The Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor

The CATC is a credential which identifies the academically trained specialist who is able to facilitate behavioral change for persons affected by alcohol and other drug addictions. It signifies to employers, clients or colleagues that the person possessing this credential has completed the academic and experiential requirements for a certificate in Alcohol & Drug Studies, in a regionally accredited, CAADE approved program (or equivalent). The CATC Credential also identifies a person who has practical experience in the area of evaluation and assessment, treatment planning, pharmacology of alcohol and other drugs, cultural issues and their relevance, models of intervention, family issues, legal and ethical issues, referrals and record keeping. (All of these are the knowledge, skills, and attitudes outlined in the TAP 21). To download the new and revised TAP 21document in Adobe Acrobat PDF format click here. You may also order a free hard copy at http://www.store.samhsa.gov. The CATC Tiered system now identifies CATC counselors by the degree they hold. CAADE is one of the credentialing organizations included in the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs directory meeting the minimum criteria for Alcohol and Drug Counseling.

Standards

• Code of Ethics

• Scope of Practice

• Uniform Code of Conduct

To learn more about the Tiered system and to find the forms for each, see http://caade.org/catc-tiers and associated links under Certification