What You Need To Know About Rehab Staff

Who are those people?

If you’ve ever checked out the staff page of a drug rehab provider, you’ve likely been presented with a barrage of titles. While all of them are hardworking professionals seeking to free their clients from addiction, it can be difficult to determine who does what at a treatment center when you’re trying to find addiction and/or mental health help.

This blog post is your guide to what psychologists, counselors, nurses, and others do t treatment centers. Their job titles may be different, but the thing to remember is they’re here to help you recover mentally and physically from substance abuse.

Dawn Brown, director of information and engagement services at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, says “Help is accessible. Whether you're feeling unsafe, or a situation is escalating into a crisis, it's critical to get help.”

Different Types of Addiction Treatment Professionals

A therapist assists in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. Therapists come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including:

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

• Clinical counselors and psychoanalysts

Therapists frequently specialize in specific areas, such as addiction or child behavioral problems. Only certain sorts of therapists are allowed to administer medication. They must be a doctor or a nurse practitioner to prescribe drugs. You might also see a physician's assistant or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in some situations.

A doctor may recommend a client to a psychiatrist if they feel that a mental health condition requires medication. They frequently diagnose and treat illnesses such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety problems

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Bipolar disorder 

• Schizophrenia

Often, prescribing drugs is their major method of treatment. Many psychiatrists do not provide therapy to their patients. Instead, many people seek counseling from a psychologist or another mental health professional.

Nurse psychotherapists diagnose and treat psychiatric problems in most cases. They may also be used to address other health issues. Nurse psychotherapists hold a master's degree in nursing. Clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners are their credentials. In most states, clinical nurse specialists are unable to prescribe drugs. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, can. Patients are frequently treated with a combination of medicines and counseling.

A doctor may refer patients to a psychologist if they believe they may benefit from counseling. Psychologists are qualified to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health issues, including:

• Depression

• Anxiety problems

• Disordered eating

• Challenges in learning

• Difficulties in relationships

• Substance abuse

Psychologists have also received training in administering psychological examinations. They may, for example, administer an IQ or personality test. Through counseling or other forms of therapy, a psychologist may be able to assist their clients in learning to manage their symptoms.

Other Mental Health Professionals

Psychotherapy and family systems are taught to marital and family therapists. Individuals, couples, and families dealing with marriage or child-parent issues are frequently seen by them. Medication is not prescribed by marital and family therapists. They do, however, frequently collaborate with healthcare practitioners who can write prescriptions.

Peer specialists are people who have personally dealt with and overcome mental health issues. They offer assistance to those who are going through similar situations. They could, for example, aid people in recovering from substance misuse, psychological trauma, or other mental health issues.

They also serve as role models and resources. Peer specialists share their personal recovery stories in order to inspire and guide others, and also assist clients with setting objectives and devising tactics to help them progress in their rehabilitation. Some peer specialists are salaried employees of organizations. Others volunteer their time to help.

A mental health counselor is qualified to evaluate and treat persons who are going through tough times in their lives, such as:

• Relationship issues due to grieving

• Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia 

• The effects of past or ongoing trauma

Some people work as private practitioners. Others work for hospitals, rehab institutions, or other organizations. Because they lack a license, mental health counselors are unable to provide drugs. Many, on the other hand, collaborate with healthcare professionals who can write prescriptions as necessary.

Alcohol and drug abuse counselors are trained to help those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. They can assist people in getting sober if they’ve been abusing alcohol or drugs. For instance, they could be able to assist in learning how to:

• Change habits

• Recognize and avoid potential triggers

• Cope with withdrawal symptoms

Counselors for alcohol and drug abuse are unable to prescribe medications. They may urge someone to speak with their family doctor or nurse practitioner if they believe that person would benefit from medications.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has trained VA-certified counselors. Military veterans can get help from them. Many veterans suffer from injuries or stress-related diseases as a result of their service. For example, many combat veterans return home with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A VA-certified counselor can assist with:

• Dealing with the sources of PTSD

• Managing feelings of sadness and guilt

• Helping veterans transition from military to civilian life

Counselors who are certified by the VA are unable to provide medicine. Again, they may tell their clients to speak with family doctors, nurse practitioners, or psychiatrists if they believe medication may help.

A pastoral counselor is a religious counselor with therapy experience. Some priests, rabbis, imams, and ministers, for example, are trained counselors. They usually hold a master's degree. To encourage psycho-spiritual rehabilitation, they frequently blend psychological techniques with religious teaching.

For some clients, spirituality is a vital element of their healing. Pastoral counseling may be beneficial for someone if their religious views are an important part of their identity. Pastoral counselors do not have the authority to prescribe medicines. Some, on the other hand, form professional relationships with healthcare providers who can write prescriptions as necessary.

Clinical social workers have a master's degree in social work and are professional therapists. Individual and group counseling is something they've been taught to do. Hospitals, private practices, and clinics are common places for them to work. They work with people in their homes or schools on occasion. Clinical social workers do not have the authority to prescribe medicines.

It's Important To Have People On Your Side

The Edge Treatment Center is an Orange County, CA-based addiction rehab center committed to providing the necessary tools for long-term drug and alcohol recovery for you or your loved one. If you are dealing with a substance addiction problem and/or mental issues, it's time to seek treatment.

Give yourself a fresh start free of substance abuse and anger disorders and start living the life you've always desired. Remember to understand the various resources that are available to help the clients who are in need. Call us at (800) 778-1772.