The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA)

The Children's Behavioral Health Knowledge Center at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Substance Abuse Services is sponsoring a free training on the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA).  A-CRA is an evidence-based practice that offers developmentally appropriate, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral procedures to treat young people with substance use disorders.  A-CRA includes individual, parent/caregiver only, and family sessions.  This training will provide an overview of the background, research and philisophy of the A-CRA model.  Attendees will also learn about the A-CRA certification requirements and how to become an A-CRA service provider.

Goal:  To provide behavioral health providers information on the A-CRA treatment model and the
A-CRA certification requirements.

Training Objectives:

1. List the philosophy and procedures of the A-CRA treatment model.
2. Observe a demonstration of the Functional Analysis of Substance Using Behavior procedure.
3. Describe the A-CRA Certification requirements and process. 

Audience:  Agency administrators who are interested in learning more about the A-CRA model and how to become an A-CRA service provider.  Community-based behavioral health providers who work with adolescents who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are also invited to attend.

Continuing Education Information:  An application has been submitted for continuing education credits for social workers and mental health counselors.

For questions or to request an accommodation, please contact:
Kelly English, Director
Children's Behavioral Health Knowledge Center
kelly.english@massmail.state.ma.us
617-626-8654