SUNY Ulster Offers Training in Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) beginning September 11
August 28, 2023 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Department of Continuing and Professional Education is offering Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor training this September. CASAC courses are all remote and Section I: Basic Knowledge of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse begins Monday, September 11.
The CASAC Program curriculum is approved by New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Upon completion, students are issued the OASAS 350 Hour Certificate of Completion, providing all the coursework necessary to apply for the CASAC Trainee status. In addition to providing the entire 350-hour training, SUNY Ulster’s program can be individualized for students who already possess approved hours through previous academic study. Renewal courses are also offered for those holding full CASAC credentials. A payment plan is available for students who wish to pay monthly.
With a projected 22 percent employment growth rate by 2031 in New York State, CASAC’s specialized clinicians are on the front lines helping in the recovery of those suffering with substance use disorders. CASACs fill a need in a wide variety of clinical settings and the relevance of their training extends to professionals working in schools, hospitals, human service advocacy agencies, and beyond. SUNY Ulster has trained hundreds of CASAC counselors through a curriculum that addresses diagnostic assessment, evaluation, intervention, referral, alcoholism, and substance abuse counseling in both individual and group settings.
To register for CASAC please visit https://www.sunyulster.edu/continuing_education/health/casac.php or you can call 845-339-2025. For more information or questions contact Karina Harrison-Espada at harrisok@sunyulster.edu or 845-802-7188.
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Penny Rifenburgh, an Assistant Professor of English and Department Chair of English, Language, and Philosophy received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. A peer commented, “Since arriving on campus, Penny has been a magnet for students. Penny is warm, welcoming, and generous with the students. Her office is always full of students who simply stop by to say hello. The discussions are often related to classwork; however, Penny always takes time to check in with students on a personal level”. In addition to being a pleasure to work alongside, Penny’s students can agree “She is a passionate professor who is caring and puts in her time for her students.”
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Suzanne DeWitt is an Instructional Assistant for the Biological Sciences department and received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. “Suzanne has always gone above and beyond for the biology faculty and the college… from preparing reagents and setting up labs to purchasing… She’s the best!” In her peers’ opinions, she is “a super-intelligent, dedicated professional who keeps the Biological Sciences department running smoothly…”
Virginia “Ginny” Lukasavage is an administrative assistant in the Arts and English, Language, and Philosophy departments and received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. When her colleagues were asked for a comment on “Ginny” they had nothing but wonderful things to say. One peer commented “Ginny is sunshine on a cloudy day. She is caring, professional, and an awesome person to work with always.” Another said “Ginny helps improve any situation she sees on campus with active participation, positivity, and genuine kindness. She is an asset to us all.”
