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Therapist or addiction counselor: which first, if I can only afford one?

Mental health1 answer · asked 3 months ago
From the RecoveryHome team. We write some questions from situations people often ask us about, and answer them with general information from public health sources. Been through this yourself? Your answer could help the next person who finds this page. How we write team posts
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
asked 3 months ago

Someone two months sober, with drinking stable but old grief and other issues getting louder, can only afford one professional. Who should they call first?

RH
RecoveryHome team Team
answered 7 days ago · general information, not medical advice

If substance use is stable, a therapist with experience treating people in recovery can be a good single choice. When you call, ask directly: "Do you have experience working with clients in recovery?" Someone who understands recovery will help you work through difficult material at a pace that protects your sobriety.

If substance use isn't stable, an addiction counselor or a treatment program comes first.

Either way, keep free supports around the paid hour, such as AA or NA meetings, so one appointment a week isn't carrying everything. Some community mental health centers and sliding-fee clinics offer both kinds of help at lower cost.

Read more: Co-occurring disorders explained

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Therapist or addiction counselor: which first, if I can only afford one? · RecoveryHome