Important Facts About Chemical Dependency Counselors



There are many types of counselors or therapists out there, and if you are interested in the idea of helping people with the issues, you can become one.

What Is A Chemical Dependency Counselor?

A Chemical Dependency Counselor is a professional with adequate training and certification from the government to practice counseling services for people with chemical dependency issues. Some people refer to chemical dependency counselors as substance abuse counselors as well, but in a more detailed approach, there are differences between the two. Anyway, the point of their career training is to aid people suffering from chemical addiction like alcohol, illegal and prescription or medical drugs, and cigarettes.

How A Chemical Dependency Counselor Helps His Clients

Before everything else, the chemical dependency counselor will first have to meet with their potential client, and they will talk about the issues. If the client decides to move forward with the counselor, there will be a thorough assessment of the needs of the client as done by the chemical dependency counselor. After all the necessary details are available on the client, the counselor will then design a personalized plan of treatment for the client. It can involve group therapy or one-on-one sessions.




Extended Services Performed By A Chemical Dependency Counselor


Some chemical dependency counselors perform extended services like counseling friends and loved ones of the client. This counseling service may provide understanding on the part of the friends and family as to why the client is acting or behaving as such, and for them to learn of ways how to assist the client at home. More often, clients with chemical dependency problems, are stressed out, depressed, or anxious. If a symptom is triggered while they are with their loved ones and friends, at least they can help them cope and manage the problem instead of the client having a relapse.


How To Become A Chemical Dependency Counselor


A chemical dependency counselor must be licensed and certified before he can provide services. The degree requirement will depend upon the state and the job. For some, a high school diploma and GED are acceptable. In other states, certifications with AA, AB, and BS degrees are necessary.


Responsibilities Of A Chemical Dependency Counselor




Below is a condensed list of responsibilities by a chemical dependency counselor:


  1. The professional will have to assess people or potential clients with chemical dependency issues.
  2. After the assessment, the professional needs to cater a specific or individualized recovery plan for each potential client.
  3. As mentioned earlier, clients will have to undergo individual counseling or group therapy. The chemical dependency counselor will handle these programs.
  4. Therapy is never permanent. It can help a person in as short as three months, but for severe cases, a more extended period is necessary. With that said, the chemical dependency counselor will have to do another assessment (depending on the need) if the client is ready to terminate the program or not.
  5. All the records for each potential client are confidential. The chemical dependency counselor must safe keep all of it.