It can be hard to find an addiction therapist in Tampa Bay or anywhere for that matter. First of all, where do you start? And once you find the right place to look, how do you know which one is right for you? Addiction therapists are a popular choice for those struggling with substance use disorder.
In fact, licensed addiction therapists are widely available compared to treatment programs and addiction doctors. While they are available, it is due to their wide variety. Therapists and counselors can include:
- Licensed professional counselors: Professional counselors possess at least a Master’s Degree in counseling, along with a National Board certification, as well as a state license.
- Licensed clinical social workers: These individuals provide a number of services to assist those who need help. These services often begin with an assessment to determine a client’s level of functioning. Licensed clinical social workers then provide counseling, family support, and treatment for mental health disorders and/or addiction.
- Clinical psychologists: These are qualified professionals who provide direct services to clients needing help with mental or behavioral issues.
- Psychiatrists: These are medical doctors who are experts in mental health. They diagnose and treat people with mental health conditions.
Knowing how to leverage the expertise of these professionals for substance abuse treatment and dual diagnosis treatment is important for you to know. This article will dive into how to effectively utilize the nation’s biggest directory for therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists.
What Do Addiction Therapists Do?
Therapists are licensed professionals who are experienced in handling emotional and psychological problems including addiction and mental health issues like depression. Unless they have a medical license (MD), therapists are not allowed to prescribe medications but rather help their clients through a variety of talk therapies like CBT, DBT, ART, and EMDR. They offer their counseling through one-on-one or family counseling sessions. Generally, therapists work within their own private practice, but can also work within small group practices or health care centers. Frequency is generally done on an outpatient basis - a one-hour session, once or multiple times per week.
How to Spot Quality Therapists?
Psychology Today has become the standard directory for finding quality therapists in your area. They are able to verify a counselor’s licensure therefore, before you even click on a therapist’s profile, you know whether or not they are credible.
If they have been verified by Psychology Today, they will have at least a Master’s degree and a current license to practice in their state. Therapists or counselors can have specialties in a variety of different areas like PTSD, ADHD, and addiction. Psychology Today allows you to filter your therapist by specialty to find the perfect fit for you. Symbols on the psychology website will display whether or not they are verified. OR Make sure the therapist you choose has at least been verified. Some therapists may be more experienced than others, having Psy.D’s and even M.D.’s.
What Questions Should You Ask?
- Are they accepting new patients?
- What are their credentials?
- Do they complete an assessment and diagnosis?
- What is their treatment approach? What kinds of services and therapies do they offer?
- Are they able to arrange medication treatment if appropriate?
- Are they able to handle co-occurring disorders? (mental health and addiction)
- What to expect of the patient and family during treatment?
- What is the protocol during relapse?
- Cost of sessions. Does insurance cover anything?
- When will treatment begin?
A good therapist is often one you can feel comfortable talking to - this is not something you can research or ask. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable during a session, do not force the relationship. There are plenty of quality therapist professionals; chances are you can find one that will be able to meet all your needs - including a comfortable relationship.
Costs Associated with an Addiction Counselor
Major insurance plans like Cigna, United Health, Aetna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield typically cover most of the costs involved. Medicare and Medicaid plans may vary by therapist. Always check with your insurance company and even the therapists to find out what out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for.
If you are looking to pay out-of-pocket, a typical session with an addiction therapist will cost an average of about $150. Be aware that to see effective results from an addiction counselor, it is necessary to continually see this professional once a week or at least once a month.
Tampa Addiction Therapists at Coalition Recovery
If you are looking for an addiction counselor in Tampa, Florida, Coalition Recovery employs addiction therapists who are fully equipped to handle substance use issues. Each counselor has at least a master’s degree in addiction psychology and multiple years of experience in the field.
We also employ a psychologist and a psychiatrist to help fill the gaps of counselors such as prescribing medication. We are proud of the team here at Tampa’s drug rehab: Coalition Recovery.
We’d love to get to know you or a loved one. If you would like to learn more about our team, call us at 888.707.2873.
