Human Services, Substance Use Disorder Professional Counseling - Associate in Technical Arts (ATA)

This Degree is designed for students who wish to fulfill the education requirements for certification as Substance Use Disorder Professionals through the Department of Health in Washington State (WAC 246-811-030).

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate proficiency with key terms pertaining to the field of addiction and the ways it affects individuals throughout the life course.
2. Apply key principles in developmental and abnormal psychology to the experiences of chemically dependent and addicted patients.
3. Explain the pharmacological actions of alcohol and other drugs.
4. Demonstrate key substance abuse and addiction treatment methods, addiction placement, continuing care, and discharge criteria (including American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria).
5. Demonstrate effective treatment planning techniques, case management referrals, use of community resources, and service coordination.
6. Effectively utilize the techniques used in individual counseling; group counseling; and counseling for families, couples and significant others who are impacted by chemical dependency.
7. Develop an understanding of effective drug and alcohol prevention and relapse prevention programs as well as local client, family, and community drug prevention education opportunities.
8. Complete a 4-hour HIV/AIDS risk-intervention training for the chemically dependent.
9. Effectively communicate orally and in writing in ways that minimize conflict and maximize clarity with diverse people.
10. Collaborate with others (family members/agency representatives) to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
11. Access and use a variety of resources and services that match the needs of the individual or family.
12. Coach and mentor others. Others include co-workers, colleagues, and family members.
13. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct which includes being respectful, reliable, culturally sensitive, respecting a client’s personal boundaries, the rules of confidentiality, and adhering to mandatory reporting laws.