Clients who are actively detox from substances are a challenging group that require care and attention specific to their environment. They are experiencing a range of physical and psychological symptoms that make caring for them in their initial stages a top priority for clinicians working in this space (Soloman et al, 2023).

Learning about this population and their specific needs as well as how to use basic motivational interviewing techniques can support a better initial response to treatment when provided at early, middle, and end stages of this level of care Miller and Rollick, 2002). Many of these clients are those that are entering into a residential program following or who may be returning home. In either case, these clients need support with discomfort, pain, fogginess, anxiety, irritability, agitation and other symptoms that make it difficult to remain committed to their care when the prior coping skill of substance use is no longer available (DOJ, 2023).

The goal of this program will be to provide education to therapists/clinicians who are beginning their work with the group to allow them to understand the unique characteristics of this population, the precautions needed to support their care, and the motivational interviewing technique that can best support fragile clients as they determine whether or not they will commit to care. The program will also discuss challenges and the drop out rates of this population to understand early termination of a program during the detox stage of care. The program will include a lecture, handouts, and interactive question and answer to allow for full engagement in the material for effective learning.

After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to 

•  Define detoxification and three mental/physical symptoms.

• Define motivational interviewing and at least two related interventions

This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.3: Program content focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research procedures.

This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.

General Admission: $30

The Chicago School Faculty/Staff/Alumni: $20

Students: $15

(Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: This program is non-refundable.

Kristen Garubba, EdD, Therapist/SUD Clinical Supervisor and Director of Clinical Training

Dr. Garubba is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has extensive experience in the field of Addiction and Trauma. She has also served as an adjunct professor at both Cal State Fullerton and the Chicago school further educating future therapists in their work with this population. In addition, she also has long standing experience serving as a clinical director for several dual-diagnosis addiction programs.

Currently, she is the Director of Clinical Training at The Chicago School Ananaim/San Diego campuses while also maintaining her clinical and supervisor work.

She trains trauma focused EMDR therapists in addiction-focused EMDR twice a year to further promote effective interventions in this area. She enjoys her work with both students and clients.

Polcin, D. L., Korcha, R., Bond, J., Galloway, G., & Nayak, M. (2015). Changes in Psychiatric Symptoms among Persons with Methamphetamine Dependence Predicts Changes in Severity of Drug Problems but Not Frequency of Use. Substance Abuse, 37(1), 209–214. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2015.1015701

Solomon, A.L., Karhlton, F.M. & McLearen, A.M., (2023). Guidelines for managing substance withdraw in jails: A tool for local government officials, jails administrators, correctional officers, and healthcare professionals. Retrieved from: https://bja.ojp.gov/doc/guidelines-managing-substance-withdrawal- jails.pdf

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Using motivational interviewing in substance use disorder treatment: advisory. Obtained from: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/PEP20-02-02-014.pdf

Target Audience: Mental Health Professionals and Students

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159 

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036 

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hour of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code. 

Non Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable. 

*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.

If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.