Hazelden and IC&RC join forces to provide online training and credentialing for
co-occurring mental health and substance abuse treatment

Center City, Minn., January 4, 2012-- Only 2% of the 5.6 million adults living with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders in the United States receive evidence-based integrated care--due in large part to the lack of professional training on this approach (Implementing Dual Diagnosis Services for Clients With Severe Mental Illness, Drake et al., 2001). Focus on Integrated Treatment (FIT), a new interactive online training from Hazelden and IC&RC, fills this void.

Hazelden, the leading addiction and prevention publisher in education, treatment, and behavioral health, and IC&RC (International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium), the world leader in addiction-related credentialing, have joined together to introduce Focus on Integrated Treatment (FIT), the only interactive, online training program designed to help addiction treatment and mental health professionals develop the skills to successfully deliver an integrated treatment plan for clients with co-occurring disorders. Studies show that integrated treatment--the evidence-based practice of addressing a person's co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, in the same setting, with the same clinician--is the most effective service strategy available for those with co-occurring disorders, demonstrating consistent, positive outcomes.

According to Nick Motu, Hazelden's publisher and vice president of Marketing and Communications, "At Hazelden, we believe lifelong recovery is possible for everyone. To help clients with co-occurring disorders achieve lasting recovery, it's important that professionals are trained in delivering evidence-based, integrated care. FIT offers the means to give this underserved population the treatment they need and deserve."

Mary Jo Mather, executive director of IC&RC, echoes this statement, "If our field is going to meet the crying need for integrated treatment, we need more professionals trained in the best practices for co-occurring disorders. IC&RC believes this knowledge needs to be spread throughout the addiction recovery and prevention profession, and we're excited that a partnership with Hazelden makes that possible."

About the FIT Program

FIT combines best practices in substance use and mental health therapies. The interventions used throughout each of the online training modules include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and Twelve Step facilitation. What's more, FIT draws upon the numerous randomized controlled trials testing in the IDDT model into a state-of-the-science treatment approach.

The engaging and interactive training modules include videos of real clients sharing their stories, clinical vignettes, interactive exercises, and expert panel sessions. A quick quiz is offered at the conclusion of each module to check the learner's understanding of the lesson.

Professionals may choose to complete the entire FIT program, register for either the clinician or the administrator tract, or take courses in specific topic areas including Screening & Assessment, Stagewise Treatment, and Motivational Interviewing. Clinicians completing all of the available modules within FIT can earn up to 52.5 continuing education hours upon successful completion of the entire program.

When combined with clinical hours, FIT provides the tools and training needed to become a Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP) or a Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDPD) through IC&RC.  IC&RC has also approved this training for its internationally recognized Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), and Clinical Supervisor (CS) credentials. Treatment professionals can also use FIT to renew their current certification or licensure.

Learn more about the innovative Focus on Integrated Treatment program, including course listings, pricing, and available credentialing options.

About IC&RC
Since 1981, IC&RC has protected the public by establishing standards and facilitating reciprocity for professionals. Today, IC&RC represents 78 member boards and 45,000 professionals from 25 countries, 45 U.S. states, and two U.S. territories. IC&RC's seven credentials include counselors, clinical supervisors, prevention specialists, criminal justice, and co-occurring disorders professionals. The organization is currently developing a Peer Recovery Support credential. Learn more at http://www.internationalcredentialing.org.

About Hazelden

Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher education, public education and advocacy, and publishing. It currently has facilities in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York and Florida.

Hazelden is committed to protecting the privacy of people who participate in Hazelden programs and abides by all applicable federal and state laws that protect such confidentiality.