Preparing For Alcohol and Drug Licensure

Christy Hicks, CSW/CADCAtlanta Regional TEAP SpecialistDallas Regional TEAP Specialist

Test Preparation

• Plan your study time, make a contract or written plan if you need to

• Know you study style• Take frequent breaks when studying• Get in your best mental state• Learn about test anxiety (deep breath,

positive self talk, ear plugs, etc.)

About the Test

• 150 questions total• 1 minute and 24 seconds for each question• 60% of the test is written very clear (non-

tricky)• Watch for language cues: Always, best, correct

response, most, not, etc.• Multiple choice tests do not use

memorization, rather recalled information

Example:

What is the capitol of NY State?

a. Buffalob. NY Cityc. Albanyd. Syracuse

Three of these are distractors.

Test Day

• If you live far away from the test site, go the night before so you can relax

• Show up early, just in case• Don’t stay on one question too long, mark it, skip it

and move forward• Don’t worry if others finish before you, focus on your

test• If you have left over time recheck your test to assure

you did not leave any answers out• Be cautious of changing answers

Multiple Choice Test Guide

• Read the entire question before you read the answer choices

• Formulate the answer to the question in your head before reading the choices

• Read all choices before picking a answer• Then eliminate the answers you know are wrong• All of the above: If you see two correct answers • Usually the correct answer is the choice with the

most information

How many counselors does it take to change a light bulb?

a. two, one to screw in the light bulb, one to share the experience

b. four, things go better in groupc. six, better things go in bigger groupsd. eight, the more the merriere. one, but the light bulb really has to want to

change

Five DomainsCovered on the TEST

• Assessment• Counseling• Case Management• Client, Family, and Community Education• Professional Responsibility

Assessment

The process of assessment is gathering and interpreting information leading to a diagnosis

and treatment plan.

Assessment (cont.)

• Orient the client to the assessment process, results and planning.

• Interpret symptoms of intoxication/withdrawal and other information for making level of care decisions.

• Interview and document client general history and substance use.

• Interpret tests and objective data to further assess client’s needs.

• Obtain through appropriate releases and interpret corroborative information for complete history.

Assessment (cont.)

• Facilitate client understanding of results of assessment.

• Write an inclusive summary of assessment for diagnosis and treatment.

• Develop with client goals, objectives and treatment methods.

• Provide ongoing assessment/alter treatment plan with client as needed through treatment.

The population most at risk of having members develop alcoholism is/are:

a. Black Americans.b. American Indians.c. White, middle class men.d. Both a and b above.e. All of the above are equally at risk.

________ is the essential first step in determining the possible causes of addiction for the person and the most appropriate treatment modality fro his or her needs.

a. Screeningb. Assessmentc. Intaked. Orientation

Counseling

Counseling is applying special skills to assist clients in problem solving and goal setting and

attainment.

Counseling

• Develop rapport with the client/significant other for the best therapeutic process.

• Evaluate level of risk for personal safety and relapse potential.

• Keep open communication with clients as to the structure, expectations, and limitations of treatment.

• Select appropriate types of counseling (individual, group, or family) for best individualized treatment.

Counseling (cont.)

• Perform selected counseling strategies to progress towards treatment objectives.

• Assess effectiveness of counseling strategies based on client progress, revise as needed.

• Prepare a relapse prevention plan to assist in client ongoing recovery.

• Perform clinical documentation of counseling interventions to assure quality care.

A major method of reinforcing the therapeutic alliance and spirit of collaboration between the client and the counselor is:

a. including the client's family members in counseling.

b. setting mutually-established goals.c. going to 12-step meetings with the client.d. offering to make home visits.

After a counselor has made a summary statement, the most important thing the counselor should do is:

a. remain quite for a time to allow the client to consider the summarized material.

b. document the summary as soon as possible as part of the treatment plan.

c. recommend that the client discuss the session with his/her sponsor.

d. terminate the session immediately.

Case Management

Case management is the coordination of all services to complete a comprehensive client

treatment plan.

Case Management

• Keep current information and use community resources to meet client needs.

• Match client needs with community resources.• Orient clients to a referral and facilitate its

success.• Get informed consent and document according

to regulations for better quality client care.

Case Management (cont.)

• Consult, communicate and collaborate with others to improve client care.

• Serve as an advocate for clients with other systems.

• Evaluate case management on an ongoing basis for improved quality.

• Document all aspects of case management.

“Referral” pertains to:

a. assisting a client to utilize the support systems and community resources available.

b. meeting with other professionals for discussions and planning.

c. providing drug and alcohol information to clients.

d. attending an AA or NA meeting with a client.

A treatment professional utilizing case management will do all of the following EXCEPT:

a. assist the client with needs generally thought to be outside the realm or substance abuse treatment.

b. provide the client a single point of contact for multiple health and social services systems.

c. advocate for the treatment center’s approach to care.

d. be flexible, community based and client oriented.

Client, Family, and Community Education

Client, family, and community education is providing information to individuals and groups whether clinical or general in nature.

Client, Family, and Community Education

• Provide current biological and medical substance education to individuals and groups.

• Provide current cognitive and behavioral substance education to individuals and groups.

• Provide current sociological and environmental substance education to individuals and groups.

• Provide education with other professional around prevention, treatment and recovery.

• In treatment, educate about psychopharmacology to understand effects on behavior and brain.

The provision of information concerning alcohol and other drug abuse and the available services and resources, is termed:

a. consultation.b. client education.c. counseling.d. case management.

Significant others should be involved in the treatment process:

a. when the client requests interaction.b. from the client’s first contact with the

treatment center.c. after it has been determined that the clients

treatment is going well.d. after it has been determined that the

interaction will not interfere with the client's treatment.

Professional Responsibility

Professional responsibility encompasses ethics and legal issues in the practice of chemical

dependency counseling.

Professional Responsibility

• Follow accepted ethics codes and professional standards.

• Follow state, federal and agency regulations to protect client rights.

• Identify and respond to individual differences in culture and lifestyle.

• Engage in ongoing professional development and participate in administrative and clinical supervision.

• Relate with professionals, government and community to advocate for resources.

Which of the following is MOST helpful for counselors in defining their professional roles for counseling clients?

a. An understanding of self-help groupsb. An ethical code of conductc. Certificationd. An advanced degree

A client says to you, “I am getting to like you very much and I’d like us to get a lot closer.” You should first:

a. terminate the client’s treatment and seek supervision.

b. talk openly about transference issues.c. reciprocate your true feelings, but only if you

are attracted to him/her.d. refer the client to another professional.