|
Description
In this study, the authors explored the self-perceived multicultural counseling competencies of substance abuse counselors. Overall, the results indicate that substance abuse counselors perceived themselves to be competent; however, differences existed on the basis of race and educational level. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
**********
Interest in multicultural issues and awareness of the importance of cultural sensitivity and multicultural competence in counseling have increased over the past several decades (see Ponterotto & Casas, 1987; Pope-Davis & Coleman, 1997; Sue, 1998). One reason for this increase is the growing demographic diversity in the United States, as demonstrated by the 2000 census (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). In fact, the estimate in the 2000 Census was that midway through this century minorities will constitute more than 50.0% of the population.
The increase in diversity in the U.S. population has specific ramifications for substance abuse counselors, because members of minority groups may be at higher risk than the dominant population for substance abuse problems. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, many members of minority groups may be at risk for substance abuse problems because of the socioeconomic disparities among racial and ethnic groups in combination with a strong correlation between low socioeconomic status and substance abuse (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2002). In fact, American Indians and Alaskan Natives reported the highest rate of alcohol dependence, and individuals of mixed racial and ethnic heritage reported the second highest rate, compared with other racial and ethnic categories. Additionally, individuals of mixed racial and ethnic heritage reported the highest rate of need for treatment and the highest rate of treatment received for illicit drug addiction (SAMHSA, 2002). This suggests that substance abuse counselors are likely to encounter clients who represent diverse racial backgrounds, and, therefore, they need to be adequately trained and competent in working with racially diverse clients.
The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) established the Multicultural Counseling Competencies (Sue, Arredondo, & McDavis, 1992) as a guideline for training professionals. These guidelines include (a) counselors' awareness of their own cultural values and biases, (b) counselors' knowledge of their client's worldview, and (c) counselors' implementation of culturally appropriate intervention strategies (i.e., culturally skilled counselors; Arredondo et al., 1996). AMCD assumes that counselors who become competent in these areas will have the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively counsel culturally diverse clientele.
Culturally competent counselors are less likely to reinforce stereotypes and to demonstrate biased behaviors toward their clients. In addition, multiculturally competent counselors are more aware of assessment issues and interventions relevant to diverse populations. These counselors are less likely to misdiagnose clients' issues and are more likely to choose culturally appropriate assessment and intervention strategies (Arredondo, 1999; Kiselica, Maben, & Locke, 1999; Ponterotto, Rieger, Barrett, & Sparks, 1994).
Although multicultural competence has been a topic of discussion and research for school counselors (see Holcomb-McCoy, 2001), play therapists (see Ritter & Chang, 2002), marriage and family therapists (see Constantine, Juby, & Liang, 2001), and counselors in general (Fuertes, Bartolomeo, & Nichols, 2001; Ladany, Inman, Constantine, & Hofheinz, 1997; Manese, Wu, & Nepomuceno, 2001), there has been little discussion of multicultural competency in the professional substance abuse literature. In the past, questions have arisen concerning the general training and preparation needs of substance abuse counselors (Armstrong, Boen, & Whalen, 1978; Gideon, Little, & Martin, 1980; Skuja, 1980), but few have focused specifically on multicultural competencies. Although many professional organizations and accrediting bodies promote the education of multiculturally competent counselors (see Association for Play Therapy guidelines [Association for Play Therapy, 2005]; AMCD multicultural competence; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs requirements [CACREP, 2001]), similar movement in the substance abuse profession is absent. For example, in their survey of substance abuse experts, Klutschkowski and Troth (1995) asked practitioners to list and rank the ideal components for inclusion in a substance abuse training curriculum. Of the components identified, ethics and counseling techniques were ranked at the top. Although they were still considered important, needs for special populations and multicultural counseling were at the end of the list.
The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (ICRC; n.d.) set the standard for the practice of addictions counseling. ICRC listed 12 core functions in which counselors must demonstrate competence before becoming certified (i.e., screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis management, client education, case consultation, referral, and records and record keeping). The ICRC standards of practice refer to the need for knowledge in the "social and cultural context of addiction" (ICRC, n.d., Foundations section, para. 2) and in the importance of "recognizing the needs of diverse populations relating to the issues of ethnicity,... |
More articles from Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling
Treatment implications for young adult users of MDMA.(3,4-methylenedyo..., April 01, 2006
Conceptual and moral development of substance abuse counselors: implic..., April 01, 2006
Boredom proneness, social connectedness, and sexual addiction among me..., April 01, 2006
An interview with Frank Miller about the substance abuse subtle screen..., April 01, 2006
Looking for additional articles?
Click here
to search our database of over 3 million articles.
|
