Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

ISI Website| indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641

PSYC 5820 - Addictions Screening, Assessment and Placement

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Steve Meier, PhD, ICPS

Course Description

This graduate course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of substance abuse screening, assessment and client placement. The course provides information related to the diagnosis of substance abuse; information related to particular testing instruments (including the reliability and validity of some instruments); issues and problems that may occur within the testing environment; and issues that may influence the outcome of particular testing instruments.  Finally, the course discusses the differences between screening and assessment tools/instruments, how to determine the severity of substance use/abuse, and placement of clients within particular treatment modalities.  The class also reviews aspects related to types of treatment modalities needed (detox, medical detox, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, etc.). 

Prerequisites

  • BA/BS in Psychology or related field (e,g., Social Work) or BS in a Health-Related Field (e.g., Nursing, etc.). It is assumed students are taking (or have completed) courses at the graduate level.
  • PSYC 578 - Individual and Group Therapy

Instructor approval is required for all students taking this course

It is expected all submitted graduate course material in this class is a level above work completed at the undergraduate level.  

Required Materials

You will need access to the following materials:

Optional Readings

  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Assessing Alcohol Problems: A Guide for Clinicians and Researchers (Treatment Handbook Series 4)
  • Additional web readings found in specific topic sections

Videos

You will be required to watch a variety of videos on various topics throughout the course.

Course Rules and Requirements

Assignment Guidelines

  • Assignments and exams must be submitted consecutively, in the order outlined in the course; therefore, it depends on where you are in the course as to when specific items are due, including assignments and exams. Other than that, there is no limit on the number of assignments that can be submitted per week.
  • Submit assignments and receive grades via Canvas.
  • Keep a copy of every assignment submitted. Write your name, V number, course subject and number, and assignment number on every submission.
  • An instructor may take up to three weeks to grade so plan accordingly to meet personal deadlines.
  • The final course grade is issued after all assignments and exams have been graded.
  • Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism, may result in a grade of “F” for the course.

Exam Guidelines

  • Exams are online in Canvas.
  • Graded exams are not returned to the student.

Grade Information

15 Papers & Assignments

  • Papers - Brief papers will be required and submitted through the Assignments section in Canvas.
  • Practice Interviews - Conduct interviews with peers (not individuals with clinical disorders). If working in a clinical setting, interviews may be conducted with clients under direct supervision. Once completed, you will write a narrative of the assessment, develop a diagnosis, and supporting documents for referral to a particular mode of treatment.

Total Assignment Points: 500

2 Exams

  • Mid-semester Exam (Essay, submitted via Canvas): 100 points
  • Comprehensive Take-home Exam (open book, open note, open person. If you use other individuals' information, you will need to cite that information correctly.): 300 points

Total Exam Points: 400

1 Term Paper

Write a comprehensive paper on issues associated with screening, assessment, and client placement. Must follow APA format with correct references.

Term Paper Points: 100

Grading Scale
Points Percent Grade
900-1,000 90-100% A
800 - 899 80-89% B
700 -799 70-79% C
600 - 699 60-69% D
599 and under Below 60% F

Course Policies

Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services. 

Academic Integrity

Cheating and Plagiarism: If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing, you will receive an F and be reported to the University Judicial Council.

AI Use Prohibited

As artificial intelligence tools become more widely available, it is important to clarify how they may or may not be used in this course. The following policy is designed to support your learning and ensure academic integrity.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Grammarly, image generators, and automated coding/writing assistants—is not permitted in this course.  

Unauthorized use of AI tools is considered a form of unauthorized assistance and undermines the core learning objectives of the class. This course is intentionally designed to build foundational skills—such as critical analysis, discipline-specific reasoning, original writing, and independent problem-solving—that require your direct engagement. Using AI tools to generate or revise work may hinder the achievement of these objectives and may compromise the integrity of your academic development.

Any use of AI tools for coursework, unless explicitly allowed by the instructor for a specific assignment, will be treated as a violation of academic integrity and may result in sanctions as outlined in the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct. Students are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all university policies regarding academic honesty and should consult the Student Code of Conduct for further guidance.