Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health
Additional Information
Duties
These are some common activities for counselors specializing in substance misuse, mental illness, and other types of mental illness:
- Administer assessments to determine a patient's level of preparedness for treatment, including an evaluation of their mental and physical health, addiction, and/or problematic conduct.
- Develop, recommend, and review treatment programs with clients and their families.
- Rehabilitate or change one's behavior by assisting clients in gaining the essential skills and behaviors
- Find out what is preventing a patient's healing and help them change it.
- Educate the members of the client's family about addiction and other mental health issues and assist them in developing coping mechanisms.
- Make sure clients are referred to alternative resources and services, such as job placement services and support groups.
- Organize awareness-raising activities to teach people how to see the warning signs of addiction and other dangerous behaviors, and what they can do to prevent falling victim to them.
Counselors for substance abuse and behavioral disorders, commonly known as addiction counselors, work one-on-one and in groups with their clients. Many 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), are used as a guidance for practice. As a result, they assist their customers recuperate from stress and life's difficulties. In addition, they assist customers in reestablishing professional contacts and, if required, a career. In addition, they assist their clients in cultivating stronger personal bonds with their loved ones and figuring out how to open up about their addiction or other issues with them.
Addiction counselors can be found working at institutions that employ a wide range of medical and psychological specialists. The development of treatment programs and the coordination of patient care may be carried out by addiction counselors in collaboration with psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, doctors and registered nurses.
There are certain counselors who work with those who have been ordered by a court to get help for an addiction problem. People with disabilities, teens, and veterans are some of the groups targeted by others.
Some counselors specialize in crisis intervention, stepping in to help those who are in risk of harming themselves or others. While some mental health professionals have a specialization in non-crisis interventions, such as encouraging someone with an addiction or other mental health problem to get care.
Non-emergency interventions are frequently requested by close relatives and friends.
In addition to treating individuals, mental health counselors often work with families, couples and organizations. In certain cases, they focus on a particular demographic, such as the elderly, college students or children. Anxiety, despair, bereavement, low self-esteem, tension and suicidal urges are just some of the ailments that mental health counselors help their patients deal with. Relationship and mental health concerns can also be helped with the use of these products.
Education
Counselors in the fields of substance addiction, mental illness, and behavioral disorders often hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Education requirements for these professionals might range from a high school certificate and certification to an advanced degree, depending on the state and business.
Psychology, public policy and social services, and social science are among the most common undergraduate majors. Employees with master's degrees in psychology, clinical social work, mental health counseling, and related fields can provide their clients more services, such as individual sessions with a counselor one-on-one, and require less supervision. Research your state's educational requirements if you are interested.
Registration, Licenses, and Certifications
Licensed substance abuse and behavioral problem counselors must work in private practice. All states demand a master's degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of clinical supervision for these counselors before they may be licensed. A state-issued test and annual continuing education are also required of counselors. The National Board for Certified Counselors provides contact information for your state's regulatory board.
State-specific licensing requirements for drug abuse and behavioral problem counselors outside of private practice differ. As an example, not all states require candidates to hold a certain degree, although many do. The Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network provides contact information for each state's licensing board.
After completing a period of post-degree supervised clinical work under the supervision of a licensed counselor, every state requires that mental health counselors get a license to practice.
Other People's Stories
People who have triumphed over their own addictions have a long history of serving as counselors to those who are struggling with similar issues. Counselors who have overcome their own addictions to alcohol or drugs may be seen as particularly helpful and perceptive by people in need of help.
Criteria to Be Considered
Compassion. Because they work with people who are coping with challenging situations, counselors in the fields of addiction, behavioral problem, and mental health must be empathetic and caring.
Personality traits. There are a wide range of people who need help with substance misuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health issues. Since they will be interacting with clients and colleagues on a daily basis, they must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
Learning how to listen. Counselors in the fields of substance misuse, mental illness, and behavioral disorders must have the ability to listen well. A client's issues and ideals can only be fully comprehended if they are given their undivided attention.
Patience. Mental health and substance addiction counselors must be able to maintain their composure when working with various sorts of clients, including those who are agitated or upset.
The ability to speak. Counselors dealing with substance misuse, behavioral disorders, and mental illness must be able to communicate clearly with their patients. Clients need to be able to grasp what they're saying in a clear and concise manner.
Pay
For substance misuse and behavioral problem counselors, the May 2020 median annual wage was $47,660. There are two extremes of earnings in each given occupation: those earning more than the median and those earning less. The bottom 10% made less than $30,590, and the top 10% earned more than $78,700.
Job Projections
There are anticipated to be 23 percent more jobs for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors than there are for all other vocations between 2020 and 2030.