10th Anniversary of Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor

ALBANY, NY (07/02/2007)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today honored more than 6,000 Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) across New York State to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the CASAC system.

CASACs are the first point of contact for any individual entering treatment. The CASAC works with a health care team and community resources to develop and implement a treatment plan that addresses individual needs, including family counseling, employment and aftercare for long-term recovery.

In 1997, two previous counselor credentials -- the Credentialed Alcoholism Counselor (CAC) and Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) -- were consolidated into one credential called the CASAC. This consolidation was a significant milestone in the evolution of the once separate alcoholism and substance abuse fields, helping to elevate the status of counselors in New York state and assuring them wider recognition of their professional knowledge and skills.

“For 10 years, our dedicated CASACs have helped New Yorkers overcome addictive disease,” said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. “They are a critical factor in the hopes for recovery of the 110,000 individuals who are treated in OASAS-certified programs every day in New York. They are very deserving of our thanks and honor for their devoted service.”

Over the past decade, the CASAC has continued to evolve. In its early years, there had been a decline in the number of CASACs as a result of an aging workforce. To address this, OASAS conducted a series of Regional Workforce Development Focus groups to determine the best course of action in addressing recruitment, retention and professional development issues.

Thanks to these efforts, since 2001, the number of individuals pursuing a CASAC has increased dramatically. Today, there are nearly 6,000 CASACs statewide and over the past six years, more than 2,300 counselors have completed the credentialing process and become new CASACs. In addition, OASAS has seen a 194 percent increase in the number of new CASAC applications received.

Also in 2001, as a way to attract entry-level staff into the field, the CASAC Trainee was established. The CASAC Trainee certification serves as documentation that applicants are working toward becoming CASACs. Over 5,700 CASAC Trainee certificates have been issued since 2001 and there are nearly 3,400 CASAC Trainees working toward obtaining their credential.

To further honor the dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession, OASAS presents an award each September during Recovery Month to the CASAC, CASAC Trainee and Credentialed Prevention Professional/Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPP/CPS) of the Year. This year’s Addictions Professionals Day ceremony will take place in Niagara Falls, NY on September 30.

Carole D. Brown, 2004-2005 CASAC of the Year, said, “Alcoholism and substance abuse treatment is a complex undertaking and those seeking help deserve practitioners who are highly qualified. CASACs benefit those individuals and families who have been hurt by addiction by help them find a professional well versed in the field. CASACs represent a beacon of hope in a troubled time.”

_Previous CASACs of the Year include: _

2005-2006 CASAC of the Year, Anne Marie Jazylo (Long Island Region)

2004-2005 CASAC of the Year, Carole D. Brown (Long Island Region)

2003 CASAC of the Year, Bruce Casey (New York City Region)

2002 CASAC of the Year, Monica L. Thomas (New York City Region)

2001 CASAC of the Year, Rocco A. Pastore (Northeastern Region)

2000 CASAC of the Year, Barbara J. Housner (New York City Region)

1999 CASAC of the Year, Anthony Pariso (Finger Lakes Region)

1998 Regional CASAC of the Year, Samuel Gonzalez (Western Region)

1998 Regional CASAC of the Year, Frank J. Ryan (Finger Lakes Region)

1998 Regional CASAC of the Year, James R. Byrne (Central Region)

1998 Regional CASAC of the Year, Sharon R. Gillette (Northeastern Region)

1998 Regional CASAC of the Year, Debra A. Kratzenberg (Mid-Hudson Region)

1998 Regional CASAC of the Year, David F. Johnson (New York City Region)

1998 Regional CASAC of the Year, Gretchen L. Taylor (Long Island Region)

Previous CASACs Trainees of the Year Include:

2005-2006 CASAC Trainee of the Year, David Vizzini (Long Island Region)

2004-2005 CASAC Trainee of the Year, Margarita Ramos (New York City Region)

2003 CASAC Trainee of the Year, Angel A. Lopez (New York City Region)

2002 CASAC Trainee of the Year, Catherine M. Walker (Central Region)

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Posted Monday July 02, 2007 at 02:16 pm by New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services