This section includes information about what we need in our development as substance abuse counselors. The competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) necessary for all practitioners in the substance abuse treatment field.

The Competencies Model has two components:

I.   Transdisciplinary Foundations

1. Understanding Addiction
2. Treatment Knowledge
3. Application to Practice
4. Professional Readiness

II   Practice Domains

1. Clinical Evaluation
2. Treatment Planning
3. Referral
4. Service Coordination
5. Counseling
   • Individual
   • Group
   • Family
6. Client, Family, and Community Education
7. Documentation
8. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice. Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) Series 21. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)