Addiction Counseling Competencies (6 hours)

This course is designed to familiarize the participant with the eight practice dimensions necessary for effective performance as an addictions counselor: clinical evaluation; treatment planning; referral; service coordination; counseling; client, family and community education; documentation; and professional and ethical responsibilities. These dimensions along with their associated 12 core competencies, as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), are the established national standards for addiction counseling practice. These standards are also utilized by state and national addictions counselor certification/license examinations. In this course, the student will develop entry level knowledge and skills across the eight practice dimensions that will help ready them for entering the addictions counseling field.