Options Counseling
Options Counseling Training Update:
Building on the structure of previous ADRC Options Counseling Trainings offered by the California Health and Human Service Agency (CHHS), the revised ADRC Options Counseling Training (version 3.0) is scheduled to be released in May, 2013 and reflects the evolving Options Counseling landscape as well as the latest version of the National ADRC Options Counseling Draft Standards. The federal draft standards are used as a basis for the CA Draft Options Counseling Standards.
The revised ADRC Options Counseling Training involves five modules. Modules one to three occur in an online-based learning environment and include and focus on the vision of ADRCs and Options Counseling. These online modules include Videos, Narrated Power Point presentations, Activities, Supporting Documents, Resources, and a Forum to interact with peers. Modules four and five occur during a 2-day face-to-face training. This portion of the training is focused on role playing and interactive, hands-on activities that will be essential for Options Counselors.
In addition to the revised ADRC Options Counseling Training, we are also including content modules with additional content in the areas of veterans service, managed care, decision making, caregivers, employment and youth in transition. These additional ‘content clusters’ will provide Options Counseling with additional opportunities to expand their knowledge in order to better serve consumers.
A training schedule is forthcoming.
What is Options Counseling?
ADRC Options Counseling is an interactive process where individuals receive guidance in their deliberations to make informed choices about long-term supports. The process is directed by the individual and may include others that the person chooses or those that are legally authorized to represent the individual.
Options Counseling is both the philosophy underpinning how ADRCs interact with individuals, as well as the process that ADRC staff use to support individuals and families to consider their options and access the right services and supports at the right time.
Options Counseling includes the following steps:
- A personal interview to discover strengths, values, and preferences of the individual and the utilization of screenings for public programs,
- A facilitated decision support process which explores resources and service options and supports the individual in weighing pros and cons,
- Developing action steps toward a goal or a long term support plan and assistance in applying for and accessing support options when requested, and
- Quality assurance and follow-up to ensure supports and decisions are working for the individual. Options Counseling is for persons of all income levels but is targeted for persons with the most immediate concerns, such as those at greatest risk for institutionalization.
Click to see an overview of the California’s Options Counseling Quality Improvement Project
Updated 9/21/12