Last Updated on April 9, 2017 by Morris Green

Addiction isn’t easy. It can be as pervasive and damaging as cancer. For substance abuse counselors, treatment doesn’t always end after court-ordered or initial counseling. In many cases, this is the first step in recovery, and client treatment is furthered through consultation both during and after treatment. The twelfth and final core value of drug and alcohol counseling covers the act of consulting with an outside professional to further assist the client.

The Global Criteria of the 12^th Core Function

The first step to addressing a problem is admitting there is one. While counselors see firsthand how this fact applies to the people they counsel, it also applies to them. Successful substance abuse professionals recognize the issues that lie beyond their base of knowledge or skill, and they act to ensure their client receives the right kind of help.

Once an issue is recognized, it’s time to take action. It’s up to the counselor to consult with the appropriate resources to facilitate the provision of effective treatment services. In other words, it lies with the counselor to properly refer their client to a professional capable of augmenting and complementing treatment through a specific knowledge base and skill set.

What does a counselor need to take into consideration when consulting with an outside service provider or professional? Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies regarding the client’s personal information and identifying data is paramount. Stepping outside of these boundaries could adversely impact the client, the counselor, or the agency the counselor represents.

Finally, it rests with the counselor to make every effort to keep their client on the same page. Explaining, as appropriate, the rationale for the consultation is vital. It can also quiet fears and show diligence in caring for the client’s unique needs.

What Is Consultation?

In this context, consultation is a meeting with an outside professional for the purpose of assuring comprehensive, quality care for the patient. In-house staffing is the most common consultation handled by a counselor. In-house consultation occurs when client cases are reviewed with other internal members of the treatment team. Sometimes, consultations are conducted with outside professionals when specific expertise is required. For example, some common external consultations include:

• Physicians
• Psychologists
• Probation Officers
• Service providers connected to the client’s case

In some cases, a counselor might consult with legal entities as required by the law or the client’s specific case. Internal consultations generally involve a supervisor and other counselors.

The Importance of Privacy

Privacy laws and policies play a major role in furthering client treatment through consultation. Understanding the applicable laws and policies is as important in the 12^th core function as it is during initial functions, such as intake.

Substance abuse counseling is changing the face of addiction treatment. While the 12 core functions might make it appear to be a kind of 12-step program, it’s far from it. Drug and alcohol treatment is focused on evidence-based treatment. It’s seeing people as people and treating them per their unique needs. If your passion lies in helping others overcome and succeed, then there’s no better time to be a substance abuse counselor!