Dr. Cali Estes, founder of The Addictions Academy, is proud to announce that their Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) program has been approved by the Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification Committee. This approval, granted in July, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Academy and its commitment to providing high-quality, recognized training in the field of addiction recovery support.

“We are thrilled to receive this approval from the Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification Committee,” said Dr. Estes. “This recognition validates the quality and comprehensiveness of our CRSS program, and opens up new opportunities for our graduates in Colorado’s behavioral health and substance use care sector.”

The Addictions Academy’s CRSS program is a comprehensive 75-hour training course designed for individuals seeking the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) designation. The program equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to work alongside clinical staff, providing crucial recovery support services to individuals with substance use conditions.

The Colorado Providers Association, which oversees the certification committee, champions behavioral health and substance use care for Coloradans. Their vision aligns closely with The Addictions Academy’s mission, aiming for a state where all persons with substance use disorders and related behavioral health needs have full access and equity to care, provided with dignity and respect, free from stigma.

Dr. Estes emphasized the importance of this approval: “Colorado’s commitment to improving statewide, equitable access to care and outcomes for people with substance use disorders aligns perfectly with our goals at The Addictions Academy. This approval allows us to contribute more directly to their mission by training qualified recovery support specialists.”

The CRSS program covers essential domains including Recovery Management, Practical Living Skills and Social Development, Resource Linkage and Follow-up, Re-engagement, Crisis Support and Safety, and Professional Responsibilities. It is particularly beneficial for those working in any supportive capacity within the addiction field – be it administrative, technical, or clinical.

“Our CRSS program is designed to create a new generation of recovery support specialists who can make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorders,” Dr. Estes added. “With this approval, we’re not just training individuals; we’re contributing to Colorado’s vision of comprehensive, respectful, and stigma-free care for all.”

Most of the Addictions Academy’s programs are fully accredited and approved by several recognized organizations, including CACCF, IAAP, AACT, ACTPO, FLA Board, and IC&RC. This wide-ranging accreditation ensures that the training is valid in any country with IC&RC reciprocity, including the USA, the EU, Canada, Japan, and Africa.

For those interested in pursuing a career as a Recovery Support Specialist or enhancing their current role in the addiction recovery field, The Addictions Academy’s CRSS program offers a comprehensive, now Colorado-approved pathway. The program can be completed online, offering flexibility for busy professionals and career changers alike.

As the demand for qualified addiction recovery professionals continues to grow, particularly in light of the ongoing opioid crisis, The Addictions Academy remains committed to providing top-tier, recognized training programs. This recent approval from the Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification Committee further cements the Academy’s position as a leader in addiction recovery education.

For more information about The Addictions Academy and their Certified Recovery Support Specialist program, visit https://theaddictionsacademy.com/certified-recovery-support-specialist-crss/.

To learn more about the Colorado Providers Association and their mission, visit https://coprovidersassociation.org/.