News
Celebrating Addiction Professionals in our Department!
Friday, September 19, 2025
On September 20th, we recognize Addiction Professionals Day, a time to honor the dedication, compassion, and expertise of those who serve individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use disorders.
Addiction Professionals Day was established in 1992 by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, to highlight the critical role that counselors, clinicians, peer specialists, and all who work in the field play in promoting recovery, reducing stigma, and advancing evidence-based care. For over three decades, this day has been an opportunity to raise awareness of the profession’s value and celebrate the commitment of those who support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
The Department of Psychiatry has experienced tremendous growth in our Addiction Professionals, particularly our Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) discipline. This year, Strong Recovery celebrates 52 years of dedicated substance use treatment services and employs the largest number of CASACs in our department and in the region! In 2017, when Strong Recovery, Strong Ties, and Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness became a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC), substance use services were integrated into our OMH clinics, and our CASAC footprint continued to grow. Today, we celebrate the stable progress of expanding CASACs. We recognize the following clinical areas that integrate the CASAC discipline into their multidisciplinary teams: G-9200/SUMMITS, CPEP, Inpatient Psych, Older Adults, ACT, Strong Minds, and EAP. Most recently, we welcomed Westfall Associates into the Addiction Psychiatry division to offer more expansive substance use services located at Sully’s Trail. *Many of these talented professionals are pictured in our slideshow* View slideshow here: 2025 Addiction Professionals Day on Vimeo (a special thank you to Amanda Lai and Cari Hindman for creating this video!)
Additionally, in 2023, the Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program commenced and provides an educational opportunity designed for professionals in other disciplines to learn about substance use knowledge and obtain the necessary educational hours to become a CASAC-Trainee!
Your work requires not only clinical skill but also deep empathy, resilience, and perseverance. Each of you plays a vital role in helping individuals build healthier lives, strengthening families, and creating more supportive communities. The impact of your work is profound, and today we pause to say thank you for your unwavering dedication.
Please take a moment to reflect on the meaningful difference you make each day. We are proud to work alongside you in advancing hope and healing.