Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals

Welcome to CAAP's Home Page

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Below you will find information about the CAC Transition Phase approved under Sunset Review by the Colorado State Legislature.  Notes are below the chart.

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A chart will be added shortly highlighting the changes effective April 1, 2021 - including the shifts in course requirements and testing requirements.

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The CAC Curriculum & Training Committee (CCTC) is working with Mary McMahon (OBH) on updating CAC Trainer Handbook.  CAC Handbook will be available here shortly.

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Please contact Mary McMahon at OBH (mary.mcmahon@state.co.us) or Mita M Johnson (303. 808. 8466) or mitamjohnson@gmail.com if you have questions. 

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NOTES for TRANSITION PHASE:

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• First 1,000 hours:

  • Individuals working towards CAC I/CAT do not have to register with DORA prior to submission of application.

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• Addiction Counselor Candidate:

  • 1) By Endorsement: One year for candidate with an active addiction credential from another state to meet the requirements for level applying for (CAT, CAS or LAC)

  • 2) Master’s or Doctorate Student: Four years to meet requirements for LAC (or be registered in another Mental Health category)

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• CAS Approved Clinical Supervisor:

  • Anyone with a CAS can supervise anyone working towards their CAT or CAS.

  • CAS cannot supervise an individual working towards their LAC.
     

• All national exam scores for NCAC I, NCAC II, MAC are valid for five years (beginning July 14, 2015).

  • IF EDUCATION REQUIRES AN EDUCATIONAL EQUIVALENCY REVIEW THROUGH CCE, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO CCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS PROCESS CAN TAKE 4-6 WEEKS.

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• Scope of Practice changes for CAT and CAS go into full implementation April 1, 2021.

A Message from CAAP's Board President -

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On behalf of the CAAP Board and our Colorado treatment provider and recovery support community, please know that we are actively monitoring the impact of COVID-19 in order to assist and support all service providers including our members, peers, colleagues, clients, facilities and the communities we serve. We realize that this has been and will be an incredible challenge personally and professionally for quite some time to come - so first and foremost we encourage everyone to engage in self-care to safeguard  your capacity to engage in this noble profession and be available to those you care for professionally and personally.  We encourage you to use the many social media apps and self-care supports available during this time - including Calm and Waking Up.  Please take the time to connect with professional resources, like the ones we share below, and personal supports (friends, family, mentors, guides) during this unprecedented time of social and professional distancing.  

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CAAP is committed to providing support and guidance to all service providers and peer recovery support specialists, working with substance use and mental health disorders.  We realize that you have been inundated with a flood of emails and resources over the last six weeks - and are offering you resources that help you during this next chapter of resuming work and social contacts while maintaining safe distancing.  As the situation evolves, members and supporters should regularly check this web page for the latest practice resources and support information.  

Compassion is essential during this challenging time and CAAP will continue to be of service and support to its members, allied practitioners and supporters, and  communities.  Please reach out to us as you discover specific needs for guidance and support and we will research resources for you through our networks.  NAADAC and the CAAP Board willingly and gratefully offers our hope, resilience and resources to you.  Stay healthy, safe and please reach out for support.

Sincerely,

Jonathan De Carlo, President

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• NAADAC COVID-19 Resources Page:  https://www.naadac.org/covid-19-resources

• NAMI COVID-19 Resource & Information Guide:  https://www.nami.org/covid-19-guide

• CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment) COVID-19:   https://covid19.colorado.gov/

• OBH COVID-19 Resources:

• SAMHSA COVID-19 Resource Page:

• SBA Loan Information:  https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

• Help Colorado Now:  https://helpcoloradonow.org/

• Colorado Health Foundation:  https://www.coloradohealth.org/covid-19-resources-nonprofits-and-funders

• VA:  Managing Employee Stress:  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID_healthcare_workers.asp

• 42-CFR Guidance (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/covid-19-42-cfr-part-2-guidance-03192020.pdf

• HIPAA Guidance: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/index.html

• Telehealth for Psychiatry: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/telepsychiatry/blog/apa-resources-on-telepsychiatry-and-covid-19

• CDC Guidance for Healthcare Facilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html