Liability and Risk When Treating Substance UseLiability and Risk When Treating Substance Use
All Things Substance
Some therapists worry that adding substance use to their scope of practice will expose them to more risk and liability. Our licenses are super important to us and we want to protect ourselves. Today we are going to be talking about what risk...
39:18•8 May 2023
Tackling Risk and Liability: A Therapist's Guide to Substance Use Treatment
Episode Overview
- Therapists do not need a specialist certification to address substance use in their practice
- Thorough assessment, documentation, and consultation mitigate concerns about getting in over one's head and perceived risk and liability
- Upcoming webinar and Charting the Course program offer valuable resources for therapists seeking to work effectively with substance use
- Betsy Byler's engaging and informative podcast empowers therapists to embrace substance use as an essential aspect of mental health practice
“Substance use for a lot of folks is somewhat unknown. They have their own experiences with alcohol or drugs and maybe some professional experience or personal experience in families, but they don't have a lot of formal training or education. And sometimes it can feel like, oh shit, what am I going to do with this?”
Therapists often worry about the potential risks and liabilities of incorporating substance use treatment into their practice. In this episode of 'All Things Substance', Betsy Byler addresses these concerns head-on. Betsy, a seasoned therapist and substance abuse counselor, shares her wealth of experience to help fellow therapists feel more confident in expanding their scope of practice. She reassures listeners that they don't need a specialist certification to start addressing substance use with their clients.
Instead, thorough assessment, proper documentation, and regular consultation can go a long way in managing any potential risks. Betsy also touches on common fears, such as feeling unprepared or overwhelmed, and provides practical advice on how to navigate these challenges. She highlights upcoming resources like her webinar and the Charting the Course program, designed to further equip therapists with the necessary skills and knowledge.
This episode is a must-listen for any therapist looking to integrate substance use discussions into their mental health practice with confidence and care.

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.
