Intervention services: What to look for

When looking for intervention services, be sure that you verify state licensure as a psychotherapist or addiction counselor, education, experience, and cost. More tips on finding quality intervention services here.

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What are intervention services?

A drug or alcohol intervention is a process in which a group of loved ones confronts a drug addict or alcoholic about their addiction. The ultimate goal of an intervention is to convince the addict or alcoholic that they have a substance abuse problem and persuade them to seek help.

However, a drug or alcohol intervention is a very delicate process. In fact, going into an intervention blind, without experience and not knowing what to expect, is not recommended. If an intervention is not planned and executed properly, there’s a good chance that it will not be successful. Because of this, individuals who are planning to stage an intervention should strongly consider seeking professional intervention services.

Intervention services offered

Intervention services are typically provided by intervention specialists, who are mental health specialists trained and experienced in planning and conducting drug or alcohol interventions. Most intervention specialists provide a number of different intervention services. Some common intervention services are listed below.

  • educating addicts, alcoholics, and their loved ones about addiction
  • give loved ones direction, focus, and information regarding interventions
  • help loved ones plan an intervention
  • oversee actual interventions to ensure that everyone stays focused
  • provide support to addicts, alcoholics, and their loved ones
  • refer an addict or alcoholic to an addiction treatment program
  • speak directly to addicts and alcoholics during an intervention

Intervention services: What to look for

Unfortunately, not all intervention services are created equal. Technically, anyone can refer to themselves as an intervention specialist, since it is a relatively new and is not a highly regulated field. When searching for intervention services, knowing what to look for is important.  A list of what to look for in intervention service providers is listed below.

  1. Education. A minimum of a master’s degree is required.
  2. State licensure. Interventionists should be state licensed counselors, therapists, or other mental health workers.
  3. Experience. Interventionists should have several years of experience with drug or alcohol interventions.
  4. Board certification. Truly professional interventionists will be board certified through the Association of Intervention Specialists Certification Board.
  5. Referrals and references. Good interventionists should come highly recommended.
  6. Cost. Intervention services can be expensive, but some interventionists are willing to work with clients and accept payment arrangements.

Find intervention services

There are a number of places that individuals can turn to when they need to find intervention services. Clinical doctors and mental health professionals, for instance, will often know where to find intervention services and will usually give individuals a referral.

Most treatment facilities also offer addiction intervention services as well. Simply contact these facilities and inquire about the availability of these services. Oftentimes, intervention specialists will make time to meet with concerned individuals to discuss their options and help them better understand the intervention process.

Using professional intervention services

Using professional intervention services can increase the chances of a successful intervention. Anyone planning to stage an intervention should consider using professional intervention services. Professionals in this field will be able to help individuals through every step of the intervention process, from the planning to the confrontation to the treatment following the intervention. It truly helps to know what you can expect from an intervention and also be guided during the process. Individuals who do not use professional intervention services risk planning and executing an intervention poorly, which can do more harm than good.

Intervention service questions

Staging an intervention is a stressful and confusing time, and it’s normal to have questions and concerns about the process. In fact, it’s important that you learn as much about interventions and intervention services as you can before you confront your loved one. Because of this, we invite you to leave any intervention and intervention service questions you may have in the comment section below. We’ll do our best to address each of your concerns and steer you in the right direction.

Reference Sources: MAYO Clinic: Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction
AIS: What is an Interventionist?
4therapy.com: Choosing an Interventionist
AISCB: CODE OF ETHICS FOR BIARD REGISTERED INTERVENTIONISTS
AIS: What an Interventionist is not?
AIS: Why a Board Registered Interventionist?
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.
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