This course is designed to examine cultural and ethical constructs related to addictions counseling. This course will focus on current literature, theories, approaches, strategies, and techniques shown to be effective when working with populations of clients with addictions. Furthermore, this course will explore public policies that affect quality and accessibility of mental health services as well as learn about effective strategies to support client advocacy and influence policy implementation or change, when necessary (CACREP, III. E). Legal and ethical considerations specific to the field of Addictions Counseling will also be explored throughout this course. (CACREP, III, A.2). In particular, students will develop and practice ethical decision making skills via case vignettes thus demonstrating their ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in addiction counseling (CACREP, III, B.1).

AC 505 is offered during summer term. This will be offered during the intersession of the Summer 2022 semester (June 13th-August 5th).

 
  • Demonstrate and understand the ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of addiction counseling and demonstrate the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards to addiction counseling as a multiculturally competent counselor.
  • Demonstrate the ability to modify counseling systems, theories, techniques and interventions to make them culturally appropriate for diverse populations of addicted clients.
  • Demonstrate the ability to provide culturally relevant education programs that raise awareness and support addiction and substance abuse prevention and the recovery process.
  • Develop and demonstrate an ability to advocate for policies, programs and/or services that equitable and responsive to the unique needs of clients with addictions
  •  Practice maintaining information regarding community resources (including self help and other support groups) for the purpose of providing appropriate referrals when necessary.
  • Understand and establish own multicultural competence and awareness as an addictions counselor. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to recognize student’s own cultural composition and the influence of such cultural dynamics on their counseling with clients affected by addictions. Furthermore, students will explore their own limitations as addictions counselors and develop a plan including supervision and/or referral procedures when appropriate.

This course will be delivered in 4 modules over a course of eight weeks. Each module is two weeks long. The structure of the course will require you to actively engage in course content, answer weekly discussion questions much like you would be expected to during an on-site class, submit mini assignments, and complete module quizzes.

This course is taught online. Course participants login and participate at a time of day that is convenient for them. It is recommended that participants login at least 4 to 5 times per week and plan on spending 16 to 18 hours per week (combination online and offline) for 7.5 weeks to successfully complete this 3-credit course.  If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Restricted to Montana State University students in the Addiction Counseling Certificate  and Health Sciences Programs. If you are a Non-Degree seeking graduate student wishing to enroll in this class, please contact Dr. Katey Franklin.

Foundations of Addictions Counseling

Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M. D. (2019). Foundations of addictions counseling (4th ed.).
New Jersey: Pearson. 

Berton, J. (2014). Ethics for addictions professionals. New Jersey: Wiley.