Political Sciences

Readings
Use The Substance-Related Disorder Assessment: A Roadmap to Effective
Treatment Planning to read the following:
 Chapter 6, "Multicultural Considerations With Special Populations, Introduction to
Assessment," pages 63–80.
Use the Capella Library to read the following:
 Balkin, R. S., & Juhnke, G. A. (2017). Assessment in counseling: Practice and
applications. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
o Read Chapter 8, "Multicultural and Special Population Assessment Issues in
Counseling," pages 138–150.

Multicultural Considerations in the Assessment
Process

1. After completing the readings for this unit, complete the
following questions related to the case study in Chapter 6,
"Multicultural Considerations with Special Populations," in the
course text:

"Rob is a 23-year-old African American male. He is currently engaged and has
one child with his fiancée. He lives in a suburban community and was referred to
a counselor, via his employer, for what was described as "on the job
intoxication." The client says that his employer is concerned about his drug use
because he failed a drug test after an accident at work. Rob was suspended for
one month, pending the outcome of his referral to counseling. Rob tells you that
he smokes marijuana, only a few times a week. Additionally, he asserts that he is
using cannabis for medicinal reasons, specifically to help with insomnia. Rob
reports he does not go to work intoxicated and only smokes marijuana at night to
help him sleep. Rob is worried about explaining why he may lose his job to his
family. He does not see a problem with his use of marijuana and also states he
likes his job, but feels like his boss is just trying to control him. Rob believes that
he should be able to use marijuana since it " . . . has never hurt anyone" and is a
medicine. Rob says he is willing to participate in counseling ". . . if he has to and
it helps him keep his job." The employer has given the client four weeks to start"
(p. 76).
 What are some of your observations about the case of Rob?
 Are their cultural considerations to attend to?
 How might Rob feel about counseling?
 What steps could you take to get a clearer picture of Rob’s case?

2. Read the posts of other learners. Respond to at least two of
your peers. Critically evaluate the learner's responses to the
discussion questions and discuss your opinions of their
responses. Explain your reasoning and use citations from
your reading and research to support your statements
and suggestions.

Peer 1- Some of the observations made about rob is that he is in the
precontemplation stage as he does not see a problem with his substance use
and only is willing to do counseling if he has to as in if he will keep his job. As he
does not see a problem with his use of marijuana. Rob reports that he failed a
drug test, in which he then discusses that he does smoke 1-2 times per week but
never smokes and comes intoxicated as the substance is only used to aid his
insomnia at night. Another interesting detail that he discloses is that he does not
want to have to discuss these matters with his family.
When looking at Rob’s culture, it is important to note that African Americans have
fought with being oppressed for many years. In doing so, during counseling it
would be important to note the distrust of the assessment process (Sprong &
Davis, 2018). This would reflect that Rob would be hesitant and stand offish to
counseling. In doing so, that can create an issue as far as relationship building
and creating a safe place but also in retrieving key information. It was
recommended that the best way to help is to let Rob assert control whenever it is
possible (Sprong & Davis). The giving up of control on a counselor’s end will
allow Rob to feel like he is in a position of power which is usually taken from him
due to his culture’s history. This will allow him to be more transparent and open if
he is leading. The best way to look at Rob and his case is through an emic
perspective, looking at the culture internally and not compared to others (Sprong
& Davis, 2018). The benefit is that Rob’s culture is consistently compared to
others and in society viewed as less. In only looking internally, it would show Rob
that the counselor is set out to understand him and his culture individually and
not against others.
To get a clearer picture I would first look to addressing his insomnia and ask him
to see his physician. The reason for this is to address insomnia medically if he
were to prescribe marijuana (Legal in some areas) or some other medication that
would be of aid. With that into consideration, I would have resources available for
physicians if he does not have one as their culture is typically underemployed
and in poverty (Sprong & Davis, 2018). The problem is that insurance would not
cover it and instead of adding extra stress, the counselor would be able to have
Rob’s back and provide some relief. This also might be a step in the right
direction in creating a trusting relationship.