About the Guest(s):
Heather Meehan is an experienced Resource Coordinator with the New York Unified Court System, working primarily in Steuben County. Heather's professional journey in the substance use disorder field began in 2006, shortly after obtaining her bachelor's degree in psychology from Alfred University. She is a licensed CASAC with years of experience stemming from working as a counselor in different levels of treatment settings, and most recently, has taken that experience to work in the court setting.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of Money Roots, host Amy Irvine welcomes Heather Meehan, her sister-in-law and a dedicated Resource Coordinator, to explore career paths within the realm of substance use disorder. This episode delves into the rewarding yet challenging aspects of working in addiction therapy, while offering listeners an insightful look into what it means to be a Resource Coordinator in the court setting. Heather shares her career trajectory, personal motivations, and the impact that her work has had on individuals and society.
As the conversation unfolds, Heather discusses the steps involved in becoming a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC) and the continuous learning required to maintain this credential. The dialogue further explores the transformative power of addiction therapy not only on the individuals who receive treatment but also on their families and communities. Throughout the episode, the financial implications of addiction and recovery are highlighted, along with the significant advantages that recovery brings in terms of personal and societal health. Heather's experiences make a compelling case for those interested in pursuing a career in this vital field.
Key Takeaways:
Addiction therapy is a challenging yet rewarding profession that requires empathy, dedication, and continuous education.
Heather emphasizes the importance of a non-judgmental approach to counseling, focusing on helping clients recognize their positive qualities and potential for change.
Becoming a credentialed substance abuse counselor (CASAC) involves rigorous training hours, supervision, and testing.
The financial implications of addiction are significant, and successful recovery can lead to improved personal and societal productivity.
The episode encourages those interested in career transitions to explore addiction therapy and provides resources for getting started in the SUD (substance use disorder) field.
Notable Quotes:
"Just because they have an addiction or a substance use problem, it doesn't mean they're not good people and they're not worth a better life." – Heather Meehan
"Nobody would ever want to choose to be an addict or an alcoholic or a person with a substance use disorder." – Heather Meehan
"Anytime you're working with people that are considered a vulnerable population, you need to be on your best game." – Heather Meehan
Resources:
OASAS.NY.gov – New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports website for accessing addiction treatment resources and credentialing information.
Samhsa.gov - Informational website for SUD and mental health treatment.
Listeners are encouraged to delve into this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of the field of addiction therapy and the transformative impact it can have. Be sure to subscribe to Money Roots for more insightful discussions and resources aimed at helping you thrive financially and personally.