What Happens During Addiction Counseling?

Have you or a loved one been struggling with a chemical or behavioral addiction? Have you been wondering about treatment? We know that it can feel overwhelming to reach out for help. You are probably asking yourself, where do I start? What should I expect? How much does it cost? Will my insurance provider cover therapy sessions? The anxiety and stress surrounding reaching out for drug addiction counseling may make you want to turn away, but don’t let it. You do not have to face your addiction alone.

Here at BE Psychology, we will work alongside you or your loved one to help develop individualized treatment plans to help conquer addiction. Whether we are working with you individually or treating you alongside your family, we can help. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from addiction counseling services

 

Find the Right Therapist

When starting addiction therapy services, the professional therapist and counselors at BE Psychology work to match you with a therapist who best suits you and your needs. We take the time to understand you and your specific needs to find a fit where you feel safe and comfortable during your addiction therapy sessions. Many of our therapists are certified or trained to treat a specific addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, gaming, pornography, eating, etc.). Ultimately, we want to find the best fit to help on your road to recovery.

It is equally important to us to help you find a professional with whom you feel you can develop a strong therapeutic alliance with. We aim to honor any requests or preferences (male/female, etc). Some folks find the right therapist on the first try, while others may have to sit with a few professionals to find that perfect fit; either way, we are here to help. Assessment and Evaluations

 

Assessments and Evaluations

Depending on the counseling center you select and the therapist you work with, participants of addiction counseling undergo a variety of assessments and evaluations. This may include everything from a biopsychosocial assessment with your therapist and psychological testing to recommendations for physical exams from your primary care providers. 

During this time, your therapist will also collect information about your medical history and family history to understand how your addiction plays a role in the larger picture of your life. For example, did you become addicted after being prescribed medications for pain or do you have a family history of addiction? After gathering all of the necessary information, your team will work to determine the best course of action for treatment.

assessments and evaluations during addiction counseling

 

Determine the Appropriate Treatment Plan and Get Started

Depending on the type of addiction you or your loved one are struggling with, there are a variety of treatment options available on the road to recovery. For addictions such as gaming, gambling, food, sex, etc., talk therapy (with the possibility of virtual sessions) in an outpatient setting may be most suitable. However, with drug and alcohol addictions, there are a variety of inpatient settings that may be necessary to help wean you off your substance before progressing to other group and outpatient therapies. 

When you meet with a professional at BE Psychology, we will help determine where you are with your addiction and determine the treatment options that best fits your situation. For some individuals, use of one singular therapy is all that is needed; for others, use of multiple therapy types works best. Each treatment plan is customized for the needs of the individual patient and their life. The length and duration of your sessions will be dependant on your specific circumstances and type of addiction. 

Some types of therapies you can expect to see from addiction counselors include, but are not limited to:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • And More!

 

Post Addiction Treatment Plan

After you have undergone all of the necessary steps of addiction recovery and have stabilized, your therapist will work alongside you and your family to develop a post-treatment care plan. For some individuals, this may look like continuing weekly therapy sessions. For others, attending public meetings such as AA/NA might be more appropriate. Additionally, you and your team will work hard to come up with a safety plan to help prevent a relapse. It is important to understand recovery looks different for everyone and there is no “one size fits all” post addiction treatment plan. Together with your therapist or counselor, you will work to determine which services and modalities work best for you.

 

The Road to Recovery with BE Psychology

At BE Psychology, we understand the importance of creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment where our clients feel safe to discuss their feelings, concerns, and addiction challenges. We work with individuals and their families to help them achieve greater mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone in your life is reluctant to the idea of addiction therapy, we can help. Our team of mental health professionals will work with you to ensure the right fit to get treatment started in the right direction.

 

To learn more, contact a member of our team today.

 

reem shaheen counseling psychologist

Reem Shaheen – LMHC