e-Course ASAM Criteria

The e-Course on the ASAM Criteria 3rd Edition,
ASAM Criteria Training Online

The e-Course on the ASAM Criteria 3rd. Edition is an effective adult learning solution that leverages the advantages of web-based training, while incorporating the content and methods of a successful onsite curriculum developed to teach participants how to make more informed and accurate level of care decisions, and to write clear, concise clinical justifications for them.

The course addresses the Continuum of Care, the Criteria, Dimension Risk Ratings, the Assessment Considerations for each of ASAM’s Six Dimensions, Level of Care Recommendations, and how to write clinical justifications for Dimension Risk Ratings, and the Level of Care Recommendation. However, substantially more time and modules are focused on understanding the “Assessment Considerations” for ASAM’s Six Dimensions, and identifying the corresponding clinical information collected with assessment tools such as the Addiction severity Index (ASI) that inform / influence the assessment considerations and risk ratings for the dimensions.

The course is very comprehensive and provides more content, details, and exercises than is possible during standard one- and two-day workshops. The course includes pre and post course learning measures, and support materials that can be downloaded. Upon successful completion of the post course learning measure users receive written performance feedback from Dr. Coyne, as well as an opportunity to discuss the feedback with him.  

The e-Course on the ASAM Criteria 3rd. Edition is standardized, evidence based, easily accessible, cost effective and designed to increase learning, and support the transfer of learning back to the workplace. The design and functionality of the course enables learners to create a self-directed and self-paced learning experience that best meets their individual learning style, and needs in a way that traditional one- and two-day on-site workshops does not.

The course incorporates evidence-based adult learning principles, practices and interventions proven to increase learning and support the transfer of learning back to the workplace.

The course is designed to achieve the same goal and objectives as the onsite workshop on the ASAM Criteria. The e-course is comprehensive and provide more content, details, and exercises than is possible during standard two-day workshops. The course includes pre and post learning measures, and support materials for downloading. In addition, and more importantly it is effective in achieving intended learning outcomes, which includes supporting the transfer and maintenance of newly learned knowledge and skills to the workplace.

While many users of the ASAM Criteria know the names of the Six Dimensions of Assessment, not as many know and/or understand what ASAM refers to as the “Assessment Considerations” for each dimension. The “Assessment Considerations” are the various factors, symptoms, or situations, that should be considered as part of the risk assessment in each dimension. Another way to think about each dimension’s “Assessment Considerations”, is to think of them as the definition, or the criteria for the dimension. These definitions, or criteria help identify the factors, symptoms and/or situations that should be considered when assessing the client’s risk in each dimension.

Ask Yourself These Questions

1.) If a practitioner does not know and understand the information that informs each dimension, how can they accurately rate the clients risk status in each dimension?

2.) If the risk ratings are not accurate, how can a practitioner make informed and accurate clinical decisions, e.g., level of care recommendations, services and interventions.

While the e-Course addresses the Continuum of Care, the Criteria, Dimension Risk Ratings, the Assessment Consideration for each of the Six Dimensions and how to write clinical justifications, substantially more time and modules are focused on understanding the assessment considerations for each of ASAM’s Six Dimensions, and identifying the corresponding clinical information that informs / influences risk ratings and other recommendations. 

Individuals and organizations can purchase a three-month subscription to access the course; however, the course is expected to be completed within the first 30 days of the subscription. While completion rates vary from a week to a month, it is not recommended that someone complete the course in just one or two sittings.

Blended Learning approaches are available; 1.) utilizes the e-Course in combination with Tele / Video conferencing, and 2.) utilizes the e-Course in combination with workshops delivered onsite. Contact us to discuss the course, the blended learning approaches, or your organizations learning needs and we’ll design a learning solution that best meets your needs.

As of this time, the e-Courses on the ASI & ASAM have been used by individuals and organizations in three countries, and 14 states within the U.S. The types of organizations using the course include Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Providers, Substance Abuse Research Organizations, Drug Courts, Probation, Parole and Single State Behavioral Health Agencies.

The e-courses and onsite workshops on the ASAM Criteria &the ASI are designed and delivered by Thomas H. Coyne, Ed.D., LCSW, a nationally recognized adult educator providing evidenced based learning solutions regarding the assessment and treatment of persons with substance use and mental health disorders. He is one of the most experienced and effective trainers in the country regarding the correct use of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), and the American Society of Addiction Medicines Criteria.

He received is doctorate from Columbia University, where he examined the “Learning Transfer Systems” of community-based treatment programs. He has long been an advocate of the use of evidence based adult learning practices to implement evidence-based treatment practices, and turning treatment agencies into learning organizations.  He has worked with numerous governmental entities on a county, state, national and international level. His expertise has been used on numerous grants and contracts held with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Office of National Drug Control and Policy (ONSCP), the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, National Drug Court Institute and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

Evidence Based – Proven Effective – Designed For Transfer