When people think of substance abuse counseling, they often think of the questions a counselor might ask them during a session. That is certainly part of the plan. Remember that in the beginning, it’s also vital for the patient to take an interest in their own care and ask good questions of their counselor as well. If you’re going to get the best substance abuse counseling in Cape Coral, there are a few things you’ll need to discuss with your counselor.
Many people will ask these questions early on, over the phone, before they even schedule an appointment. This can be a wise thing, as it will prevent you from making an appointment with a counselor who isn’t compatible with your needs. For example, some counselors provide dual diagnosis counseling and others can’t. If you already know you suffer from bipolar disorder and a co-existing drug addiction, a counselor who can’t treat a co-existing disorder won’t be the best counselor for you. There’s much more to consider, too.
Priority Questions
The most important questions to ask a counselor will be the basics. These are priority questions for anyone trying to find a substance abuse counselor. The answers to these questions will lead to later questions that are important if you believe you’ve found a counselor you want to use to get better. Some of the basic, most important questions are:
- Are you accepting new patients?
- What are your credentials/educational background?
- Can you prescribe medication if it’s necessary?
- Do you handle inpatient admissions and can you help arrange for inpatient care?
- Do you accept my insurance?
For patients without insurance who will be paying out of pocket, it’s crucial to find out if the counselor has a sliding pay scale that is contingent on income or if they have a flat rate pay rate per hour. Knowing whether or not you can afford a counselor’s rates is often the first step to even asking the other questions, so many people prefer to ask that question first before moving onto other questions.
Specific Questions
Before committing to treatment, many people prefer to ask very specific questions of their counselor so that they are confident the patient-therapist relationship will be productive. These questions range from asking about the type of therapies the counselor prefers to use for substance abuse disorders to something as specific as whether or not the counselor will stop providing treatment if you relapse.
Specific questions that you have to ask the counselor are almost always appropriate. A client has a right to know how the counselor intends to treat them, what the ground rules are, and hearing them answering questions will give you an idea of their personality and approach to life in general. Are they professional? Do they seem angry at any of the questions or inconvenienced? If so, it might not mesh well with your own personality. Counselors can be stern, and should be at times, but should never make you feel as if you are inconveniencing or angering them during the course of treatment.
What Questions Accomplish
Substance abuse counseling is an incredibly important step in your life, and it’s one that you and your counselor should both take seriously. This is your life and well-being on the line. Clients should always ask good questions of their counselors. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable in the treatment setting. By knowing more about your own treatment plan and the counselor heading it, you’re making yourself an active participant in your own recovery.
Remember that this is a professional setting, not a personal one. It would be inappropriate to ask a counselor if they’re married, for example, or to ask to hang out with them outside of a treatment setting. Stick to questions that are related to counseling and the issues to your recovery and/or mental health treatment. By sticking to good, solid, helpful questions, you get the kind of answers you need to determine whether or not a counselor is best for you. Client and counselor are going on a journey together, and the final stop is a quality, lasting sobriety that renews hope in life. Questions are a good starting ground for a productive professional relationship with your substance abuse counselor.
If you’re looking for the best counselor for you, please call us today and ask us all of these questions and more. Our counselors are ready to take your questions at 844-639-8371.