Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Professionals: A Foundational Overview of Psychotropic Medications and Other Drugs and Their Impact on the Body, Brain, and Behavior

"Strengthening Our Capacity to Serve as Collaborators with and Advocates for Our Clients Along the Continuum of Care"

DESCRIPTION: Though it is important to stay within our scope of practice as mental health professionals, we often find ourselves in situations where having some basic information about psychotropic medications and/or other psychoactive substances can be quite useful. With this knowledge, we become better advocates for our clients with other medical and mental health professionals as well as collaborators with our own clients. Such knowledge includes how medications and other substances are introduced into the body, how they are metabolized and distributed throughout the body, and finally how they are excreted. It also requires a working understanding of how medications and other substances affect the central nervous system, their short and long term effects on other body systems, as well as how they interact with one another. Using an engaging and participatory learning format, participants in this training learn the major classifications of psychotropic medications and psychoactive substances, gain a better understanding of how neurons and neurotransmitters work within the central nervous system, and become better acquainted with common side effects and adverse reactions to be watching for with their clients. In particular, this training focuses on antidepressants (e.g. MAO inhibitors, SNRIs, SSRIs, tricyclics, etc.), antipsychotics (typical and atypical neuroleptics), anxiolytics (e.g. barbiturates, benzodiazepines, etc.), mood-stabilizers (lithium, anticonvulsants, etc.), and cognitive enhancers/anti-ADHDs (psychostimulants, SNRIs, beta-blockers, etc.). We will look at some “off label” uses of these common psychotropic medications for other psychological symptoms or psychiatric diagnoses. Participants also learn about the DEA’s schedule of drugs and the most common psychoactive substances - including central nervous system depressants, central nervous system stimulants, opiates/opioids, hallucinogens, cannabis/cannabinoids, inhalants, anabolic steroids, designer drugs, and a few others. Additionally, MAT or medication-assisted treatment options for some addictive substances and/or behaviors is then explored (e.g. NRT, bupropion, naltrexone, buprenorphine, methadone, etc.). Finally, we address the issue of discontinuing psychotropic medications and/or other psychoactive substances, the problems associated with withdrawal and rebound effects, as well as the range of possible alternative treatments outside pharmacotherapies. NOTE: This training can be taken independently and also as part of the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: May 26 and 27, 2026 (Tuesday & Wednesday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 15.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to the Noeticus Science and Technical Excellence - Practice Endorsement™ (NSTE-PE).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read this book by psychologist and psychiatrist team, JoEllen Patterson, PhD, A. Ari Albala, MD, Margaret E. McCahill, MD, and Todd M. Edwards, PhD, available HERE.
• PREREQUISITE(S): None.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNT: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NSTE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

Group Counseling Skills: A Learning Laboratory for Clients to Gain Insight, Practice Skills, and Receive Feedback

"Fostering Skills to Facilitate Effective Recovery Groups that Address Group Tasks as well as Group Process"

DESCRIPTION: Group counseling or psychotherapy is a powerful tool in delivering addiction treatment services. Groups have many therapeutic elements and effects that draw people into the culture of recovery. Groups provide useful information; allow one or two therapists, depending on group size, to facilitate the group process which helps a number of clients simultaneously; and provide positive peer support and pressure for recovery. This class will help aspiring addiction counselors understand the use of group therapy in the addiction treatment field and demonstrate the skills necessary to facilitate a therapy group. The class will focus on the group process and will discuss diversity within groups as well as the many challenges a group leader may face. The class will also present models of effective group practice. Additionally, this and all addiction counselor classes seek to enhance the ability of the counselor to offer treatment services in a manner that respects gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, cultural, familial, systemic, and socioeconomic diversity. NOTE: This class can be taken independently, as a required course for CAT/CAS/LAC credentialing, and also as part of the Noeticus Addiction and Recovery Therapy - Certification Program™ (NART-CP); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NART-CP Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: June 8, 9, and 10, 2026 (Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 21.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to CAT/CAS/LAC Credentialing; Applicable to the Noeticus Addiction and Recovery Therapy - Certification Program™ (NART-CP).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read the Handbook for Addiction Counselors (CAC/LAC), available HERE.
• CLASS CATEGORY: CAT Class.
• BHA REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: No (May Apply for Educational Equivalency).
• PREREQUISITE(S): CAT/CAS = Addiction Counseling Skills; LAC = N/A (Not Required).
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).

Clinical Supervision II: Advanced Concepts and MI Integration

"Further Transforming Accidental Intervention into Deliberate Oversight"

DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Clinical Supervision II class is to train clinical supervisors, clinicians, and other service providers who already have acquired basic supervisory skills - and/or who have or will have a supervisory role - on how to observe and coach their supervisees in the proper application of these skills in diverse and integrated care environments. Where the focus in the Clinical Supervision I class was on the relationship between the client and the supervisee, the focus in the Clinical Supervision II training is on the relationship between the supervisor and the supervisee. The class discusses strategies to utilize evidence-based tools and practices intentionally and effectively along the entire continuum of care from prevention through recovery. There is also an emphasis on participants learning tools for providing enhanced, supervisee-specific, setting-sensitive (e.g. group vs. individual supervision, agency settings, etc.) feedback to better mentor their supervisees. Participants critically discuss the integration of modalities of treatment (e.g., ACT, BSFT, CBT, DBT, MI, etc.) within the use of developmental, treatment-based, recovery-based, integrative, and competency-based modalities of supervision. Additionally, this and all addiction counselor classes seek to enhance the ability of the counselor to offer treatment services in a manner that respects gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, cultural, familial, systemic, and socioeconomic diversity.

NOTE: This class can be taken independently as a required course for CAT/CAS/LAC credentialing, as an educational requirement for ACS™ Certification through the CCE, as part of the Noeticus Intentional Clinical Supervision - Certification Program™ (NICS-CP), and also as part of the Noeticus Addiction and Recovery Therapy - Certification Program™ (NART-CP); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NART-CP Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: June 11 and 12, 2026 (Thursday & Friday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 14.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to CAT/CAS/LAC Credentialing; Applicable to ACS™ Certification through the CCE; Applicable to the Noeticus Intentional Clinical Supervision - Certification Program™ (NICS-CP); Applicable to the Noeticus Addiction and Recovery Therapy - Certification Program™ (NART-CP).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read the Handbook for Addiction Counselors (CAC/LAC), available HERE.
• CLASS CATEGORY: CAS/LAC Class.
• BHA REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR. Yes.
• PREREQUISITE(S): CAT/CAS = Advanced Motivational Interviewing and Clinical Supervision I; LAC = Clinical Supervision I.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNT: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NART-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

Motivational Interviewing I for Mental Health Professionals: Guiding Therapeutic Change with a Client-Centered Approach to Transforming Ambivalence

"Digging for Treasure - Together"

DESCRIPTION: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice originally developed for the treatment of substance use disorders, but has been found to support many other types of behavioral change as well. MI focuses on exploring and resolving therapeutic ambivalence by engaging motivational processes within the client that facilitate change. By looking at the change process that clients are embarking upon as one that has both positive and negative attributes, the MI approach has the tendency to dispel power struggles between therapist and client and dissolve notions such as "resistance" and "non-compliance." Because only about 10-15% of the people wanting to make a change are actually at a place where they are ready, willing, and able to make those changes, it is crucial for mental health professionals to have an understanding of what the change process looks like, how to assess clients for their stage of change, and determine the therapeutic skills and interventions that are most effective at each stage of change. Motivational Interviewing provides just such a framework and therefore significantly increases the chances of making a positive impact on the other 85-90% of individuals who are involved in the change process. NOTE: This training is not BHA-approved and cannot be taken to meet CAC/LAC requirements. Look under our NACCTP course list for that MI class. It can be taken independently and also as part of the Noeticus Evidence-Based Approaches - Practice Endorsement™ (NEBA-PE) and/or the more comprehensive Noeticus Counselor Training and Practice - Certification Program™ (NCTP-CP); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NEBA-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: June 15 and 16, 2026 (Monday & Tuesday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 15.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to the Noeticus Evidence-Based Approaches - Practice Endorsement™ (NEBA-PE). (NOTE: The NCPD MI training is not BHA-approved and cannot be taken to meet CAC/LAC requirements. Look under our NACCTP course list for that MI class.)
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read this book by the founders and developers of MI, William R. Miller, PhD, and Stephen Rollnick, PhD, available HERE.
• PREREQUISITE(S): None.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNT: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NEBA-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

Advanced Professional and Ethical Practice: Further Exploring the Dynamic Intersection of Good Intentions and Potential for Harm

"Continuing to Support Counselors in Thinking Critically about Their Clinical Work, Not Just Telling Them What to Do"

DESCRIPTION: This class addresses organizational ethics and practices, individual provider ethics and practices, and guidelines for setting up a private practice. Topics include Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) behavioral health rules and regulations (2 CCR 502-1) practice standards and guidelines; DORA rules and the Colorado Mental Health Practice Act; the purpose of and the need for written policies and procedures; professional competencies, boundaries, and ethical relationships; reporting violations; employee drug testing; professional liability insurance; clinical versus administrative supervision; the ethical delivery of culturally-responsive care and trauma-informed care; and the need for a professional self-care plan. Additional topics include the DORA complaint process and how to respond to a regulatory board grievance, how regulatory board members are trained to regulate a profession and promote consumer protection boards, professional organization membership and its value, the major areas where behavioral health professionals break the law, the need to advocate for the profession and the consumer in larger systems like regulatory boards, state government entities, and state and national legislative bodies, and influencing public policy in governmental entities at the city, county, and state level. Additionally, this and all addiction counselor classes seek to enhance the ability of the counselor to offer treatment services in a manner that respects gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, cultural, familial, systemic, and socioeconomic diversity. NOTE: This class can be taken independently, as a required course for CAT/CAS/LAC credentialing, and also as part of the Noeticus Addiction and Recovery Therapy - Certification Program™ (NART-CP); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NART-CP Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: June 17 and 18, 2026 (Wednesday & Thursday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 14.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to CAT/CAS/LAC Credentialing; Applicable to the Noeticus Addiction and Recovery Therapy - Certification Program™ (NART-CP).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read the Handbook for Addiction Counselors (CAC/LAC), available HERE.
• CLASS CATEGORY: CAS/LAC Class.
• BHA REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: Yes.
• PREREQUISITE(S): CAT/CAS = Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment; LAC = None.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).

Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) and Deliberate Practice (DP): Integrating Client Input with the Development of Clinical Excellence

"Using Reported Client Experience Data to Enhance Treatment Outcomes"

DESCRIPTION: Current approaches to psychotherapy practice tend to emphasize the importance of modality or technique in achieving desired client outcomes. Mental health practitioners are typically concerned with "what" to do in order to support their clients in achieving their therapeutic goals. This view is supported by clinical supervisors who often over-focus on strengthening clinician skills through listening to narrative self-reporting by the practitioner followed by offering counsel or guidance as the key to improving client outcomes. The research on client outcomes tells a different story though. Indeed, reaching consistent and robust client outcomes is more a function of "how" the mental health practitioner interacts with the client rather than what types of skills or interventions are used. For instance, the research on common factors that lead to significant change across all behavioral health modalities indicates that relational factors between the practitioner and client have an average impact of about 30% whereas clinician modality or technique only accounts for about 15% of the change - the same amount of change accounted for by hope, expectancy, and other placebo-like variables. The greatest amount of change, at about 40%, is attributed to factors occurring in the client's life outside of the therapeutic relationship. With that in mind, it seems clear that both clinicians and their supervisors will have the greatest impact on positive client outcomes by attending first to relational factors that solidify engagement between practitioner and client followed by a focus on clinician competency development. This is where Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT) and Deliberate Practice (DP) become important components of treatment. FIT is an evidence-based approach to evaluating and improving the quality and effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship developed by psychologist, Scott D. Miller, PhD. FIT tracks both the overall results of the therapeutic work across sessions along with the quality of the therapeutic relationship within each session so that modifications can be made early and more easily. Deliberate Practice is an approach to skill mastery that relies on practicing at the edge of one's ability using regular and active feedback spaced across time to achieve mastery. Used together, they help practitioners, managers, and supervisors better tailor services to fit the needs of clients and thus improve their therapeutic outcomes. NOTE: This training can be taken independently and is also part of the Noeticus Administrative and Business Effectiveness - Practice Endorsement™ (NABE-PE), the Noeticus Intentional Clinical Supervision: Level 2 - Practice Endorsement™ (NICS-PE-2), and/or the more comprehensive Noeticus Counselor Training and Practice - Certification Program (NCTP-CP); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NABE-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: June 25 and 26, 2026 (Thursday & Friday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 15.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to the Noeticus Administrative and Business Effectiveness - Practice Endorsement™ (NABE-PE), the Noeticus Intentional Clinical Supervision: Level 2 - Practice Endorsement™ (NICS-PE-2), and/or the more comprehensive Noeticus Counselor Training and Practice - Certification Program (NCTP-CP).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read this book edited by FIT developers and trainers, David S. Prescott, LICSW, Cynthia L. Maeschalck, MA, and Scott D. Miller, PhD, available HERE.
• PREREQUISITE(S): None.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNT: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NABE-PE and/or NICS-PE-2 Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

Attachment-Friendly DBT® for Distressed Couples: Strengthening the Safe Haven with Clear Skills for Fostering Validation and Connection

"Integrating DBT® Concepts with Attachment Theory for More Effective and Accessible Self and Co-Regulation in Relationships"

DESCRIPTION: In adult relationships, difficulties with self-regulation are often rooted in problems with early invalidating environments, but invalidating environments in adult relationships can be fostered and often exacerbated by pervasive disruptions in self-regulation. This is a dangerous trap that can snare many unwary couples. Ideally, adult partners would be able to turn toward one another for validation and comfort when intense emotions arise using tools that facilitate clear connection. Frequently, however, this healthy urge for connection is communicated in distorted ways because there is a perceived or real threat to the underlying structure of the relationship that doesn’t convey a sense of “safe haven.” The result of that dynamic is an all too common scenario in which, “just when your partner most needs you to connect, it is often the most difficult time to do so.” In that moment, a dual set of skills becomes very useful, those being the complementary skills of self-regulation and relational co-regulation. Learning to recognize and apply self-regulation skills within the context of relational co-regulation can be a tricky business though. Both sets of skills are necessary for healthy, securely attached adult relationships and often therapists gravitate toward one side of the equation at the expense of the other depending on their individual theoretical orientations. This training is designed to highlight the utility and necessity of both skill sets and aptly place them in a dialectical framework with one another. This training emphasizes the importance of balancing individual self-regulation skills within the context of relational co-regulation. It provides experiential activities and integrative techniques designed to support both in a dialectical fashion. NOTE: This training can be taken independently and also as part of the Noeticus Relational and Systemic Approaches - Practice Endorsement™ (NRSA-PE); Save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NRSA-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

• DATE: June 29 and 30, 2026 (Monday & Tuesday).
• TIME: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 15.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to DBT® Certification; Applicable to the Noeticus Relational and Systemic Approaches - Practice Endorsement™ (NRSA-PE).
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read this book by DBT® trainer and author Alan E. Fruzetti, PhD, available HERE.
• PREREQUISITE(S): DBT® Facilitator Training or Other Basic DBT® Training.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).
• PACKAGE DISCOUNTS: In addition to the discounts mentioned above, save an additional 20% by purchasing the complete NRSA-PE Course Package. Learn more or register HERE.

Certified Addiction Technician (CAT): Full Class Package

"All Nine Required Courses, 154 Contact Hours, at a 20% Discount"

DESCRIPTION: The Noeticus Addiction Counselor Clinical Training Program™ (NACCTP) is one of the many programs of the Noeticus Center for Professional Development™ (NCPD) and specializes in providing Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)-approved addiction counselor classes to mental health professionals and graduate students who have or will have a clinical graduate degree by the time they apply for their Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential in Colorado. 

Those seeking only the Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) and/or Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) credentials are also welcome, though the majority of our learners come into our CAC/LAC classes already having strong academic backgrounds in mental health counseling along with clinical experience through practicum, internship, and post-graduate work experience. We also welcome mental health professionals and students as well as those from other disciplines seeking continuing education (CE) and continuing professional development (CPD) hours. For those without some prior academic coursework in counseling or clinical experience, please check-in with us prior to registration to make sure this will be a useful learning experience for you.

NOTE: NACCTP classes can be taken independently, as required courses for CAT/CAS/LAC credentialing, and also as part of the Noeticus Addiction and Recovery Therapy - Certification Program™ (NART-CP). The NART-CP includes all of the LAC classes along with ongoing clinical supervision toward licensure. It does not include clinical placement or work experience. Participation in this program requires special application and individual approval.

CAT/CAS/LAC Credentialing General Information

There are three levels of credentialing for addiction counselors in Colorado. The entry-level is the Certified Addiction Technician (CAT), the intermediate level is the Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS), and the advanced level is the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). Each level of credentialing is based on four factors: 1) education; 2) experience; 3) supervision; and 4) examination. Each applicant is encouraged to read and understand the most recent edition of the, Handbook for Addiction Counselors, provided by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) before beginning the formal training process so that the correct level of credentialing is selected, the sequence of classes is clear, the amount of supervised work experience is understood, and the right examination is taken.

Our class packages are developed for students who wish to take all of their CAC/LAC classes through a BHA-approved instructor and are not planning to apply for "educational equivalency" for classes listed on an undergraduate or graduate transcript from a regionally accredited college or university. For those wishing to apply for educational equivalency, we HIGHLY ENCOURAGE doing so BEFORE starting classes with us. The only way to know if a class will be approved for educational equivalency is to have all official transcripts reviewed by the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE). We cannot review or approve anyone's transcript. Neither can DORA nor can BHA. Only the CCE can review and approve prior coursework. This only applies to thirteen (13) of the 20 classes. There are seven (7) classes that must be taught by an BHA-approved instructor and we have a class package specific to that trajectory. This is a nice option for those pursuing approval through the CCE who expect some or several classes might be approved but want to get started while they wait. With the CCE-approved classes and the seven (7) classes requiring a BHA-approved instructor completed, the remaining classes can be taken individually as needed.

For learners purchasing our other packages, please note that there are three options: 1) the Full CAT Package with 9 (nine) core classes; 2) the Full CAS Package with 11 (eleven) additional classes (which need to be taken along with the 9 CAT classes); and 3) the Full LAC Package with 7 (seven) required classes. NOTE: All NACCTP Class Packages are non-refundable, non-transferable to another person, and must be completed within 12 months of the date of purchase (unless other arrangements are made).

CAT Class Package Specific Information

The Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) Full Class Package provides 154.0 hours of course content and all nine (9) of the required classes for the CAT credential. The Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) Full Class Package provides another 161.0 hours of course content and the additional eleven (11) required classes for the CAS credential. Purchasing the two packages separately is an ideal option for learners who are systematically working through each level of credentialing separately, those needing to earn a credential quickly as a requirement of employment, and/or those concerned about coursework expiring before sufficient supervised work experience has been accumulated. 

For those with a clinical graduate degree or who will have one by the time they apply for their credential, the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Full Class Package provides all 112.0 hours of course content and all seven (7) of the required classes for the LAC credential. It is designed to be completed in 6-months, but can be extended over 12-months. This is a perfect solution for learners who want to complete classes rapidly, those who wish to avoid the cumbersome process of transcript evaluation through CCE, those who could benefit from content review for the examination, and/or those who enjoy learning as part of an active and engaged cohort of committed professionals.

No matter which package is selected, save 20% on all registration categories (group, military/veteran, student, BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+) when purchasing this or any of our class or training packages. The Full CAT Class  Package includes the following individual classes:

1. Addiction Counseling Skills (21.0 Contact Hours)
2. Case Conceptualization and Documentation (14.0 Contact Hours)
3. Culturally-Informed Treatment (14.0 Contact Hours)
4. Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment (14.0 Contact Hours)
5. Group Counseling Skills (21.0 Contact Hours)
6. Motivational Interviewing (21.0 Contact Hours)
7. Pharmacology I* (14.0 Contact Hours)
8. Principles of Addiction Treatment* (21.0 Contact Hours)
9. Trauma-Informed Care for Diverse Populations (14.0 Hours)  

The nine (9) classes can be completed in as little as six months or can be extended up to 12 months. All Noeticus® Class and Training Packages are non-refundable, non-transferable to another person, and must be completed within 12-months of the date of purchase (unless other arrangements are made). NACCTP classes can be taken as an educational requirement for CAT/CAS/LAC credentialing through BHA/DORA or as continuing education (CE) or continuing professional development (CPD) only. Additionally, these and all addiction counselor classes seek to enhance the ability of the counselor to offer treatment services in a manner that respects gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, cultural, familial, systemic, and socioeconomic diversity. IMPORTANT: The start date listed here only indicates when the package is designed to begin, not when the separate classes begin. Please check individual listings for specific class start dates.

Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute® has been approved by NAADAC as an Approved Education Provider (AEP #151584) and NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #6704). Programs that do not qualify for NAADAC or NBCC credit are clearly identified. All NACCTP trainings are approved by BHA for CAC/LAC credentialing. Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute® is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

• COHORT: Summer 2026 Class Cohort.
• DATES: The nine (9) classes are designed to begin in January or July, but may begin with the first available CAT class in the specified cohort after registration and continue until they are complete unless a class is full or a prerequisite has not been met yet. If a specific sequence is needed, please let us know ASAP. Many classes have registration limits, be sure to register early to guarantee placement.
• TIME: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• BREAKS: 10:30-10:45 am; 12:00-1:00 pm; and 2:30-2:45 pm.
• CE CONTACT HOURS: 154.0 Contact Hours.
• CE APPROVALS: DORA, NAADAC, NBCC; Applicable to CAT/CAS/LAC Credentialing.
• RECOMMENDED TEXT: Participants may find it helpful to read the Handbook for Addiction Counselors, available HERE.
• CLASS CATEGORY: CAT/LAC Classes (All 9 CAT Classes; 9 of the 20 LAC Classes).
• BHA REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: Classes requiring a BHA instructor are indicated with an asterisk (*) in the list above. Students may apply for Educational Equivalency with the CCE for all other classes.
• PREREQUISITE(S): Participants are responsible for ensuring their individual class sequence meets any prerequisites associated with their level of credential.
• PAYMENT PLAN: A payment plan can be established through the online registration process.
• DISCOUNT: Buy all nine (9) classes separately at the General Professional rate and pay $1,991.00. Save 20% automatically with our Class Package and pay only $1,592.80 (Save $398.20; Provided at Check-Out). Payment plans are available through the registration process.
• ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS: Groups of 3+ = Save an Additional 10%; Military/Veterans = Save an Additional 15%; Graduate Students = Save an Additional 20%; BBIPOC/LGBTQIA+/Social Justice Rate = Save an Additional 25%; Noeticus Staff/Former Staff = Save an Additional 30% (Only One Category Available; Discount Provided Automatically at Check-Out).