Addictions Counseling Practicum I

Catalog description

This course is intended to provide the student with practical experience in the area of addictions. Students may be assigned to community organizations providing addictions treatment in order to gain experience in the addictions practice dimensions and core functions. Elements of substance abuse assessment, treatment planning and counseling methods and techniques will be analyzed. Students will also meet weekly in a practicum supervision group to discuss their field placement experiences and the various practice, professional and ethical issues that they encounter. For CAS students, all students, in this section will be assigned to the Behavioral Sciences Counseling Center for this practicum where they will learn, practice and gain proficiency in the essential basic counseling skills needed to successfully engage clients in a collaborative helping relationship. Students will also gain experience in the process of developing and negotiating treatment plans with clients. A total of 50 hours of practice lab experience is required for this course. These counseling skills will provide the foundational skills for the off-site addictions counseling practicum experiences to follow.