What Kind of Professionals Will I Have to See If I Go into Addiction Rehab?

a female client and a psychologist during assessment from the admission office at a drug and alcohol rehab

Choosing to go into addiction rehab is a life-changing decision—one that can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. Many people considering treatment ask the same question: “What kind of professionals will I have to see if I go into addiction rehab?” Understanding the types of experts who will be part of your care team can bring peace of mind and help you prepare for the journey ahead. Each professional you’ll encounter has a unique role in helping you detox safely, heal emotionally, grow mentally, and reclaim your life from addiction.

At Reviving You Recovery, located in the heart of Menifee, California, in the scenic Temecula Valley, we offer comprehensive detox and treatment services tailored to the individual. One of the strengths of our program is our dedicated, multidisciplinary team.

Let’s explore the key types of professionals you’re likely to work with in addiction treatment—and how they’ll support your recovery every step of the way.

1. Medical Doctors (MDs) and Addiction Medicine Physicians

Your journey into treatment typically begins with a medical evaluation. Licensed physicians—often with expertise in addiction medicine—will assess your physical health, medical history, and current drug or alcohol use. This team is especially critical during the detox phase, when withdrawal symptoms can be serious, even life-threatening.

What they do:

  • Monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms
  • Prescribe medication to ease detox discomfort
  • Treat co-occurring physical health conditions
  • Provide ongoing medical oversight throughout treatment

At Reviving You Recovery, we understand that addiction affects the body as well as the mind. That’s why we provide access to experienced physicians who specialize in the intersection of substance use and health.

2. Nurses and Nurse Practitioners

Nurses are the compassionate backbone of any treatment facility. Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) work closely with doctors to deliver medical care.

What they do:

  • Take vital signs and monitor your physical status
  • Administer medications and manage side effects
  • Offer support during detox
  • Educate you about medications and wellness

In some programs, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) may serve as primary care providers. These advanced nurses can diagnose, prescribe, and treat many conditions without direct supervision by a physician.

3. Therapists and Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Once detox is complete or underway, you’ll begin the therapeutic side of treatment. Licensed therapists—also known as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs)—play a central role in helping you understand and heal the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.

What they do:

  • Provide individual therapy sessions
  • Lead group therapy and psychoeducational sessions
  • Help you explore trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
  • Teach healthy coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques

At Reviving You Recovery, our therapists use evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to promote real, sustainable growth.

4. Psychiatrists

Addiction and mental health often go hand in hand. Many people in recovery struggle with co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and are licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications.

What they do:

  • Diagnose and treat mental health disorders
  • Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications
  • Collaborate with therapists and doctors on a treatment plan
  • Offer psychiatric evaluations and ongoing assessments

If you need medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety meds, a psychiatrist will oversee that part of your care. Having a mental health expert on your team ensures that both your addiction and underlying mental health issues are addressed together.

a female client and a psychologist during treatment program at a drug and alcohol rehab

5. Case Managers

Addiction treatment isn’t just about recovery while you’re in rehab—it’s also about preparing for life afterward. That’s where case managers come in. These professionals help you navigate logistics like housing, employment, legal issues, and aftercare planning.

What they do:

  • Coordinate your care plan
  • Assist with insurance and paperwork
  • Help arrange sober living or outpatient programs
  • Connect you with resources like job training or legal aid
  • Ensure a smooth transition after discharge

Case managers are your personal advocates. At Reviving You Recovery, they work closely with clients to set realistic goals and put the right support systems in place.

male substance abuse counselor

6. Substance Abuse Counselors

These professionals bring specific expertise in addiction counseling. Many are in recovery themselves and use both professional training and personal experience to guide clients.

What they do:

  • Facilitate group and one-on-one counseling sessions
  • Offer recovery coaching and relapse prevention strategies
  • Support 12-step involvement or alternative support systems
  • Help identify triggers and build coping skills

Substance abuse counselors can be certified addiction professionals (CADCs) or hold other credentials depending on state requirements. Their focus is to help you understand the nature of addiction and how to stay sober long-term.

7. Peer Support Specialists

Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience in addiction and recovery who are specially trained to support others going through similar journeys. While not clinical providers, they are a powerful source of hope, empathy, and motivation.

What they do:

  • Offer emotional support from a peer’s perspective
  • Share their recovery story to inspire others
  • Model healthy communication and coping
  • Help reduce shame and isolation

Peer support can be an incredibly validating experience, reminding you that you’re not alone and that recovery is absolutely possible.

8. Nutritionists and Wellness Coaches

Substance use often wreaks havoc on your physical health and nutrition. Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and poor eating habits are common. Registered Dietitians (RDs) and nutritionists help you rebuild your body from the inside out.

What they do:

  • Assess your nutritional status
  • Create customized meal plans
  • Educate on the link between nutrition and mental health
  • Address eating disorders or disordered eating patterns

Some programs also include wellness coaches, who can guide you in areas like sleep hygiene, physical activity, and self-care routines to support holistic healing.

9. Holistic and Alternative Therapists

Many addiction centers, including Reviving You Recovery, offer holistic services to support mind-body healing. These may include:

  • Yoga instructors
  • Art or music therapists
  • Meditation or mindfulness coaches
  • Massage or bodywork professionals

These professionals offer alternative outlets for healing that go beyond traditional talk therapy. They help clients reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and creativity in safe and restorative ways.

10. Spiritual Counselors or Chaplains

Spirituality—whether religious or non-religious—can be a profound part of the recovery process. Many clients find strength, purpose, and healing through spiritual exploration. Chaplains or spiritual counselors help guide that process.

What they do:

  • Offer nonjudgmental spiritual support
  • Facilitate prayer, meditation, or faith-based groups
  • Help you explore meaning, forgiveness, and self-worth
  • Respect all belief systems

Whether you’re religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or still figuring things out, spiritual counselors can support your recovery on a deeper level.

Why a Multidisciplinary Team Matters

Addiction is complex. It affects the body, mind, and spirit, and every individual’s experience is different. That’s why successful recovery requires a team-based approach. At Reviving You Recovery, we bring together professionals from multiple disciplines to treat the whole person, not just the addiction.

This integrated care model helps ensure:

  • Medical safety during detox
  • Emotional and psychological healing
  • Mental health stabilization
  • Holistic wellness and self-care
  • Practical support for re-entry into daily life

Every professional on your team plays a role in helping you achieve lasting sobriety and a better quality of life.

What to Expect at Reviving You Recovery in Menifee

Reviving You Recovery is located in Menifee, a peaceful and sunny city in the beautiful Temecula Valley region of Southern California. Our tranquil setting provides the perfect environment for reflection, restoration, and healing.

When you arrive at our facility, you can expect:

  • A thorough intake and medical evaluation
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Access to licensed professionals and peer support
  • Private rooms for added comfort
  • Connection to aftercare and outpatient services

We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and empowering space where you can begin or continue your recovery journey.

one on one counseling session

Final Thoughts

When you go into addiction rehab, you are not walking alone. You’ll be surrounded by a compassionate, highly skilled team of professionals who are committed to helping you heal, grow, and thrive.

From doctors and therapists to nutritionists and peer mentors, each one brings specialized tools and insights to support every stage of your recovery. And while it may feel intimidating to meet all these different people, remember: they are all here to help you succeed. If you’re ready to take the next step, Reviving You Recovery in Menifee, CA is here to walk with you. Reach out today and discover the strength, hope, and healing waiting on the other side of treatment.

We Accept Most Insurances

We are in network with:

Multiplan aetna Triwest Alliance Halcyon
Magellan Health Anthem Logo Optum Logo united health care Cigna

We know insurance coverage can be a source of uncertainty for people. We make sure you have all the information necessary. The great news is health insurance can potentially cover the total treatment costs. If you don't have insurance, we offer cash payment options for our treatment programs and are committed to working with clients regardless of financial situations.