In all work settings practitioners frequently interact with clients who are challenged by addictions. To be effective, practitioners should be well-versed in current approaches to assessment and intervention. The Certificate in Substance Abuse Treatment will provide clinicians with the requisite knowledge and skill to provide treatment services that reflect the best practices in the addiction field. The Certificate is designed for the experienced practitioner who has the basic knowledge and clinical expertise in addictions but aspires to advance his/her knowledge and skills.

The workshops comprising the Certificate in Substance Abuse Treatment will stimulate attendees to examine theories and clinical realities related to working with substance abusing persons.  In addition to presenting the latest research-based content, the workshop leaders will ask provocative questions that encourage attendees to compare and contrast various understandings of the dynamics of substance-abusing behaviors and intervention approaches.  The presenters will encourage practitioners to reflect on their current practice and integrate new perspectives based on strength-based approaches.  We will contrast the traditional, mandated, structured approach to treating addiction with newer paradigms that present a collaborative, motivation-enhancing focus on building recovery.  The workshops will focus on theories of causality, societal attitudes, methods of assessment, treatment approaches, including motivational interviewing and the stages of change model, co-occurring disorders, and relapse prevention. Special issues in substance abuse intervention, including culture, family dynamics, adolescent issues; women, older adults, and GLBTQ clients, will be included in the content covered. The certificate will culminate with opportunities to reflect on actual case studies.

Required Workshops for the Substance Abuse Treatment Certificate

• Substance Abuse: Integrative Approaches for Long Term Recovery (6 CEs)
• Emerging Paradigms in Substance Abuse: Causality and Intervention (6 CEs)
• Substance Abuse: Special Issues and Populations (6 CEs)
• Substance Abuse Case Consultation: Application and Synthesis (2 CEs, online)