General Studies – ASAC Track

The course seeks to aid the communication process by developing the ability to write clear, concise, expository prose, with emphasis on pre-writing and revision. It assists the student in finding a voice and an audience. A research paper is required, thus techniques of writing a formal research paper are reviewed.

This course focuses on a wide variety of introductory topics and issues related to substance use disorder/behavioral health counseling. Many different aspects of SUD/behavioral health counseling are examined from a variety of vantage points and perspectives. Class lectures and activities are designed to provide an understanding of but are not limited to: defining SUDs/behavioral health; biopsychosocial dependency; the different paths with which clients enter treatment; models of understanding substance use disorders; introductory evaluation and diagnosis; treatment approaches and counseling techniques; and non-clinical supports in the recovery process. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This course introduces students to both informal and formal logic; and students will use the developed logic to evaluate decisions for given situations. Topics include: informal logical games, logical fallacies, truth tables, logical equivalence, sentential logic with proofs, categorical logic, probability, expected value, and decision making. This course is cross listed in Math MA107-credit will not be granted for both PH107 and MA107.

A pre-calculus level algebra course. Topics include solving system of equations that contain either two or three variables, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials; factoring polynomials, simplifying rational expressions and solving linear equations and inequity expressions that contain absolute values.

Prerequisite: High school Regents mathematics or MA099.

This course is an overview of the substance use disorder counseling process with a focus on the substance use disorder counselor as a person and as a professional. Emphasis is on basic counseling skills, attitudes and values of the SUD counselor, and the importance of the counseling relationship in substance use disorder recovery. Furthermore, attention will be paid to developing and maintaining the “therapeutic alliance” between counselor and client, as well as various theoretical approaches and modalities of treatment efficacious in the treatment of substance use disorders. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as necessary aspects of the individual SUDs counseling relationship. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This course is an introduction into the basic issues of philosophy: Being, God, Knowledge, Meaning, Self, Reality, Evil and Death as they are found and presented in the history of Western Philosophy. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

This course in substance abuse disorder counseling addresses varied salient and current topics within the profession. These are issues which are necessary for each SUDs professional to be aware of. Topics in this course include but are not limited to: the biopsychosocial nature of substance abuse disorders and how each influences the other; the importance of addressing the needs of special populations in SUDs and what those populations may be comprised of; and the enhanced risk for suicidal ideation/lethality that is co-occurring for many dealing with SUDs. Special attention is paid to current issues of concern and risk for NYS residents dealing with SUDs. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as applies to all of the course topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

A study of the life span approach, from pre-natal development to aging and death. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, intellectual, social, cultural and personality factors. Major theoretical perspectives and research findings, including cross-cultural studies, are applied throughout the course. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

This course will introduce students to the individualized treatment planning process for clients in the substance use counseling field. Specifically, attention will be paid to the screening, assessment, and evaluation portions of the treatment planning process. Furthermore, client-identified problems and goal formulation, as well as screening for various risk factors and co-occurring diagnoses, will be addressed as facets of the assessment process. Consideration will be given to diversity, equity, inclusion, and multiculturalism as applies to all of the course topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This course addresses ethical concerns in the treatment of substance use disorders from a contemporary and practical framework. Presenting a comprehensive study of ethics as it applies to working in the substance use disorder profession, it focuses on ethical principles, decision-making and legal implications. Issues regarding dual relationships in therapy, confidentiality, the ethics of professional development and the ethics supporting counselor wellness/self-care are examined. The implications and application of ethical principles in the treatment of clients from diverse backgrounds are considered. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This course explores the nature of chemical dependency/addiction to legal and illegal substances. Class lectures and activities are designed to provide an understanding of varied classes of drugs and abuse and cover a diverse set of topics, including but not limited to: the etiology and development of addiction; pharmacology of substances of abuse; medical and psychiatric complications resulting from/exacerbated by substance use (legal and illegal); as well as other salient topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Abuse Counseling track.

This course is an overview of the substance use disorder counseling process with a focus on the substance use disorder counselor as a person and as a professional. Emphasis is on basic counseling skills, attitudes and values of the SUD counselor, and the importance of the counseling relationship in substance use disorder recovery. Furthermore, attention will be paid to developing and maintaining the “therapeutic alliance” between counselor and client, as well as various theoretical approaches and modalities of treatment efficacious in the treatment of substance use disorders. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as necessary aspects of the individual SUDs counseling relationship. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This supervised internship in an OASAS approved treatment setting is intended to provide the experience necessary to increase the student’s level of professional competency. Through the internship experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of SUD counseling practice, build on previous life and work experience, while also developing new areas of professional competence. This course is intended to afford the student the ability to coalesce and integrate: the clinical/theoretical learning experience; professional competence; personal/professional values and ethics; and activities which will support the development of both skill and critical analysis necessary for effective SUD counseling. Internship includes a weekly supervision requirement, a biweekly group supervision requirement, submission of monthly time sheets, as well as varied other salient assignments. The internship component will be complemented with a didactic component, serving to enhance the student’s overall knowledge by presenting topics for study and review that are salient to the internship experience. This course serves as the prospective SUDs professional’s introduction to this process. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This course is designed to provide students preparing to enter substance use disorder counseling/a helping profession with an understanding of the theory and practice of group counseling. Students will explore: different theoretical approaches to counseling groups; basic principles of group dynamics; leadership tasks; group developmental stages; and member roles. Basic group counseling skills including establishing, leading, and facilitating various types of counseling groups will be addressed. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as applies to the group counseling process. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This course, the second of a two-part SUD Assessment focus, will continue to educate students as to the stages of the individualized SUD treatment planning process. Specifically, attention will be paid to the SUD client admission decision, the development and implementation of the SUD treatment plan, and how these are accomplished in keeping with OASAS guidelines. Furthermore, salient issues such as client record keeping, Medication for Addiction Treatment assessment, coordination of care and the discharge process will be addressed. Consideration will be given to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism as applies to all of the course topics. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.

This supervised internship in an OASAS approved treatment setting is intended to provide the experience necessary to increase the student’s level of professional competency. Through the internship experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of SUD counseling practice, build on previous life and work experience, while also developing new areas of professional competence. This course is intended to afford the student the ability to coalesce and integrate: the clinical/theoretical learning experience; professional competence; personal/professional values and ethics; and activities which will support the development of both skill and critical analysis necessary for effective SUD counseling. Internship includes a weekly supervision requirement, a biweekly group supervision requirement, submission of monthly time sheets, as well as varied other salient assignments. The internship component will be complemented with a didactic component, serving to enhance the student’s overall knowledge by presenting topics for study and review that are salient to the internship experience. This course serves as the prospective SUDs professional’s introduction to this process. Counts as a required course in the Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Counseling track.