Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that can be difficult to overcome without support. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 46.3 million people met the criteria for a substance use disorder in 2021.[1]
There are many ways to find addiction support, from attending medical detox to enrolling in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. While these methods are incredibly effective in assisting the recovery from addiction, there is another route you can take.
Addiction counselors can offer you support throughout your entire recovery process. They can work with you as a standalone treatment or assist you while you undergo inpatient or outpatient rehab. Either way, addiction counselors will ensure that you receive the support you need to maintain long-term sobriety from drugs and alcohol.
If you are considering working with an addiction counselor, you might be wondering how to find one. While finding an addiction counselor in Memphis can be tricky, there are a few ways you can go about it, including contacting your insurance, asking a medical professional for a referral, or researching local counselors on the internet.
What is Addiction Counseling?
Addiction counselors are experts in all things recovery. They are experienced and professionally trained in helping people overcome substance use disorders.
Addiction counselors can provide a wide variety of services, including
:
- Conducting individual and group therapy
- Developing individualized treatment plans
- Performing assessments to determine the severity of your addiction, your needs for treatment, and whether you have co-occurring mental health conditions
- Helping you develop relapse prevention skills
- Assisting in familial support by providing family behavior therapy
- Referring you to other types of addiction support such as inpatient or outpatient treatment
- Documenting and tracking your progress in recovery
While there are addiction counselors who work within inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, you can also find them at private practices. If you are working with a private addiction counselor, they can refer you to an addiction treatment program that suits your needs, whether that be residential treatment, medical detox, or outpatient rehab.
How to Find Addiction Counseling in Memphis
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, receiving support from an addiction counselor can help you learn how to maintain long-term sobriety. Deciding to work with an addiction counselor is one of the most important steps you can take. However, finding the right addiction counselor in Memphis can be a challenge if you don’t know where to start.
When looking for an addiction counselor in Memphis, consider taking one of the following routes:
Contact Your Insurance
Thankfully, insurance companies are required to provide some form of addiction treatment to their clients, including behavioral health treatment like addiction counseling.[2] If you have health insurance, finding an addiction counselor in Memphis can be as easy as making a phone call.
When you call your insurance company you can ask them for a list of local addiction counselors that accept your insurance. Once you receive this list, you can narrow down your options by looking at each counselor’s specialties and qualifications.
Ask for a Referral
If you do not have health insurance but you visit a medical professional regularly, you could ask them for a referral to a substance abuse counselor in Memphis. Since addiction is becoming so common, most doctors will have a working relationship with at least one counselor in your area.
Additionally, asking a doctor who is familiar with your personality and medical needs will ensure that the counselor they are referring you to is suited to your goals for recovery.
Research Local Counselors
Lastly, if you do not have health insurance or see a doctor regularly, you could do some research on your own. When researching addiction counselors in Memphis, look for professionals who have licenses, degrees, and experience in the substance abuse field.
Oftentimes, counselors will list their qualifications and specialties on their website so that potential clients can see if they are a good fit. Additionally, you can read through reviews and client testimonials to ensure that their past or current clients are satisfied with the support they provide.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Addiction Counselor in Memphis
If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek help. Addiction counselors in Memphis can provide you with the tools and skills you need to achieve long-lasting recovery. Additionally, if they feel you need more intensive care they can refer you to a reputable addiction treatment program.
At PAX Memphis, we partner with some of the most trusted addiction counselors and treatment centers in Tennessee. Our dedicated admissions counselors can take your call, verify your insurance, assess your needs, and match you with the right addiction treatment center near you.
To learn more about how to find an addiction counselor near you or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact PAX Memphis today.
References:
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coverage, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/