25 Sep 3 Reasons To Consider A Career As An Outpatient Counselor For Adults In Need
As often as we think of children and teenagers needing behavioral or mental health services, just as many adults need assistance as well. Outpatient counselors serve a great purpose in helping adults and families struggling with behavioral and mental health illnesses.
An outpatient counselor for adults provides intervention for those in need, so they are empowered in the recovery process. Counselors provide group, individual, and family counseling services, as well as medication management and supportive services that are tailored to the individual’s needs.
By choosing a career as an outpatient counselor, you can make a difference in the lives of others, as they overcome some of the most difficult challenges they’ll meet. Here are three reasons to consider being an outpatient counselor for adults in need.
#1: Outpatient vs. Inpatient
As an outpatient counselor, you are helping adults live their lives and get the treatment they need. Patients seeking outpatient care can have a number of behavioral and mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, or other special needs, however they are capable of receiving therapy while keeping up with their normal activities. In comparison to inpatient counseling that disrupts the regular schedules of patients, outpatient counseling provides a flexible plan for patients to get the treatment they need while maintaining a daily schedule.
Outpatient counselors play a key role in meeting the needs of this type of treatment. As an outpatient counselor you can develop a unique, custom treatment plan that meets the life and needs of your patients. You ensure patients can get the help they need, without giving up their jobs or temporarily leaving their families.
#2: Personalization
The personalization of treatment is a staple of outpatient care. Offering a unique challenge, this personalization puts your creativity to the test, as you’ll constantly face new dilemmas. Whether patients need assistance with substance abuse or you’re treating a patient with special needs, their treatment plans will be tailored to their unique issues, their lifestyles, work life, support system, and other personal differences that can impact the effectiveness of therapy.
As an outpatient counselor, you’ll be tasked with developing tailored treatments for patients. Are you up for the challenge? You’ll be at the cutting edge of best practices for treatments to promote individual growth and empower patients to build new strategies. You’ll be expected to know the most recent research to help personalize the behavioral and mental health services patients need.
#3: Flexibility
Who doesn’t like having some flexibility in their work week? Unlike inpatient facilities that have a counselor on hand nights and weekends for residential patients, outpatient counselors keep regular business hours. Your schedule enables a work-life balance that meets your needs and enables time for professional development, while providing ample opportunities to assist patients.
Pathways of Pennsylvania has been serving communities in Pennsylvania since 1981. Every individual has a right to lead a meaningful and positive life, and we are changing lives, one day at a time. Pathways of Pennsylvania is comprised of four companies: Children’s Behavioral Health, Inc., Pathways Community Services, LLC, Raystown Developmental Services, Inc., and The ReDCo Group, Inc.