CORE FUNCTIONS OF COUNSELING

1. SCREENING Screening: the process by which a client is determined appropriate and eligible for admission to a particular program. The eligibility criteria are generally determined by the focus, target population and funding requirements of the counselor's program or agency. Many of the criteria are easily ascertained. These may include the client's age, sex, place of residence, legal status, veteran status, income level, and the referral source." The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "screening" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "Additionally it is imperative that the counselor use appropriate diagnostic criteria to determine whether the applicant's alcohol or other drug 'use' constitutes abuse. All counselors must be able to describe the criteria they use and demonstrate their competence by presenting examples of how the use of alcohol and other drugs has become dysfunctional for a particular client." "The determination of a potential client's appropriateness for a program requires a greater degree of judgment and skill by the counselor and is influenced by the program's environment and modality (i.e., inpatient, outpatient, residential, chemotherapy, detoxification or day care). Important factors include physical condition of the client, the psychological functioning of the client, outside supports/resources, previous treatment efforts, motivation, and the philosophy of the program." General Discussion of the Function: A variety of factors must be considered before deciding whether or not to admit a potential client for treatment. The eligibility criteria will be found in the admission criteria of the specific program being considered. These may include the clients age, sex, place of residence, legal status, veteran status, income level and referral source. AND, it is important that the counselor use appropriate diagnostic criteria to determine whether the applicants alcohol and other drug use constitute experimentation, abuse, or dependency. Counselors are responsible for determining the appropriate screening method/instrument to be utilized and being able to demonstrate competency in using that method, understanding the results and making referrals based on these results. The most commonly used method to make this differentiation is the DSM-IV criteria. However, in order to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis a counselor might use: clinical interview, MAST, SASSI, etc. Any of which can be useful in using the DSM-IV criteria for determining the need for treatment and the appropriate treatment setting.

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The appropriateness of a client is programs environment and modality of treatment (i.e., inpatient, residential, detoxification, and outpatient.) Such factors as physical condition of the client, psychological functioning of the client, motivation, previous treatment efforts, outside supports/resources and the philosophy of the program are considered in determining the appropriateness of the client. It is the responsibility of the counselor to maintain an up to date referral log so that any applicant for admission that is deemed to be ineligible or inappropriate for the program can be given alternative suggestions for treatment when necessary.

2. INTAKE Intake: the administrative and initial procedures for admission to a program. The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "intake" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "The intake usually becomes an extension of the screening, when the decision to admit is formally made and documented. Much of the intake process includes completion of various forms. Typically, the client and the counselor fill out an admission or intake sheet, document the initial assessment, complete appropriate releases of information, collect financial data, sign consent for treatment, and assign the primary counselor." General Discussion of the Function: The Intake may be an extension of the screening. This is the administrative process by which a client is formally admitted to a program. The process involves completion of various forms and may be completed in part by an administrative person. However, typically the counselor and client together complete it. These documents will include but not be limited to: Required admission forms Intake sheets Initial assessment Financial data Consent forms including consent for release of information, consent for treatment, and any other consent required by the admitting program Assigning primary counselor

3. ORIENTATION Orientation: describing to the client: the general nature and goals of the program; the rules governing client conduct and infractions that can lead to; disciplinary action or discharge from the program; in a nonresidential program, the hours during which services are available; treatment costs to be borne by the client, if any and; client's rights. The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "orientation" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "The orientation may be provided before, during and/or after the client's screening intake. It can be conducted in an individual, group, or family context. Portions of the orientation may include other personnel for certain specific parts of the treatment, such as medication." General Discussion of the Function: The Orientation of a client may begin before the screening by a referral source. It continues during the screening, intake and assessment phases of treatment. IN some agencies it is a formal process requiring written documentation of attendance at special orientation classes or groups, in other situations it may be less formal with the counselor providing the information, usually in the form of a clients handbook or there might be a combination of the two methods. It may be done by a one on one with the client and the counselor, intake worker and/or screener. Alternatively, there might be orientation groups and classes or done in a family context. In inpatient facilities, other staff may be included in the orientation process such as medical staff, dietician, etc.

4. ASSESSMENT Assessment: Those procedures by which a counselor/program identifies and evaluates an individual's strengths, weaknesses, problems, and needs for the development of the treatment plan." The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "assessment" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "Although assessment is a continuing process, it is generally emphasized early in treatment. It usually results from a combination of focused interviews, testing, and/or record reviews." "Many counselors use a General Systems perspective, which is analytic, synthetic, dynamic, and historic, simultaneously. Using this approach, the counselor would separately evaluate major life areas (i.e., physical health, vocational development,
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social adaptation, legal involvements, and psychological functioning). At the same time, the counselor assesses the extent to which alcohol or drug use has interfered with the client's functioning in each of these areas. Next, the counselor would attempt to determine the relationship of functioning between these life areas. The result of this assessment should suggest the focus for treatment." General Discussion of the Function: The assessment of a client actually begins with the screening and continues throughout treatment. However, it is more emphasized in early treatment. The assessment of a client may include focused interviews, testing, and reviewing other records. Many counselors prefer to use a General Systems approach, which is analytic, synthetic, dynamic and historic, simultaneously. While evaluating the major life areas (i.e., physical health, vocational development, social adaptation, legal involvements and psychological functioning) the counselor will be assessing the extent to which alcohol and drug use has interfered with the clients functioning in each of these areas. The counselor will determine the relationship between the areas and the degrees of function or dysfunctionality. The treatment plan will be developed from the results of this assessment.

5. TREATMENT PLANNING Treatment Planning: the process by which the counselor and the client: identify and rank problems needing resolution; establish agreed-upon immediate and long-term goals, and; decide on treatment methods and the resources to be used. The following expanded definition of "treatment planning" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "The treatment contract is based on the assessment and is a product of a negotiation between the client and counselor to assure that the plan is tailored to the individual's needs. The language of the problem, goal, and strategy statements should be specific, intelligible to the client, and expressed in behavioral terms. The statement of the problem concisely elaborates on the client the need identified previously. The goal statements refer specifically to the identified problem and may include one objective or a set of objectives ultimately intended to resolve or mitigate the problem. The goals must be expressed in behavioral terms in order for the client and counselor to determine progress in treatment. The plan or strategy is a specific activity that links the problem with the goal. It describes the services, who will provide them, where they will be provided, and at what frequency. Treatment planning is a dynamic process, and the contracts must be regularly reviewed and modified as appropriate."

General Discussion of the Function: The treatment plan is a contract between the client and the counselor that is tailored to meet the individuals specific needs. It is the result of negotiations between the client and the counselor. The treatment plan should be written in such a way that it is easily understood by the client and is expressed in behavioral terms. The clients needs as established in the assessment process are clearly stated in a concise fashion - frequently known as the problem statement. Goal statements refer to the identified problem and consist of one or more objectives. In order to determine progress in treatment and adherence to the treatment plan the goals must be expressed in behavioral/measurable terms. The plan or strategy describes the services to be provided, who will provide them, where they will be provided and at what frequency they will occur. This section of the treatment plan links the stated problem with the goal. Treatment plans must be reviewed throughout the clients treatment process. Progress notes should reflect the clients progress or lack thereof in terms of the treatment plan. The plan/contract is to be modified anytime the behavior of the client warrants a change. Reviews and modifications are documented in the clients chart.

6.

COUNSELING

Counseling (Individual, Group and Significant Others): the utilization of special skills to assist individuals, families, or groups in achieving objectives through: explorations of a problem and its ramifications examination of attitudes and feelings consideration of alternative solutions and decision-making. The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "counseling" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "Counseling/Therapy is basically a relationship in which the counselor helps the client mobilize resources to resolve his/her problem and/or modify attitudes and values. The counselor must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of at least three counseling approaches. These methods may include Reality Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Systemic Counseling, Transactional Analysis, Strategic Family Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, etc. Further, the counselor must be able to explain the rationale for using a specific approach for the particular client. For example, a behavioral approach might be suggested for clients who are resistant, manipulative, and having difficulty anticipating consequences and regulating impulses.

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On the other hand, a cognitive approach may be appropriate for a client who is depressed, yet insightful and articulate." "Also, the counselor should be able to explain his/her rationale for choosing a counseling approach in an individual, group, or significant- other contact. Finally, the counselor should be able to explain why a counseling approach or context changed during treatment." General Discussion of the Function: The counselor is a facilitator who through the therapeutic relationship enables the client to mobilize resources modify behavior, attitudes and values and to resolve conflicts in life and life style that have resulted in their being out of control. In order to be a competent facilitator in this process the counselor must have a working knowledge of various counseling approaches. These may include, but not be limited to: Realty Therapy; Behavior Therapy; Rational Emotive Therapy; Transactional Analysis, Strategic Family Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy; Gestalt Therapy. The counselor should be able to explain the rationale for using a specific approach to the particular client. The counselor might take into consideration that a client who lacks insight is manipulative, impulsive and resistant to treatment would be better suited to a strong behavior modification approach. Whereas, a client that was more insightful and articulate might be appropriate for a cognitive therapy approach. A counselor should be able to explain, in clear and understandable terms, to the client and significant others why a particular counseling approach, and/or theory was considered most appropriate for this client. If the counseling approach was changed during the course of treatment, the counselor must be able to explain the rationale for the change and why the new approach was chosen.

7.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case Management: Activities which bring services, agencies, resources, or people together within a planned framework of action toward the achievement of established goals. It may involve liaison activities and collateral contacts. The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "case management" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "Case Management is the coordination of a multiple-service plan. By the time any alcohol and other drug abusers enter treatment, they tend to manifest dysfunction in a variety of areas. For example, a heroin addict may have hepatitis, lack job skills, and have a pending criminal charge. In this case, the counselor might monitor his medical treatment, make a referral to a vocational rehabilitation program, and communicate with representatives of the criminal justice system."

"The client may also be receiving other treatment services, such as family therapy and chemotherapy, within the same agency. These activities must be integrated into the treatment plan, and communication must be maintained with the appropriate personnel." General Discussion of the Function: The primary counselor is expected to provide case management for the client. This consists of coordinating multiple service plans within the treatment setting. Many person entering treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse exhibit dysfunctionality in a variety of areas of their life. For example they might need medical treatment for hepatitis, lack job skills and have serious involvement with the legal /criminal justice system. The counselor will be expected to monitor the medical care - reviewing medical notes verifying that appointments were made and kept, refer the client to outside job skill training and be a liaison with the clients probation officer. It is important to remember that consents for release of information are to be obtained for all outside contacts. The important issue here is that all of these activities must be integrated into the treatment plan and that communication must be maintained with the appropriate personnel. One of the most common errors made with this Core Function is to confuse it with Referral. Although, referrals might be necessary to accomplish this function they are not the primary function.

8.

CRISIS INTERVENTION

Crisis Intervention: Those services which respond to an alcohol and/or other drug abuser's needs during acute emotional and/or physical distress. The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "crisis intervention" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "A crisis is a decisive, crucial event in the course of treatment that threatens to compromise or destroy the rehabilitation effort. These crises may be directly related to alcohol and/or drug use (i.e., overdose or relapse) or indirectly related. The latter might include the death of a significant other, separation/divorce, arrest, suicidal gestures, psychotic episode, or outside pressure to terminate treatment." "It is imperative that the counselor be able to mitigate or resolve the immediate problem and use the negative events to enhance the treatment effort, if possible."

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General Discussion of the Function: Any crucial event in the course of treatment that threatens to compromise or destroy the rehabilitation effort is a crisis for the client. The crises might be directly related to alcohol or drug abuse (i.e., overdose, relapse, slip) or indirectly related (death of a significant other, separation/divorce proceedings, psychotic episode, suicidal gesture, external pressure to terminate treatment. The counselor MUST be able to recognize the elements of crises when they arise and be able to provide immediate assistance in mitigation or resolving the problems. When the immediate crises is past it is essential that the counselor be able to use the negative events to enhance treatment efforts, if possible.

9. EDUCATION Education: provision of information to individuals and groups, concerning alcohol and other drug abuse and the available services and resources. The following expanded definition of "education" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "Client education is provided in a variety of ways. In certain inpatient and residential programs, for example, a sequence of formal classes may be conducted using a didactic format with reading materials and films. On the other hand, an outpatient counselor may provide relevant information to the client individually and informally. In addition to alcohol and drug information, client education may include a description of self-help groups and other resources that are available to the clients and their families." General Discussion of the Function: This core function refers primarily to drug and alcohol information but may in fact include any education that assists the client in making life changes and accepting recovery. This information may be provided in a formal setting of classes, lectures, didactic presentations or in the less formal setting of one to one sessions with only the client and counselor present or to individual family groups. It might also involve the use of videos, written materials, homework assignments, film audiotapes, etc. The classes may also be presented to family groups or groups comprised of significant others and clients in the same setting. Client education also includes providing the client with lists of self-help groups and other community resources that can be utilized to maintain recovery.

10. REFERRAL: Describe the process of referral and explain how it was used in this case. Referral: identifying the needs of the client that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and helping the client to utilize the support systems and community resources available." The following supplemental expansion of this definition of "referral" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "In order to be competent in this function, the counselor must be familiar with community resources, both alcohol/drug and others, and be aware of the limitations of each service. In addition, the counselor must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the referral process, including the confidentiality requirements." "Referral is obviously closely related to case management when integrated into the initial and ongoing treatment plan. It also includes, however, aftercare or discharge referrals that take into account the continuum of care." General Discussion of the Function: Referral is one of the core functions that can and does occur at every level of treatment. At the screening, if the potential client is found to be inappropriate or ineligible for services it is the responsibility of the screener to provide an appropriate referral for other services where possible. When a problem or a need is identified that the agency or the counselor cannot meet the client is to be referred to an outside agency. (ALWAYS, keeping in mind the laws regarding confidentiality.) The core functions of Referral, Case Management and Consultation are closely related and it is important that the counselor be able to understand the differences and demonstrate competency in EACH Core Function. In order to show competency in Referral the counselor must be familiar with community resources and how to access them. This will include, but not be limited to, drug/alcohol directly related services, social agencies, medical care, and employment training/assistance. In addition, the counselor is expected to know the limitations and restrictions of each service. A major difference between the core functions is that Referral is also concerned with aftercare and discharge planning referrals in order to insure the continuum of care for the client.

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11. REPORT AND RECORD KEEPING Report and Record Keeping: Charting the results of the assessment and treatment plan, and writing reports, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other client-related data. The following supplemental expanded definition of "report and record keeping" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "The report and record keeping function is extremely important. It can benefit the counselor by documenting the client's progress in achieving his/her goals. It can facilitate adequate communications between co-workers. It can assist the counselor's supervisor in providing timely feedback. It can be valuable to other programs that may provide services to the client at a later date. It can enhance the accountability of the program to its funding sources. Ultimately, if properly performed, it can enhance the client's treatment experience." General Discussion of the Function: Seen on a records room door: IN GOD WE TRUST ALL OTHERS MUST DOCUMENT! And, this basically sums up the importance of this Core Function. There are many benefits of thorough documentation; among them are: Documentation provides ongoing history of the clients progress, or lack there of, which facilitates communication between co-workers and other appropriate staff; Documentation allows for continuous review of the services provided and how they refer to and reflect adherence to the clients treatment contract; Documentation assists the counselors supervisor and/or the clinical supervisor to provide timely feedback; Documentation provides a valuable reference for other programs providing services to the client in the future; Documentation provides accountability to the funding and licensing sources. The ultimate goal of ALL record keeping is to enhance the entire treatment experience.

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12. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN REGARD TO CLIENT TREATMENT/SERVICES Consultation: Relating with our own and other professionals to assure comprehensive, quality care for the client. The following supplemental expanded definition of "working with others" may be used as a set of general guidelines: "Consultations are meetings for discussions, decision-making and planning. The most common consultation is the regular in-house staffing in which client cases are reviewed with other members of the treatment team. Consultations also can be conducted in individual sessions with the supervisor, other counselors, psychologists, physicians, probation officers and other service providers connected with the client's case." General Discussion of the Function: Consultation may be as informal as checking with a peer regarding a particular client to full team meetings, interdisciplinary staff meetings or referral to outside agency resources for consultation. In other words anytime the counselor confers with another person to seek additional input and expertise in order to provide more comprehensive services to the client that is a CONSULTATION. This might include supervisors, peers, physicians, psychologists, probation/parole officers and other service providers in the community.

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