Abstract
<p>Counselors should be proficient in screening for problematic substance use and also demonstrate the ability to provide a brief intervention, when appropriate. As part of a three-year grant project, counselor educators at one institution provided intensive training on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) to clinical mental health counseling students. This SBIRT protocol is designed to promote early detection and effective intervention for clients at risk of developing a substance use disorder. The purpose of this article is to present an in-depth narrative related to the process, content, and pedagogical methods of the training. The authors also address the lessons learned throughout the experience and provide recommendations to core faculty that may plan on incorporating SBIRT into curriculum.</p>
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgement is given to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for funding this project, grant number 6H79TI025960-03M002, and Denise Bowen, a co-principal investigator, for her contribution related to the grant activities.