Not everyone who experiences addiction needs to “go to treatment,” but anyone could benefit by availing themselves of addiction counseling services.
Addiction counselors may also be licensed to diagnose and provide counseling for co-occurring mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder or anxiety. Counselors establish a close rapport with their clients, but they must also maintain clear boundaries. This is a professional, hierarchical relationship.
Based upon clear diagnostic criteria, the counselor will diagnose people with addiction and specify the severity and complexity. It is the licensed addiction counselor who decides what level of care may be appropriate after this comprehensive assessment. After receiving guidance and recommendations from the counselor, individuals decide for themselves what their recovery process will look like.
If a treatment called for, the counselor can connect people to the appropriate level of care and possibly participate in the treatment planning and/or aftercare support. Counselors, employed by treatment centers, play a crucial role in the treatment experience. If treatment is not planned, after mutually agreeing upon a course of action, the provider and participant may move forward with regularly scheduled sessions, the frequency, and duration of which will vary.
Here are a few resources to help you plan and prepare for counseling services.