Who Do I Go To?
Hi.
This is a big deal for me, and hopefully for you as well. For the first time, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS) can conduct therapy with tele-health and video technology as part of our private practice.
In case you don’t know what an LCAS is, it is a substance abuse counselor who has a Masters degree, and advanced training in the treatment of substance use disorders. Because we’re licensed, we don’t need to have a clinical supervisor in order to practice, just like a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC).
Confused? Yeah, totally normal. You probably just want help- the right help.
As an LCAS, I focus on substance use/substance abuse/addiction. I can also treat other mental health disorders, as long as you also have a substance use issue along with it.
LCSW’s and LCMHC can also do the same thing. What makes me, and most LCAS’s different, is we tend to have more specific training on substances of abuse. But don’t worry, all of the professions are qualified to treat you. In fact, we usually work quite well together. In generaL, an LCAS simply has more training and experience with drug-specific issues: alcohol, opioids, marijuana, etc. In fact, my Masters Degree is in Addiction Studies, and my training and experience covers the whole spectrum of drugs of abuse and the anxiety, depression and other issues that accompany them.
If your issues are mostly mental-health: anxiety,/depression/personality issues, then a LCSW or LCMHC might be the best place to start. However, if you think or feel that your substance-use is the main issue, a LCAS like me might be your best bet.. Or, you may already be receiving treatment, and want more substance-specific therapy.
In any case, the most important thing is to start now. We’re all here to help you, and referring you to another therapist is part of our job if you need a better fit.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at cssspiers@gmail.com, or call me at (984) 249-2218 for a free consultation.
