ASA 245 - Cultural Competencies in Chemical Dependency Studies

1. Introduce the concept of critical analysis an develop application in the current course work.
2. Present the dimensions of cultural competency in counseling.
3. Explore the system of oppression in American society and the ways in which privilege serves to reinforce existing social structures.
4. Encourage insight into current treatment practices regarding the specialized treatement responses to the needs of various consumer groups.
5. Foster the integration of ethical professional behavior that is responsive to the needs of various consumer groups.
6. Identify sociocultural and ethno-psychological differences between groups.
7. Present the efforts of multicultural counseling theorists and researchers who are aiming to improve counseling forms so as to empower people who have been discriminated against and stigmatized by society.
8. Stimulate critical thinking regarding the special needs of the following groups:  women; racial minorities; religious minorities; socio/economically disadvantaged persons; physically challenged persons; LGBT people; narcotic dependent people; criminal offenders; dually diagnosed persons; impaired professionals; and persons in chronic pain, and formulate pro and con positions for specialized treatment responses to those in need.
9. Encourage critical thinking regarding selected current public policy issues and areas of concern in the arena of chemical dependency treatment.

Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Identify the need to approach clients’ issues in a culturally competent manner.
2. Identify several dimensions of culturally competent counseling.
3. Identify their own biases and prejudices so as to avoid projecting one’s own values and negative judgements onto consumers.
4. Identify the system of oppression in American society, and articulate the ways the system of oppression serves the privileged in existing social structures.
5. Recognize the need for specialized treatment responses given the unique cultural experiences of various consumer groups.
6. Identify and practice ethical professional behavior in response to the various needs of various consumer groups.
7. Identify and articulate a preferred multicultural counseling approach to be used in one’s own practice.
8. Articulate and understanding of the potential special needs of minorities and disadvantaged groups.
9. Identify current public policy issues of concern to the field of chemical dependency, and formulate ideas related to advocacy.