Substance Abuse Counseling

Course reviews psychological principles and counseling techniques for public and social/human service workers. Content includes interview varieties, types and purposes; various communication techniques to establish rapport, question, reflect and help clients explore feelings and beliefs; and diagnostic and record-keeping systems. Skills developed largely through class exercises, role-plays and skill practice.

Course examines standardized screening and assessment instruments utilizing electronic health records, including American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria for admission into treatment settings and modalities. Practice integrative and comprehensive approaches that include, but not limited to motivational interviewing, treatment planning, documentation, discharge planning, aftercare, and referral methods. Theoretical and evidence-based practices to be explored include psychoanalytic, humanistic-existential, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, person-centered, trauma-informed care, Stages of Change and co-occurring related approaches.

This course provides an overview of theories and models in multicultural counseling for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Identify issues relating to, but not limited to, aging, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, marital status/partnerships, language, socioeconomic status, and social justice. Students will engage in activities to analyze their own cultural awareness, influences, implicit biases, and limitations. The course will review culturally-centered, evidence-based assessments, referrals, and case management services. Culturally appropriate interventions will be analyzed for women, LGBTQ+, justice involved, adolescents, gerontology population, and veterans.

Course continues HSV 110. Content includes review of psychological principles and counseling techniques used by public and social/human service workers. Skills learned previously refined to focus on more in-depth probing of issues blocking effective responding of clients to life’s challenges. Further methods of analyzing and interpreting data uncovered in therapeutic counseling sessions and interviews. Practice given in conducting sessions, analyzing information uncovered in counseling, and proper documentation.

Course involves placement in an approved field to integrate and apply knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. Minimum 300 (three hundred) hours in a supervised field experience. Focus of practical experience in core functions include screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and record keeping under the direction of a Practicum Site Supervisor. Program coordinator and/or practicum faculty provides ongoing supervision, monitoring and evaluation of student progress.

Course involves placement in an approved field to integrate and apply knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. Minimum 300 (three hundred) hours in a supervised field experience, directed by Practicum Site Supervisor. Focus of practical experience in core functions include includes orientation, assessment, ethics, screening, intake, case management, community outreach, treatment planning, essentials of supervision, psychopathology, suicide risk, crisis intervention, client education, referral, charting and record keeping. Department coordinator and/or practicum faculty will provide ongoing supervision, monitoring and evaluation of student progress.

Course reviews content of course work in Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate program and the Core Functions required by IAODAPCA to receive the CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) credential. Focus is on preparation for the IC&RC examination.