Counseling

Counseling is a term used to identify individual, group, and family therapy. For individuals with or in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD), the role of counseling is to work towards changing behaviors and mindsets, building life skills, and processing emotions and events. Counseling can happen in any setting, such as in a detox facility or outpatient clinic.

Counseling is just one tool that can be used on the recovery path. For many people, an effective approach involves a combination of counseling and medication assisted treatment.

A trained professional should do a full evaluation to make the diagnosis. Substance Abuse Counseling typically takes place under the direction and guidance of a counselor with expertise in substance abuse and addiction. Counselors may hold any of the specialized licensures:

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
• Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)