Baltimore Social Worker Forms Integral Part Of Recovery Team
Scott Dehorty, MSW, LCSW-C has worked in the field of addiction for most of his career. He graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Human Services/Psychology and from the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a Masters in Social Work.
He is now the lead pain recovery clinician and group counselor, part of a multi-disciplinary team which comprises the Pain Recovery Program at Father Martin's Ashley - an inpatient addiction treatment facility in Havre de Grace, Maryland.
What inspired you to enter your current field?
"I have always loved working with others. It's an honor for me to work with people during challenging times in their lives. Individuals suffering with chronic pain who have been prescribed opiates with little to no relief are in desperate need of a solution that works."
"At the Pain Recovery Program, we have developed an integrated treatment solution. We have patients who come to treatment in wheelchairs and walk out of our facility 35 days later. This is not a job or work; this is a passion that pays dividends for me, far beyond a paycheck."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"Of course, the education I received during my undergraduate and graduate work was important; but the continuing education I receive daily is also extremely valuable. I've learned there is no 'one-size fits all' approach to treatment. Learning from experience helped me to understand cultural differences, stages of change, and multiple therapeutic techniques that work in the real world. Experience backed by formal education is paramount when helping others."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"In my field, I am unable to practice without my LCSW-C license which requires a master's degree. However, the license is a piece of paper issued by the state allowing me to legally practice. Our team at Father Martin's takes an integrated approach; we treat the whole person rather than the pain: the spiritual, emotional, clinical, physical, all aspects of the person."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your field?
"As a behavioral health therapist, passion is key. My advice is to find something you love to do and build your practice around that.The difference between a job and a career can be the difference between simply surviving life and really living life. I've also learned that the work I do is about the people I help and not about me."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.