Table of Contents
Description
The Addiction Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (ACSES) is a psychometric tool designed to measure the self-efficacy of counselors working with individuals struggling with addiction. This instrument focuses on various dimensions of counseling abilities, including specific skills related to addiction counseling, assessment and treatment planning, co-occurring disorder skills, group counseling capabilities, and basic counseling proficiencies. By quantifying self-efficacy, the ACSES aims to enhance the understanding of a counselor’s confidence and skill level in a variety of important areas that contribute to successful treatment outcomes. The scale consists of items that assess different scenarios counselors might encounter, which allows for a comprehensive evaluation of their readiness to assist clients in their recovery journey.
Authors and Contact Email
Murdock, T.B., Wendler, A.M., & Neilson, J.E. (2005)
Purpose
The purpose of the ACSES is to assess the confidence levels of counselors in delivering effective addiction counseling services and to identify areas for professional development.
Test Year
2005
Administration Method and Scoring
The ACSES is self-administered and utilizes a Likert-type scale where respondents rate their confidence in performing specific counseling tasks from 1 (no confidence) to 6 (absolute confidence).
Reliability and Validity
Reliability and validity information is not available.
Factors and Subscales
The scale assesses five key areas:
1. Specific addiction counseling skills
2. Assessment, treatment planning, and referral skills
3. Co-occurring disorders skills
4. Group counseling skills
5. Basic counseling skills
Keywords
Addiction counseling, self-efficacy, assessment, treatment planning, co-occurring disorders, group therapy, therapy skills.
Items of Addiction Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (ACSES)
1. Assess a client’s previous experience with self-help groups like AA, NA, CA, etc.
2. Show empathy toward a client.
3. Create a therapeutic environment where a client will feel that I understand them.
4. Convey an attitude of care and concern for all group members.
5. Work effectively with a client who has both a substance use and an anxiety disorder.
6. Develop trust and cohesion among members of a counseling group.
7. Screen clients for co-occurring mental health disorders.
8. Help a client determine who is available to support her/his recovery.
9. Work effectively with a client who has both a substance use and a psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia).
10. Use assessment data to develop a treatment plan.
11. Help members of a counseling group challenge each other responsibly.
12. Work effectively with a client who has both a substance use and a personality disorder.
13. Assess a client’s readiness to change substance use.
14. Help a client develop realistic expectations about recovery.
15. React spontaneously and responsively in a group counseling situation.
16. Work effectively with a client who has both substance use and trauma-related issues.
17. Teach a client about self-help support networks and related self-help literature.
18. Help a client figure out what behaviors will support recovery.
19. Help a client recognize what triggers her/his substance use.
20. Write accurate and concise assessment reports.
21. Assess a client’s financial concerns.
22. Summarize a client’s treatment and recovery information for other professionals.
23. Establish a warm, respectful relationship with a client.
24. Gather information about a client’s prior experiences with substance abuse treatment.
25. Challenge behaviors that interfere with a client’s recovery.
26. Form a counseling group, including determining the type of group and selecting members.
27. Help members of a counseling group support each other.
28. Work effectively with a client who has both a substance use and a mood disorder (e.g., depression).
29. Explore the interpersonal dynamics among members of a counseling group.
30. Use active listening techniques when working with a client.
31. Maintain a respectful and nonjudgmental atmosphere with a client.
References
Murdock, T.B., Wendler, A.M., & Neilson, J.E. (2005). Addiction Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (ACSES): development and initial validation. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 29(1), 55–64.
Wendler, A.M. (2007). Validation of the Addiction Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (ACSES). Kansas City: University of Missouri, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. 3280868.
Wendler, A. M. (2008). Validation of the Addiction Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale (ACSES). Dissertation Abstracts International, 68(9-B), 6343.
Murdock, Wendler, & Neilson (2005). Addiction Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale. In: Simmons C. A., Lehmann P. (eds). Tools for strengths-based assessment and evaluation, New York, NY: Springer, pp. 292-294. (2013).
For further information, the scale can be found at https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/addiction-counseling-self-efficacy-scale-acses-3/.