2020 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 12 - Professions And Occupations
Article 245. Mental Health
Section 12-245-803. Practice of addiction counseling defined - scope of practice.

(1) For the purposes of this part 8, "addiction counseling" means the application of general counseling theories and treatment methods adapted specifically for working with addictive and other behavioral health disorders. Addiction counselors work in a broad variety of disciplines but share an understanding of the addictive process. An addiction counselor identifies a variety of helping strategies that can be tailored to meet the needs of the client. Addiction counseling relies on the use of evidence-based practices that have been shown to be effective in treating addictive disorders.

(2) The scope of practice of addiction counseling focuses on the following four transdisciplinary foundations that underlie the work of all addiction counselors:

1. Understanding addiction: Includes knowledge of models and theories of addiction, including alcohol and substance use disorders; recognition of social, political, economic, and cultural contexts within which addiction exists; understanding the behavioral, psychological, physical health, and social effects of using addictive substances or engaging in addictive behaviors; and recognizing and understanding co-occurring disorders.

2. Treatment knowledge: Includes the philosophies, practices, policies, and outcomes of the most generally accepted and scientifically supported models, along with research and outcome data, of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care for addictive disorders, including alcohol and substance use disorders. Treatment knowledge includes the ability to work effectively with families, significant others, social networks, and community systems in the treatment process and understanding the value of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment of addictive disorders, including alcohol and substance use disorders.

3. Application to practice: Includes the ability to properly diagnose behavioral health disorders using appropriate assessment and testing instruments and placement criteria; stabilization to reduce negative effects of problematic behaviors; developing helping strategies and treatment levels of care based on the client's stage of readiness for change; cultural competency; and familiarity with medical and pharmacological resources for treatment.

4. Professional readiness: Includes an understanding of diverse cultures; cultivation of a high level of self-awareness; ability to use critical thinking skills; adherence to ethical standards of conduct; ongoing use of clinical supervision and consultation; crisis management; and knowledge of the importance of prevention and recovery management.

(3) The primary practice dimensions of addiction counseling include the following competencies, as appropriate based on the level of certification or licensure and scope of practice:

1. Clinical evaluation, including screening and assessment;

2. Clinical intake, discharge, discharge planning, and referral;

3. Treatment planning;

4. Service coordination, including client advocacy, continuing care planning, and collaboration with other behavioral health professionals;

5. Counseling of individuals, groups, families, couples, and significant others;

6. Recovery management;

7. Case management;

8. Client, family, and community education;

9. Documentation required for a clinical record;

10. Professional and ethical practices;(k) Clinical supervision; and (l) Intervention.

(4) Scope of practice - licensed addiction counselors. Based on education, training, knowledge, and experience, the scope of practice of a licensed addiction counselor includes behavioral health counseling and may include the treatment of substance use disorders, addictive behavioral disorders, and co-occurring disorders, including clinical evaluation and diagnosis, treatment planning, service coordination, case management, clinical documentation, professional and ethical responsibilities, education and psychotherapy with clients, family, and community, clinical supervisory responsibilities, and intervention.

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1292, § 1, effective October 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-43-803 as it existed prior to 2019.