Marchman Act Continuing Education Event
The Academy for Addiction Professionals was very excited and proud to host the first of a series of continuing education events on March 29th. This lunch-and-learn covered the foundational concepts and implications of the Marchman Act as an important legislative vehicle in the treatment of addiction in Florida. Our guest speaker Ray Ferrero Jr. is an expert in the judicial aspects of the Act and has devoted a great deal of his legal practice to it.
The Benefits of Hiring Certified Behavioral Techs
Today, with a need for growth and by providing a basic level of training, many addiction treatment facilities are hiring behavioral health technicians. Some of these hires do not have the skills to effectively manage clients. With the significant increase in demand for addiction techs, it is important that they are qualified and properly trained. Further, with treatment programs getting larger and larger, techs must be able to adapt quickly and make decisions on the fly. Techs that have the knowledge and ability to manage clients may also be happier in their jobs and experience less stress. Understanding how to manage clients, crises and possible violence can often lead to less employment turnover and greater satisfaction among the ranks of the techs.
Do You Need An Addiction Certification?
Many counselors who have held their jobs for years and are fully entrenched in their careers may not understand the true benefit of an education in addiction and a professional certification from the Florida Certification Board. For those pondering that very issue, here are a few questions to consider:
Education is Important for Non Counselors Too
Training and education is a critically important part of counseling, to be sure. That said, a grasp and understanding of addiction and addiction treatment is critical to the effectiveness of other employees in a treatment facility. Admissions specialists, administrative personnel and anyone who communicates with clients should all understand the ins and outs of the treatment process.
Where The Academy’s Going From Here
By now, you know that the Academy for Addiction Professionals has grown by leaps and bounds. Indeed, with the latest additions to our staff, instructor base and campus, we hope to be able to educate more students than ever. Not only have we added the human and physical capital to accommodate more students, but our efforts have paid off in the form of more interactivity and experiential work in class.
Announcing a New Class!
The Academy for Addiction Professionals is excited to announce a new class, which will be held in person and soon, online as well. Our computer skills class is an integral part of Professional Readiness. It helps addiction counselors document more accurately as well as gain valuable insight into how computer software can assist them in their careers. This class is helpful to those who are striving to achieve their certified counselor status or those who may be looking for hands-on and useful continuing education.
Academy Facebook Page Crosses 1,000 Likes
Our Facebook page has always been a cornerstone in the communication between Academy staff, prospective students and graduates. Part of the mission of the Academy is to create a culture of open communication and our Facebook page, along with this blog, is a step in that direction. Last week, we hit the 1,000 like mark which, for us, is more than an exciting milestone. It represents a very heartening reminder that we have addiction counselors and aspiring professionals looking to us for news and updates on a regular basis.
Great Addiction Treatment Supervisors
While, as addiction counselors, we are most focused on our clients and how to best serve them, part of counseling includes the relationship that we have with our supervisors. Supervisors come in many shapes and sizes and while it would be nice to believe that every supervisor is a great one, that just isn’t the case. Of course, before we evaluate a supervisor, we must understand that expectation plays a part in how we perceive our supervisors and their level of competence. After all, every individual is unique and has his or her own way of managing problems and the day-to-day work within an addiction counseling treatment program.
Psychological Effects of Obesity
By Dr. Muhammad Feteiha, Advanced Surgical Associates
Understanding obesity means much more than calorie counting and exercise regimens. Yes, the results of obesity are most visible in someone’s physical presence, but the psychological effects of obesity are downright insidious.
Internships in Addiction Treatment
Internships can be a worthwhile endeavor to pursue as you prepare to become an addiction counselor or consider enhancing your career. Internships are not only for those in high school or college. Instead, they can benefit those who want to break into the industry but have not yet had an opportunity.