ASHTABULA COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES BOARD
Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Training Academy
The Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certification was developed by the Ohio Chemical Dependency board to help individuals in becoming credentialed to work in the addictions field. Individuals with a CDCA certification can work with substance use clients under supervision in a variety of settings including behavioral health agencies, addiction, and treatment centers. Obtaining the CDCA certification is the first step in becoming a certified chemical dependency counselor.
To be eligible to apply for CDCA certification you must meet the following:
- Must be at least 18 years of age and hold a High School Diploma or GED
- Complete 40 hours of chemical dependency-specific education
- Complete an online application at the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Professionals Board website www.ocdp.ohio.gov
- Have written proof of all 40 hours of education in the required areas. Acceptable forms of verification include official transcripts or continuing education certificates of attendance.
The Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board provides a CDCA Training Academy in February and March to help individuals in obtaining some of the hours needed to obtain a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant certification.
All Board training will be online using a Zoom link and all will be live presentations. You must be on time, keep your camera on during the meeting, and stay for the entire presentation to be eligible for a certificate of attendance.
Many of the training hours needed are available for free online and can be completed on your own time.
Registration is now open for February and March classes.
FEBRUARY 2023 – February Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Training Academy Calendar & Course Descriptions
MARCH 2023 – March Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Training Academy Calendar & Course Descriptions
The following is a list of free online courses that you can get started on now before the CDCA Training Academy begins in February and March of 2023!
Go to the following websites below and create an account. Search for the titles and watch the videos listed below. At the end of the videos, there will be a quiz and an option to download a certificate of completion. Make sure you download and save all of the certificates from the videos.
- OOC: Fundamentals of Addiction
- OOC: Basics of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Introduction to Peer Recovery Support
- Gambling 101: An Introduction to Pathological Gambling
- History of Addiction for Peer Supporters
- OOC: Best Practices in Urine Drug Testing for Addiction Treatment
- OOC: Managing Pain in Patients with OUD
- Ohio SBIRT: Foundational Skills of MI
- Ohio SBIRT: Reinforcing Change with Motivational Interviewing
- OOC: MAT in Psychiatric Settings
- Problem Gambling Overview—Focus on the Incarcerated
- OOC: Best Prescribing Practices for Opioids
- Culturally Competent Practices for Caring for Individuals with FASD
- How to Navigate School when you have a Child with FASD: Advocacy, Special Education Issues, Virtual Learning Tips
- Treatment Advocacy and Resources for FASD
- Increasing Our Knowledge Base for Competent Transgender Care and Treatment
- OOC: MAT in the Recovery Housing
- CareLine: Helping Callers with Dual Diagnosis in Crisis
- CareLine: Helping Callers with Personality Disorders – Four Strategies for Effective Intervention