If you’re thinking about a career in counseling and want to gain experience in a variety of different settings, you might be curious in what a counselor’s day looks like in a residential treatment center.
Long-term residential treatment centers are a great place for licensed counselors to find work if they are looking to help people of all ages who are struggling with mental health issues, addictions, severe disabilities, delinquency issues, eating disorders, or trauma. Here’s a rundown on the narrow range of competence needed to work at a residential treatment center so you can decide whether that’s where you want to put your skills to use.
What Are Residential Treatment Centers?
Mental and behavioral health patients can find the safety and support they need at a residential treatment center, which offers intensive therapeutic services and requires patients to relocate out of their homes for the duration of treatment. Residential treatment centers provide an escalating degree of care beyond that of either individual or group therapy, with therapy programs lasting a minimum of 28 days and counseling services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People with severe disorders frequently benefit best from residential therapy because it provides them with the opportunity to remove themselves from their normal environment, concentrate on their recovery without external distractions, and surround themselves with others who understand what they’re going through.Mental and behavioral health patients can find the safety and support they need at a residential treatment center, which offers intensive therapeutic services and requires patients to relocate out of their homes for the duration of treatment. Residential treatment centers provide an escalating degree of care beyond that of either individual or group therapy, with therapy programs lasting a minimum of 28 days and counseling services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People with severe disorders frequently benefit best from residential therapy because it provides them with the opportunity to remove themselves from their normal environment, concentrate on their recovery without external distractions, and surround themselves with others who understand what they’re going through.
Types of Residential Treatment Facility Programs
Given the widespread availability of residential treatment facilities across the United States and worldwide, it comes as no surprise that a variety of treatment programs are given in this one-on-one setting by trained counselors. Children, adolescents, and adults with multiple mental health issues or drug misuse disorders may all benefit from the expert care that you can give as a counselor at a long-term residential treatment program. In adolescent residential treatment programs, counselors may be responsible for providing academic support to reduce the likelihood of falling behind, while in mental health treatment centers, counselors may focus on developing practical skills to enhance patients’ quality of life. Addiction counselors working in residential treatment centers may also be responsible for monitoring patients throughout the detoxification and withdrawal phases of therapy.
Duties of Counselors Specializing in Residential Treatment
Counselors working in residential treatment facilities are sometimes expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the facility’s 24-hour care obligation. Counselors use equine-assisted therapy, massage therapy, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga therapy as part of their daily routine to cater to the unique requirements of each resident. Mental health counselors spend their days diagnosing and treating mental and behavioral disorders, facilitating open dialogue between patients, assisting with emotional processing, facilitating the creation of behavioral change plans, coordinating care with other medical professionals, and providing discharge resources to patients.
Mental health counselors working in residential treatment institutions are responsible for implementing a wide range of techniques to assist people with serious mental health illnesses in making positive life changes that will improve their overall quality of life. Counseling positions can be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, community clinics, schools, prisons, and others dealing with mental health, but working in a residential treatment facility allows you to develop meaningful, long-term relationships with people who are struggling with severe mental health issues.
Every day, counselors in residential treatment facilities have the opportunity to help people who have lost their path and are working toward recovery and a better future.
Employee Compensation in Residential Treatment Centers
As of May 2020, drug addiction, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, including those working in residential treatment centers, had a median annual salary of $48,720, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Earnings ranged from around $30,450 for the lowest 10% to over $76,080 for the richest 10%.
As of May 2020, the BLS reported a median annual pay of $36,890 for social and human care aides, a profession that sometimes includes work in residential treatment centers. A tenth of the population brought in less than $24,040, while a tenth of the population brought in more than $57,630.
Assessment and Evaluation Services are Commonly Provided in Residential Treatment Facilities
A patient’s mental and physical health will often be evaluated and assessed upon arrival to a residential treatment center. This aids in developing a personalized strategy for treating the patient.
Many people in residential treatment centers have mental health disorders that necessitate pharmaceutical management. The staff will keep tabs on how often patients take their meds and make any necessary modifications.
Residential treatment centers often provide individuals with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one psychotherapy with a licensed professional. Patients might use this time to reflect on their lives and learn coping mechanisms for their mental health difficulties.
Treatment in residential institutions sometimes takes the form of group therapy. Patients often find solace and strength in the company of those who understand their situation.
Residential treatment centers also typically include behavioral therapy in addition to other forms of talk therapy. It teaches people with mental health issues how to alter their behavior and adapt to their symptoms.
The goal of recreational therapy is to improve health and well-being via participation in meaningful leisure activities. Art therapy, music therapy, and even just spending time in nature can all fall under this category.
Patients in residential facilities frequently participate in family therapy as part of their treatment strategy. Working with a therapist to enhance family communication and resolve underlying issues that may be contributing to the patient’s mental health condition is an integral part of this approach.
Patients in residential treatment programs often have access to peer support groups. Patients can get support and understanding from others who are going through the same things in these communities.
Patients might better their future opportunities by taking advantage of the educational and vocational programs available at certain residential treatment centers. Classes, training, and education of many kinds may fall under this category.
In order to make sure that patients are set up for success once they leave residential treatment, several institutions offer aftercare planning services. Support groups, outpatient treatment, and other services may be recommended.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door at a Residential Treatment Center
Veterans interested in becoming RTFPs should think about earning the necessary education, certification, and job experience, as well as any necessary state certifications or licenses. Many entry-level employment require a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a similar subject. Experience in a relevant field can be gained through internships, volunteer positions, or paid employment. Meeting the eligibility requirements, studying the state requirements, and completing the required training or courses are all steps in the process of obtaining a license or certification.
1. Get a four-year degree
Getting a bachelor’s degree in an area like psychology, social work, counseling, or nursing is the first step toward a career working in residential treatment institutions.
2. Obtain Relevant Work Experience
Professionals working in residential treatment centers often need to have clinical expertise. Internships, volunteer opportunities, and beginner jobs in mental health are all good ways to get some experience
3. Get Your Master's
Some jobs just require a bachelor’s degree, while many others strongly favor applicants with master’s degrees in fields like social work, counseling, or psychology.
4. Get licensed and certified
State and industry standards for obtaining a license or certification might be rather different. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists who work in residential treatment institutions may need to hold appropriate licenses. Cognitive-behavioral therapists and dialectical behavior therapists, for example, may require further training and certification.
You’ll need appropriate credentials to work at a residential treatment center. A history check, application, examination, and license issuing may all be part of this procedure. Here’s the lowdown on each stage:
5. Conducting a History Verification
A background check is typically required before a licensing application can be processed. A background check may be conducted, along with an examination of your academic and professional credentials.
In order to satisfy this requirement in the state of Florida, applicants must engage a service provider that has been approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to conduct electronic fingerprinting. (DBPR). Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service is one of the most often utilized authorized suppliers.
A health screening may also be required, however this may vary by state.
6. License Application
In order to apply for a license, you must first pass a medical and background check. You’ll need to fill out an application and pay a fee to do this. Education, training, and job experience records may also be requested.
7. Preparing for a Test
You must take and pass an examination in order to earn your license. Different states and different kinds of licenses may have different requirements for the test. Learning the content and taking mock exams will help you become ready for the real thing.
8. Obtaining Your License
Your license will be awarded if you have successfully completed the examination and all other criteria. Maintaining a valid license in your state may need participation in continuing education or renewal processes.
9. Learning to supervise and lead others
Those who wish to be in managerial roles inside a residential treatment center should actively seek out possibilities to do so. They can do this through participating in mentorship relationships, leadership development courses, and taking on greater responsibilities at work.
10. Maintain Your Competence Through Ongoing Training
Maintaining familiarity with current findings, treatment methods, and best practices is essential for those working in residential treatment institutions. Conferences, workshops, and other forms of ongoing education can help with this.
Conclusion:
Veterans who are interested in helping others may find it satisfying to pursue a career as an RTFP. Veterans can use their VA education benefits to get the education, training, and licensing they need to find employment and thrive in this industry. Veterans are strongly encouraged to learn more about these opportunities and to start the process of being licensed or certified as RTFPs by looking into the specific criteria in their home states. Let’s help our service members transition into civilian occupations that put their skills to use.
