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New Revelation Counseling Service LLC
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
Michael Richman, MA, LPC
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What is a Substance Use Assessment?It is a set of empirical data screens that helps to determine if there is a substance problem along with how severe the problem is or how probable it is to occur. This is done using a set of standardized questions that have clinically proven probability results. These results are combined with the clinician’s professional opinion formed from the initial interview to obtain a client assessment for further treatment.
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How long does an assessment take?Typically, one hour for the initial assessment.
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Does everyone need treatment who drinks or does drugs?No. Sometimes the person may only need to put new boundaries in their lives or make minor changes to their thinking process to get them back on track. At other times though, the person is much deeper than they thought and may need a long-term treatment plan to correct the problem.
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What if I just need advice on how to handle a friend, teen child, spouse or relative who appears to have a substance problem? "Most of my work is done in this capacity. Statistics show that every person who has a drug or alcohol problem will directly affect 5 other people each day that do not. Make an appointment to discuss your fears and we will develop a plan to get help for the person in need and give you some peace of mind.
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How much do your services cost?Most major insurances are excepted and your co-pay is typically $20-$30. A standard one hour session is $125.
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Why would a church be interested in my services?There are several reasons why a pastor would refer people to me for counseling and assessment: Direct help for those who are struggling with a substance problem - Most Pastors are not comfortable or knowledgeable enough to handle a serious substance abuse problem. Assessment – people seeking benevolent fund support are often in the situation because of an underlying substance use problem. I use empirical data screen that takes a special certification to administer. The results are approx. 97.5% accurate for assessing a current problem as well as the probability of a problem occurring with the individual tested. Sometimes a congregation member is not sure or skeptical about the severity of their problem. The screening process puts real numerical data in the hands of that person as to where they stand in this area. Friends, relatives and spouses of the afflicted person - often time the effected people need real answers to their questions about what to do, what to expect and how to deal with the problem. Church referred people are charged the lowest rate – As part of my ministry to the church, pastor referred people are charged the minimum rate of $75 per secession regardless of the situation.
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Do you do Biblical counseling?Yes, I have been trained in Biblical counseling through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. I do however leave this decision up to each individual client. In most cases people who are directly afflicted are often times running from God and are not even comfortable with a Bible being present in the room.
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Do you do Family Counseling?Yes, it is vitally important with any individual that they have both family support for recovery and a understanding of how to move forward. Typically, I will ask for the family to meet with me early on in the recovery process so everyone is aware and on board with the plan.
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Do you work with Opiate and Heroin users?Yes, This is one of my specialties and one I have a vast amount of professional experience working with, in particular teens and early adults.
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How many sessions will I have to come to?This depends on the type and severity of the situation you are presenting. A simple assessment may reveal that there is no reason to continue at that time or if a full behavioral change is needed this on average takes about 10 -12 sessions.
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How does Marriage Counseling Work?The couple involved is allowed to establish how they want to proceed. A lot of times it starts with just getting the problems each partner perceives out in the open. Then we can start to work together to find common ground to re- establish trust and communication.
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