This certificate program is designed for students preparing for or advancing their
careers in social services, mental health or addiction treatment where it is beneficial
to possess knowledge of the special needs of persons with both mental illness and
substance use disorders. Persons with co-occurring disorders, also called dual diagnosis
or dual disorders, have long been overlooked or underserved by the traditionally separated
mental health and addiction treatment fields, but a movement is underway in many agencies,
including Santa Barbara County's drug, alcohol and mental health services, resulting
in sweeping changes in how all clients and their needs are conceptualized and how
services are coordinated and integrated. A certificate in this field will put graduates
in the forefront of this movement and may significantly enhance opportunities for
employment or promotion.
The graduate of the Certificate of Achievement in Human Services: Co Occuring Disorders will:
Possess knowledge and skills that will enable them to competently and ethically carry out the duties and responsibilities of jobs in specialized settings with clients who have complex and multiple needs as the result of having one or more substance use disorders and one or more mental disorders, occurring together. The knowledge and skills that they will possess fall under the following three rubrics: (1) Interpersonal Helping Skills; (2) Ethics and Boundaries; and (3) Documentation.
Interpersonal Helping Skills: Graduates will possess interpersonal skills required to engage empathically with clients who have co-occurring disorders, develop safe and trusting relationships with them, assess their strengths and problems and recommend appropriate interventions and/or referrals. They will demonstrate the ability to manifest the core conditions of helping relationships, including empathy, non-possessive warmth, genuineness and congruence. They will recognize the importance of the family and societal contexts in which their clients live and utilize this information in providing helping services. They will understand the importance of, and demonstrate the ability to work as part of, a comprehensive, continuous, integrated system of care.
Ethics and Boundaries: Graduates will be familiar with a professional association’s code of ethics and demonstrate the ability to behave in accord with it. They will be able to define appropriate professional relationship boundaries and detect when these boundaries are crossed or violated. They will be able to maintain client confidentiality and know the conditions under which confidentiality must be broached. They will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of culturally competent practice.
Documentation: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to create and maintain appropriate client documentation, including intake notes, service or treatment plans, progress notes, discharge notes and other documentation such as informed consent and release of information forms.
Program Requirements
A total of 49 units is required for the certificate.
Required core courses (46 units):
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