2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Human Services
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The Master of Arts in Addiction Studies is designed to train students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in settings that treat substance use disorders. The degree aligns with ICRC standards and prepares students to become Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LDAC) in the state of Kentucky.
Program Goals
Program goals for the Master of Arts in Addiction Studies program include the following:
| ICRC STANDARDS |
TASKS |
| Domain I: Screening, Assessment, and Engagement |
To train counselors who can demonstrate verbal and non‐verbal communication to establish rapport and promote engagement.
To prepare counselors to discuss with the client the rationale, purpose, and procedures associated with the screening and assessment process to facilitate client understanding and cooperation.
To train counselors to assess client’s immediate needs by evaluating observed behavior and other relevant information including signs and symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal.
To prepare counselors to administer appropriate evidence‐based screening and assessment instruments specific to clients to determine their strengths and needs.
To prepare counselors to obtain relevant history and related information from the client and other pertinent sources to establish eligibility and appropriateness of services.
To train counselors to screen for physical needs, medical conditions, and cooccurring mental health disorders that might require additional assessment and referral.
To train counselors to interpret results of screening and assessment and integrate all available information to formulate diagnostic impression and determine an appropriate course of action.
To prepare counselors to develop a written summary of the results of the screening and assessment to document and support the diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations. |
| Domain II: Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral |
To train counselors to formulate and discuss diagnostic assessment and recommendations with the client and concerned others to initiate an individualized treatment plan that incorporates client’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences.
To prepare counselor to use ongoing assessment and collaboration with the client and concerned others to review and modify the treatment plan to address treatment needs.
To train counselors how to match client needs with community resources to facilitate positive client outcomes.
To prepare counselors to discuss rationale for a referral with the client.
To prepare counselors to communicate with community resources regarding the needs of the client.
To train counselors to advocate for the client in areas of identified needs to facilitate continuity of care.
To train counselors on how to evaluate the effectiveness of case management activities to ensure quality service coordination.
To train counselors how to develop a plan with the client to strengthen ongoing recovery outside of primary treatment.
To train counselors how to document treatment progress, outcomes, and continuing care plans.
To prepare counselors to utilize multiple pathways of recovery in treatment planning and referral. |
| Domain III: Counseling |
To train counselors to develop a therapeutic relationship with clients, families, and concerned others to facilitate transition into the recovery process.
To prepare counselors to provide information to the client regarding the structure, expectations, and purpose of the counseling process.
Preparing counselors to continually evaluate the client’s safety, relapse potential, and the need for crisis intervention.
To train counselors how to apply evidence‐based, culturally competent counseling strategies and modalities to facilitate progress towards completion of treatment objectives.
To prepare counselors to assist families and concerned others in understanding substance use disorders and engage them in the recovery process.
To train counselors to document counseling activity and progress towards treatment goals and objectives.
To train counselors to provide information on issues of identity, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation, and gender as it relates to substance use, prevention, and recovery.
To train counselors to provide information about the disease of addiction and the related health and psychosocial consequences. |
| Domain IV: Professional and Ethical Responsibilities |
To prepare counselors to adhere to established professional codes of ethics and standards of practice to uphold client rights while promoting best interests of the client and profession.
To prepare counselors to recognize diversity and client demographics, culture and other factors influencing behavior to provide services that are sensitive to the uniqueness of the individual.
To prepare counselors to continue professional development through education, self‐evaluation, clinical supervision, and consultation to maintain competence and enhance professional effectiveness.
To train counselors to identify and evaluate client needs that are outside of the counselor’s ethical scope of practice and refer to other professionals as appropriate.
To train counselors to uphold client’s rights to privacy and confidentiality according to best practices in preparation and handling of records.
To train counselors to obtain written consent to release information from the client and/or legal guardian, according to best practices.
To train counselors to prepare concise, clinically accurate, and objective reports and records. |
ProgramsMaster of Arts
The Master of Arts (M.A.) provides intermediate-level graduate training, which enhances professional knowledge and prepares students for further graduate study if desired. The M.A. emphasizes practical application while offering strong academic content in all areas.
A Master of arts degree may be pursued in the following majors:
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