An introduction to the administration and interpretation of three Texas Christian University instruments: Drug Screen (TCUDS-V), Criminal Thinking Scales (CTS), and the Client Evaluation of Self in Treatment (CEST)
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Training Description
This training describes three instruments that were developed by the Texas Christian University Institute of Behavioral Research. The purpose and place of these instruments in an assessment battery will be explained. The emphasis will be on the use of these instruments with a correctional population, particularly a correctional population that has a history of substance use disorder. The training describes the proper administration and interpretation of the three instruments. The individual use of each instrument’s results is presented and how these results can be used in the development of an individualized treatment plan. Combining results from two to three of the instruments is discussed along with the potential for a synergistic effect from the application of all three instruments at intake to develop a dynamic treatment plan. The repeated use of two of the three instruments (the CTS and the CEST) are described including how these results can be used to adapt the treatment plan of the individual to the person’s current treatment needs, as the individual moves through the phases of treatment. The repeated administration of the CEST is described as not only a treatment measure, but also an outcome measure. Scales of the CEST that pertain to treatment engagement are described as a quality assurance measure that enhances a program’s responsivity to the clients and their unique needs. The training describes how the CEST results assist with counselor/participant matching to enhance the potential for an appropriate therapeutic alliance. The training describes the assessment of motivation in treatment and how the instruments’ findings can be used to develop a treatment plan that considers multiple factors that affect the potential for successful programming that is adaptive to the person’s current needs. This training is eligible for 2 valuable Continuing Education Credits.
Trainer Biography
Dr. Ralph Fretz is a licensed psychologist who had employed as the Director of Research and Assessment for private correctional treatment company for over 16 years. Dr. Fretz has worked with a variety of population including children, juvenile and adult offenders, psychiatric inpatients, and sex offenders. Dr. Fretz’s work has been published in a number of journals, including Corrections Compendium, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Journal of Community Corrections, and Corrections Today. Dr. Fretz has presented at national and international conferences on a variety of topics, including Assessment Centers, Alternatives to Incarceration, and Risk-Need-Responsivity Principles. Dr. Fretz is currently licensed in New Jersey and Florida. He is Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Fretz has been certified as an expert witness in family and criminal court.
Learning Objectives
This training is designed to help you:
- Administer and interpret the findings from the three featured TCU instruments
- Understand the assessment of treatment motivation using these instruments and how the motivational level of the participant factors into treatment planning
- Learn how adaptive treatment planning and programing works to enhance the success of a program
- Analyze the results of the TCU instruments, particularly the CEST results, to improve clinical supervision and treatment matching