The number of hours required for basic credentialing varies from state to state.  DLCAS.com works closely with those state credentialing bodies that allow distance learning to be used toward the basic credential to insure that our coursework is approved AND meets and conforms to the requirements established for the basic credentialing process.

In order to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York state, you must document completion of education and training consisting of a minimum of 350 clock hours which address the full range of knowledge, skills and professional techniques related to chemical dependence counseling. 

In order to best prepare for the written examination, OASAS strongly encourages that you have completed education and training which has provided you with: 

• Knowledge of the variety of models and theories of addiction and other chemical abuse and/or dependence related problems.
• Knowledge of the social, political, economic and cultural context within which chemical abuse and/or dependence exists.
• Knowledge of the behavioral, psychological, physical health and social effects of chemical abuse and/or dependence on the patient and significant others.
• Skill in recognizing the potential for chemical abuse and/or dependence disorders to mimic a variety of medical and psychological disorders and the potential for medical and psychological disorders to coexist with chemical abuse and/or dependence.
• Knowledge of the philosophies, practices, policies and outcomes of the most generally accepted models of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention and continuing care for chemical abuse and/or dependence related problems.
• Knowledge of the importance of family, social networks and community systems in the treatment and recovery process.
• Understanding of the value of an interdisciplinary approach to chemical abuse and/or dependence treatment.
• Skill in using the established diagnostic criteria for chemical abuse and/or dependence and understanding of the variety of treatment options and placement criteria within the continuum of care.
• Ability to utilize various counseling strategies and develop treatment plans based on the patient's stage of dependence or recovery.
• Knowledge of the medical and pharmaceutical resources in the treatment of chemical abuse and/or dependence.
• Ability to incorporate the special needs of diverse racial and ethnic cultures and special populations into clinical practice, including their distinct patterns of communication.
• Understanding of the obligation of the CASAC to engage in prevention as well as treatment techniques.
• Knowledge of the obligations of a CASAC to adhere to generally accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct in the counseling relationship.
• Proficiency in English including the ability to speak, write, comprehend aurally and read at a minimum level necessary to perform as a CASAC.

Minimum requirements are as follows: 

• 85 clock hours related to Knowledge of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (Category 1).
• 150 clock hours related to Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling (Category 2).
• 70 clock hours related to Assessment; Clinical Evaluation; Treatment Planning; Case Management; and Patient, Family and Community Education (Category 3).
• 45 clock hours related to Professional and Ethical Responsibilities (Category 4).

Coursework from DLCAS.com is approved and accepted by OASAS for basic credentialing needs.  The following is our recommended curriculum for New York and meets the guidelines established by OASAS.  These courses have been designed to not only prepare you for with the information you'll need to become an effective counselor, but also to assist you in passing your written credentialing examination.  When registering for coursework, our staff will work with you to make course recommendations should you already have some training hours and do not need an entire 350 hours of training. 

To download a copy of this curriculum - CLICK HERE.

We also offer discounts for multiple courses/hours of training.  If you plan on taking several courses or the entire curriculum, contact our business office at 866 431-4240 for more details.