Assessment Methods in Addictions Counseling
ACS 560
Professor: Dr. George Gonzalez, Ph.D.
SYLLABUS
COURSE OVERVIEW: This master course presents substance abuse studies, individual and group counseling and family systems approaches to prevention and intervention. The course provides an overview of models, assessment instruments to identify addictive behavior, methods and skills for treating addictions and collaborating with other health professionals. The course presents clinical models (developmental, solution-focused, biopsychosocial, motivational interviewing, stages of change, self-help) from which interventions are drawn. Emphasis is on building community and preventing relapse. This course will introduce you to assessment methods in addiction counseling with regard to relevant theories, applications, issues and ideas. Understand how to critically evaluate research relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling. Demonstrates appropriate use of culturally responsive individual, couple, family, group, and systems modalities for initiating, maintaining, and terminating counseling. Provides appropriate counseling strategies when working with clients with addiction and co-occurring disorders. Understands basic classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications so that appropriate referrals can be made for medication evaluations and so that the side effects of such medications can be identified. Identifies standard screening and assessment instruments for substance use disorders and process addictions.