Implementation Model for Motivational Interviewing Training in a Community College Human Services Program

Abstract

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-supported style of communication used across many fields of human services, including addiction treatment, social work, healthcare, education, and criminal justice. MI can be utilized by a variety of human service professionals and requires no special licensure or educational degree. In 2016, our Human Services program at LaGuardia Community College, CUNY began to implement MI training as a core part of our curriculum to provide students with this micro-credential to increase their career readiness. This paper outlines our ongoing approach for implementing MI in a community college human services program, including the training model we used for preparing faculty and staff to implement this approach, as well as some reflections from graduates.