Supporting the Work of So Many

Every day, prevention specialists and prevention providers dedicate their lives to supporting communities and individuals striving to be healthy. Prevention First works directly with those preventionists or providers, supporting their work with the tools, training, and resources needed to change lives and build healthy communities.

Since 1985, Prevention First has been Illinois’ preferred provider of training and technical assistance. We train an average of 2500 people annually and deliver 75 training sessions.

We employ various approaches to disseminate this information, including live events (classroom-based, virtual, and webinars), on-demand options (online self-study and recorded webinar events), one-on-one technical assistance, coaching services, and web-based resources. All of which are rooted in evidence-based prevention approaches. 

Our training and technical assistance services offer professionals and volunteers the necessary resources and guidance to address substance misuse within their communities. This support allows them to focus on community engagement rather than allocating significant time to researching prevention methods.

Prevention First strives to provide relevant, respectful, and meaningful training to all learners. Diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences deepen our learning and are a source of strength. Learning and growth occur best in an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued, and we are committed to respecting and honoring these differences. 

We aim to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe, heard, and valued. We encourage participants to share their ideas, perspectives, and experiences to enrich the learning experience for all. We encourage open dialogue, active listening, and empathy towards one another, and we ask that you join us in actively contributing to a respectful and equitable learning environment.

To register for a course, please become a member of Prevention First!

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Prevention First Training Policy


Training Options


Classroom-based (instructor-led) training offers a guided, interactive learning experience where participants and facilitators can discuss new information and practice new skills.

Virtual classroom (instructor-led, online) training offers participants a guided, interactive learning experience outside the Prevention First classroom.

Webinar (instructor-led, online) events offer participants a structured learning experience that is less interactive and often has a shorter time frame. 

Self-paced training (online) allows participants to complete the material independently. 

Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Monday, September 21 - Tuesday, September 22, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

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Classroom

Asset-Based Community Development and Social Currencies: Strategies for Sustainability

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Waukegan Community Bank - Waukegan, IL
Description

Award-winning TEDx speaker DeAmon Harges is a highly sought-after speaker and trainer for the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute of DePaul University, who became nationally and internationally recognized after his ten-minute TEDx Indianapolis speech, “Making the Invisible Visible.” DeAmon emphasizes that sustainable communities are built not only on financial resources, but on trust, relationships, reciprocity, and collective action. This training explores how Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and social currencies can intentionally cultivate and mobilize social capital as the foundation for long-term sustainability. Rooted in the work of John L. McKnight and Jody Kretzmann at the Asset-Based Community Development Institute, ABCD emphasizes the power of relationships, local leadership, and community assets. This training deepens that framework by examining how bonding, bridging, and linking social capital can be strengthened through intentional community strategies.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

  1. Apply Asset-Based Community Development principles to strengthen relational networks rather than focusing solely on service delivery.
  2. Analyze community development through a social capital lens, identifying gaps in trust, networks, and participation.
  3. Conduct asset mapping that prioritizes relationship-building and uncovers hidden social capital within communities.
  4. Define and differentiate forms of social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) and explain their relevance to sustainable development.
  5. Explain how social currencies build structured reciprocity, increase inclusion, and activate underutilized human capacities.
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Virtual Classroom

Motivational Interviewing: An Introduction Training

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Online
Description

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is defined as “a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment” (Miller & Rollnick, 2023, p. 3). MI is designed to evoke and enhance the individual’s own motivation to change, using strategies that are empathetic and non-confrontational. While it has long been recognized as an effective way to promote behavior change within individuals in substance use treatment, MI has a wide range of applications beyond the clinician-client interaction. MI is designed to help draw out the individual’s own strengths and resources to help them make the behavioral changes needed to reach their goals. In this introductory training, participants will learn about spirit of MI and its basic skills and strategies, and will have the opportunity to apply and practice those core skills in an experiential skill-development training.

Objectives:

  1. Describe key aspects of the spirit of motivational interviewing as well as its relation to the transtheoretical model and the importance of effective engagement
  2. Describe the core skills of motivational interviewing, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries
  3. Generate effective responses consistent with motivational interviewing to draw out and highlight the individual’s own desire, ability, reasons, and need to change
  4. Demonstrate application of concept as well as use of core motivational interviewing skills in practice activities
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Virtual Classroom

Motivational Interviewing: Beyond the Basics Training

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
09:00 AM - 01:15 PM
Online
Description

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is defined as “a particular way of talking with people about change and growth to strengthen their own motivation and commitment” (Miller & Rollnick, 2023, p. 3). MI is designed to evoke and enhance the individual’s own motivation to change, using strategies that are empathetic and non-confrontational. While it has long been recognized as an effective way to promote behavior change within individuals in substance use treatment, MI has a wide range of applications beyond the clinician-client interaction. MI’s guiding helping style draws out the individual’s own strengths and desires to help them make the behavioral changes needed to reach their goals. Participants will learn about the guiding spirit of MI and the four tasks, and will have the opportunity to practice core skills and appropriately respond to challenges in an experiential skill-development training.

Objectives:

  1. Describe key aspects of the spirit of motivational interviewing as well as the four tasks and the importance of effective engagement
  2. Describe common traps and communication barriers (e.g. the persuasion trap, the wandering trap) which can arise and contribute to potential discord
  3. Generate effective responses consistent with motivational interviewing to elicit change talk and to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence
  4. Demonstrate use of core motivational interviewing skills, as well as the ability to identify and appropriately respond to sustain talk and discord
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Classroom

SBIRT: Teen Intervene (In-person)

Wednesday, September 23 - Thursday, September 24, 2026
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

The fourth edition of Teen Intervene provides an easily administered, low-cost SBIRT program that helps teens self-identify as at risk for substance misuse, offers a brief intervention plan, and guides referrals to treatment.

Teen Intervene is designed expressly for young people ages 12-19 who display the early stages of substance use problems. Tested, time-efficient, and evidence-based, the program is ideal for education, mental health, youth treatment, and juvenile justice settings.

Powered by stages of change theory, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, Teen Intervene gives young people insight into their unhealthy choices around substance use and a self-identified off-ramp from increasingly high-risk behaviors. Teen Intervene offers a full screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) approach and complies with DSM-5.

The program features a robust facilitator's guide that outlines each session, including background information on the motivational models and the SBIRT process, and lists insurance codes for billing. In addition, detailed scripts for sessions are provided in the guided interviews and discussions. Teen and parent/family resources include the most current information available on a variety of drugs and their side effects.

Objectives:

  • Understand the impact and current trends of adolescent substance use
  • Learn how to deliver Teen Intervene within the screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) framework
  • Recognize the difference between the standard Ten Intervene module and the new Teen module
  • Apply best practices for effective delivery of Teen Intervene
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Live Webinar

The Synergistic Power of Relational Intelligence

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

Participants will be able to define and apply the principles and practices of relationship intelligence to lead and collaborate synergistically in organizational, community, and youth-serving settings, using trauma-informed and equity-centered approaches that promote cultural humility, accountability, and youth voice.

 

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Define the principles and practices of relationship intelligence within trauma-informed, equity-centered leadership and youth development frameworks
  • Grasp how relational intelligence underpins trust and builds or helps repair strong connections
  • Apply relationship intelligence to strengthen trust, resolve conflict, and share power in organizations, communities, and youth-serving environments
  • Implement tools and strategies that support varied social dynamics, including cultural humility, accountability, and healing-centered engagement
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Virtual Classroom

Serving Those Who Served: An Introduction to Providing Culturally Humble and Evidence-Based Care to the Veteran Population (SUPR)

Thursday, September 24, 2026
09:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Online
Description

Veterans have their own culture and rich life experiences that can present unique challenges and opportunities to civilian community mental health care providers. It is crucial to be informed on culturally humble practices and have a basic understanding of co-occurring disorders that are seen when working with this population, as well as resources available to mental health clinicians. This interactive training will provide an overview of what makes the Veteran population truly unique including the impact of rank, enlistment, branch of service and potential deployments. Special populations will be discussed along with the impact of Military Sexual Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. This training will assist community providers in making an effort to understand key aspects of the Veteran experience which may help to establish a connection, build trust and inform treatment planning.

Objectives:

  1. Identify the factors that contribute to military culture and that lead to the development of Veteran identity and the camaraderie among this population.
  2. Acquire knowledge regarding the potential higher risk of suicide among Veterans.
  3. Increase understanding of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders that are commonly treated among Veterans.
  4. Gain awareness of resources available to civilian mental health clinicians.
  5. Increase knowledge of frequently used interventions, including CBT, MI, and safety planning
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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Thursday, September 24 - Friday, September 25, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Individualized Service Planning with the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition

Friday, September 25, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Participants will understand the relationship between the treatment plan and the use of
admission, continued stay, and transition criteria. In addition, participants will learn how to
write measurable, individualized treatment plans based on the Dimensional Drivers and
individualized needs and preferences of the person served. Participants will also have the
opportunity to explore ways in which the patient’s stage of change impacts and drives a
person-centered treatment plan and a cursory review of core motivational interviewing skills
for treatment planning conversations, shared-decision making and to support readiness for
and engagement in treatment.

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Virtual Classroom

Seeking Safety: An Evidence-Based Model for Trauma and/or Addiction

Monday, September 28, 2026
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description

The goal of this presentation is to describe Seeking Safety, an evidence-based model for trauma and/or addiction (clients do not have to have both issues). By the end of the training, participants can implement Seeking Safety in their setting if they choose to. Seeking Safety teaches present-focused coping skills to help clients attain safety in their lives.  It is highly flexible and can be conducted in any setting by a wide range of counselors and also peers. There are 25 treatment topics, each representing a safe coping skill relevant to both trauma and addiction, such as “Asking for Help,” “Creating Meaning,” “Compassion,” and “Healing from Anger.” Topics can be done in any order and the treatment can be done using as few or many of them as time allows. Seeking Safety strives to increase hope through an emphasis on ideals; it offers exercises, emotionally evocative language, and quotations to engage patients and provides concrete strategies to build recovery skills.  In this training, we cover (a) background on trauma and addiction (rates, presentation, models and stages of treatment, clinical challenges); (b) an overview of Seeking Safety, including its evidence-base; and (c) clinical implementation, such as the use of the model with specific populations. Assessment and treatment resources are provided. The training is highly experiential, with role-plays and exercises to “learn by doing”; methods also include PowerPoint, video, and discussion.

Objectives:

  1. To describe current understanding of trauma, addiction, and their combination.
  2. To increase empathy and understanding of trauma and addiction.
  3. To describe Seeking Safety, an evidence-based model for trauma and/or addiction.
  4. To identify how to apply Seeking Safety for specific populations, such as homeless, adolescents, criminal justice, HIV, military/veteran, etc.
  5. To discuss adaptation based on setting, provider, and client factors (e.g., age, socioeconomics, culture, gender).
  6. To provide assessment and treatment resources.
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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Thursday, October 1 - Friday, October 2, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

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Virtual Classroom

Illinois Introduction to Substance Use Prevention (IISUP) III: A Framework for Prevention

Tuesday, October 6 - Wednesday, October 7, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description

This virtual classroom training introduces Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP) providers to the prevention specialist’s role in service delivery. Participants will be introduced to strategies for program planning, capacity-building, implementation, and evaluation. Participants will also learn about their role in prevention, including an exploration of ethical issues related to their personal and professional conduct.

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Classroom

Too Good For Drugs/Maximizing Life 4th -12th Grade

Thursday, October 08, 2026
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

TGFD/Maximizing Life is a school-based prevention program designed to reduce the risk factors and enhance the protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among students. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the core curriculum while acquiring essential prevention education teaching strategies. The trainer will familiarize participants with the research, theory, and concepts behind the program and provide an opportunity for facilitation practice.

 

The Too Good for Drugs/Maximizing Life Program has a developmentally appropriate and separate curriculum for grades K-12. This training is designed to prepare facilitators to implement the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) Program for either 4/5th, MS or HS grades successfully and with fidelity within a classroom setting.

 

This training will meet the IDHS training requirements for those implementing TGFD/Maximizing Life in either 4th/5th grade, middle school, or high school. 

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Virtual Classroom

Analyzing and Sharing the Illinois Youth Survey Data

Wednesday, October 14 - Thursday, October 15, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description

During this virtual classroom training, participants will organize, examine, and summarize local IYS data to identify concerns, priorities and outcomes. Participants will identify methods for displaying and packaging data and strategies for sharing and analyzing data with schools and stakeholders. Additionally, participants will identify ways to incorporate data into local prevention strategies.

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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Monday, October 19 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Preparing for Successful Focus Groups

Tuesday, October 20 - Thursday, October 22, 2026
01:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Online
Description

During this interactive virtual classroom course participants will learn how to screen and recruit participants, develop effective questions to gain useful insights, moderate focus groups successfully and confidently, and analyze the results of focus groups to bolster programming. Introduction to Focus Groups must be completed prior to registering for this course.

All SUPS and CSUPS staff reporting hours for communication campaigns who have not previously completed Conducting Focus Groups are required to complete this course.

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Classroom

Foundations of Positive Youth Development Series: Everyone's an Asset Builder and Sharing the Asset Message - TPP

Wednesday, November 4 - Thursday, November 5, 2026
09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

During this foundational course, you will learn how to engage and support young people in your life and involve the family and community members of the youth connected to your work as a youth development professional. This two-day* workshop will help participants:

  • Identify the characteristics of effective asset builders and their own personal strengths and challenges.
  • Understand "circles of influence" and identify those circles in which there is potential for asset building.
  • Make and share a personal commitment to asset-building action.

Everyone’s an Asset Builder (Part I)

The first day of the training introduces the Developmental Assets framework and the powerful role of individual asset builders in the lives of young people.

Developmental assets are prevention-focused and associated with all Reimagine Youth Development Services. These include improving academic performance, life skills education, recreation, sports, cultural/artistic activities, positive adult role models, service learning, and STEM Learning.

Sharing the Asset Message (Part II)

The second day of the training will prepare community members and groups to deliver various asset-building messages to multiple audiences. This workshop will help participants:

  • Discuss how the assets relate to other positive youth development efforts
  • Develop engaging presentation strategies to meet the unique needs of any audience
  • Download free curriculum materials to use in their program presentations

*Note: This is a two-day training; participants must attend both training days to receive credit. There will be a 30-minute lunch session each day of training.

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Virtual Classroom

Analyzing and Sharing the Illinois Youth Survey Data

Monday, November 9 - Tuesday, November 10, 2026
01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description

During this virtual classroom training, participants will organize, examine, and summarize local IYS data to identify concerns, priorities and outcomes. Participants will identify methods for displaying and packaging data and strategies for sharing and analyzing data with schools and stakeholders. Additionally, participants will identify ways to incorporate data into local prevention strategies.

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Ethics and Legal Considerations for Treatment Professionals

Thursday, November 12, 2026
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Online
Description

This training increases the treatment professional’s knowledge base about ethical and legal standards, ethical principles, and the application of these principles to clinical practice. Common ethical pitfalls, such as boundary crossings, as well as federal and state laws and regulations surrounding client confidentiality will be examined. The training participants will explore case studies, ethical decision-making models, and other strategies to resolve ethical challenges.

Objectives:

  1. Recognize common ethical dilemmas and identify strategies for treatment professionals to effectively manage and resolve various types of ethical challenges that may arise.
  2. Summarize ethical codes and Illinois-specific ethical and legal standards for treatment professionals.
  3. Examine laws and regulations that protect and safeguard confidentiality for clients seeking mental health and substance use treatment.
  4. Determine how treatment professionals can best maintain personal and professional boundaries as well as competency and integrity.
  5. Review case studies that scrutinize ethical conflicts faced by treatment professionals.
  6. Outline the fundamental steps of decision-making for treatment professionals seeking to resolve ethical dilemmas.
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Virtual Classroom

Individualized Service Planning with the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition

Friday, November 13, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Participants will understand the relationship between the treatment plan and the use of
admission, continued stay, and transition criteria. In addition, participants will learn how to
write measurable, individualized treatment plans based on the Dimensional Drivers and
individualized needs and preferences of the person served. Participants will also have the
opportunity to explore ways in which the patient’s stage of change impacts and drives a
person-centered treatment plan and a cursory review of core motivational interviewing skills
for treatment planning conversations, shared-decision making and to support readiness for
and engagement in treatment.

Read More
Live Webinar

SUPP Expansion of the 4/5th Grade YPE Informational Webinar

Monday, November 16, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Online
Description

IDHS has announced an expansion of the statewide Youth Prevention Education (YPE) program for SUPP Grantees to include 4th and 5th-grade students, beginning Spring 2027. This expansion will be available to all SUPS and CSUPS, as well as select SRSUPS that are currently implementing YPE.

To support this expansion, IDHS, Prevention First, and CPRD will host an informational session and Q&A, which will provide an overview of the expansion, including:

• Implementation expectations and guidance
• Training requirements
• Reporting requirements
• How 4th/5th grade implementation will apply toward current YPE deliverables
• An opportunity to ask questions and prepare for Spring 2027 implementation

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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Monday, November 16 - Tuesday, November 17, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns

Tuesday, November 17 - Thursday, November 19, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

During this interactive virtual classroom course, participants will learn about the steps and best practices involved in campaign planning and implementation.

All SUPS and CSUPS staff reporting hours for communication campaigns who have not previously completed Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns are required to complete this course.

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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Wednesday, November 18 - Thursday, November 19, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Addressing Stigma and Bias in the Treatment and Prevention of Substance Use Disorders for Clinical Staff

Thursday, November 19, 2026
09:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Online
Description

Stigmatization of substance use disorders has widespread consequences for those struggling with substance use disorders and remains the largest barrier to the initiation and maintenance of treatment and recovery services and access to other forms of healthcare. This course focuses on understanding the stigma of substance use disorder, its impact on patients, and strategies we can follow to help reduce the stigmatization of substance use disorder treatment.

It is designed for people excited to adopt a high standard of treatment practiced at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. This evidence-based program draws from experts who are dedicated to providing clinical care, education, and research in the field of substance use disorder treatment, prevention, and recovery.

We will cover underpinnings of stigma and examine how we as professionals can help reduce stigma, which is considered to be the primary barrier preventing someone from seeking treatment.

Objectives

1. Review what stigma is related to substance use disorders.

2. Identify different types of stigma, including intervention stigma and stigma related to medications for substance use disorders.

3. Discuss the impact stigma can have on people and our practices.

4. Identify ways we can work to reduce stigma related to substance use and/or disorders through the language we ALL use.

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