ABOUT THE EPISODE: When my son began using drugs and alcohol, I did what a lot of parents do: I dove headfirst into a world I didn't know existed, trying to evaluate all the possible programs and places he might go to get help. But there's so much to learn about the treatment world, and the knowledge is extremely specialized, making it almost impossible to sift through it effectively without a guide. On today's show, I spoke with someone who is that guide for families. Joanna Lilley has been an educational consultant (though she prefers "therapeutic consultant") for a decade, and has worked in all sorts of settings, from wilderness therapy programs to academic institutions. She has connected hundreds of families to treatment programs, therapists, and other resources, and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who has a more holistic and honest view of the industry. Joanna is notorious for her blunt transparency, and she has a lot of knowledge to share. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of finding an independent educational consultantThe ethical standards a consultant should be held toThe role and value consultants bring to the table in a time of crisisInformation consultants have that parents will never get from their own researchThe most important questions parents should always ask before engaging a consultantWhy Joanna says not every family needs a consultantEPISODE RESOURCES: Joanna’s website:  (https://lilleyconsulting.com)Therapeutic Consulting Assoc.:  (https://www.therapeuticconsulting.org) __________________________________________ This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community Learn about The Stream, our private online community for moms Find us on Instagram: @hopestreamcommunity Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol Hopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.