Understanding the Difference: Counsellor vs. Recovery Coach vs. Interventionist vs. Case Manager
- Chelsea Lee
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Feeling Confused About Where to Start? You're Not Alone.
When a loved one is struggling with addiction, mental health, or behavioural issues, the process of seeking help can be overwhelming. Between recovery coaches, interventionists, therapists, case managers, and more, families often ask:
"Who does what? What kind of support do we actually need?"
You're not alone in feeling confused. The addiction and mental health field is full of titles and specialties - and while that means more options for support, it can also create uncertainty. So let’s break it down in simple, clear terms.
1. Licensed Counsellor / Therapist
What they do: Licensed counsellors or therapists are trained mental health professionals who provide clinical therapy to individuals, couples, or families. They often specialize in areas like trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, or grief.
Common credentials include:
RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor)
RPC (Registered Professional Counsellor)
CCAC (Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor)
RSW (Registered Social Worker)
How they help: Counsellors provide ongoing, therapeutic support and work to uncover root causes, improve emotional health, and develop healthy coping strategies over time.
2. Recovery Coach
What they do: A recovery coach is a non-clinical professional who supports individuals in or seeking recovery. They often have lived experience with addiction and focus on the practical, day-to-day aspects of staying sober. (Work with the person one on one who is struggling with substance use and abstinence).
How they help:
Accountability
Goal-setting
Navigating early recovery
Connecting to resources and sober communities
Recovery coaches are not therapists, but they can be a great complement to therapy and treatment, especially for individuals leaving residential programs.
3. Interventionist
What they do: An interventionist helps families motivate a loved one to accept help for addiction, mental health, or behavioural issues. This often involves a structured process to prepare the family and guide the individual into treatment.
How they help:
Plan and lead family interventions
Offer education and emotional support to families
Coordinate admission into treatment programs
Bridge communication between families and professionals
Post-intervention case management
Interventionists are often brought in during a crisis or when attempts to help a loved one have failed.
4. Case Manager (in Recovery or Mental Health)
What they do: A case manager works alongside individuals and families to coordinate care across multiple providers and stages of recovery. They act as a liaison between family members, treatment programs, therapists, doctors, and community supports.
How they help:
Manage logistics like treatment planning, aftercare, and discharge
Communicate with different service providers
Help families stay informed and supported throughout the recovery journey
Think of a case manager as the "project manager" of recovery - ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
So… Which One Do You Need?
That depends on your current situation. Here are a few quick examples:
✅ If your loved one refuses help or is in denial, an interventionist may be the best place to start.
✅ If you’re already in recovery and need accountability and structure, a recovery coach might be the right fit.
✅ If you're seeking emotional healing or dealing with trauma, a licensed counsellor can help you go deeper.
✅ If your family is navigating multiple care providers or stages of treatment, a case manager can help coordinate it all.
A Blended Approach Often Works Best
In reality, most people benefit from a combination of support. For example, someone may need:
An interventionist to get them into treatment, support family members
A counsellor to address trauma and emotional regulation/processing
A recovery coach for accountability
A case manager to coordinate care and aftercare planning
The key is knowing where to start - and having someone who understands the whole system.
Meet Chelsea Lee – A Trusted Guide for Families in Crisis
My name is Chelsea Lee, and I understand how overwhelming this process can be - because I’ve walked it personally and with many families just like yours.
I am a:
Licensed Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC #4117)
Addiction & Behavioural Interventionist
Case Manager
Whether your loved one is refusing help, lost in their addiction, or transitioning out of treatment, I provide compassionate, professional support - and I will meet you wherever you are in the journey.
If you're unsure where to start, I can help you navigate the options and connect you with the right type of support - whether it’s with me or another trusted professional.
Need support now? Let’s talk. Your family doesn’t have to go through this alone.
📞 778-858-0042
Comentarios