A professional who counsels and aids individuals and families requiring assistance dealing with substance abuse problems, such as alcohol or drug abuse. Responsibilities include:

• Interviews clients, reviews records, and confers with other professionals to evaluate condition of client.
• Formulates program for treatment and rehabilitation of client, using knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse problems and counseling and treatment techniques.
• Counsels clients individually and in group sessions to assist client in overcoming alcohol and drug dependency.
• Counsels family members to assist family in dealing with and providing support for client.
• Refers client to other support services as needed, such as medical evaluation and treatment, social services, and employment services.
• Monitors condition of client to evaluate success of therapy, and adapts treatment as needed.
• Prepares and maintains reports and case histories.
• May formulate and conduct programs to promote prevention of alcohol and drug abuse.
• May prepare documents for presentation in court and accompany client to court as needed.