Casper College launches initiative to combat addiction crisis

During a recent government meeting, the interim president of Casper College presented a comprehensive overview of the college's Addiction Studies program, highlighting critical issues surrounding substance abuse treatment in Wyoming. The presentation underscored the alarming statistics regarding mental health and substance abuse in the state, revealing that Wyoming's suicide rates are approximately double the national average. While the state meets 47.1% of mental health needs, it only addresses 32.2% of substance abuse treatment requirements.

The college has received approximately $112,000 in funding to enhance its Addiction Studies program, which aims to create a robust pipeline for addiction practitioners at various educational levels. The program offers an associate degree in addiction studies, accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). Graduates can pursue certification as addiction practitioner assistants, while those who continue to a bachelor's degree can become certified addiction practitioners, capable of diagnosing and treating substance use disorders.

Additionally, the program is focused on improving clinical training by establishing a mental health lab equipped with recording technology for mock therapy sessions. This initiative aims to increase the number of qualified addiction practitioners across the state, addressing the significant shortage of licensed addiction therapists.

Casper College is also facilitating continuing education for existing licensed professional counselors, enabling them to obtain addiction-specific training and additional licensure. The college has identified 16 individuals interested in pursuing the Licensed Addiction Therapist (LAT) license and has offered 18 scholarships to students in the addiction studies program.

These efforts align with the governor's initiatives to bolster mental health and healthcare workforce development in Wyoming, aiming to better meet the state's pressing needs in substance abuse treatment and mental health services.