Question

Why is it important for a professional counselor to understand the levels of care established by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)? What can you do as a counselor or administrator to ensure individuals with disabilities are able to receive services?

Answer 1

Why is it important for a professional counselor to understand the levels of care established by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)?

The most important milestones or benchmarks on the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) are 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each of these levels decides the intensity of care that a patient might require. It is important for a counselor to understand each level to ensure that there is better access to healthcare, good quality treatment, medication, research, and prevention from aggravation if possible. Educated physicians and counselors who are aware of the levels of care established by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) are often able to provide better services to the patient when compared to those who are unaware of the same.

What can you do as a counselor or administrator to ensure individuals with disabilities are able to receive services?

As a counselor,

1. I can educate the patient about available avenues for support - such as self-help groups, community services, group-based or behavior based therapies.
2. I can help them by letting know of options for medical bills such as Medicaid, CHIP, etc.,
3. Let them know about the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) for when there is an emergency.
4. Let them about services related to housing, vehicles, medicines, savings, tax help, etc.,
5. Coordinate with multiple agencies and get them connected to a social worker who can help with funding woes.