Overview:
Assessment is one of the 12 Core Functions of addiction counselors. These 12 competencies serve as a foundational guide for substance abuse counseling, outlining expectations for professionals in the field. Mental health professionals are judged on their competency in these areas:
- Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Education
- Referral
- Report and Record Keeping
- Consultation
This session equips addiction counselors with a comprehensive understanding of the assessment process in substance use disorder treatment. Assessment is one of the 12 Core Functions of substance abuse counselors, and it’s the process used to identify and evaluate a client’s strengths, challenges, and needs to create effective treatment plans.
Participants will learn how to gather relevant history from a client based on the global criteria. Among other things, this may include:
- Using appropriate interview techniques to gain information on abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
- Identifying methods and procedures for using corroborative secondary sources regarding client’s substance abuse as well as their psycho-social history.
- Selecting the appropriate assessment tools.
- Explaining the rationale for the use of assessment techniques to clients.
- Developing a diagnostic evaluation of the client’s abuse of alcohol and other drugs, as well as any co-existing conditions, based on the results of all assessments.
Effective assessment and evaluation allows a mental health professional to provide an integrated approach to treatment planning based on the specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses of the client.
The session emphasizes developing diagnostic evaluations to support integrated, personalized treatment plans addressing substance abuse and co-occurring conditions.
Alcohol and other drug abuse, using appropriate interview techniques; Identify methods and procedures for obtaining corroborative information from significant secondary sources regarding client’s alcohol and other drug abuse and psycho-social history; Identify appropriate assessment tools; Explain to the client the rationale for the use of assessment techniques in order to facilitate understanding; Develop a diagnostic evaluation of the client’s substance abuse and any co-existing conditions based on the results of all assessments in order to provide an integrated approach to treatment planning based on the client’s strengths, weaknesses, and identified problems and needs.
Objectives:
- Identify appropriate bio-psychosocial assessment tools for substance use disorders (SUD).
- Explain the proper use of the DSM-5 in making an accurate substance use disorder diagnosis.
- Discuss utilizing the ASAM criteria for appropriate client level of treatment recommendations.
- Describe the procedures for completing a professional substance use disorder assessment.
About Online Assessment of Substance Use Disorders CE Courses:
This online assessment of substance use disorders CE course equips mental health professionals for a flexible, evidence-based approach to advancing skills in substance abuse treatment and related areas.
In this recorded webinar, healthcare providers such as clinicians and human services professionals will gain the tools to address substance misuse and co-occurring disorders including opioid use disorder. Featuring topics such as harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and pain management, the course helps foster competencies in case management and interventions for addiction treatment.
Focusing on assessment as one of the 12 Core Functions of drug and alcohol counseling, this course is designed for a wide audience, including mental health professionals working with individuals facing disabilities, domestic violence, or mental illness. This course supports decision-making in implementing treatment plans and managing substance abuse and mental health issues.
The prevalence of substance misuse and the demand for comprehensive addiction care highlight the critical role of assessment. This accredited online course supports healthcare professionals in meeting continuing education requirements and addressing the broader needs of the community.
Course materials are only available to enrolled students.
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Jenny Kirwin
Jenny M. Kirwin, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS completed her BA in Psychology and Human Services; Masters of Social Work Degree with a concentration in Alcohol and Drugs from the University of Buffalo, NY. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist; and Certified Clinical Supervisor in NC. Jenny has been working as a consultant and clinical supervisor with almost 20 years in the field of mental health and substance abuse specializing in Co-Occurring Disorders. She began her career in North Carolina with the local Area Authority in Mental Health. Transitioning to the Women’s Program as a lead worker. Substance abuse quickly became her focus while obtaining LCAS and CCS with NCSAPPB. From Private Practice to DWI Programs, her background brings diverse experience to her clinical supervision services. Jenny has been married for 19 years and has 4 children, 2 dogs, 8 chickens, and a goldfish. She enjoys being outdoors with her family as well as homesteading and staying physically active.
National Approvals
eCare BHI, as the accredited and approved sponsor, maintains responsibility for all the programs and must abide by each board’s continuing education guidelines.

Professional Counselors — The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider. ACEP No. 6703. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC are clearly identified. E care Behavioral Health Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Addiction Professionals — NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute is officially on file with NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) as an Approved Education Provider. They are formally known as NAADAC Provider #139138. Please note that E care Behavioral Health Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

Social Workers — Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
E Care Behavioral Health Institute, #1706, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. E Care Behavioral Health Institute maintains responsibility for this course.  ACE provider approval period: 06-03-2020 – 06-03-2026.Â

CE Broker
CE Broker is a continuing education tracking system in which licensees track their compliance and report their completed CE hours credit (CE Broker Tracking #50-33336)
State Approvals
States that Accept ASWB-ACE Approved Providers |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
Delaware | District Of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois |
Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska |
Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio |
Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee |
Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin |
Wyoming |
States that Accepts NBCC Approved Courses:Â |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut |
Delaware | District Of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Indiana |
Iowa | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Missouri | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
New Mexico | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota |
Tennessee | Texas | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin |
- Nevada CPC’s and MFT’s accept ASWB-approved training
- North Dakota Board Of Counselor Examiners LAPC and LAPCS accept ASWB approved training
- Rhode Island Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists MHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council LPC and LPCS accept ASWB approved training
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing – CMHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Washington State Department of Mental Health MHC’s accept ASWB approved training
- Wisconsin Council on Mental Health LPCS accepts ASWB-approved training
States that Accept NAADAC Approved Providers |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | Delaware | Hawaii | Indiana |
Kentucky | Maine | Massachusetts | Minnesota | Montana | Nevada | New Jersey |
New Jersey | New Mexico | North Carolina | North Dakota | Oregon | Rhode Island | Tennessee |
Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
States that Accept APA Approved Providers |
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Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Delaware | District Of Columbia |
Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
Montana | Nebraska | New Jersey | New Mexico | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma |
Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | Tennessee | Utah | Vermont | Virginia |
Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |