Counselor ed explores substance abuse program collaborations

 
  In the spirit of providing a more holistic approach to thinking about substance abuse, University of Wyoming Counselor Education Department is envisioning ways to collaborate with campus partners to enhance institutional programs to prepare professionals to more effectively work with addictions.
   Longtime therapist and substance abuse counselor Jane Warren, who joined the counselor education faculty in September, is actively exploring opportunities to work across departments to provide a curriculum that recognizes the complexity of treating additions.
   Warren also is working closely with members of the Wyoming Department of Health Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division to identify ways to match the state's needs to the research interests and expertise of UW faculty and graduate students. Both sides of that emerging partnership see opportunities to identify and address the state's substance abuse issues more effectively.
   That may include linking master's- and doctoral-level research projects to questions that expand the understanding of state program directors and information coordinators. It also may include internships that expose UW students to the processes that impact substance abuse policy.
    "This is a great opportunity for Wyoming resources to work together for a common goal," Korin Schmidt, administrator for policy and planning for the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division, says. "Just imagine what we could do to reduce substance abuse issues in Wyoming with the latest scientific information, coordinated information, and community, state and UW collaboration.  We're very excited to partner with the University where the results will have a positive impact on professional development while providing a much needed service to Wyoming adults, children and families."
  One of the more critical contributions that UW can make to that effort lies in practitioner preparation.
   "My goal is to have students leaving the university, being able to respond more effectively to the needs of the state," Warren says.
   This includes creating curricula that foster a holistic approach to understanding and treating addictions, reflecting the evolution of thinking about substance abuse over the past several decades. 
   Warren's would like to see the UW Counselor Education Training Clinic (CETC), coordinated by the Counselor Education Department, serve as an resource for community members who do not require more intensive intervention.
   "It is my hope that the UW Counselor Education Clinic can expand its services to offer more support to address addictions such as DUI assessments, groups, individual treatment for less intense treatment needs," she says.
     Warren also envisions the clinic as a potential training site for practitioners-in-training in multiple disciplines, including counselor education, social work, psychiatric nursing and psychology. Graduate students would gain experience working with individuals facing substance abuse challenges that will prepare them for professional practice. They also will expand their understanding of the complexity of addiction treatment in their interactions with students and faculty approaching the issues from other disciplines.
    It is important that the UW Counselor Education Training Clinic not duplicate other services already available on campus and in Laramie, but complement them, she says.
  

Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007