Daytop Addiction Treatment CASAC Training

(CASAC Training Class at a Daytop facility)

CASAC

(Substance abuse counselors in CASAC class)
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What CASAC Is

The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) is the qualification for individuals who provide alcoholism and substance abuse counseling services in approved work settings. CASAC work experience includes practice in diagnostic assessment, evaluation, intervention, referral and alcoholism and/or substance abuse counseling in both individual and group settings.

Credentialing Requirements

In order to apply to become a CASAC in New York State, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, reside or work in New York State at least 51 percent of the time, and must have earned at least a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

CASAC applicants must meet specific competency and ethical conduct requirements, meet specific work experience requirements, meet minimum education and training requirements and pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/ Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc. (ICRC/AODA) written examination for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors and Case Presentation Method (CPM) oral examination.

Applicants must sign an affidavit agreeing to abide by the Canon of Ethical Principles. OASAS will issue a CASAC Trainee certificate to applicants whose Applications have been approved or who have satisfied a specific portion of the overall requirements.

Credential Renewal

To ensure continued competence and maintenance of skills, New York State OASAS requires that CASAC certificates be renewed every three years.

Daytop CASAC training services are operated under the NYS OASAS provider number ED0105AL/SA−ASAR.

Sections and Courses

(Photo of adult students in CASAC class)
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The OASAS requirements for the CASAC are divided into four sections. Each section deals with a specific area of training. At the moment, the OASAS sections are as follows:
Section One−85 hours

Basic Knowledge: Physical and Pharmacological Effects of Substances; Diversity of Intervention and Treatment Approaches; Knowledge of 12 Step and Self−Help Programs; Alcoholism

Section Two−150 hours

Individual and Group Counseling; Effects on Family Counseling Families and Significant Others; Counseling Special Populations; Relapse Prevention; Vocational Education Counseling; Communicable Diseases: HIV/AIDS, STD’s, TB, Hepatitis; Human Growth and Development

Section Three−70 hours

Assessment, Evaluation, Case Management, Referral, Treatment Planning, Record Keeping, Discharge Planning; Patient, Family and Community Education and Prevention

Section Four−45 hours

Counselor Ethics; Confidentiality/Legal Issues/ Documentation; Counselor−Client Relationships

CASAC Canon of Ethical Principles

The CASAC must:

  1. Recognize that the profession is founded on national standards of competence which promote the best interest of society, of the patient, of the counselor and of the profession as a whole.
  2. Espouse objectivity and integrity; maintain the highest standards in the services offered; respect the values, attitudes and opinions of others; and provide services only in an appropriate professional relationship.
  3. Not discriminate in work−related activities based on race, religion, age, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, national origins, sexual orientation, economic condition or any other basis proscribed by law.
  4. Recognize the need for ongoing education to maintain current competence and to improve expertise and skills.
  5. Uphold the legal and accepted moral codes which pertain to professional conduct.
  6. Respect the integrity and protect the welfare of the person or group with whom the counselor is working.
  7. Embrace, as a primary obligation, the duty of protecting the privacy of patients and must not disclose confidential information acquired in teaching, practice, research or investigation and maintain the confidentiality of records they control.
  8. Inform the prospective patient of the important aspects of the nature of services to be provided and the client/counselor relationship.
  9. Not engage in any sexual activity with patients or their significant others.
  10. Treat colleagues and other professionals with respect, courtesy and fairness and cooperate in order to serve the best interests of their patients.
  11. Not knowingly engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment.
  12. Not exploit patients or others over whom they have a position of authority.
  13. Acknowledge the limits of present knowledge in public statements concerning alcoholism and substance abuse, as well as report fairly and accurately the appropriate information and acknowledge and document materials and techniques used.
  14. Not participate in the filing of ethics complaints that are frivolous or have a purpose other than to protect the public.
  15. Assure that financial practices are in accord with professional standards that safeguard the best interests of the patient, the counselor and the profession.
  16. Strive to inform the public, through civic and professional participation in community affairs, of the effects of alcoholism and substance abuse and adopt a personal and professional stance which promotes the well−being of all human beings.
  17. Assign credit to all who have contributed to the published material and for the work upon which publication is based.

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