Psychology 482 - Screening and Assessment  

Credits: Arranged

Prerequisites: Permission, Counseling Techniques I

Website: http://www.class.uidaho.edu/psyc482/

Course Overview:  This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of substance abuse screening and assessment.  This overview will include information related to the diagnosis of substance abuse; information related to particular testing instruments (including the reliability and validity of some instruments); issues and problems that may occur within the testing environment; and issues that may influence the outcome of particular testing instruments.

KSAs

3.     Describe the behavioral, psychological, physical health, and social effects of psychoactive drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, on the consumer and significant others.

4.     Recognize the potential for substance use disorders to mimic a variety of medical and psychological disorders, and the potential for medical and psychological disorders to co-exist with addiction and substance abuse.

5.     Describe the philosophies, practices, policies, and outcomes of the most generally accepted models of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention and continuing care for addiction and other substance-related problems.

6.     Recognize the importance of family, social networks, and community systems in the treatment and recovery process.

8.     Appreciate the value of an interdisciplinary approach to addiction treatment.

9.     Understand the established diagnostic criteria for substance dependence and abuse, and describe treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care.

11.     Tailor helping strategies and treatment modalities to the client’s stage of dependency, change, or recovery.

12.     Provide treatment services to the client’s level of cultural and language literacy, acculturation, or assimilation.

14.     Be familiar with medical and pharmaceutical resources in the treatment of addictive disease and other substance-related disorders.

15.     Understand the variety of insurance and health maintenance options available, and appreciate the importance of helping clients access those benefits.

16.     Recognize that crisis may indicate an underlying substance abuse problem, and may represent the opportunity for change.

18.     Understand diverse cultures and incorporate the relevant needs of culturally diverse groups, as well as people with disabilities, into clinical practice.

19.     Understand the importance of self-awareness in one’s personal, professional, and cultural life.

20.     Understand the addiction professional’s obligation to adhere to ethical and behavioral standards of conduct in the helping relationship.

21.     Understand the importance of ongoing supervision and continuing education in the delivery of services.

23.     Understand and apply setting-specific policies and procedures for handling crises or dangerous situations, including safety measures for clients and staff.

24.     Establish rapport, including management of crisis situations and determination of need for additional professional assistance.

25.     Gather data systematically from the client and other available collateral sources, using screening instruments and other methods that are sensitive to age, developmental level, culture and gender.  At a minimum, data should include: current and historic substance use; health, mental health, and substance-related treatment history; mental status; and current social, environmental, and/or economic constraints.

26.     Screen for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms, aggression or danger to others, and potential for self-inflicted harm or suicide; and coexisting mental health problems.

27.     Assist the client in identifying the impact of substance use on his or her current life problems and the effects of continued harmful use or abuse.

28.     Determine the client’s readiness for treatment and change as well as the needs of others involved in the current situation.

29.     Review the treatment options relevant to the client’s needs, characteristics, goals, and financial resources.

30.     Apply accepted criteria for diagnosis, of substance use disorders in making treatment recommendations.

31.     Construct with the client and appropriate others an initial action plan based on client needs, preferences, and available resources.

32.     Based on an initial action plan, take specific steps to initiate and admission or referral, and ensure follow-through.

33.     Select and use a comprehensive assessment process that is sensitive to age, gender, racial and ethnic cultural issues, and disabilities that includes but is not limited to:

34.     Analyze and interpret the data to determine treatment recommendations.

35.     Seek appropriate supervision and consultation.

36.     Document assessment findings and treatment recommendations. 

37.     Obtain and interpret all relevant assessment information.

38.     Explain assessment findings to the client and significant others involved in potential treatment.

39.     Provide the client and significant others with clarification and further information, as needed.

40.     Examine treatment implications in collaboration with the client and significant others.

41.     Confirm the readiness of the client and significant others to participate in treatment.

47.     Inform the client of confidentiality rights, program procedures that safeguard them, and the exceptions imposed by statute.

65.     Apply confidentiality-related legal restrictions appropriately.

66.     Demonstrate respect and nonjudgmental attitudes toward the client in all contacts with other professionals or agencies.

75.     Establish a helping relationship with the client characterized by warmth, respect, genuineness, concreteness and empathy.

76.     Facilitate the client’s engagement in the treatment and recovery process.

102.   Describe warning signs, symptoms, and the course of substance use disorders.

108.   Demonstrate knowledge of accepted principles of client record management.

109.   Protect client rights to privacy and confidentiality in the preparation and handling of records, especially in relation to the communication of client information with third parties.