Substance Abuse CE Courses Mental Health CE Courses Healthcare CE Courses Behavioral Technicians CAP/CAC/MCAP

Harm Reduction

Leesa M. Robertson

4 hours

Updated May 9, 2026

Harm reduction is a compassionate and evidence-based approach that focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of substance use and risky behaviors rather than solely emphasizing abstinence. For mental health and substance abuse professionals, understanding harm reduction is crucial because it fosters a nonjudgmental, client-centered approach that builds trust, promotes engagement in care, and ultimately enhances treatment outcomes. By integrating harm reduction principles, professionals can better support individuals in making safer choices, improving their quality of life, and accessing resources that promote long-term health and recovery.

Course Creation Date: 5/9/26

Define the core principles and philosophy of harm reduction in the context of substance use and risky behaviors.
Explain how harm reduction differs from abstinence-only models while complementing recovery-oriented care
Identify evidence-based harm reduction strategies that reduce health risks and improve client safety.
Demonstrate how to apply nonjudgmental, client-centered approaches to build trust and engagement.
Evaluate the role of harm reduction in improving treatment outcomes and long-term recovery pathways.
Integrate harm reduction principles into clinical practice to support clients in making safer, healthier choices.

Leesa M. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC

Ms. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. She is credentialed in alcohol and other drug counseling.

Beginning her career in the hospital setting, working in admissions, on the 24-hour unit, inpatient and IOP for both adults and adolescents, she went on to supervise a group of clinicians that went into medical-surgical hospitals to assess and place patients. She went into the outpatient setting, working with adults and families. Throughout her career, Ms. Robertson has focused on training and education through presenting live and authored coursework.

Board Approvals

National Approvals

Approval for this course applies only to the national boards listed below.

American Psychological Association (APA)

BaysideCEU is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Bayside Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE)

BaysideCEU.com, #1793, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. BaysideCEU.com maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/4/2026-2/4/2029. This course is offered in the self-paced/distance learning format.
The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC

Bayside Continuing Education and Development Provider Number 81892 is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for educational credits. NAADAC Provider number 81892 is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC

Bayside Continuing Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bayside Continuing Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

State Approvals

Information

Relevance: This course is relevant for mental health and substance abuse professionals to work with individuals to minimize the negative consequences of substance use and risky behaviors rather than solely emphasizing abstinence.
Content Level: Intermediate
Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course. They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials. The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
CEBroker Course ID: 1327728
Credit Hours: 4
Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Leesa M. Robertson

4 hours

Updated May 9, 2026

This course is relevant for mental health and substance abuse professionals to work with individuals to minimize the negative consequences of substance use and risky behaviors rather than solely emphasizing abstinence.

CE Hours 4 hours
National Board Approvals American Psychological Association (APA), Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE), The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC, The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC
CEBroker Course ID 1327728

Harm Reduction

Course Objectives