Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Substance abuse and behavioural disorder counsellors counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. They counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in various prevention programs.
A behavioural health counsellor is a professional in the field of psychology who uses different therapies to help their patients change certain behaviours.
Polysubstance abuse is using or consuming more than one drug at once and they combine that with other drugs to enhance the effect of the primary drug. This mixing of drugs can also cause unpredictable consequences. Substance abuse and behavioural disorder counsellors' job is to help people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol and help to overcome their addiction through behavioural therapy and medical intervention.
They advise people with these addictions about eating disorders, mental health issues and other behavioural problems. Behaviour/health counsellors evaluate the mental and physical health of the client, check addiction, or problematic behaviour and assess their readiness for treatment. They develop, recommend, and review treatment goals and plans with clients and their families.
A candidate who wishes to pursue a career and to earn a decent substance abuse behavioural disorder and mental health counsellor salary needs to be a graduate in one of the fields of mental health counselling, psychology, human development and nursing, social work etc. The common personality traits of people who fight with substance use disorder are low self-esteem, impulsiveness, magniloquence, and the inability to handle stress.
To succeed, a behavioural disorder counsellor should develop an empathetic connection with each client and have a genuine interest in the welfare of others. Above all, they should be accessible.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Phil Psychology
- M.Sc. Psychology
- B.Sc. Psychology
Tasks
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
- Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
- Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
- Interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program.
- Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Provide clients or family members with information about addiction issues and about available services or programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
- Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in client status.
- Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals or other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or social workers.
- Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills.
Progression Routes
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