Choosing the therapist
As for the professionalism, there are three things that count most. The first is, of course, some academic degree (MA, MS, MSW, PhD, PsyD, MD etc.). The second is experience - completion of some extensive psychotherapy course is absolutely must. The third might be somewhat hard-to-touch. An addict has to accept him. They can't force themselves into cooperation with somebody they don't accept.
Choosing the right therapist might be difficult. It's not because of them, but because of addicts' psychological problems - when addicts accept the treatment, they sometimes try to force themselves to everything, as if they were punishing themselves for being addicts. It's not a good way - Maryland drug rehab centers employ a lot of good therapist, so the choice shouldn't be so difficult. Just let the addicts follow their gut feelings - people under treatment have to talk over very (and I mean very) personal experiences and sometimes it hard to do, for example if the therapist is a member of the opposite sex or in a wrong age or even when he is too blond.
Why the right therapist is so important?
One can force itself into beginning the therapy, but to endure all the months needed to complete it is another matter entirely. One has to have an anchor that will keep them in the therapy and won't let go. The best anchor possible is the link of friendship between an addict and a therapist. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps people clean, so no one can underestimate this.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Rehab Resources a website providing information on drug and alcohol rehabilitaiton treatments.