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HARLINGEN — People who suffer from substance abuse need a substance abuse counselor to guide them to recovery, and that professional will help them through each step of their disorder.
Connie Schaaf is the statewide department chair for Texas State Technical College’s online Chemical Dependency Counseling program. Recently, she talked about why basic counseling techniques are necessary and how it coincides with National Depression and Mental Health Awareness Month, which is observed in October.
Why are basic skills necessary for a career as a substance abuse counselor?
A substance abuse counselor provides expert care and support to individuals who struggle with the challenges of having a substance use disorder. Students develop listening skills and the ability to connect with their clients. Students who are pursuing a career in counseling will have an awareness of their client’s cultural background and understand the complexities of different substance use disorders. Understanding the complexity of substance use disorders is essential for providing comprehensive and empathetic care. Developing the skills enables counselors to build a rapport with their clients and allow the best care possible for individualized treatment.
Why should a counselor be aware of a client’s substance abuse disorder?
The substance abuse counseling profession allows for the development of meaningful therapeutic relationships with clients and involves collaborative work with other health care professionals, social workers and educators. The specialized education required for this career equips counselors with deep knowledge of substance abuse disorders, psychology, effective treatment strategies and fostering continuous professional growth as new research and therapeutic approaches emerge.
What are the benefits of substance abuse counseling?
The benefits of substance abuse counseling reflect a client’s improved self-esteem, developing approaches to handling stress and mental health, increasing social skills and learning to push through with positive thoughts while eliminating negative behaviors. These should result in a client having a much better state of health to reduce the return to substance use.
When is it ideal for a loved one or friend to seek help from a counselor?
An ideal time for a friend or loved one to reach out to a substance abuse counselor is when behavioral changes are noticed, challenges in mental health, loss of interest in hobbies, loss in communication from friends and family or increased anxiety.
What is the Chemical Dependency Counseling program’s connection to mental health during National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month?
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month highlights the need for integrated care approaches that address the full spectrum of an individual’s health. Our program advocates for holistic treatment strategies that consider the complexities of each patient’s experience, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a more compassionate health care system. This is impactful to families, communities and across the state.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and two certificates of completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling, all 100% online.
According to onetonline.org, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors can earn a median annual salary of $52,190 a year in Texas. The field was projected to have a growth rate of 28% in the state from 2020 to 2030.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
