Counseling Strategies for Substance and Behavioral Addictions. ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program Introduces the identification, assessment, and treatment of substance use and addictive behaviors, including co-occurring disorders in counseling practice. Explores the neurobiological and theoretical foundations of addiction, risk and protective factors, and strategies for managing cravings, enhancing motivation, and preventing relapse. Emphasizes evidence-based interventions, including the use of Motivational Interviewing to support behavior change and client engagement. Examines both abstinence and harm reduction models, pharmacological interventions, and individualized treatment planning based on stages of change and recovery severity. Introduces skills to navigate the continuum of care and engage with legal systems when working with court-referred clients.