
Implementation, Improvement, Sustainability, and Coaching of the ASAM Critieria: A How-to, Science-Based Approach
Starts March 14, 2024
The NIATx Foundation is partnering with Train for Change to provide an ASAM Implementation Guide training that aids organizations in using NIATx’s evidence-based process improvement model to help treatment programs and systems improve care and find a balance between fidelity to standards and the flexibility to meet the needs of patients. This training is essential for leadership to implement the ASAM Criteria and make organizational changes that support its fidelity.
This training teaches the NIATx model for process improvement in conjunction with the ASAM Criteria Implementation Guide as a foundational, straightforward way to implement, improve and sustain fidelity to the ASAM Criteria. Focusing on the NIATx Five Principles, the training provides a science-based foundation for evolving a culture of continuous improvement within the organization, not only for the ASAM Criteria but for any improvement or implementation project, Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Decreasing “no shows,” EHR, Treatment Plan Quality, Documentation, etc.
This training is an evolution of a Training for Trainers model. It goes beyond the single strategy and frequently ineffective belief that more trainers and training creates change. Although training and local expertise is an important component of implementation, it is commonly the only piece and is typically ineffective for implementation and sustainability.
Dates
This training consists of FIVE 2-hour sessions (one session/week for 5 weeks):
Session 1: March 14
Session 2: March 21
Session 3: March 28
Session 4: April 4
Session 5: April 11
Registration
This event is open to the public. The registration fee is $649.00/person and includes a printable electronic handout and/or an electronic training journal to use as a resource during the training. For more information, please contact: candacel@trainforchange.net or call 1-775-434-1562.
Details
Training includes:
• 2.0 NAADAC Continuing Education Credits (CEs) per session for a total of 10 CEs.
• A copy of “The ASAM Criteria Implementation Guide”
Note: Participants must attend all 5 sessions to receive CEs. Full attendance and participation is required in all 5 sessions to receive full credit. Partial credit cannot be issued. Sessions cannot be made up at a later date. ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED IF A SESSION IS MISSED.
Pre-requisites:
• Completion of a 2-day ASAM Criteria Skill Building Training (3rd or 4th Edition)
• Possession of the Third or Fourth Edition of the ASAM Criteria (separate purchase)
• Competency with ASAM Criteria
• Agreement to complete up to 1 hour of out-of-session work between sessions
About the Trainers

Scott Boyles is a licensed addiction counselor, MINT trainer and the Senior National Training Director for Train for Change Inc.® Mr. Boyles has spent more than three decades in the behavioral health field and has many years of experience working with the ASAM Criteria. Mr. Boyles is one of the original early adopters of the ASAM criteria, starting in 1991.Before becoming a full-time trainer, Mr. Boyles used the criteria professionally as a counselor and director. From 2007-2011, Mr. Boyles also served as a member of the ASAM Steering Committee for the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria. He also spent many years as a site reviewer, monitoring programs’ application of the criteria. Mr. Boyles’ experience at all levels of service and observation has enabled him to understand trainees’ needs in both education and application at different levels of the service system. Since 1993, he has trained more than 8,000 people in proper use of the criteria. Mr. Boyles has passion and expertise in system-change approaches to support effective implementation and use of the ASAM criteria. He is well-known for his information, engaging, and entertaining trainings, which include practical, real-world applications.

Mathew Roosa, LCSW-R is a consultant who provides training, coaching, technical assistance and planning support to universities, research studies, governments and health and human service provider organizations. He was a founding member of NIATx, and currently works part time at the UW Madison Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies (CHESS). Focusing on quality/ process improvement and implementation of evidence based practices, Mr. Roosa’s experience also includes psychotherapy for mental health and substance use in agencies and private practice, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Human Services and Social Work, agency administration, and governmental planning.