(1)For the purposes of this part 8, addiction counseling means the application of
general counseling theories and treatment methods adapted specifically for
working with addictive and other behavioral health disorders. Addiction counselors
work in a broad variety of disciplines but share an understanding of the addictive
process. An addiction counselor identifies a variety of helping strategies that can
be tailored to meet the needs of the client. Addiction counseling relies on the use of
evidence-based practices that have been shown to be effective in treating addictive
disorders.
(2)The scope of practice of addiction counseling focuses on the following
four transdisciplinary foundations that underlie the work of all addiction
counselors:
(a)Understanding addiction: Includes
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(1) For the purposes of this part 8, addiction counseling means the application of
general counseling theories and treatment methods adapted specifically for
working with addictive and other behavioral health disorders. Addiction counselors
work in a broad variety of disciplines but share an understanding of the addictive
process. An addiction counselor identifies a variety of helping strategies that can
be tailored to meet the needs of the client. Addiction counseling relies on the use of
evidence-based practices that have been shown to be effective in treating addictive
disorders.
(2) The scope of practice of addiction counseling focuses on the following
four transdisciplinary foundations that underlie the work of all addiction
counselors:
(a) Understanding addiction: Includes knowledge of models and theories of
addiction, including alcohol and substance use disorders; recognition of social,
political, economic, and cultural contexts within which addiction exists;
understanding the behavioral, psychological, physical health, and social effects of
using addictive substances or engaging in addictive behaviors; and recognizing and
understanding co-occurring disorders.
(b) Treatment knowledge: Includes the philosophies, practices, policies, and
outcomes of the most generally accepted and scientifically supported models,
along with research and outcome data, of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention,
and continuing care for addictive disorders, including alcohol and substance use
disorders. Treatment knowledge includes the ability to work effectively with
families, significant others, social networks, and community systems in the
treatment process and understanding the value of a multidisciplinary approach to
treatment of addictive disorders, including alcohol and substance use disorders.
(c) Application to practice: Includes the ability to properly diagnose
behavioral health disorders using appropriate assessment and testing instruments
and placement criteria; stabilization to reduce negative effects of problematic
behaviors; developing helping strategies and treatment levels of care based on the
client's stage of readiness for change; cultural competency; and familiarity with
medical and pharmacological resources for treatment.
(d) Professional readiness: Includes an understanding of diverse cultures;
cultivation of a high level of self-awareness; ability to use critical thinking skills;
adherence to ethical standards of conduct; ongoing use of clinical supervision and
consultation; crisis management; and knowledge of the importance of prevention
and recovery management.
(3) The primary practice dimensions of addiction counseling include the
following competencies, as appropriate based on the level of certification or
licensure and scope of practice:
(a) Clinical evaluation, including screening and assessment;
(b) Clinical intake, discharge, discharge planning, and referral;
(c) Treatment planning;
(d) Service coordination, including client advocacy, continuing care planning,
and collaboration with other behavioral health professionals;
(e) Counseling of individuals, groups, families, couples, and significant
others;
(f) Recovery management;
(g) Case management;
(h) Client, family, and community education;
(i) Documentation required for a clinical record;
(j) Professional and ethical practices;
(k) Clinical supervision; and
(l) Intervention.
(4) Scope of practice - licensed addiction counselors. Based on education,
training, knowledge, and experience, the scope of practice of a licensed addiction
counselor includes behavioral health counseling and may include the treatment of
substance use disorders, addictive behavioral disorders, and co-occurring mental
health disorders, including clinical evaluation and diagnosis, treatment planning,
service coordination, case management, clinical documentation, professional and
ethical responsibilities, education and psychotherapy with clients, family, and
community, clinical supervisory responsibilities, and intervention.
(5) The practice of addiction counseling includes clinical supervision by a
licensed addiction counselor of a person working toward licensure as a marriage
and family therapist, pursuant to section 12-245-504 (1), or a licensed professional
counselor, pursuant to section 12-245-604 (1), if the licensed addiction counselor
has met the education requirements for a licensed marriage and family therapist or
licensed professional counselor, or the equivalent, as specified in rules
promulgated by the state board of marriage and family therapist examiners created
in section 12-245-502 or the state board of licensed professional counselor
examiners created in section 12-245-602, as applicable.