Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Model in Counselor Preparation

Authors

Everette Coffman, University of South FloridaFollow
Jacqueline Swank, MissouriFollow
Sondra Smith, University of FloridaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6366-6414

Author Biography

Dr. Everette Coffman is a licensed marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Florida. He then received his master's degree in marriage and family therapy with a professional counseling certification from Southeastern University. He earned his counseling and counselor education doctorate at the University of Florida. He is an assistant professor at the University of South Florida, teaching and researching for the Department of Child and Family Studies Marriage and Family Therapy program. Dr. Coffman has a unique ability to connect with people and has a natural gift for providing hope to his clients. He is a certified Emotionally Focused Therapist and supervisor in training. His passion is serving couples and families in our local community. Additionally, he is the owner/clinical director of Priority One Coaching, Counseling, and Consulting and enjoys providing supervision and training to his clinical team. Dr. Coffman has published three peer-reviewed journal articles and one book chapter and has had over 30 state, regional, and national presentations.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

SBIRT, counselor education, substance use, screening, intervention

Subject Area

Addictions Counseling, Counseling, Counselor Education

Abstract

As rates of substance abuse rise in the U.S., a treatment gap persists in the provision of prevention and intervention counseling services. Improving training in substance use treatment for counselors-in-preparation who provide early prevention and intervention across school and clinical settings may help fill the void in access to services. To meet this need, we developed an online multidisciplinary SBIRT curriculum for our university’s counselor education program, including mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and school counselors. The five-module training prepares graduate students at a basic competency level through an integrative approach involving online instructional pedagogy. This manuscript outlines the curriculum model, discusses its application across program areas, and offers implications for practice and future research.

Public Significance Statement

Substance abuse is a major concern within the United States, and all counselors need to be prepared to recognize substance use concerns and respond appropriately. This article outlines a training curriculum to address this need.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/0zpvwugk

Recommended Citation

Coffman, E., Swank, J., & Smith, S. (2025). Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Model in Counselor Preparation. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 19(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.70013/0zpvwugk