Erie Community College, State University of New York

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT - ALCOHOL COUNSELING

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an associate in science degree in Mental Health Assistant-Alcohol Counseling, the graduate will be able to:

• Understand the disease concept of chemical dependency
• Apply this understanding to working with alcoholics, addicted individuals, families, and significant others
• Understand the chemical dependency treatment systems available, referral practices and linkages
• Understand secondary psychopathology as it relates to chemical abuse/dependence, addiction and recovery
• Understand the pharmacology of drugs, drug interactions, and resulting addictive patterns
• Develop and apply basic human relations counseling skills
• Apply standardized diagnostic, assessment and treatment planning skills and techniques
• Perform basic individual and group counseling skills
• Write and implement effective recovery treatment plans
• Write effective and appropriate clinical documentation
• Perform clinical interventions
• Understand the roles and identity of being a professional alcoholism/substance abuse counselor
• Understand and perform according to guidelines of confidentiality and professional ethical behavior
• Knowledge of how to find and use addictions literature for clinical practice
• Knowledge of 12-Step and self-help therapeutic activities