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California Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor Certification Agency CADTP

The laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of substance use disorder records were written out of great concern about the potential use of substance use disorder information against individuals, causing individuals with substance use disorders not to seek treatment.

A risk-managed approach to documentation is a best practice to protect both the client and the professional.

This course will explore 42 CFR part 2, HIPAA, and documentation of substance abuse therapy.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Harm Reduction in Substance Abuse Treatment is an approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of individuals who use substances by focusing on reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use rather than solely aiming for abstinence. This course is essential as it equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of Harm Reduction principles, strategies, ethical considerations, and controversial arguments for and against, enabling them to address substance abuse in a compassionate and pragmatic manner. Throughout the course, we will explore various Harm Reduction interventions, such as safe consumption spaces, needle exchange programs, and medication-assisted treatments, and learn how to implement these practices effectively within communities.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Implicit bias refers to the subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions, often without our conscious awareness. These biases can influence behavior and judgments in ways that may not align with our explicit beliefs or intentions.

This course will explore implicit bias, its origins, and its pervasive impact on various aspects of society, including the the counseling office and healthcare. Through a combination of self-assessment tools, interactive case studies, and practical strategies, learners will explore the subconscious biases that influence their decisions and behaviors. The course aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and mitigate these biases, fostering more inclusive and equitable environments in both personal and professional settings.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course is designed to equip substance abuse professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of substance abuse and addiction conditions. This course covers fundamental concepts of substance abuse, including the importance of mental well-being and the impact of stigma and misconceptions on individuals seeking help.

In addition to diagnosis, the course delves into various treatment modalities, such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, emerging therapies, and integrative approaches, providing a holistic view of substance abuse care. The course further addresses crisis intervention strategies and ethical and legal considerations, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of addiction treatment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course is designed to equip mental health professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. This course covers fundamental concepts of mental health, including the importance of mental well-being and the impact of stigma and misconceptions on individuals seeking help.

In addition to diagnosis, the course delves into various treatment modalities, such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, emerging therapies, and integrative approaches, providing a holistic view of mental health care. Special populations and considerations, including child and adolescent mental health, geriatric mental health, cultural competency, and gender and sexuality, are also thoroughly examined. The course further addresses crisis intervention strategies and ethical and legal considerations, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of mental health practice.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Clinical supervision is a structured process where experienced clinicians provide guidance, feedback, and oversight to less experienced practitioners. This enables practitioners to develop competence, take responsibility for their practice, and enhance patient safety.

This course reviews foundational theories and models of supervision, emphasizing the importance of supportive and ethical supervisory relationships. Participants will learn about documentation practices, the use of technology in supervision, and the impact of cultural factors on the supervisory dynamic. The course ensures supervisors are equipped to handle diverse and complex situations with competence and sensitivity.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Clinical supervision is a formal process of professional support and learning that enables practitioners to develop knowledge and competence, assume responsibility for their own practice, and enhance patient protection and safety. It involves a more experienced clinician providing guidance, feedback, and oversight to less experienced practitioners or interns.

This course will review the foundational theories and models of supervision, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive and ethical supervisory relationship. Participants will learn about the documentation practices and the use of technology in supervision. The course also addresses the impact of cultural factors on the supervisory dynamic, ensuring that supervisors are equipped to handle diverse and complex situations with competence and sensitivity.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore how culture and stereotypes play a role in how we see ourselves and our clients. We will explore cultural competency through cultural awareness, beliefs, knowledge, and skills. We will examine the implications for counseling theory, research, practice, and training. Participants will gain insight into how their own cultural backgrounds influence their perceptions and interactions with clients. Additionally, the course will highlight strategies to enhance cultural sensitivity and effectiveness in therapeutic settings.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore the myriad of issues relating to setting and maintaining boundaries within the counseling relationship.

– Key Concepts Regarding Dual Relationships with Clients
– Physical Contact and Sexual Relationships with Clients
– Self Disclosure
– Sound Decision Making and Managing Boundaries Set
– Emotional and Dependency Needs
– Professional Distance
– Therapeutic Styles
– Dynamics Which Make Therapy a Potential Setting for Boundary Violations and Exploitation

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethical guidelines help safeguard confidentiality, foster trust, and promote the responsible handling of sensitive information. This course is designed to equip mental health professionals with a deep understanding of the ethical principles and standards that guide their practice. Participants will explore critical topics such as confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, and professional boundaries.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that affects individuals who have recently stopped using addictive substances after a prolonged period of dependence. Unlike acute withdrawal symptoms, which occur immediately after cessation and last for a short duration, PAWS can persist for weeks, months, or even years.

This course will explore the common substances PAWS is associated with, the symptoms, both emotional and psychological, the phases of PAWS and the management of this syndrome.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course on Clinical Evaluation and Mental Status Examination is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform comprehensive mental health assessments. Participants will learn to conduct detailed clinical evaluations, including patient history taking, symptom assessment, and risk factor identification. The course will also cover the Mental Status Examination (MSE), providing techniques for systematically assessing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore how culture and stereotypes play a role in how we see ourselves and our clients. We will explore cultural competency through cultural awareness, beliefs, knowledge, and skills. We will examine the implications for counseling theory, research, practice, and training. Participants will gain insight into how their own cultural backgrounds influence their perceptions and interactions with clients. Additionally, the course will highlight strategies to enhance cultural sensitivity and effectiveness in therapeutic settings.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Ethics are crucial in any profession, particularly in mental health. They establish a framework of principles that guide professionals in making informed, responsible, and morally sound decisions. Adhering to ethical standards ensures the protection of the client’s rights and well-being, fosters trust in the therapeutic relationship and upholds the profession’s integrity. By prioritizing ethics, mental health professionals can navigate complex situations with clarity, mitigate potential harm, and contribute to mental health services’ overall credibility and reliability.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards essential in clinical practice. It covers crucial topics such as ethical decision-making frameworks, maintaining professional boundaries, and the appropriate use of physical touch in therapy. The course delves into the complexities of dual relationships, offering guidelines to navigate these situations ethically. Additionally, it addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities regarding the reporting of abuse and other critical issues faced by mental health professionals.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Pain screening is an essential practice for professionals in general medicine, mental health, and substance abuse. It aims to identify and manage pain early and comprehensively. This process involves understanding various types of pain and their physical, psychological, and behavioral impacts and utilizing appropriate assessment tools.

This course will explore various pain scales, such as the Wong-Baker FACES and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), among others, while being mindful of the potential for substance abuse. Regular reassessment, cultural sensitivity, and education for professionals and patients are critical components, ensuring tailored and effective pain management plans that improve overall patient well-being.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

California Laws and Ethics for Mental Health Professionals is designed to equip mental health and substance abuse professionals with essential knowledge of state-specific legal standards and ethical guidelines. Participants will explore key topics including confidentiality, mandated reporting, informed consent, dual relationships, and professional boundaries. Through case studies and practical examples, the course will provide a deep understanding of legal obligations and ethical considerations unique to California, ensuring that practitioners are well-prepared to navigate complex scenarios and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct in their practice.

We will give an overview of the following California laws:

Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act (Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 5000-5550)
Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) (Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 5840-5898)
Community Mental Health Services (Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 5600-5624)
Involuntary Treatment Act (Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 5350-5372)
Drug Medi-Cal Program (Health and Safety Code §§ 11750-11983)
California Mental Health Parity Act (Health and Safety Code §§ 1374.72, Insurance Code §§ 10144.5)
California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA) (Civil Code §§ 56-56.37)
Minor Consent to Treatment (Family Code §§ 6924-6929)

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Billing for services can often be intricate and prone to costly errors. This course aims to empower participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of substance abuse facility billing. Topics covered include submitting clean claims, understanding the financial implications of registration errors, coding, diagnosis and medical necessity, as well as effective documentation practices.

This course is for information only and does not award board approved continuing education for license renewal.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance used, the duration of use, and the individual’s health. Common signs and symptoms include anxiety, irritability, and agitation, which often appear within hours of the last dose. Physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate are also prevalent. Severe cases may involve hallucinations, seizures, and confusion. Psychological symptoms, including intense cravings, depression, and difficulty sleeping, are also common. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for providing appropriate care and seeking medical help when necessary, as withdrawal can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Creating a strong safety culture within an organization is vital for ensuring the well-being of employees and minimizing risks. A key component of this safety culture is the implementation of a Good Catch Program. This training aims to educate employees about the importance of culture of safety and how to effectively participate in a Good Catch Program.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Understanding and Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Recovery Facilities a comprehensive course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address one of the most critical public health challenges within recovery settings. This course will provide in-depth information on common STDs, effective prevention strategies, and specific measures to prevent the spread of these infections in recovery facilities.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Effective handoff communication must include up-to-date information regarding patient care, treatment plans, current condition, and any recent or anticipated changes. This communication should be interactive, allowing for discussion between those providing and receiving the patient information. Additionally, the process should incorporate methods for verifying the received information, such as read-back or other appropriate techniques, to ensure accuracy and understanding.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

It is crucial for mental health and substance abuse professionals to be well-trained in contraband awareness and search procedures to ensure the safety of the patients and staff and the integrity of the program.  This course will enhance professionals in understanding and the management of contraband within their facilities. The program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including identifying various types of contraband, effective and ethical search techniques, and strategies for preventing contraband introduction.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Street drugs are dangerous and plentiful. There is no way to know how strong they are or what else might be in them, but their use remains popular despite the risks.

Given the recent proliferation of new street drugs, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed about the hazards of substance abuse.

This course will explore Krokodil, Flakka, Bath Salts, Xylazine, Slavia, Spice and others.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Elder abuse is a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting thousands of individuals who are often unable to advocate for themselves. Vulnerable adults, including elderly individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments, are sometimes mistreated by the very people entrusted with their care.

This course will explore elderly and vulnerable adult abuse, those most vulnerable, abusers, how to recognize abuse the importance of reporting.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Hepatitis, a group of viral infections that affect the liver. It covers the types of Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), modes of transmission, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the impact of the disease on global health. The course is designed for healthcare professionals, students, and anyone interested in learning about Hepatitis.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Leadership potential and development are integral components of organizational growth and success. Identifying individuals with leadership potential involves assessing not only their skills and expertise but also their ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward achieving common goals. Development initiatives aim to cultivate and enhance these leadership qualities, nurturing future leaders who can drive innovation, manage change, and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within the organization.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Hoarding also called compulsive hoarding, and compulsive hoarding syndrome can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Still, many hoarders don’t have other OCD-related symptoms, and researchers are working better to understand hoarding as a distinct mental health problem.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will provide a deeper understanding of alcoholism and addiction, particularly through the lens of the disease model and its alternative perspectives. By exploring the origins, development, and criticisms of the disease concept, as well as the influence of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, students will gain a balanced view of addiction. The course will cover key historical developments, including Jellinek’s research, critiques of the disease model, and emerging behavioral approaches that focus on habit and choice. Through this comprehensive approach, students will learn how both disease and behavioral models can be applied to support recovery, assess individual needs accurately, and avoid common misapplications that may hinder effective treatment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Understanding the impact of family alcoholism on children is essential for breaking cycles of trauma and fostering healthier futures. This course will explore how alcoholism in the family affects children emotionally, socially, and behaviorally, both in their formative years and into adulthood. We will cover the unique challenges these children face, including codependency, low self-esteem, and difficulties forming trusting relationships, along with the long-term effects.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Bioterrorism involves the deliberate release or dissemination of biological agents—such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins—with the intent to cause harm, fear, or disruption to a population. These agents can be aerosolized or spread through food and water supplies, posing significant threats to public health. As professionals, particularly in healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse fields, understanding bioterrorism is crucial for several reasons. It equips us to recognize and respond to potential attacks swiftly, implement effective preventive measures, and protect both patients and staff. Awareness and preparedness enable us to manage crises more effectively, mitigate the impact of such events, and maintain operational continuity in the face of potential bioterrorist threats.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The use of electronic media and information technologies in behavioral health treatment, recovery support, and prevention programs is rapidly gaining acceptance.  There are many benefits and concerns about using internet based assessments, programs and platforms. This course will explore the potential uses of technology, the applications, the benefits and concerns associated with technology assisted mental health care.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

It is essential for mental health professionals to understand ADHD because it is one of the most prevalent and complex mental health conditions affecting children and adults today. Recognizing ADHD’s diverse symptoms—ranging from inattention and impulsivity to emotional dysregulation—enables clinicians to provide more accurate diagnoses and individualized treatment plans. Knowledge of ADHD’s underlying causes, including genetic, environmental, and neurological factors, allows professionals to differentiate it from other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may present with overlapping symptoms.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course explores animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP) theory and practice, focusing primarily on therapy dogs due to their prevalent role in volunteer and professional settings. The historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of AAP are described so learners gain a foundational understanding of attachment theory, biophilia theory, and human-animal relational theory as they pertain to AAP. The course critically examines the efficacy of AAP through research, outlines challenges, and presents clinical applications across various psychological approaches. It also covers the selection and characteristics of successful therapy dogs, therapy dog registration, and the importance of pursuing advanced training for practitioners interested in integrating AAP into their practice.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course examines end-of-life care in a hospital and home setting, how these services are offered, specialized programs, and issues surrounding end-of-life care.

The course also describes the effect a palliative care consultation service has on the terminally ill and their families.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Sensitivity in the workplace is paramount for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. It entails being attuned to the needs, feelings, and perspectives of colleagues, recognizing and respecting their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Sensitivity cultivates empathy, encouraging individuals to communicate effectively, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to others’ concerns. It involves refraining from language or actions that may inadvertently cause harm or discomfort, while also being open to feedback and willing to learn from mistakes. By prioritizing sensitivity, organizations can nurture a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and psychological safety, ultimately enhancing employee well-being and productivity.

This course offers zero continuing education credits.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Healthcare providers use laboratory test results to diagnose disease, determine prognosis, and monitor a patient’s treatment or health status. Current practice shows an increased trend for medical decisions based on simple tests performed at the point of care.

This course will explore the key aspects of CLIA-testing, the oversight, safety, confidentiality, and testing environment.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

When someone is scammed or “catfished,” they are often embarrassed and feel vulnerable and may not reach out to others for support when needed. This course will explore the psychology behind those most vulnerable, those who prey on others, and working with clients who were taken advantage of.

Anyone can be a victim of being scammed regardless of age, education, or socioeconomic position

 

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course identifies strategies for mental health providers to support LGBTQIA+ clients in therapy. It defines the LGBTQIA+ acronym and describes common LGBTQIA+ terminology. Issues impacting the well-being of sexually minoritized clients are detailed, including discrimination and stigma, mental health disparities, and unique stressors such as internalized homophobia. Supportive clinical practices with LGBTQIA+ are illustrated, such as creating an affirming therapeutic environment and building a therapeutic alliance. Strategies for navigating supportive family conversations are detailed.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Vital signs are important indicators of overall health. This course reviews etiologies for abnormal vital signs and discusses an algorithmic approach to assessing abnormal heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Understanding the significance of relapse prevention, identifying common risk factors, and implementing effective strategies are essential steps in helping a client achieve long-term recovery.

This course will explore what addiction and relapse are, the stages of each, how to develop a relapse prevention plan and how to identify triggers.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The importance of cybersecurity in the modern world cannot be understated. Confidentiality of records has always been critical to the population we serve.

This course will explore the necessity of digital security in mental health and substance abuse services and how you can support safer systems.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Fall prevention remains a considerable challenge across the care continuum.  Every year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of patients fall in hospitals and patient care settings, with 30-50 percent resulting in injury.   This course will explore those most vulnerable to falls and how we can work to prevent injuries.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Social media can be a great thing. It helps you keep in contact with friends and family across the globe, you can find out about events going on in your area, and you are frequently “in the know” when things happen in your workplace or with a colleague. Occasionally, this real-time, sometimes unfiltered information has led to social media mistakes that lead to hasty firings and individuals who instantly regret their tweets and posts.

This course will explore the effective use of social media, including the pitfalls of using social media, online image, confidentiality, and workplace expectations.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course embarks on a thorough exploration of informed consent within the realms of mental health and substance abuse treatment. It delves deeply into the intricacies of this procedure, considering the ethical foundations, legal requirements, obstacles, and practical consequences that influence the practice of informed consent. By incorporating historical perspectives, ethical frameworks, and practical case studies, this training aims to shed light on the multifaceted aspect of informed consent in mental health and substance abuse treatment. This approach fosters a nuanced comprehension of its essential role in maintaining ethical standards and enhancing patient care.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Effective collaboration supports teamwork and effective treatment. Part of building rapport with clients is communicating and interacting effectively with people across cultures who have varying beliefs and schedules.

In this course, we discuss what cultural competence is, explain why it matters and provide some helpful tips for improving your cultural competence.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Healthcare professionals appreciate the possibility and diversity of ethical issues, but it’s easy to think they’ll never happen to you.

Despite their potentially serious consequences, ethical issues are common, and without preparation and reflection, many might be violated unwittingly and with good intentions.

In this course, you’ll learn how to identify and approach various frequently encountered counseling ethical issues and how a counseling ethics code can be your moral compass.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) refer to disorders that typically manifest from birth and have a detrimental impact on an individual’s physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

It’s not uncommon for an individual to be misdiagnosed with a mental illness before receiving a diagnosis for a developmental disorder.  This course will explore the various types of developmental disabilities and how to differentiate these from mental illnesses.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease.

This course will explore how the different forms of tuberculosis, the signs and symptoms of the disease, how it is diagnosed, and infection control procedures.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Water-based activities are widely enjoyed and have a positive impact on our lives, whether it be spending time at the beach, lake, or river, visiting public pools or water parks, or enjoying residential pools and spas. However, it’s important to acknowledge that water can also pose potential risks and hazards.

This course will explore the necessary steps to attempt to prevent water emergencies, water safety, and how to respond if something does go wrong.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding seizure disorders and promote early diagnoses and effective treatments.  Clients with substance abuse issues are at an increased risk for seizures.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Methadone is used for the treatment of opioid use disorder.  It may be used as maintenance therapy or in shorter periods for detoxification to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. Its use for the treatment of addiction is usually strictly regulated. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Office of Treatment Improvement (OTI) provides guidance on the federal regulations governing the provision of methadone treatment for opioid addiction. According to SAMHSA, all staff who work in an opioid treatment program (OTP) that provides methadone must receive training on methadone.  This course will explore the following:

  • The pharmacology of methadone and other opioid agonist medications.
  • The principles of addiction treatment and the role of methadone in treating opioid addiction.
  • The ethical and legal considerations related to the provision of methadone treatment.
  • The potential side effects of methadone and how to manage them
  • The importance of maintaining the confidentiality and respecting the privacy of patients receiving methadone treatment.
  • The proper handling and storage of methadone and other controlled substances.
This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Determining the nature and intensity of opioid withdrawal symptoms in a detoxing patient is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the risks and make informed decisions during the detoxification process. This is where the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (C.O.W.S.) plays a vital role in addiction treatment and monitoring a patient’s physical well-being during opioid withdrawal management. This course will not explore the C.O.W.S system.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment Alcohol Scale Revised (CIWA-AR) is an instrument medical professionals use to assess and diagnose the severity of alcohol withdrawal.  The CIWA-AR is one of the most common assessment methods for alcohol withdrawal.  This course will briefly overview the scale, questions, and validity.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Social media can profoundly impact our relationships, communication, self-esteem, privacy, careers, governments, and beliefs.

This course will explore various social media websites and mobile applications. We will identify trends and statistics. We will delve into the behavioral and emotional pulls that entice users to begin and continue with these activities. We will explore social media’s positive and negative impacts on mental health.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Universal precautions involve an approach to infection control to protect workers from HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens in human blood and certain other body fluids, regardless of a patient’s infection status.

This course will explore the four primary universal precautions, proper handwashing, personal protective equipment and proper cough etiquette.

 

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Formerly known as dual diagnosis or dual disorder, co-occurring disorders describe the presence of both mental health and substance use disorders.  This course will explore the definition of terms used, most common substances, mental disorders that co-exist, symptoms, causes, and treatments for co-occurring disorders.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of substance use disorder records were written out of great concern about the potential use of substance use disorder information against individuals, causing individuals with substance use disorders not to seek treatment.

A risk-managed approach to documentation is a best practice to protect both the client and the professional.

This course will explore 42 CFR part 2, HIPAA, and documentation of substance abuse therapy.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Every year, lives are lost because of the spread of infections in hospitals and outpatient healthcare facilities. Healthcare workers can take steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These steps are part of infection control. Proper handwashing, universal precautions, and knowledge can all help to lead the way to prevent the spread of infections.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

A conflict of interest is a set of circumstances that creates a risk that a secondary interest will unduly influence professional judgment or actions regarding a primary interest. Common areas where conflicts of interest can occur in mental health and substance abuse treatment include pharmaceuticals, accepting gifts of various kinds, including meals and drug samples that alter treatment behavior, having a financial interest in a medical product company whose products they prescribe, use, or recommend, and self-referrals.

This course will explore these areas and discuss avoiding conflicts of interest.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Severe anxiety can arise after trauma or injury or under persistent stress or extreme change. This course will explore how to distinguish between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder, signs, symptoms, and risk factors.  We will also discuss treatment approaches and how you can help.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Mental health providers engage with highly confidential health information.  Litigation causes threats to confidentiality that can hinder the therapeutic process, cause potential damage to your client, depending on what you write in the record, and can threaten your practice. This course will provide mental health professionals with a better understanding of legal terms, suggestions for handling requests for confidential information, and guidance with documentation.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

This course will explore the Baker Act for involuntary mental illness assessment and treatment.

The term ‘Baker Act’ is formally known as the Mental Health Act of 1971 and is a Florida Statute, but it became the default name for any involuntary hold laws in the United States.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

More than two-thirds of U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical treatments, and more are considering bills to do the same. The use of cannabis as medicine has not been rigorously tested due to production and governmental restrictions, resulting in limited clinical research on the safety and efficacy of using cannabis to treat diseases. Medical marijuana doesn’t always “feel” like a medical treatment or medicine.

This course will explore medical marijuana. We will look at the various ways this treatment is treated differently than other prescribed medications and why. We will also explore how the mental health and addiction fields have changed over the years with issues such as this.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Children are suffering from an epidemic of child abuse and neglect. The issue is larger than ever in the wake of the quarantines from the COVID-19 pandemic. This course will explore statistics of child abuse in Florida. We will explore the types of abuse and the signs and symptoms associated with each. The course will review the requirements, timeline, and procedures for reporting child abuse. Prevention strategies will be presented.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has been the industry standard for diagnosing mental health disorders since 1952.  The fifth revision of the Manual was published in May 2013.  The text revision was published in March 2022.  This course will provide an overview of the organization, changes, and transitions from the previous edition and controversies regarding the changes.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Psychedelic drugs are not new. Scientists at pharmaceutical companies have been studying them since the early 1900s.  Indigenous communities around the world have used psilocybin and other consciousness-changing compounds for healing for thousands of years.  In the last five years, a handful of high-quality, albeit small, studies have suggested tremendous benefits from the psychedelic psilocybin for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This course will explore their history, use, risks, and potential.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to the present moment without evaluating whether one’s thoughts and feelings are good or bad. It is a skill developed through meditation or other training.

This course will explore the history and origins of mindfulness, the difference between mindfulness, meditation, and flow, the benefits for the client and therapist, and how it can be used in therapy.

 

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

According to the CDC, half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14 and three-quarters begin by age 24. Many factors may contribute to mental illness, including a history of trauma.

This course will explore emotional and psychological trauma and how these affect individuals over time.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

To develop cultural competence, healthcare professionals need to identify their beliefs and build an awareness of their culture. Cultural awareness makes healthcare providers more open to unfamiliar attitudes, practices, and behaviors. This course will explore how culture and stereotypes play a role in our we see ourselves and our clients.  We will explore how we can shift from cultural competence being about racism, genderism, and ageism, to recognizing and working through our biases and blind spots.   We will examine the implications for counseling theory, research, practice, and training.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the negative cost of caring. It is sometimes referred to as secondary traumatic stress or burnout.  It is especially relevant to mental health and substance abuse professionals.   Compassion fatigue describes the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of helping others.

This course will explore where this can occur, signs of compassion fatigue, and how to help yourself and others.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.

What we put into our bodies has the greatest opportunity to affect our health, well-being, and psychotropic drug disposition. This course will explore how to understand better how what we put in our bodies affects our mental health and the medications taken. This will enable us to help our clients get the most out of their bodies, minds, and medications.

This course is offered online. Internet connection required.