Become a certified addiction technician (cat)
Build a meaningful career in addiction recovery with hands-on, clinically grounded training led by licensed professional with 15+ years in the field
22
Training Days
9
Core
Modules
15+
Years of Instructor
Experience
100%
Hands-On
Learning
$150
Per-Course
Cost
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Course Curriculum
Nine comprehensive modules covering the full spectrum of addiction treatment practice, from clinical theory to real- world application.
Addiction Counseling Skills
2 Day Course
Build a strong foundation in therapeutic communication and evidence-based counseling techniques specific to substance use disorder treatment. Learn motivational interviewing, active listening, and how to build rapport with clients in early recovery.
Case Conceptualization & Documentation
2 Day Course
Master the clinical documentation practices required in treatment settings. Learn how to write accurate progress notes, develop treatment plans, and conceptualize client cases through a biopsychosocial lens that meets regulatory and billing standards.
Principles of Addiction Treatment
2 Day Course
Explore the science of addiction — neurobiological, psychological, and social — and the evidence-based principles that guide effective treatment. Understand the continuum of care from detox through aftercare and how each level serves the recovery process.
Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment
2 Day Course
Examine the ethical codes, legal standards, and professional boundaries that govern addiction treatment. Practice applying ethical decision-making frameworks to real-world scenarios including confidentiality (42 CFR Part 2), dual relationships, and mandatory reporting.
Culturally Informed Treatment
2 Day Course
Develop the knowledge and skills to provide equitable, effective care to clients from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Understand how systemic factors, social determinants of health, and cultural identity shape a client’s relationship with substances and treatment.
Pharmacology
2 Day Course
Gain a practical understanding of how commonly abused substances affect the brain and body. Learn about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options including buprenorphine and naltrexone, drug interactions, and how to recognize overdose and withdrawal symptoms.
Trauma-Informed Care for Diverse Populations
2 Day Course
Understand the deep connection between trauma and substance use, and learn how to implement trauma-informed principles across every client interaction. Includes special attention to marginalized and high-risk populations.
Group Counseling Skills
3 Day Course
Learn how to facilitate effective therapeutic groups in a substance use treatment setting. Practice leading psychoeducational, process, and skills-based groups, managing group dynamics, and handling challenging behaviors while maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.
Motivational Interviewing
3 Day Course
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered counseling approach that strengthens a client’s own motivation and commitment to change. Students will learn and practice the core OARS techniques while developing the ability to guide clients through ambivalence rather than directing or advising them.
Why Train With True North Recovery Services
Hands- On Training
Experiential learning through role-plays, case studies, and real treatment scenarios — not just lectures.
Real-World Experience
Taught by clinicians who are active in the field — current best practices, not outdated theory.
Professional Certification
A credential that employers recognize and respect, with pathways to advanced licensure.
Supportive Environment
Small cohorts, personalized feedback, and a community of peers on the same path as you.
Career Advancement
A strategic step in career advancement, equipping you with in-demand skills, and expanding your opportunities.
Andy Sethi –
MA, RN, LPC-S, LAC
Clinical Director | True North Recovery Services
Meet Your Instructor
15+ Years on the Front Lines of Recovery
Andy Sethi brings a rare combination of clinical depth and real-world humility to the classroom. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, and Registered Nurse, Andy has spent 15 years working across every level of the addiction treatment continuum — from medical detox and residential care to IOP and outpatient services.
Currently serving as Clinical Director of True North Recovery Services, Andy continues to see clients in private practice and actively supervises a team of clinicians. His teaching philosophy is rooted in practical application: every concept taught in this program is something Andy has used — and still uses — in his own clinical work.
Andy is deeply committed to equity in the workforce and believes that the field of addiction treatment is only as strong as the people entering it. This program reflects that belief — it’s designed to give you the tools to do the work with competence, compassion, and confidence.
Course Schedule
Cohorts are kept small to ensure a high-quality, personalized learning experience. Spot fill up quickly.
- 2-day course will be held on Friday and Saturday
- 3-day courses will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Course schedules will be emailed to anyone interested. Please subscribe to the emails for updates on course dates.
- All courses will be in person at True North Recovery Services office.
FAQ
ask us
anything
No. This program is designed for people entering the field for the first time.
The only requirement is a high school diploma or GED and a commitment to show up and engage fully.
Yes. The 50+ CEU hours from this program can be applied toward the educational requirements for a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC I, II, or
III) credential through DORA in Colorado.
All training is conducted in-person at our Denver location (2696 S Colorado
Blvd, Ste 445). The hands-on nature of the curriculum is best delivered face-to-face – role-plays, group facilitation practice, and live feedback can’t be replicated online.
Cohorts are capped at 16 students. This ensures every participant receives personalized attention, quality feedback, and a meaningful learning experience — not just a seat in a lecture hall.
Yes. The TRS CAT certificate is recognized by treatment facilities, behavioral health agencies, and outpatient programs across Colorado. We’ll also connect you with our employer network upon graduation.
Yes. We offer a 2-part payment plan: 50% due at registration and 50% due on the first day of class. Workforce development grants may also be available – contact us to learn more.
Attendance at all 19 training days is required for certification. In the event of a serious personal emergency, we’ll work with you to determine next steps which may include completing the missed content in a future cohort at no additional charge.
Yes. Graduates receive job placement guidance, resume support, and access to our employer partner network. Outstanding graduates may also be considered for open positions within True North Recovery Services itself.