Substance Abuse Counseling Reflection

My assignment was to visit a community agency or clinic offering substance abuse counseling and discuss my findings. I spoke with June Mikels, MSW, LSW, LCAC an addictions counselor who has been in the field since 1985. After discussing her qualifications, I asked June what her focal point was and the population she primarily served? She stated, as a counselor, my primary focus is education and outpatient treatment programs for alcohol and drug abuse. And, the primary population I serve is persons with mental and substance abuse disorders and active duty military personnel” (June Mikels, personal communication, April 7, 2017). After speaking with June, I realized addiction knows no stranger or border. And, drug and alcohol addiction is becoming …show more content…
However, I was curious as to the process she followed when a client’s addiction was beyond her scope of practice. June explained it perfectly. She stated, ´if I cannot be their counselor, I become their advocate and refer them to another service provider” (June Mikels, personal communication, April 7, 2017). I asked her what type of referrals she has made in the past. June explained, “I typically make referrals when a client needs services such as detoxification, half-way house and/or inpatient treatments because the agency does not offer those services” (June Mikels, personal communication, April 7, 2017). We continued to talk about referrals for some time. June continued to express her ethical concerns with referring patients. So, I asked her what her major ethical issue was being a counselor? You guessed it, referring a client. June began by stating, “for me it is referrals. Referrals create an ethical dilemma because I am a firm believer a counselor should always put the client’s needs before their own. And, a counselor must be careful when referring a client as not to confuse competence/scope with personal beliefs and values” (June Mikels, personal communication, April 7, 2017). We continued to discuss ethical issues and her concerns. June’s next concern was recovered addicts becoming addiction counselors. I asked her why? She stated, “my dilemma stems from dual relationships because counselors, who were once addicted, are now attending the same AA meetings as their clients” (June Mikels, personal communication, April 7, 2017). June is not opposed to recovering addicts being counselors just the potential legal ramifications that may occur. Therefore, I asked her what her major legal concern was with this type of counseling? June stated, “there are many recovered addicts working as counselors who are certified but not licensed and are not bound by the same ethical standards as