The Relationship Between the Clinical Orientation of Substance Abuse Professionals and Their Clinical Decisions

In this study, the authors examined the relationship between the clinical orientations of substance abuse professionals (SAPs) and their clinical decisions. Cluster analysis grouped a sample of 245 SAPs on two clinical orientations that differed in their relative endorsement of traditional versus contemporary substance abuse counseling processes and beliefs. Logistic regression revealed that SAPs' clinical orientations, labeled neo-traditional and precontemporary, could be predicted by their clinical decision-making tendencies and education level. Implications for rehabilitation counselor education, supervision, and research are discussed.