SUNY Erie Community College

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; and
• knowledge of 12-step and other self-help support groups and activities.