What Is a Milieu Counselor?

Milieu Counselor Definition

A milieu counselor, also referred to as a milieu specialist or milieu therapist, assists individuals with crisis intervention, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, or mental health and behavioral disorder recovery. They may work with individuals with substance abuse issues, much like a certified addiction counselor, but they are not qualified or licensed to provide direct treatment.

Source: *Payscale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Milieu Counselor Job Description

Milieu counselors work in rehabilitation facilities or other care centers to provide services for patients and their families. They commonly work with individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, behavior disorders, or mental health issues, and may work with a specific population, such as pediatric patients. Milieu counselors are typically there to act as support for patients when they are not receiving treatment from their therapist. Some milieu counselors work in outpatient centers where they provide immediate crisis intervention to divert people from inpatient hospitalization.

Much of a milieu counselor's job is to oversee patients and help them with daily activities. Their job duties can be different according to the population they are working with. For example, a milieu counselor in an eating disorder recovery ward may sit down with patients at mealtimes to supervise them, while a milieu counselor in a rehabilitation facility would not have to supervise mealtimes.

However, no matter the population, milieu counselor job duties are generally the same. They supervise patients' activities, help them incorporate a daily routine, perform safety checks, influence positive interaction, see to their basic needs, and provide a general sense of hope, recovery, and healing. They can perform clerical duties and usually need to take notes on patient progress and report it to a supervisor. Some milieu counselors may be tasked with providing transportation to patients.

Milieu Counselor Education

The minimum educational requirement for milieu counselors is a high school diploma or equivalent, but there are positions that prefer or require a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree in human services can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to assist patients. Some positions even prefer a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or other mental health degrees. Another possible requirement is proper training in verbal and physical de-escalation techniques, which is sometimes referred to as Handle With Care certification.

Milieu Counselor Experience and Skills

Many positions require candidates to have previous experience in a field that has prepared them for work as a milieu counselor. This experience can include relevant positions in rehab facilities and care centers. If a candidate does not have related work experience, some employers may assess them to see how their experience has prepared them for a job as a milieu counselor.

Milieu counselors need to have strong communication, interpersonal, and intervention skills, as well as knowledge of mental health recovery. They must be able to relate to patients of all ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. The job also requires the ability to think critically in an emergency or urgent situation. They must base their actions and decisions on approved trauma, rehabilitation, and mental health care techniques, as well as maintain integrity based on industry ethics.