What is a specialized therapeutic support specialist? If you’re interested in becoming one, you’re on the right page. Here, we’ll discuss their education and training, key skills, and career paths. We’ll also discuss the impact of their work on individuals and their families.
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Defining a Specialized Therapeutic Support Specialist
A specialized therapeutic support specialist (STSS):
- Provides tailored care to individuals with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges
- Works in diverse settings, including healthcare, education, and social services
- Uses therapeutic methods to improve their clients’ sense of well-being
Why This Role Is Important
The role of a therapeutic support specialist is important for many reasons. First, there’s a rising demand for mental health and behavioral support services. Take a look at the numbers (NIH, 2022) that support their demand in the United States.
- Almost 20% of children and young people (3-17 years) have mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders.
- Young adults (within 18 and 25 years of age) have the highest prevalence of mental illness.
- More than 23% of adults have a mental illness.
Depression and anxiety are the oft-cited mental health issues. Developmental delays, speech or language disorders, and learning disabilities are also common.
Second, there’s an increased need for professionals trained in trauma-informed care and individualized interventions. Take a look at these numbers, too.
- 70% of adults in America have experienced trauma at least once in their lives. However, not everyone will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- 6% of these adults will develop PTSD at one point in their lives.
- About 558,899 children experienced abuse, neglect, and maltreatment (2022).
With these numbers, the high demand for competent STSS will be around for a while.
Understanding the Role of a Specialized Therapeutic Support Specialist
Before you decide to become one, consider the responsibilities and key skills first. You’ll then have realistic expectations of the challenges and rewards that come with the job.
What Does a Specialized Therapeutic Support Specialist Do?
As an STSS, you’ll deliver specialized therapeutic support services, including:
- Provide emotional, behavioral, and therapeutic support for individuals with special needs.
- Work with children, adults, and seniors in clinical, educational, and home settings.
- Use evidence-based techniques to support mental health, trauma recovery, and social-emotional development.
- Help clients with daily living skills, communication, and coping mechanisms.
- Collaborate with therapists and social workers to implement tailored support plans. You’ll also work with medical professionals.
Key Skills for a Therapeutic Support Specialist
You must also develop these key skills needed for a therapeutic support specialist.
- Empathy and active listening to establish trust with clients
- Behavior management strategies for clients with autism, PTSD, or emotional issues
- Crisis intervention methods
- De-escalation techniques
- Knowledge of therapeutic techniques (e.g., CBT and DBT)
- Strong communication skills to work with families and caregivers. You’ll also work with interdisciplinary teams
Indeed, being an effective STSS isn’t only about technical skills. Your transferable skills are crucial, too, especially as you’re dealing with people.
Types of Clients Served by Therapeutic Support Specialists
As an STSS, you’ll serve a wide range of clients with different disorders, disabilities, and issues. Being prepared for their diverse needs is a must for success.
Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
You’ll provide support for people with autism, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. In their case, the focus is on communication, social skills, and life skills training.
People with Mental Health Disorders
You’ll provide therapeutic support for mental health and disabilities. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorders are the most common disorders. Aside from emotional support, you’ll provide guidance on behavioral strategies, too.
Children and Adolescents in Therapeutic Programs
You’ll work with students in special education or behavioral intervention programs. By using positive reinforcement techniques, you can support their emotional regulation.
Trauma Survivors
You can help individuals recovering from domestic violence, abuse, or PTSD, too. Healing and resilience are the main goals in their cases. You can support them by providing appropriate therapeutic interventions.
People with Substance Use Disorders
You’ll work with substance abuse and addiction counselors in rehab centers. The prevention of relapses through strategies and emotional support is the best combo.
Work Settings for Specialized Therapeutic Support Specialists
The work settings for therapeutic support specialists are as diverse as their clients.
Schools and Special Education Programs
In these settings, STSS performs these responsibilities:
- Assist children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Support social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives
Mental Health Clinics and Counseling Centers
As an STSS, your main duties include:
- Collaborate with psychologists and therapists to provide patient care
- Implement group therapy and individual support sessions
Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers
Being an STSS in these workplaces means you will:
- Work with patients recovering from trauma, surgery, or chronic illness
- Assist in physical and occupational therapy sessions
Community-Based and Home Care Services
Here, your work involves main roles like:
- Provide one-on-one support in a client’s home or community setting
- Help individuals develop independent living skills
Juvenile Justice and Foster Care Systems
Being with children in these settings means you’ll:
- Support at-risk youth with behavioral interventions and mentorship
- Provide crisis intervention and coping skills development
Indeed, every work setting has its unique challenges and rewards. Look forward to them and let them enrich your work. You’ll strike a good balance between challenge and reward over time.
How to Become a Specialized Therapeutic Support Specialist
Here are the basic steps on how to become a therapeutic support specialist.
Educational Requirements
- Earn either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling, or a related field.
- Consider earning a master’s degree, too, for career advancement (i.e., advanced roles).
Training and Certification Options
Look into undergoing training and certification for therapeutic support specialists, such as:
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who focuses on ABA therapy for individuals with autism.
- Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) with training in mental health support. Crisis intervention is also their forte.
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) who provides recreational therapy for people with disabilities.
Gaining Experience in Therapeutic Support Services
Education is only one part of becoming an effective STSS. You must also gain practical experience through:
- Internships in mental health clinics, schools, or rehabilitation centers
- Volunteering with special needs programs or crisis intervention teams
Continuing education and professional development are a must, too. You must have a love for lifelong learning to keep abreast of the trends.
Career Opportunities for Specialized Therapeutic Support Specialists
Careers in therapeutic support are popular because of the good pay and career growth. But, of course, it is what you make of it. You should do your research and take advantage of opportunities. By taking a proactive approach, you’re getting ahead of the pack.
Job Titles Related to Therapeutic Support
Here are the job titles that you’ll likely come across in your career.
- Behavioral health specialist
- Mental health support coordinator
- Rehabilitation support specialist
- Crisis intervention specialist
- Special education behavioral aide
Salary Expectations and Job Growth
The average salary for STSS ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. Your actual salary varies depending on your education and work experience. Geographical location and employer will also influence it.
The projected job growth for STSS is 11% by 2032. Again, it’s due to increasing demand for mental health and special needs services.
Challenges and Best Practices in Therapeutic Support
Challenges are an integral part of any job, and it’s true for the SSTS job. Fortunately, the best practices in therapeutic support address these challenges.
Managing Emotional and Behavioral Challenges
- Use trauma-informed care strategies to prevent burnout.
- Engage in self-care and peer support for stress management.
Building Trust with Clients and Families
- Develop rapport through active listening and patience.
- Set clear boundaries and maintain professional ethics.
Adapting to Individualized Client Needs
- Customize therapeutic approaches based on client backgrounds and abilities.
- Stay informed on new evidence-based practices.
As you gain more work experience, you become more adept at navigating challenges. The key here is to be aware of your actions and decisions in your work.
Future Trends in Therapeutic Support Services
What is a specialized therapeutic support specialist? The answers to this question vary depending on the times and their trends. New developments can bring about new definitions and new roles.
For this reason, it’s crucial to keep abreast of STSS-related trends. Here are the most notable trends today.
- Increased use of telehealth and virtual therapy. In turn, it results in more remote support services available.
- Growth of holistic and alternative therapies. It expanded into art therapy, music therapy, and mindfulness-based practices.
- Greater focus on mental health awareness and prevention. More schools and workplaces are adopting mental health programs.
Conclusion
Do you want to make a significant impact of therapeutic support on the client’s well-being? If yes, consider becoming the best specialized therapeutic support specialist you can be.
You’ll play a critical role in helping individuals with mental health, developmental, and behavioral challenges. Your work is vital in schools, healthcare, and community services. In these places, you’ll provide individualized and trauma-informed support.
