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What Does a Therapeutic Consultant Do for Clients?

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What Does a Therapeutic Consultant Do

What Does a Therapeutic Consultant Do for Clients?

Thursday, October 17th, 2019

If you are seeking information about addiction or mental health treatment, you are likely looking for help, either for yourself or your loved one. Understanding the different types of resources available can be confusing and overwhelming as there are so many options. How do you know which are the best programs to address a particular problem? Also, how can you avoid the many mistakes that families often make when they are seeking help? Of all the available resources, which will most effectively address your loved one’s needs?  To help you get started, let’s address an important question you’re likely asking yourself: what is a therapeutic consultant, and how can they help me?

A therapeutic consultant is typically a licensed or otherwise credentialed professional who is skilled in dealing with therapeutic issues. They also understand the complex nature of problems related to mental health, addiction, behavioral problems, learning differences and a variety of other issues that teens, young adults and even older adults often experience. Consultants possess an extensive knowledge of resources around the country that work with those suffering from many types of challenges. In other words, a therapeutic consultant is a professional who can guide you and offer valuable direction. These services ensure that an individual’s needs are matched to the right type of help, increasing the chance of a successful outcome for your loved one.

The roles and responsibilities of a therapeutic consultant vary depending on their specific training, experience level and which types of issues they specialize in. Some consultants are more experienced in mental health and addiction, while others may focus more on learning differences, behavioral disorders or those on the autism spectrum. Still others have accumulated years of experience in a wide variety of these issues and are able bring other specialists onto the team when needed. A therapeutic consultant is not a therapist; however, they have often worked in actual treatment settings and are uniquely qualified to help you understand the challenges you may be facing. They are also able to assist you in identifying the resources available so you can successfully overcome these obstacles.

The Origins of Consultants

The role of therapeutic consultants has roots in our educational system. Educational consultants originally existed to help place young people in college preparatory schools, traditional boarding schools and institutions of higher learning. This role gave way to other types of consultants, including those who now work more in behavioral health and addiction treatment. Today, therapeutic consultants, interventionists and many other types of referring professionals work with families and individuals to help them find the most effective care and support to meet their individual needs.

Therapeutic consultants are focused on the clinical and therapeutic aspects of the challenges someone may be facing and typically are familiar with programs such as psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, wilderness or outdoor therapy programs, therapeutic boarding schools, recovery support services and young adult transition programs, as well as many other resources that provide behavioral health treatment and other therapeutic support.  

What Does a Therapeutic Consultant Do?

A therapeutic consultant’s job is…

  • To be a guide for families.
  • To help them understand the nature of the presenting problems through review and interpretation of any psychological testing or other assessments.
  • To conduct their own evaluations when necessary and to coordinate and consult with other treatment providers to develop a plan that will address an individual’s needs.

Consultants spend time regularly visiting programs, collaborating with other treatment professionals and learning about the most effective treatment protocols available to treat a wide variety of different mental health issues.

A skilled therapeutic consultant or referring professional will have an in-depth knowledge of the many programs, facilities and services that are available to assist families. They will get to know their client’s individual challenges, the overall family dynamics and which services or supports are going to best help the individual and family move forward on a more positive path.

In short, therapeutic consultants work with clients to find solutions for the problems they are facing.

In a field as complex and overwhelming as behavioral health and addiction treatment, having an experienced consultant lead the way is invaluable. We can refer you to the top resources across the country and help you avoid the many pitfalls that families often face when they are trying to navigate these challenges on their own. Consultants will help you research programs, find the best possible treatment options and support you through a therapeutic placement process, managing any crisis along the way and making sure you do everything possible to have a good outcome.

Therapeutic Consultants Should be Independent and Objective

Therapeutic consultants are independent and should receive no compensation from programs or schools. They are only paid by the families they are working with, and thus are not clouded by conflicts of interest. Clients can be sure that they are being given advice based solely on an objective assessment of their needs – not because a consultant is being paid by a third-party for a referral. A consultant’s impartiality fosters trust from clients and ensures that the recommendations being made are based solely on what services are going to provide the best possible chance of success and recovery for an individual and family.

The consultant can see and think critically about what treatment choices represent the right fit for the individual. We will partner with your family and serve as a resource to advocate for your needs, both while your loved one is receiving treatment and during the aftercare phase of their recovery.

Do You Need a Therapeutic Consultant?

Any family suffering with mental health issues, substance use disorders or other behavioral health problems can benefit from the guidance and support of a therapeutic consultant. The more serious these conditions are, the more important it may be for you to seek the services of a consultant. If you feel overwhelmed and need help with the challenges you are facing, consider talking to one of our professionals.

At R&A Therapeutic Partners, Raymond Estefania and Ana Moreno are licensed mental health counselors and addiction professionals with more than 35 years of combined experience working with families that are dealing with these challenges. We know that no one should give up hope for a brighter future, and we are here to help you and your loved one find the right path forward. Call us at 786-452-7352 to learn more about our services.

At R&A Therapeutic Partners Raymond Estefania and Ana Moreno specialize in substance use and mental health disorder evaluations, treatment, intervention and therapeutic/educational consulting for clients throughout the greater South Florida area, as well as nationally and internationally. For more resources and information please visit Therapeutic-Partners.com or on Facebook.

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