Private Practice

Those suffering from drug or alcohol dependency will generally have two options when it comes to seeking treatment: a private practice or a hospital clinic. In legal terms, a private practice of alcohol and drug counseling is a business which is independently run by a health professional. This specialist will have received an official license in their particular field. In terms of substance abuse, this certification will be given out by the specific organization responsible for addiction specialists in the area. The therapist in question will be responsible for their clinic and be self-employed on either a fulltime or part-time basis.

Private Practices and Substance Abuse

These days, there are a number of private practice therapist types offering assistance to those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. From counselors and social workers with the appropriate certificates or diplomas to master’s level psychiatrists and psychologists, there is a wide variety of choice available out there for those searching for treatment to their substance abuse. Of course, these professionals can all offer varying degrees of medical and psychological assistance. As a result, some private practices will be more suitable for particular patients and care must be taken when choosing where to go.

Benefits of Private Practices for Substance Abuse

One of the main advantages of opting to be treated within a private practice is that the experience is much more personal. Within these clinics, patients can get the attention that they require to release their lives from drug and alcohol dependency. Because private practices are so much smaller, the medical and psychological professionals working within them are restricted to assisting a certain number of patients. This means that they know everyone that sees them on a personal level and will be able to tailor their treatment programs specifically for that individual’s character, needs and lifestyle. This past history can actually result in a faster diagnosis and the patient can commence their treatment faster rather than being subjected to a number of tests and exams before a conclusion can be reached.

If it is set up correctly, a private practice can also be highly confidential, an important factor for those tackling drug and alcohol abuse. A small waiting room, sound-proofing décor and professional scheduling can ensure that those visiting their substance abuse specialist will not have to worry about their privacy being invaded. As the owner of a private practice has more control over how they organize their workplace and manage their business, they can ensure that a myriad of confidentiality measures are implemented so that patients can gain treatment without fear of embarrassment or any other negative repercussions. Before starting therapy, all private practitioners should offer their patients a privacy statement going over how their confidentiality will be protected throughout the treatment process.

Drawbacks of Private Practices for Substance Abuse

Generally, visiting a private practice can be more expensive than visiting a hospital clinic. This is because these private substance abuse therapists do not get any subsidies from the government or any other charity or community organization. They also have other costs to consider when running their practice (such as rent, advertising, etc) and so will have to raise their fees to cover these additional expenses. For this reason, some individuals may not be able to afford to visit a private practice to deal with their substance abuse, especially since these types of treatment programs generally run for lengthy periods with multiple sessions per week. As well as this, the added costs of visiting an addiction therapist may not be covered within certain insurance plans. This makes treatment virtually unobtainable for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction who are also on a limited budget.

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