602 | Happy, Joyous, and Free: Combining the 12-steps and Evidence-based Practices in Comprehensive and Ethical Addiction Treatment

Twelve-Step Integration (TSI) is an innovative counseling framework that merges Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) with other evidence-based practices (EBPs) to enhance addiction treatment. While TSF, grounded in the principles of Twelve Steps mutual-help groups, is widely recognized for its effectiveness, it may not fully address the diverse and complex needs of individuals with substance use disorders today, seen by psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders. TSI responds to this challenge by providing a flexible and comprehensive toolkit tailored to the unique requirements of each client. This program will introduce TSI’s core principles and techniques, highlighting its systematic and ethical integration of compatible EBPs. Emphasizing ethical decision-making utilizing both the ACA and APA Codes of Ethics, multidisciplinary collaboration, and scope of competence, TSI empowers mental health professionals to better support their clients’ recovery journeys. Participants will explore the theoretical and empirical foundations of TSI, alongside practical examples and implementation guidelines. This program is designed for counselors, educators, and researchers eager to deepen their understanding of TSI and its potential benefits in the field of addiction treatment.