Co-Occurring Disorders (14 hrs)

This class presents the basics of working with clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. There is a growing need to recognize and address the interrelationship of these disorders, along with the medical implications for the client, through the use of specialized approaches and integration of treatment. This class will address clinical assessment, treatment philosophy, strategies, and guidelines to provide integrated treatment with co-occurring disorders. It will include an introduction to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for the mental disorders most often seen with substance use and behavioral addiction disorders, along with a discussion of the changes to substance use diagnoses with DSM-5. The essential values, attitudes, and competencies of the counselor working with this population are discussed.