Addiction Workforce Program Testimonials

"The professors and my mentor were people who have helped shape my career. I learned so many clinical interventions, ways to be more culturally sensitive and most importantly, the value of self-care when working in the field.

I've worked in a small but mighty outpatient addiction treatment services clinic for 9 years now. Since completing the program, I have learned to take better care of my own well-being. Deleting my work email off my phone was a strong lesson in learning boundaries and something that continues to rejuvenate my spirit on my days off. Also, a class on cultural diversity and the importance of recognizing our own biases as a clinician was something that will carry on throughout my career. I have been able to better connect with our clients, who perhaps would have found it difficult to open up to me before taking classes because of the lack of knowledge I had on different cultural backgrounds.

For me, this truly has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope those who may not have the funding available to gain their Bachelor's Degree, and more importantly, expand their skills and knowledge on the concept of addiction, find this program. The more passionate, client-centered individuals we gain in this field, the better!"

—Empire State University, Bachelor's Degree in Addiction Studies

"One of the most meaningful parts of the program was learning to embrace recovery as a non-linear process. It helped me understand that setbacks aren't failures, but rather natural parts of the healing process. The program showed me the importance of simply showing up and being present with clients through their ups and downs, without judgment or rushing to fix things. This approach, combined with practical skills and a deep respect for each person's unique journey, really shaped how I connect and support others.

Overall, the program gave me confidence and a compassionate way to approach the work. I'm currently wrapping up my internship at an outpatient substance use treatment program, where I've been applying a variety of approaches, including mindfulness, CBT, and motivational interviewing. These tools, combined with the skills I acquired through my training, have enabled me to connect with clients on a deeper level and support their recovery in a holistic and compassionate manner. This experience has been invaluable in preparing me for a meaningful career in substance use counseling.

The program has changed the way I approach people, challenges, and even myself. It taught me that I don't always need to have the answers and that holding space, listening deeply, and being present can be just as powerful. What I appreciated most about the program was its human aspect. It provided me with fundamental tools, but also allowed me to be curious and not know everything. I'm especially grateful to the professors who led with passion and depth, and to my supervisor who modeled what it means to show up with both clinical skill and heart. Their support and example have stayed with me and continue to shape the kind of practitioner I'm becoming."

—Stony Brook University, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Program

"My valued aspect of the program was that it truly opened my eyes into the recovery field and helped me heal my own recovery to validate that I am, in fact, in recovery when I say I am. The program has helped me be a better peer advocate, learn to set healthy boundaries and be aware of my own bias.

I have worked in the peer role with mental health and received my NYCPS certification however it was a better fit to obtain my CRPA and work in the substance use field.

I am currently a Peer Advocate in the community of Rochester working with people who struggle with substance use disorder and help them work on recovery goals. The program has enhanced my life in many positive ways. For example, I can help my clients drive the bus to their own recovery and help promote positive changes. I also am aware of my bias and learned not to let my own bias get in the way of my clients.

I appreciated the opportunity to join the program and work with people who are just like me! A person in recovery. I love what I do and am grateful to be passionate about my job."

—Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY), Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Program

"One of the most valuable aspects of my experience in the program was the chance to learn alongside professionals and peers from different fields such as medicine, nursing, and social work in a truly collaborative setting. The program combined academic instruction with practical exposure through hands-on volunteer work and case-based discussions. Topics such as stigma, access to care, and structural challenges were especially meaningful and closely aligned with my work supporting Asian and Asian American communities in the U.S. The approachability of faculty and the supportive learning environment made the experience both intellectually rewarding and personally impactful, and I continue to apply these insights in my current work and research.

Since completing the program, I have gained greater confidence in applying addiction-related knowledge to my current work in workplace mental health research and strategy. The program provided a strong foundation in clinical concepts, practical tools, and system-level considerations, which has helped me collaborate more effectively with healthcare professionals and communicate clearly with organizational leaders about mental health and substance use in work environments. It also reinforced the importance of improving access to care and understanding the challenges individuals face, which continues to guide my approach in both research and outreach.

The program has significantly enhanced both my professional development and personal growth. It deepened my understanding of addiction as a complex, multifaceted challenge and equipped me with practical skills that I now apply in my research and community-based work. It also strengthened my confidence in engaging with clinical concepts and helped me communicate more effectively with healthcare providers and organizational leaders. Personally, the program encouraged me to think more critically and compassionately about the barriers individuals face when accessing support, which continues to shape how I approach my work and relationships today."

—NYU Langone Health, Interdisciplinary Substance Use Disorder Fellowship Program

"The program has enhanced my life in many ways. I have acquired the learned experience as well as the actual practiced experience. I interned at two Samaritan locations, both with a different population, and I currently work at a Samaritan Residential Co-ed facility, where I am acquiring hands-on experience as an Addiction Counselor.

The valued aspects of my experience in the program were the learning opportunities I had and the relationships that were built. The knowledge that was shared was invaluable, and the learning process was a true inspiration towards being a CASAC."

—Samaritan Daytop Village, Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Program