Course Syllabus

PSY-117O: Addiction: An Introduction to Clinical Skills

Course Description

This course provides students with the addiction and substance use disorder education required for the Apprentice Addiction Professional* (AAP) certification through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. Students will acquire key introductory clinical skills and knowledge, including screening, assessment and engagement; treatment planning, collaboration and referral; counseling; and professional and ethical responsibilities. * The AAP certification is required by the Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP) for entry level providers in its Preferred Provider Network. The certification exists only in Vermont. To be eligible for the AAP certification, applicants must be employed within a Preferred Provider Network, have or be working toward an associate or bachelor degree, and must meet substance use education, employment and supervision, and minimum age requirements. All 40 hours of the education required for AAP certification must occur within the 5 years preceding completion of all application requirements.

Essential Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

1. Identify physical symptoms and behavioral signs of addiction and substance use disorders and identify the stages of dependency using current screening and assessment tools.
2. Describe theoretical approaches and current models for addiction and substance use disorder treatment planning, collaboration, and referral.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of counseling, including ability to employ effective client engagement strategies.
4. Summarize professional and ethical responsibilities and apply to common clinical situations.
5. Describe HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 and interpret ways that these impact confidentiality in substance use disorder counseling (6 hours).
6. Discuss the prevalence and relationship between co-occurring addiction, substance use, and mental health disorders.
7. Describe the processes for substance use disorder credentialing, including AAP test preparation and certification.

Textbooks & Technology

Required Textbooks:

The textbook for this course is Berry, W., & Ramnath, R. (2014). Addiction: a human experience. San Diego, CA: Cognella. This text can be purchased through the bookstore. 

Additional required articles will be outlined in the modules and made available to students online through Hartness Library or as PDFs. Additionally, throughout the semester, the instructor may offer additional suggested readings for students to utilize for further learning and exploration of course content.

Modular Topics

• Module 1: The Role of AAPs in Providing Substance Use Disorder and Addiction Treatment in Vermont
• Module 2: Overview of Theories and Models of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 3: Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 4: Stages of Change Model in Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Treatment
• Module 5: Screening, Intake and Orientation and utilization of ASAM Criteria for Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 6: Scope of Practice & Role of an AAP in Assessment of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 7: Scope of Practice & Role of an AAP in Treatment Planning of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 8: Commonly Used Counseling Interventions for Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 9: Consultation, Collaboration, Referrals and Crisis Intervention of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 10: Role and Education of Client, Family and Loved Ones in Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Treatment
• Module 11: Professional Ethics and Boundaries of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Treatment
• Module 12: Understanding and Application of HIPAA and 42 CFR part 2 of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Treatment
• Module 13: Harm Reduction and Medication Assisted Treatment Interventions of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 14: Treatment Considerations for Co-Occurring Disorders in Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
• Module 15: Treatment Interventions and Associated Challenges of Providing Treatment for Substance Use Disorders and Addiction in Vermont

Suggested Progression

This is a self-paced asynchronous course which means that students will be starting and progressing at different rates throughout the term. Once you feel like you have a strong handle on the material, and you have completed all of the assignments for the module, you should feel comfortable moving on, regardless of the pace, as long as you complete the course within the semester timeframe.  If you are starting at the beginning of the term, you could spend one week on each module to successfully complete the course within the term. If you are starting 7 weeks into the course, you could spend one week covering two modules so that you complete the course successfully within the term.

Grading 

Your final grade will be based on the following assessments:

Assignments Overview

Your learning modules will consist of learning resources, demonstrate your learning forums, assignments, and quizzes. You will also be working towards a mid-term and cumulative final project throughout the course. Please review all of the assignment rubrics for details on grading.

Demonstrate Your Learning forums are a part of every learning module and most are post-first discussions which means that you will post your reply before seeing the replies of others. Discussions will be graded based on the following rubric:

Student Support & Policies

Please review the following policies and support services: