CADC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Treatment Planning and Collaboration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's family members request to attend the next treatment planning meeting. The counselor should:
- Deny the request to protect client confidentiality automatically
- Obtain the client's written consent before including family members (Correct answer)
- Include family members without asking the client since family support aids recovery
- Refer the family to their own therapist instead
Correct answer: Obtain the client's written consent before including family members
A signed release of information is required before involving family members in treatment planning to protect client confidentiality.
Question 2: Which level of care, according to the ASAM criteria, is MOST appropriate for a client who is medically stable, highly motivated, and has strong social support but needs structured treatment?
- Level 0.5 – Early Intervention
- Level I – Outpatient Services
- Level II.1 – Intensive Outpatient Program (Correct answer)
- Level III.5 – Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services
Correct answer: Level II.1 – Intensive Outpatient Program
ASAM Level II.1 IOP provides structured programming while allowing the client to live in the community when social support is adequate.
Question 3: A counselor working in a methadone clinic wants to coordinate care with a client's primary care physician. The counselor should FIRST:
- Call the physician directly since medical coordination is always permitted
- Obtain a signed release of information from the client authorizing the communication (Correct answer)
- Send a detailed summary via fax without consent since it is a medical necessity
- Have the client deliver a written summary to the physician themselves
Correct answer: Obtain a signed release of information from the client authorizing the communication
42 CFR Part 2 requires specific written consent before disclosing substance use disorder treatment information to any third party, including physicians.
Question 4: In the context of treatment planning, 'client strengths' are BEST used to:
- Minimize the seriousness of the client's problems
- Build a foundation for recovery by leveraging existing resources and capabilities (Correct answer)
- Reduce the number of treatment plan goals required
- Satisfy accreditation documentation requirements
Correct answer: Build a foundation for recovery by leveraging existing resources and capabilities
A strengths-based approach identifies assets and capabilities the client already possesses to support recovery goals.
Question 5: A client who was recently released from incarceration is starting outpatient treatment. Which collaborative partner is MOST important to include in his treatment plan from the outset?
- His former employer
- His parole or probation officer (Correct answer)
- His childhood therapist
- His landlord
Correct answer: His parole or probation officer
Coordinating with parole or probation officers ensures treatment aligns with legal requirements and reduces re-incarceration risk.
Question 6: Which statement BEST reflects ethical treatment planning practice when a client's recovery goals conflict with the counselor's clinical recommendations?
- The counselor's clinical expertise should override the client's preferences
- The counselor should explore the client's perspective and attempt to reach a mutually agreed-upon plan (Correct answer)
- The client's goals are always followed without clinical input
- The disagreement should be documented as treatment non-compliance
Correct answer: The counselor should explore the client's perspective and attempt to reach a mutually agreed-upon plan
Ethical practice requires balancing client autonomy with clinical guidance through collaborative dialogue rather than unilateral decision-making.
Question 7: An effective discharge plan for a client completing residential treatment should include:
- Only a list of community AA/NA meeting schedules
- Aftercare appointments, housing, support resources, and a relapse prevention strategy (Correct answer)
- A statement that the client no longer needs services
- Documentation that the treatment goals were partially met
Correct answer: Aftercare appointments, housing, support resources, and a relapse prevention strategy
Comprehensive discharge planning addresses multiple recovery domains including housing, ongoing care, support systems, and relapse prevention.
CADC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Treatment Planning and Collaboration 3
A client's family members request to attend the next treatment planning meeting.
The counselor should: