HHS partners with Hazelden Betty Ford to offer addiction training for behavioral health workforce

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is partnering with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to provide training in the newly updated American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria to North Dakota behavioral health professionals. The ASAM Criteria are the most widely used clinical standards for identifying the treatment needs of patient with addiction and co-occurring conditions in the nation. The HHS training initiative, which began in July, aims to enhance the knowledge and expertise of professionals treating substance use disorder and mental health conditions across the state. It has been met with overwhelming demand, prompting the addition of several new training sessions through August.

The ASAM training program's purpose is to elevate the standards of care and improve outcomes for individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. By enhancing the knowledge and expertise of professionals in the field, the program supports the development of a robust behavioral health workforce equipped to deliver high-quality care.

"North Dakota is committed to strengthening our substance use treatment services by providing our professionals with the latest knowledge and tools," said James Knopik, manager of addiction and prevention program and policy at HHS. "Partnering with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation allows us to bring their extensive expertise and proven methodologies to our state, ensuring our workforce is well-prepared to meet the needs of our communities."

Last updated in 2013, the ASAM Criteria underwent a significant update in October 2023. It promotes individualized and holistic treatment planning, and guides clinicians and care managers in making objective decisions about patient admission, continuing care, and movement along the continuum of care.

Updates to the ASAM Criteria reflect current research and clinical best practices that facilitate better, patient-centered care and improve outcomes for the millions of people diagnosed with substance use disorders each year. Some areas that are either newly addressed or have significant updates include early intervention, secondary prevention, telehealth, recovery support services, trauma-sensitive practices, addressing pain and cognitive impairment.

The statewide training sessions are facilitated by experienced trainers and consultants from Hazelden Betty Ford, an organization with over 75 years of leadership in the field of addiction treatment and mental health care. These sessions will cover the updated ASAM Criteria, providing participants with seven Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

"For more than 75 years, Hazelden has been dedicated to providing the gold standard of care to individuals and families dealing with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions," said Kris VanHoof, executive director of professional education and training solutions with Hazelden Betty Ford. "Through education and training, we are able to extend our ecosystem of care, improve treatment and recovery outcomes, and support the excellent work being done across North Dakota to improve the health of individuals, families and communities."

Hazelden Betty Ford's publishing division partnered with ASAM to exclusively publish both print and digital versions of the new Fourth Edition of The ASAM Criteria. Additionally, as an ASAM Designated Training Organization, they are also dedicated to equipping clinicians with the tools and education needed to guide clients successfully and consistently in compliance with the ASAM level-of-care process.