Virginia Law

A. In addition to the didactic training required in 18VAC115-30-62, the education shall include 180 hours of experience in a practicum or internship consistent with § 54.1-3507.2 C of the Code of Virginia performing the following tasks with substance abuse clients while under supervision:

1. Screening clients and gathering information used in making the determination for the need for additional professional assistance;

2. Intake of clients by performing the administrative tasks necessary for admission to a program;

3. Orientation of new clients to program's rules, goals, procedures, services, costs, and the rights of the client;

4. Assisting the client in identifying and ranking problems to be addressed, establishing goals, and agreeing on treatment processes;

5. Implementation of a substance abuse treatment plan as directed by the supervisor;

6. Implementation of case management activities that bring services, agencies, people, and resources together in a planned framework of action to achieve established goals;

7. Assistance in identifying appropriate crisis intervention responses to a client's needs during acute mental, emotional, or physical distress;

8. Education of clients by providing information about drug abuse and available services and resources;

9. Facilitating the client's utilization of available support systems and community resources to meet needs identified in clinical valuation or treatment planning;

10. Reporting and charting information about the client's treatment, progress, and other client-related data; and

11. Consultation with other professionals to assure comprehensive quality care for the client.

B. Each of these tasks shall be performed for at least eight hours under supervision and shall be verified as a part of the application by the supervisor.

C. Groups and classes attended as a part of a therapy or treatment program shall not be accepted as any part of the educational experience.