What does an alcohol and drug counselor do?

Primary therapists are the main point of contact for patients concerning wellness and overall mental health. Those who choose this career path will be expected to supervise and manage efficient treatment according to plan, and to manage between six and eight patients at a time, keeping in constant communication with these patients and various specialists.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an alcohol and drug counselor are more likely to require skills like "rehabilitation," "substance abuse treatment," "treatment services," and "drug abuse." On the other hand, a job as a primary therapist requires skills like "excellent organizational," "patient care," "treatment plan reviews," and "clinical services." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

The duties of a mental health professional will revolve around observing the behavior of patients. They are responsible for knowing their medical history, conducting consultations and assessments, diagnosing conditions, devising particular treatments and prescribing medication, and providing emotional support to patients. Furthermore, a mental health professional must coordinate with families and other mental health experts to monitor patients' behavior and develop care plans to help them in their road to recovery.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real alcohol and drug counselor resumes. While alcohol and drug counselor responsibilities can utilize skills like "substance abuse treatment," "treatment services," "asam," and "discharge summaries," mental health professionals use skills like "cpr," "excellent interpersonal," "clinical supervision," and "mental health."

A mental health specialist is responsible for evaluating a patient's mental health condition and develop appropriate treatment plans to help the patients cope up with their mental difficulties. Mental health specialists provide counseling to the patients, listening to their situation, and responding with the utmost consideration. They also create regular progress reports and medical charts to monitor ongoing medication, updating treatment plans as needed. A mental health specialist must have excellent communication and organization skills, helping the patients deal with their mental stress and return to a healthy lifestyle.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from alcohol and drug counselor resumes include skills like "substance abuse treatment," "treatment services," "intake assessments," and "asam," whereas a mental health specialist is more likely to list skills in "mental health," "cpr," "vital signs," and "substance abuse. "

Typically working for clinics and learning institutions, a behavioral health specialist is in charge of counseling and treating patients with behavioral issues. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting initial assessment through interview and observation, maintaining records and data, developing treatment plans, and referring patients to other support services when necessary. Moreover, a behavioral health specialist must communicate with the patient's families or guardians, discuss conditions, and provide advice on taking care of them. Aside from treating patients, it is also essential to continuously monitor their behavior while building positive relationships with them.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between alcohol and drug counselors and behavioral health specialists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an alcohol and drug counselor might have more use for skills like "substance abuse treatment," "treatment services," "intake assessments," and "asam." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of behavioral health specialists require skills like "substance abuse," "patient care," "vital signs," and "behavioral health. "