When a loved one is caught in addiction—or just beginning their journey into recovery—finding the right professional support can make all the difference. But in an unregulated industry filled with good intentions and conflicting advice, how do you know who to trust?
This guide outlines the types of professionals you might work with, what to look for, and the questions you should always ask before making a decision.
Critical Reminder: A degree is not enough. For example, someone with a Master's in Social Work (MSW) is not automatically licensed to practice therapy. Always confirm that any provider—no matter how warm or well-intentioned—holds active certification or licensure and belongs to a professional body with ethical oversight.
This protects you. If something goes wrong, licensure or certification gives you recourse through formal complaint processes. It also means they are supervised, held to professional standards, and required to continue developing their skills.
The best practitioners embrace this accountability. The worst ones avoid it.
1. Interventionists
What they do:
They guide families through structured conversations designed to help a loved one accept help. A good interventionist doesn't just focus on the moment—they help your whole family prepare and recover.
What to look for:
- Certified (e.g., CIP—Certified Intervention Professional, CAI– Certified Arise Interventionist, Certified Love First Clinical Interventionist)
- Affiliated with a recognized board or oversight body
- Clear, compassionate process—not confrontational or coercive
- Includes pre- and post-intervention family support
Ask them:
- What is your approach to intervention?
- What certification do you hold?
- How do you work with families before and after the intervention?
2. Therapists
What they do:
Licensed therapists address mental health, trauma, and substance use disorders. They can diagnose conditions and provide clinical care. A therapist that is not addiction informed is usually not the right fit for someone suffering from addiction, or even someone with a family member suffering from addiction.
What to look for:
- Licensed (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD)
- Trained in evidence-based therapies like CBT, EMDR, DBT, or IFS
- Trauma-informed and experienced in addiction and recovery
- Works collaboratively with other care providers
Ask them:
- Are you licensed to practice in this state?
- What are your specialties and treatment modalities?
- How do you work with families as part of the recovery process?
3. Individual Coaches
What they do:
Coaches help individuals navigate recovery by aligning with values, setting goals, building structure, and practicing accountability.
What to look for:
- Certified (e.g., ICF, Core Values Coaching (CVRC), CCAR, or similar recovery-specific certification)
- Maintains ongoing supervision or mentorship
- Clear about the limits of coaching vs. therapy vs sponsorship
- Ethical, respectful, and recovery-literate
Ask them:
- What coaching credentials do you hold?
- How do you stay accountable to your own growth and boundaries?
- How do you support clients in early or long-term recovery?
4. Family Coaches
What they do:
Family coaches work with loved ones—spouses, parents, siblings—on their own recovery. They help restore emotional sobriety, set boundaries, and develop a plan for healthy detachment and support.
What to look for:
- Specialized training in family recovery and systems work
- Certified through a professional coaching or recovery organization (e.g., ICF, Core Values Coaching (CVRC), CCAR, or similar recovery-specific certification)
- Offers structure, clarity, and support—not just advice
- Actively involved in peer review or professional development
Ask them:
- What is your training and certification?
- How do you support families when a loved one is still using?
- What frameworks or models guide your work?
5. Treatment Centers
What they do:
Treatment centers offer inpatient, outpatient, detox, or residential care. These may include medical, therapeutic, group, and spiritual elements.
What to look for:
- State licensed and accredited (e.g., CARF, Joint Commission)
- Qualified staff (licensed therapists, doctors, case managers)
- Family involvement as part of the program
- Transparent outcomes and aftercare plans
Ask them:
- Are you licensed and accredited? Can I see proof?
- What role does the family play in treatment?
- What support is available after discharge?
Final Thought: Trust—But Verify
It's easy to be swayed by warmth, charisma, or promises of quick results. But recovery is not a personality contest—it's a lifesaving process, and it requires real expertise, accountability, and alignment with values.
Trust your instincts, but back them up with verification. The question is not, "Do I like them?" but "Are they qualified, accountable, and committed to ethical care?"
You are not just a customer—you are an advocate, a protector, and a vital part of the healing journey. Choose your team wisely.