Certification, Training, and Licensure Professional Certification Information The Rhode Island Certification Board (RICB) is dedicated to public protection by offering competency-based credentials to professionals. RICB establishes, administers, and monitors credentials for professionals working with addictions, behavioral health, community health, and prevention. Professionals credentialed by RICB meet rigorous standards of education, training, experience, and testing and pledge to uphold the highest standard of ethical practice. In order to be eligible to be licensed or re-licensed through the Department of Health, you must be first be certified by the RICB. Certification to treat substance use disorders Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor (formerly PCDP) Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (formerly ACDP) Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (formerly ACDP II) Certified Clinical Supervisor (formerly CDCS)) Endorsements Competency in Problem Gambling (Gambling) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Specialty Endorsement for a list of on-line CEU's for this endorsement click here Certification for student assistance counseling Student Assistance Counselor Certification for Peer recovery specialists Peer Recovery Specialists (or Recovery Coaches) are current or former consumers of behavioral health services who are trained and certified to offer support and assistance to those in the recovery and community-integration process. Peer Support Services (PSS) are specialized, therapeutic interactions between peers and individuals in the process of recovery. Peer support is intended to inspire hope in individuals that recovery is not only possible, but probable. The service is designed to promote empowerment, self-determination, understanding, coping skills, and resiliency through mentoring and service coordination supports. These Specialists work in a wide range of settings including community mental health centers, behavioral health programs, substance use treatment facilities, peer-run organizations, community based organizations, emergency rooms, courts, homeless shelters and outreach programs. To become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in Rhode Island, click here for more information on the certification process. Peer Certification Study GuideStandards for Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor Rhode Island recently issued Provider Certification Standards for Peer Based Recovery Support Services (PBRSS). PBRSS are delivered in a variety of settings by Certified Peer Recovery Specialists credentialed by the Rhode Island Certification Board. For more information on the Provider Certification Standards for PBRSS and the Medicaid Peer Based Recovery Billing Manual, please click here Peer Recovery Specialists Pre-Certification and Recertification Peer Recovery Specialists Pre-Certification and Recertification For assistance with the certification process or information about upcoming educational trainings for Peer Recovery Specialists, please contact Anchor Recovery Community Center at: Anchor Recovery Community Center310 Reservoir Ave.Providence, RIphone: 401-889-5782Email: training@anchorrecovery.orgAnchorrecovery.org/free-trainings [anchorrecovery.org] Professional Licensure The RI Department of Health is responsible for all professional individual licenses which include: Licensed Independent Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professionals. For more information, call 222-5960 or visit www.health.ri.gov. Training The RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals believes that an employee who receives the necessary training is able to perform his or her responsibilities more effectively. Training builds an employee's confidence because he/she has a better understanding of the responsibilities required to work in the behavioral healthcare field. The confidence that comes from a continuous training program keeps employees on the cutting edge of industry developments and new evidence-based practices that only enhance the Rhode Island Behavioral Healthcare system. The Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI (The Leadership Council or SUMHLC) The Leadership Council, established in August, 2015, is a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit association comprised of 26 not-for-profit substance use treatment and/or behavioral health organizations, prevention coalitions, and student assistance programs located throughout Rhode Island. This entity blends two former organizations: the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of RI (DATA of RI) and the RI Council of Community Mental Health Organizations (RICCMHO). Together, these organizations bring over 30 years of experience and expertise in providing workforce training leading to State, national and international certification and/or licensing, program development, and technical assistance addressing current and emerging needs. For more information, visit www.sumhlc.org/. Specialized Training for Case Management and Supported Employment Visit the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island’s training page on their website at www.sumhlc.org/ for information.