Interested in starting your healing journey? Speak with an admissions counselor now
1-866-830-3211
We're Hiring!
Apply for Jobs Now

4 Types of Mental Health Professionals That Work At Addiction Treatment Centers And What They Do

Addiction treatment centers provide patients with a network of support that helps them to heal, grow, and thrive in safety. Every facility’s support team will look different depending on where you are and might include an incredibly wide range of roles from janitor, to a psychologist, to nurse, to a nutritionist. 

Every single member of an addiction treatment center’s team performs a vital role in achieving their common goal: to provide patients with a clean, safe, and peaceful space where they can heal and acquire the tools that they need to attain and maintain long-term sobriety that allows them the freedom to reclaim ownership over their lives. 

If you’re considering entering an addiction treatment center, you might be wondering what kind of care you will receive and from whom. Emotional wellness is paramount when recovering from an addiction, and every addiction treatment center will be fully staffed with a team of mental health professionals dedicated to helping you along your road to recovery. 

While the following list is not comprehensive, and not every facility will look the same, it is still important to know what mental health services you want to ensure you have access to when you are considering your options and evaluating which rehab center is right for you.

Mental Health Professionals Who Prescribe and Monitor Medications

In the event that a patient has comorbid mental health disorders, then it may be necessary to medicate them in order to help them reach a state of healthy emotional equilibrium. In these cases, patients should seek a treatment center that has a dedicated medication management team staffed with seasoned professionals whose job is to help patients find a medication plan that works for them.

These professionals have years of expertise by way of highly specialized education and training. While all members of a medication management team are valuable, Psychiatrists are the doctors who are able to actually evaluate patients, diagnose any mental health disorders, and prescribe suitable medication to help treat and manage a patient’s symptoms. Additionally, psychiatrists can evaluate and approve or recommend patients for admissions in emergency situations.

A medication management team will sometimes be supported by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who are also cleared to diagnose mental and physical disorders and help to develop treatment plans. The team may also be assisted by a specialized psychiatric pharmacist who collaborates with other members of the team to create an approachable, safe, and manageable treatment plan for each patient. They are an excellent resource for patients and families as they can help answer any questions they might have about the medication itself or the plan.

Mental Health Counselors and Therapists 

These mental health professionals in addiction treatment centers are also highly trained and have obtained at least a Master’s degree in addition to maintaining licensure with their state. 

Therapists and mental health counselors are both cleared to provide talk therapy. There are many kinds of talk therapy, but one of the most effective in the treatment of addiction is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Therapists and mental health counselors can administer individual, group, or couples therapy and are able to conduct their sessions either in person or remotely through telehealth technology. In recovery, therapists and mental health counselors can provide perspective, support, and long-term coping skills that will help patients lead healthy, fulfilling lives long after they have completed the program at their treatment facility.

Social Workers

Social workers (LCSWs) are also highly educated mental health professionals in addiction treatment centers who are there to help patients identify community resources and aid in case management. 

Similar to therapists, LCSWs are cleared to diagnose and provide talk therapy for mental disorders. However, their focus is more on helping patients and their loved ones to provide support systems so that the patients are set up for continuing success. Social workers can work with family members or friends to help patients identify community resources to prepare patients for their transition out of their drug rehabilitation center. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers are also responsible for developing a patient’s discharge and follow-up plans. Some exceptions apply in the event that a Social Worker has not obtained their master’s degree and is working with their bachelor’s. 

Substance Abuse Counselors

Substance abuse counselors are vital members of almost every addiction treatment center’s team, and patients can count on seeing one during the course of their treatment. While their degree of licensure, education, and general background may vary greatly as compared to other mental health professionals on staff at a rehab, their practical experience with substance abuse-focused counseling is vast. 

Substance abuse counselors can provide one-on-one counseling to patients, and they can oversee group therapy. They are focused on helping patients to manage their addictions specifically through their treatment plan and goal-setting will be informed by each patient’s individual history and needs and there will be an awareness of comorbid conditions diagnosed by other professionals. 

Start Your Recovery Under the Guidance of World-Class Mental Health Professionals at Mandala Healing Center

With a deeper understanding of the kinds of mental health professionals in addiction treatment centers, and what functions they perform, patients can make more empowered choices about their care when making the decision about where to seek treatment. 

If you are considering seeking treatment for your addiction in West Palm Beach, FL, our highly skilled team of mental health professionals is waiting to provide the support and treatment you deserve. Our focus is on holistic wellness. 

Our well-rounded team can provide evaluation for mental health disorders, medication management, one-on-one counseling, family and group counseling, mindfulness techniques, nutritional counseling, and more to help heal patients from the inside out. 

Don’t wait any longer to get the help that you need from the supportive community you deserve. Call today to experience our top-rated evidence-based rehabilitation program and jumpstart your recovery.