Free, OASAS-Sponsored EBP Trainings

Certified professionals can learn the latest evidence-based models, principles, and techniques in addiction and behavioral health treatment at Outreach Training Institute (OTI). Participants can earn CASAC hours, as well as Continuing Education Hours for Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists.

OTI’s experienced team of trainers, the majority of whom work in the field, offer students an informative and valuable skills-building experience. Courses feature overviews of evidence-based practice models such as Seeking Safety and Motivational Interviewing, two of our most popular and in-demand courses.

Professional Development Training for your Organization

Dr. Alicia Delgado, Psy.D, MFT, CASAC-T
Director, Outreach Training Institute
aliciadelgado-agudio@opiny.org

Liliane Drago, MA, CASAC Master Counselor, MAC
Vice President, Outreach Training Institute
lilianedrago@opiny.org

SOR Training

Free training for staff working in OASAS-licensed programs in New York State via OASAS-Funded State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant-Funded Training. All courses provide continuing education hours for CASAC, SW, MHC, and MFT!

Training for all staff working in OASAS-licensed programs in New York State are available at no charge under the OASAS SOR grant. SOR funded agencies throughout New York State will be prioritized, and others can also be admitted space permitting. Please see a listing of the trainings currently scheduled.

Important: Outreach Training Institute has transitioned to a new Learning Management System, Digital Chalk. As part of the registration process, you will be asked to create an account. To apply for any of the courses, you will need to complete a separate registration form for each course. You will receive a response to confirm your enrollment. Please save your login credentials, as you will need them to access the training and future certificates or course registrations. 

SOR REGISTRATION LINK

October 

Family Engagement (3 hours)

This professional development training focuses on the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with families and strengthening communication and collaboration. Participants will explore strategies for engaging families effectively, understanding diverse perspectives and needs, and creating partnerships that support positive outcomes. The training emphasizes practical approaches for building trust, encouraging participation, and maintaining meaningful connections with individuals and families.

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Deadline: September 30, 2026

• • • • • •

Ethics & Professional Boundaries (3 hours)

This training provides a review of the OASAS Code of Professional Ethics governing the treatment of individuals with behavioral health disorders, which closely aligns with ethical standards followed by many professionals serving this population. Participants will examine common ethical dilemmas encountered in practice and apply a structured ethical decision-making model that can be used across a wide range of ethically challenging situations in service delivery.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: October 14, 2026

• • • • • •

Screening for Psychological Trauma and PTSD (3 hours)

Participants will learn how trauma can be addressed in treatment, both in specific treatment approaches and in milieu practices that are conducive to healing.  The premise of this course is that day-to-day experiences and interactions between traumatized clients and all staff can have a bearing on their ability to remain in treatment and make clinical progress.

Registration Deadline: October 15, 2026

• • • • • •

Psychological Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (3 hours)

This course will provide an understanding for all staff members who work in substance use disorder treatment and have client contact, regardless of role. The goal of the course is to help sensitize participants to the impact trauma has on clients and how to interact with clients in a trauma-informed manner. The definition of trauma, its signs and symptoms, and its pervasive impact on individuals will be explored. Principles of trauma-informed care will be presented and participants will discuss how to apply these to their work settings.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: October 21, 2026

• • • • • •

November

Clinical Supervision Foundations II (16 hours)

This introductory course begins with the definition of clinical supervision, its goals and objectives, and the qualities and approaches of a good clinical supervisor.  The structure and benefits of various types of supervision are reviewed, and time management strategies are discussed.  Didactic presentation, group discussion, small group work and case vignettes are used.  In New York State, this training is required as part of the scopes of practice for clinicians who have supervisory responsibilities.

  • Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30pm

Registration Deadline: October 28, 2026

• • • • • •

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (3 hours)

This professional development training provides an overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its application in supporting positive behavioral and emotional change. Participants will explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and learn how CBT-based strategies can help individuals recognize unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. The training emphasizes practical concepts and approaches that can be applied in professional settings.

  • Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: October 29, 2026

• • • • • •

Motivational Interviewing “Concepts to Practice” (M14) 2 Day – Training- In-Person (12 hours)

An interactive training that provides an introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based, person-centered approach for strengthening motivation and supporting positive behavior change. Participants will learn the core principles and skills of MI, including Open-Ended Questions, Affirmations, Reflective Listening, and Summaries (OARS). Through discussion and practical exercises, participants will develop strategies for engaging clients, exploring ambivalence, eliciting change talk, and supporting individuals in making meaningful and sustainable changes.

Registration Deadline: November 3, 2026

• • • • • •

Motivational Interviewing “Concepts to Practice” (M14) 2 Day – Training- In-Person (12 hours)

An interactive training that provides an introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based, person-centered approach for strengthening motivation and supporting positive behavior change. Participants will learn the core principles and skills of MI, including Open-Ended Questions, Affirmations, Reflective Listening, and Summaries (OARS). Through discussion and practical exercises, participants will develop strategies for engaging clients, exploring ambivalence, eliciting change talk, and supporting individuals in making meaningful and sustainable changes.

Registration Deadline: November 10, 2026

• • • • • •

December

DBT Skills and Protocol Overview (3 hours)

The training will give a brief overview of the research base of DBT in the treatment on Borderline Personality DO, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders and the protocol of high fidelity DBT.  The remainder of the time to explain the five DBT skill sets: Mindfulness, Self-Validation, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, & Distress Tolerance.

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Deadline: November 25, 2026

• • • • • •

Medications for Addiction Recovery (3 hours)

This training will provide participants with knowledge and skills needed to counsel individuals on the use of addiction medications.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: December 2, 2026

• • • • • •

Writing a Billable Note (3 hours)

This course will teach participants the elements of a good progress note that includes the criteria required by Medicaid and other payers. Participants will learn to write exactly what is needed for reimbursement and to be more efficient in their documentation by eliminating unnecessary verbiage.

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Deadline: December 9, 2026

• • • • • •

January

Ethics & Professional Boundaries (3 hours)

This training provides a review of the OASAS Code of Professional Ethics governing the treatment of individuals with behavioral health disorders, which closely aligns with ethical standards followed by many professionals serving this population. Participants will examine common ethical dilemmas encountered in practice and apply a structured ethical decision-making model that can be used across a wide range of ethically challenging situations in service delivery.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: December 30, 2026

• • • • • •

Suicide Assessment and Intervention (3 hours)

This training will provide participants with the knowledge and ability to identify patients who are at risk of suicide and formulate effective interventions to address possible suicidal behaviors.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: December 31, 2026

• • • • • •

Cultural Competence in SUD Treatment (3 hours)

What culture is and how it impacts clients in treatment and the counseling relationship is examined in the course. The importance of understanding cultural differences and how to develop culturally relevant treatment is explored.  The course uses didactic presentation, small and large group discussion, and film.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: January 5, 2027

• • • • • •

Motivational Interviewing Tune-Up (3 hours)

The course teaches the core theory, assumptions, spirit, and fundamental skills of MI.  Didactic presentation, discussion, film, and “real play” practice is used.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: January 6, 2027

• • • • • •

Crisis Prevention and De-Escalation (3 hours)

This course teaches participants to use Nonviolent Crisis Intervention by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).  Participants learn to appropriately intervene at every level of a crisis, with emphasis on the identification of the early stages of a crisis and how to prevent its escalation.  The use of verbal de-escalation and personal safety techniques is introduced and practiced. The overarching priority of this approach is to keep both clients and staff safe.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: January 20, 2027

• • • • • •

February

Writing a Billable Note (3 hours)

This course will teach participants the elements of a good progress note that includes the criteria required by Medicaid and other payers. Participants will learn to write exactly what is needed for reimbursement and to be more efficient in their documentation by eliminating unnecessary verbiage.

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Deadline: January 26, 2027

• • • • • •

March

Clinical Supervision Foundations II (3 hours)

This introductory course begins with the definition of clinical supervision, its goals and objectives, and the qualities and approaches of a good clinical supervisor.  The structure and benefits of various types of supervision are reviewed, and time management strategies are discussed.  Didactic presentation, group discussion, small group work and case vignettes are used.  In New York State, this training is required as part of the scopes of practice for clinicians who have supervisory responsibilities.

Registration Deadline: February 23, 2027

• • • • • •

Motivational Interviewing Tune-Up (3 hours)

The course teaches the core theory, assumptions, spirit, and fundamental skills of MI.  Didactic presentation, discussion, film, and “real play” practice is used.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: March 18, 2027

• • • • • •

April

Working with the LGBTQ+ Youth in the Field of SUD and MH (3 hours)

This training equips providers with the knowledge and skills to deliver affirming, culturally responsive substance use and mental health services to LGBTQ+ youth. Participants explore LGBTQ+ identities, minority stress, social determinants of health, and intersectionality, and examine how these factors influence risk, resilience, and treatment engagement. Emphasis is placed on practical, youth-centered strategies for prevention, recovery, allyship, and creating safe, inclusive environments that support LGBTQ+ youth in surviving, thriving, and healing

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: April 7, 2027

• • • • • •

Psychological Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (3 hours)

This course will provide an understanding for all staff members who work in substance use disorder treatment and have client contact, regardless of role. The goal of the course is to help sensitize participants to the impact trauma has on clients and how to interact with clients in a trauma-informed manner. The definition of trauma, its signs and symptoms, and its pervasive impact on individuals will be explored. Principles of trauma-informed care will be presented and participants will discuss how to apply these to their work settings.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: April 8, 2027

• • • • • •

Medications for Addiction Treatment (3 hours)

This training provides a comprehensive overview of medications used in the treatment of substance use disorders, grounded in a bio-psycho-social framework of addiction. Participants learn about the indications, mechanisms of action, benefits, limitations, and myths associated with medications for alcohol, opioid, and nicotine use disorders, including methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and overdose reversal agents. Emphasis is placed on integrating medication treatment with counseling, recovery supports, and ethical, stigma-reducing clinical practice to support individualized and effective care

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm
  • Trainer: Gina Stafford, LMFT, Adjunct Instructor

Registration Deadline: April 14, 2027

• • • • • •

Mastering Crisis Responses: Comprehensive In-Person, Community and Phone Strategies (3 hours)

This comprehensive training session is designed to equip participants with the skills to effectively handle crises in various settings. The presentation includes practical strategies and techniques, focusing on the immediate handling of actual crises in person, in the community, and over the phone, ensuring a well-rounded approach to dealing with both self-harm and harm to others.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: April 20, 2027

• • • • • •

Integrated Care (3 hours)

This training provides participants with practical, actionable skills for delivering integrated care to individuals engaged in behavioral healthcare Participants will learn how to apply integrated care principles including screening and assessment, collaborative treatment planning, care coordination, and team communication. Through case examples and interactive exercises, clinicians will practice using brief assessment tools, working effectively with multidisciplinary team members, and addressing social determinants of health.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: April 22, 2027

• • • • • •

May

Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders (3 hours)

This course presents the DSM-IV criteria for substance use disorders and reviews the types of psychiatric disorders that commonly co-occur with substance use disorders including mood, anxiety, personality, conduct, attention deficit, and psychotic disorders.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: May 5, 2027

• • • • • •

Suicide Assessment and Intervention (3 hours)

This course provides participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to identify, assess, and respond to suicide risk in behavioral health and substance use treatment settings. Participants learn to recognize warning signs, risk and protective factors, conduct direct suicide inquiries, and implement evidence-based interventions including safety planning, referral, and ongoing monitoring. Emphasis is placed on trauma-informed, ethical, and collaborative approaches that prioritize client safety, clinical judgment, and continuity of care.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: May 6, 2027

• • • • • •

Cultural Competence in SUD Treatment (3 hours)

What culture is and how it impacts clients in treatment and the counseling relationship is examined in the course. The importance of understanding cultural differences and how to develop culturally relevant treatment is explored.  The course uses didactic presentation, small and large group discussion, and film.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: May 12, 2027

• • • • • •

June

Clinical Supervision Foundations II (16 hours)

This introductory course begins with the definition of clinical supervision, its goals and objectives, and the qualities and approaches of a good clinical supervisor.  The structure and benefits of various types of supervision are reviewed, and time management strategies are discussed.  Didactic presentation, group discussion, small group work and case vignettes are used.  In New York State, this training is required as part of the scopes of practice for clinicians who have supervisory responsibilities.

  • Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30pm

Registration Deadline: May 26, 2027

• • • • • •

Crisis Prevention and De-Escalation (3 hours)

This course teaches participants to use Nonviolent Crisis Intervention by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).  Participants learn to appropriately intervene at every level of a crisis, with emphasis on the identification of the early stages of a crisis and how to prevent its escalation.  The use of verbal de-escalation and personal safety techniques is introduced and practiced. The overarching priority of this approach is to keep both clients and staff safe.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: June 2, 2027

• • • • • •

Improving Client Engagement and Compliance (3 hours)

This course will focus on how to effectively engage clients into treatment and use evidenced-based strategies shown to increase retention. Strategies to develop rapport, address client anxieties and apprehensions about treatment, increase motivation, collaboratively establish treatment goals, and establish a working alliance will be examined. Participants will practice using some of these strategies in counseling simulations.

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: June 22, 2027

• • • • • •

July

DBT Skills and Protocol Overview (3 hours)

The training will give a brief overview of the research base of DBT in the treatment on Borderline Personality DO, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders and the protocol of high fidelity DBT.  The remainder of the time to explain the five DBT skill sets: Mindfulness, Self-Validation, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness, & Distress Tolerance.

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Deadline: July 8, 2026

• • • • • •

Working with the LGBTQ+ Youth in the Field of SUD and MH (3 hours)

This training equips providers with the knowledge and skills to deliver affirming, culturally responsive substance use and mental health services to LGBTQ+ youth. Participants explore LGBTQ+ identities, minority stress, social determinants of health, and intersectionality, and examine how these factors influence risk, resilience, and treatment engagement. Emphasis is placed on practical, youth-centered strategies for prevention, recovery, allyship, and creating safe, inclusive environments that support LGBTQ+ youth in surviving, thriving, and healing

  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm

Registration Deadline: July 13, 2027

• • • • • •

Important: Outreach Training Institute has transitioned to a new Learning Management System, Digital Chalk. As part of the registration process, you will be asked to create an account. To apply for any of the courses, you will need to complete a separate registration form for each course. You will receive a response to confirm your enrollment. Please save your login credentials, as you will need them to access the training and future certificates or course registrations. 

SOR REGISTRATION LINK

• Back to the Top •