This course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to begin a career in Chemical Dependency Counseling. Students will learn the practical skills of completing a full biopsychosocial evaluation, including making a diagnosis using the DSM, and writing an evaluation summary. Topics will also include interviewing skills, treatment planning, referrals, communication, listening and feedback skills, how groups work, the impact of culture on treatment and how to assess spiritual issues. Students will be introduced to counseling theories and their relationship to treating addictions. A minimum of ten hours of role play are used in this course for learning interviewing and group skills.