Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor Questions

It can be very difficult and painful to admit that you have an addiction and need treatment. Once you take that important step, you have several options for getting help. One of the most popular is seeing a counselor who can give you individualized help. Choosing a certified addiction treatment counselor helps give you assurance that you have chosen a qualified professional. Even if a counselor says she is certified, you should ask her some important questions.

Qualifications

• When a mental health professional claims to be a certified addiction treatment counselor, it can mean a variety of things. He may be certified by the state in which he practices or by a professional organization, such as the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Ask him who has certified him, and check with the appropriate state office or association to verify his credentials. Ask him what type of degree he holds, what school he attended and if he has any additional qualifications, such as state licensure or national certification in counseling or a related area. This will help you ensure that he is properly qualified to treat you for your addiction. A professional with proper qualifications should give you this information willingly.

Affiliations

• Ask the counselor if she is a member of any professional organizations for addiction treatment counselors. Membership in organizations such as the NAADAC or the addictions subgroup of the American Counseling Association that are focused on addictions shows a commitment to the field and a desire to continually learn about new research and methods. Counselors who belong to professional organizations also pledge to uphold their standards and follow their ethical codes.

Experience

• Ask the counselor how long he has been treating clients with addiction issues. He most likely gained some experience during his schooling because most programs require a practicum or internship. His certifying agency may have required additional on-the-job hours. Find out if he has any post-graduate experience or if he is new to the field. While some new counselors may be skillful, addictions are a tough problem to fight. You may wish to choose someone with a few years of experience treating clients with addictions. You also should make sure that the counselor has dealt with others who are struggling with the same type of addiction that you have. Addictions can encompass anything from drugs and alcohol to gambling and pornography. So find someone who is experienced with your particular problem.

Continuing Education

• Ask the counselor if she participates in any type of continuing education. She may be required to do so in order to maintain her certification, or she may choose to do so on her own. Continuing education can include classes, seminars and attendance at conferences held by professional organizations for addiction treatment professionals.