Addiction Recovery Noncredit Certificate
Recovery is
Possible
Support makes it real.
Gain the skills to make a real difference. This certificate program explores the complex realities of addiction and provides practical intervention strategies designed for all who support individuals on their path to recovery.
Our Training at a Glance
Find out more about the Addiction Recovery Certificate Program, developed in collaboration with Mental Health America Lakeshore.
On-Demand
Self-Paced, Anytime
Online
100% Online Learning via Canvas
Cost
$49
Presented in Partnership with MHA Lakeshore
Mental Health America Lakeshore is an affiliate of the nation's leading community-based nonprofit, Mental Health America (MHA), dedicated to addressing the needs individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Since 1953, Mental Health America Lakeshore has been a leader in mental health education, committed to promoting mental wellness and supporting recovery through prevention programs, advocacy and referrals to care and treatment services.
Transformational Training
Learn about the psychological, social and biological factors influencing addiction and relapse, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care and harm-reduction approaches. Through evidence-based and interactive activities, case studies and expert insights, you will enhance your understanding and foster practical skills for supporting clients, co-workers, direct reports, colleagues and others on their path to healing.
Addiction, Recovery & Relapse
Instructor: Sheng Lee Yang
Gain a comprehensive overview of addiction, recovery and relapse, along with foundational knowledge and practical tools to support individuals on their recovery journey. Explore what addiction is and who it affects. Learn about the different types of addiction, the stages of recovery and the factors contributing to relapse. The focus is on prevention strategies, intervention techniques and relapse management plans.
The Science of Addiction
Instructor: Andrea Hanamann & Victoria Schewe
Delve into the science of addiction. Acquire a deeper understanding of the biological, psychological and social factors that drive addictive habits. Topics include the neurobiology of addiction, the impact of substances on brain chemistry and the role of genetics and environmental influences. Discover how addiction affects decision-making, behavior, mental health and approaches to treatment and recovery.
The Stages of Recovery
Instructor: Melinda Marasch
Understand the addiction recovery journey through a structured framework. Explores how each stage—precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and potential relapse—comes with challenges and opportunities unique to each phase. Learn how to support individuals at key points in their recovery with motivational techniques, coping skill development and relapse prevention planning.
Recovery Support
Instructor: Andrea Hanamann & Victoria Schewe
Focus on relapse prevention. Gain knowledge and tools to help individuals sustain long-term recovery. Explore the psychological, environmental and emotional triggers that contribute to relapse. Develop strategies for identifying and addressing these challenges. Learn techniques to help others build coping skills, develop relapse prevention plans and foster resilience.
Trauma-Informed Care
Instructor: Melinda Marasch
Trauma-informed care is the cornerstone of effective relapse prevention and recovery support. Examine how unresolved trauma contributes to substance use and relapse. Learn strategies to create safe, empowering, and empathetic environments for others, including how to recognize triggers, promote self-regulation and integrate holistic recovery approaches.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Instructors: Dr. Virginia Medinilla, Andrea Hanamann, Jessica Clayborn
Delve into the challenges of dual diagnoses—how depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health issues intersect with addiction and relapse. Integrated treatment, relapse prevention and recovery planning by tailoring to individuals with co-occurring disorders. Acquire practical tools and strategies to address these interconnected issues and support holistic, client-centered care.
Cultural Considerations
Instructor: Sheng Lee Yang
Learn how cultural background, identity and beliefs influence the experience of addiction and the recovery process. Gain insights into the diverse ways cultural groups perceive and respond to substance use disorders, and how cultural stigma, values and traditions can impact treatment and relapse prevention. Master culturally competent care by fostering inclusivity and tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Promote effective, culturally sensitive approaches to support long-term recovery.
Addiction of Technology in the Digital Age
Instructor: Melinda Maarsch
Identify the growing issues of technology addiction in the digital age. Understand the impact of excessive screen time, social media, gaming and other digital behaviors on mental health and recovery. Learn about the similarities between technology addiction and substance use disorders, including the psychological and neurological effects of digital overuse. Recognize and address technology addiction on the recovery journey. Provide tools for intervention and sustainable behavior change. Help individuals navigate the challenges of digital dependence while supporting long-term recovery.
Isolation
Instructors: Andrea Hanamann & Victoria Schewe
Examine relapse and addiction through the lens of COVID-19 and its profound impact on isolation and mental health. Explore how the pandemic has exacerbated substance use disorders, with increased isolation, stress and limited access to support networks contributing to higher relapse rates. Address these challenges with virtual interventions, trauma-informed care and community-based solutions. Acquire actionable tools to support individuals navigating recovery in a post-pandemic world.
'Put Good In'
Instructor: Jessica Clayborn
Comprehend the critical connection between environment, nutrition and mental health in the context of addiction and relapse. Examine how factors such as living conditions, stressors and the food and drink influence mental well-being and recovery outcomes. Highlight the role of nutrition in brain health, the impact of environmental triggers on relapse and practical strategies for creating supportive environments that promote sustained recovery. Gain insights that encourage an holistic care approach.
Building Resiliency, Stress Management & Mindfulness Skills
Instructors: Dr. Virginia Medinilla, Dr. Ritu Bhatnagar
Do you have days where you just feel like you don’t have anything left to give at work? This module will show how easy it can be to lose sight of yourself in today’s fast-paced environment. You will learn techniques to reclaim your connection to yourself and be more present as you go through your day. People can get the best of you instead of what’s left of you!
Lived Experience, A Compilation
Instructors: Jessica Clayborn, James Wood, Saul Malek
Three counselors share the powerful stories of their clients’ journeys through addiction recovery.
Earn a Digital Badge
Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive an exclusive UW-Green Bay credential, a digital badge validating your accomplishment and signaling to employers your mastery of the curriculum. The digital badge can be featured on LinkedIn, your resume, email signature and website.
Essentials for Allies
Addiction Recovery Ally Program
A condensed version of our certificate program is available for loved ones seeking to better understand addiction and become effective allies in the recovery process. Save $15 if you register for both.
Instructors
Ritu Bhatnagar
Ritu Bhatnagar, MD, MPH, FASAM, DFAPA, is an addiction psychiatrist and clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Psychiatry.She is an active member of the Wisconsin Society of Addiction Medicine (WISAM), is the WISAM representative to the Council on Legislation for the Wisconsin Medical Society and serves on the Medicaid Advisory Committee, the Ending Deaths of Despair Task Force and the State Council for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.
Jessica Clayborn
Jessica Clayborn is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2021. She has an M.A. in Community Counseling.Jessica utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while remaining trauma-informed. Jessica is also a certified yoga instructor and member of the American Counseling Association. She is recognized as a National Certified Counselor from the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Andrea Hanamann
Andrea Hanamann, MS, LPC-IT, is a graduate of UW-Green Bay, where she earned her bachelor’s degree before completing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marquette University.Her clinical experience began in corrections, where she supported justice-involved individuals through trauma and reentry. She currently serves as a mental health therapist at the Jackie Nitschke Center, where she provides brain-based, trauma-informed care to individuals navigating addiction, emotional dysregulation and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Melinda Marasch
Melinda Marasch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a social work/mental health trainer and consultant. Melinda has dedicated more than 20 years to her passion in helping others.She specializes in clinical training, supervision and development of programs for therapists and direct care workers. Melinda has completed a lengthy Trauma Stress Studies course and is a member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Her expertise includes helping therapist and non-therapist direct care workers understand and utilize Healing (Trauma) Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing theory and approaches.
Virginia Medinilla
Virginia Medinilla, MD, PhD, is an Addiction Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and is an active member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), as well as the Wisconsin state chapters of the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM/WISAM) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA/WPA).
Victoria Schewe
Victoria Schewe, SAC-IT, is a dedicated and compassionate social services professional with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in addiction recovery and community support.Holding an associate degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Victoria has experience working in outpatient and residential treatment through the Jackie Nitschke Center, as well as collaborating with other community organizations focused on prevention, rehabilitation and family services.
Sheng Lee Yang
Sheng Lee Yang is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker, President and Executive Director for Us 2 Behavioral Health Care.Her professional experiences include direct care and leadership positions in public, private, government and nonprofit institutions. Her personal and professional experiences helped cultivate a vision to integrate social justice and cultural humility into mental health. She teaches graduate level courses in clinical mental health and diversity and inclusion.
Need Guidance?
If you have any questions about the certificate program, please contact Melissa Betke, Program Specialist.