Family intervention specialists: 5 must haves

When looking for a family intervention specialist, it’s important to choose the right one. Here, we take a closer look at five must haves when choosing family intervention specialists. Your questions about intervention are welcomed at the end.

3
minute read

Family intervention specialists

Addiction interventions can be successful methods used to convince an addict to seek treatment. Traditional addiction interventions usually involve a group of the addict’s loved ones confronting him or her about the substance abuse. The main goal of an intervention is to get the addict to stop using drugs and drinking, and get them into treatment.

Family intervention specialists are addiction professionals that can help you with this task. In fact, it’s not recommended to stage an intervention without the help of family intervention specialists. These professionals are very familiar with every aspect of addiction, and they have a great deal of experience working with addicts and their families.  What are some “must haves” for intervention professionals?

1. Experience

Experience should be a primary concern for anyone looking for a family intervention specialist. Any family intervention specialist that you consider should have a great deal of experience in planning and staging successful family interventions. Ask to see documentation of this experience, and inquire about their success rates.

2. Licensed and board registered

Unfortunately, nearly anyone can refer to themselves as an intervention specialist. Professional intervention specialists, however, should be licensed or certified mental health professionals in their state. This can include counselors, therapists, or psychologists.

You should also consider choosing an Association of Intervention Specialist Board Registered family intervention specialists. Board Registered interventionists must be licensed or certified mental health professionals with a minimum of two years experience with interventions. They must also sign a Code of Ethics and are held to high standards in this field.

3. Appropriate approach

All family intervention specialists have different styles and approaches. Some use a brash and to-the-point approach, while others are calmer and more sympathetic. Since you know best which approach will work with your loved one, it’s important to choose a family intervention specialist that uses that type of approach. Speak with several interventionists first to determine what approach they use and if their personalities will mesh well with your family.

4. Flexibility

Drug and alcohol interventions and treatment should be very individualized experiences. Not every approach will work with every person. Good family intervention specialists understand this. They are typically interested in hearing about an addict’s personality and will be open to suggestions during the intervention process.

5. Cost and payment options

Depending on the circumstances, an insurance company may or may not cover the cost of family intervention specialists. Even if these services are covered, they are not usually covered completely, leaving you with an often hefty bill. As you are shopping around for family intervention specialists, inquire about their prices as well as the availability of financial aid or financing options, which can both make these services much more affordable.

Family intervention specialist questions

Finding the perfect family intervention specialist for your needs isn’t always easy, but it is possible. The key is asking questions and learning everything you can about family intervention specialists and the services that they provide.

If you need help choosing an intervention specialist, feel free to leave your questions and concerns in the comments section below. We look forward to helping all of our readers who are affected by addiction.

Reference Sources: AIS: Why a Board Registered Interventionist
AIS: What is an Interventionist?
AIS: What an Interventionist is not?
Washington College: Intervention and Intervention Specialists
NIH: Screen, then Intervene: Conducting a Brief Intervention
AISCB: Association of Intervention Specialist Certification Board
Intervention Program: Choosing an Intervention Program
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
Tags:
I am ready to call
i Who Answers?