect the body — such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or liver failure — psychiatric disorders can’t be diagnosed through lab tests, physical assessments, or radiologic exams.
Types of Substance Abuse Counseling
Finding the right type of substance abuse counseling can get you the help you need.
Substance Abuse Counselor Qualifications
If you’ve ever considered getting treatment for substance abuse but weren’t sure what type of professionals you could expect to be working with, you may be wondering what the qualifications are of substance abuse counselors.
Welcome to Substance Abuse Counselor .com
Here at Substance Abuse Counselor .com we understand that you may have many questions related to substance abuse counseling, especially if you are considering treatment for a substance abuse problem.
What is addiction counseling?
Addiction counselors provide support, counseling and treatment for people who are dealing with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. They also work with family members who have been affected by a loved one's addiction.
What degree do you need to become a drug counselor?
With a master's degree from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, there's no limit to what you can achieve in the field of drug and alcohol counseling.
Is substance abuse counseling easy?
Substance abuse counseling isn't easy. There are times you might have to deal with heavy caseloads, long hours and stress. But no career is more rewarding to those who are driven to help others.
What do you need to know before you get your substance abuse license?
Examination. Prior to receiving your license in substance abuse, most states require that you take and pass a standardized examination. This exam will ensure the state that you have the academic knowledge required to help addicts recover.
What is a substance abuse counselor?
This is a career that asks a lot of a person. It's more of a calling than a career, a passion than a job. You will be in a position to help many, many people through a very difficult time in their lives.
What is spirituality in addiction counseling?
Spirituality. A logical disposition. An emotional approach. Objectivity. Open-mindedness. While diversity is something of a rule in this field, alcohol and drug addiction counselors need to be dedicated to helping people with substance abuse find a solution to a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.
How often do you need to take continuing education for a substance abuse license?
To maintain your substance abuse social work license, your state will require that you take continuing education units every year. This requirement might change depending on your level of education. Those with a graduate degree may be asked to log fewer hours than those with undergraduate educations.
What are the hurdles to getting a mental health license?
After your academic work in substance abuse and mental health, one of the biggest hurdles to full licensure is the experience requirement. Your state will likely require some mix of supervised time in which you will work closely with a mentor on specific aspects of the field.
Is addiction a diverse group?
Addiction mental health counselors are a diverse group. As you begin to practice, you'll see that this diversity is a great strength in the field. That's because substance use addicts are likewise diverse. There is not one single set of characteristics that will fit every substance abuse sufferer. Therefore, in order to connect with an addict, ...
Do you have to be accredited to do counseling?
Before you start writing checks for counseling programs, make sure that your school counseling degrees are accredited or will otherwise be recognized by your state's licensure board. If you state accepts non-accredited schooling, consider whether you will want to stay in that state for the duration of your career.
Why refer a patient for a physical?
Refer most patients for a physical to rule out any physical concerns that may be causing psychological symptoms or addictive behaviors. Blood work and a consultation with a medical doctor can address any physical conditions and be the beginning of the road to recovery. 4.
What is the treatment team for eating disorders?
Treatment and recovery from an eating disorder often needs a treatment team that consists of a therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist, and primary care physician. Unfortunately eating disorders have an extremely high mortality rate and Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses.
What happens if you fail to refer a patient?
The childlike fear of so many is losing a patient. The reality is that you are in legal jeopardy if you fail to refer. Medical complications necessitate a referral, medications necessitate a referral. If a patient’s health appears to be headed in the wrong direction, it may be time to refer them for treatment.
Effects
Definitions
- An evaluation is broken down into two steps: a screening and an assessment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines them as:
Administration
- These components may be administered by a wide array of people who are trained to assess a person for an addiction, though the former may be administered with little to no training. The person responsible for this task may be a social worker, counselor, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, doctor, or nurse. They will, through written assessments and interviews, inquire abo…
Purpose
- The screening is a preliminary evaluation that helps the professional to determine if there is a situation present that warrants a more in-depth look. It is an important element of the process because it can allow for preemptive care and support if it does indeed highlight a risk factor, thus helping a person before their substance abuse progresses...
Examples
- Here are examples of some of the most commonly used screening tools. They may be either administered online or in person. These are examples of circumstances or convictions where a judge might require an evaluation:
Advantages
- Though the first, by way of set and structured questions, is easier for someone without an intense background in the field to administer, they do not result in as much detail, thus there is not as much information off of which to base a treatment plan. A semi-structured interview allows the professional, who is more skilled within this area, to supplement the structured questions by one…
Usage
- Today, in many cases, a person may begin this process by taking the screening online. In order to begin this you will have to create an account through the agency or platform to which you were directed. If you do not do this online, you will do one on paper in preparation for your evaluation. At your face-to-face interview, the person you are working with will have access to this and shoul…
Types
- There are two ways in which a person finds him or herself in the position of needing an evaluation. The first is when a person is taking steps toward entering a treatment or recovery program, and the second is when a court mandates it. Oftentimes the latter may also result in a person entering a program.
Preparation
- Any time a person is entering into an addiction treatment facility, the staff must first have a way to understand the person and their individual situation. The first stepbefore treatment can even beginis for the person to have their substance abuse evaluated by the facilitys team. This assessment gives the team of professionals a unique perspective into the individuals situation a…
Risks
- Some people who struggle with a co-occurring condition, such as a mental health concern, may falsely think that they must deal with the substance abuse before they can address these circumstances. This is in fact falsethe opposite is truein order for your treatment to achieve maximum success it is imperative that a person treat these co-occurring issues as well. Mental …
Qualification
- If a case involves substance abuse, the judge may order a drug and alcohol evaluation. This evaluation is administered from an agency that is certified through the state. In some situations or certain convictions some states may require this as part of the mandatory sentencing procedures.
Diagnosis
- During the course of the evaluation, which typically takes between 60-90 minutes, you will have an interview with a person who is trained in substance abuse treatment. They will do an in-depth review of your substance abuse history and look over the documents you provided.
Significance
- This evaluation is relevant because it determines if an ongoing condition is present such as a substance use disorder or addiction, or if there may not be enough evidence to support that you struggle with either, such as if the circumstances that resulted in the arrest were a one-time event of substance misuse. Even in the latter circumstance, in many states a person may still have to …
Results
- Though you might feel embarrassed or ashamed, or inclined to not be entirely forthcoming about your substance use behaviors, you must remember that ultimately this evaluation is for your own benefit. The substance abuse professional(s) cannot fully develop a plan or program without knowing exactly where you stand within your substance abuse or addiction. In addition to your s…
Prevention
- If you find that your substance abuse is beginning or continuing to exert a negative impact on your life, or if you see this behavior in someone you love, dont hesitate any longercontact us today. Our team at RehabCenter.net is understanding and highly trained in helping you get the care you deserve.