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Why School Counsellors and Psychologists Should Treat Addiction Problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2016

Nadine Pelling
Nadine Pelling*
Affiliation:
University of South Australia, Australia
*
City East Campus, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Email:nadine_pelling@yahoo.com.au
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Abstract

School counsellors and psychologists will encounter students affected by addiction. When this occurs many will simply refer the students to specialist services within the community. Such referrals are not always an appropriate action for many reasons. School counsellors and psychologists have the professional characteristics required to create a therapeutic alliance and know the behavioural strategies needed for basic addiction treatment. It is suggested that school counsellors and psychologists add some basic knowledge, awareness, and skill relating to addiction to their professional development and, when possible, address the addiction problems of their students directly. Arguments regarding why school counsellors and psychologists should treat addiction problems are given. Moreover, how school counsellors and psychologists can briefly address addiction problems is outlined. Finally, resources on addiction are provided.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 13 , Issue 1: Mental Health Issues and Schools , July 2003 , pp. 77 - 86
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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