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Therapist - Residential Treatment Program
Career Insights for Substance Abuse Counselor
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Substance Abuse Counselor counsels people struggling with addictions to alcohol, drugs or other substances. Assists clients in dealing with personal and professional problems related to substance abuse. Collaborates with other health care and mental health care professionals to coordinate services for clients, and works with families of substance abusers. May work in a clinic, health care facility or community based program, or work with clients referred through the criminal justice system.
$28,351 / year median in California
+24% projected growth
Job Description
Position Summary:
The CP Therapist works in a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing treatment services according to the Clinical Model. Therapist responsibilities include ensuring patient safety, providing milieu interventions, leading psychoeducational and process-oriented therapy groups, facilitating clinical assessments, conduct individual and family therapy sessions, and other case management tasks, as assigned.Essential Job Functions:
- Ensure clinical documentation is completed timely throughout the course of treatment.
- Establish therapeutic rapport with patients and families/loved ones.
- Carries a case load of 5-7 patients.
- Completes appropriate number of therapy sessions weekly for patients, including family/support system sessions aligned with the patients' level of care.
- Facilitates the process orientated and psychoeducation groups daily/weekly.
- Provides utilization reviews to insurance companies, providing appropriate clinical information to obtain initial authorization and continuing stay authorization, as necessary.
- Assesses patients for suicidality and possibility of danger to self or others.
- Communicate with the Utilization Review Department regarding authorization and payment.
- Begins discharge planning on day of admission for all patients.
- Completes discharge session with patient to ensure coping skills, transition plan, and resources are understood and intact.
- Communicates with referral sources and outpatient providers for continuity of care upon admission, midpoint, and discharge.
- Effectively manages crises in sessions and the milieu.
- Provides support to milieu staff in their interactions with patients and their loved ones.
- Works collaboratively with the entire treatment team and milieu staff to always ensure the highest level of clinical quality.
Knowledge, Education, and Experience:
- Master's or Doctorate degree in relevant field, required
- Completion of state requirements and state license to conduct therapeutic interventions required