Intensive Training Programs in CRA, A-CRA, and CRAFT

The Robert J. Meyers, Ph.D. & Associates (RJM) Intensive Training Programs in Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) are described below.

Our Intensive Training Programs are designed to help providers learn and sustain an evidenced-based treatment, while maintaining fidelity with the models. 

Dr. William R. Miller on Dr. Robert J. Meyers

Dr. Meyers’ colleague, William Miller, describes him thus: Bob Meyers has made exemplary contributions to knowledge about the treatment of substance abuse and dependence, overseeing two decades of programmatic research to develop, refine, adapt, test and disseminate CRAFT. Bob is an exceptional human being and colleague. He is a superb clinical teacher who garners top marks from audiences ranging from counselors in recovery to doctoral-level health professionals. Dr. Meyers brings extraordinary energy, compassion, depth and humanity to his research, treatment and trainings.

STARTING JANUARY 1, 2020

Onsite training is provided by Dr. Meyers (unless otherwise indicated and agreed upon). The cost of the 2-day training is $14,000*. Airfare, lodging and food will be the trainer’s responsibility (i.e., will be covered by the $14,000). The sponsoring agency/program also must provide the following:

· Rides to/from the airport for Dr. Meyers.

· Rides to/from the venue for Dr. Meyers (if needed).

· A computer/projector set up for the powerpoint presentation.

· A sound system for playing videos (on thumb drives).

· A lapel microphone.

· Copies of handouts for the presentation.

Dr. Meyers will send the powerpoint presentation and the forms in advance electronically so that the agency/program can install them on their computer. And hand them out to the therapists.

All participants completing the training can receive a certificate of attendance. Availability of CEUs will depend on the state’s requirements for CEU providers.

*All trainings outside the USA will have an extra charge for travel expenses.

Therapist Certification

A therapist must attend an initial 2-day training of the treatment (CRA, A-CRA, or CRAFT) in order to be eligible to move on to certification for that particular treatment.

• To become a certified CRA, A-CRA, or CRAFT therapist, a therapist must pass the nine (9) procedures specified on the Procedural Checklist for that treatment protocol. It typically requires each therapist to submit (electronically) approximately 10-15 therapy tapes to RJM & Associates for review by expert coders in order to obtain the required skill level. Agencies typically set time limits for their therapists to become certified (e.g., 6 months).

The expert coders will send therapists 2-3 written pages of feedback on each submitted tape in an effort to help therapists improve their skills and to move them toward passing each procedure.

Therapists can use as many different clients as they wish to become certified. Although most therapists submit tapes of individual therapy sessions, tapes of group sessions are allowed as well.

Coding cost $75.00 per hour pro-rated. Or $37.50 for 30 minutes.

• At least all therapists should have 2 conferences/coaching calls, more conference call may be necessary. The RJM associate uses the calls to discuss and clarify the ratings therapists have received for their taped sessions in an effort to ensure proper clinical implementation going forward. Additionally, the calls are used to address any clinical issues that have arisen while implementing the treatment protocol.

Conference calls cost $150.00 per hour. There is no limit to the number of therapists or supervisors allowed on these calls.

• Therapists will receive a certificate as a certified CRA, A-CRA, or CRAFT therapist upon successful completion of the certification process. Certified therapists will never have to pay any additional program-related fees (e.g., to be re-certified, to use the forms).

• Certified therapists can elect to start the process of becoming a certified coder.

Coder Certification

With the additional training of coders, agencies/programs can accomplish the important goal of sustainability.

A therapist who is interested in becoming a certified CRA, A-CRA or CRAFT coder first must become a certified therapist (see requirements above) in the desired treatment.

• These therapists (coder-trainees) will then listen to and rate a series of taped therapy sessions provided by tapes from their program. RJM’s own expert coders will rate these same sessions. Raters should rate a tape after the therapist to look for fidelity,
• The ratings of the coder-trainee and the expert coder will be compared. Interrater reliability checks will be conducted.
• The coder-trainee must match the expert coder’s ratings (at 80% or higher) for each of 5 tapes.

• Coders will receive a certificate as a certified coder upon successful completion of the relevant certification process.

• Certified coders may be eligible to pursue certification as a Trainer in CRA, A-CRA, or CRAFT (ask Dr. Meyers for details).

Each RJM & Associates member has been trained extensively in coding therapy tapes and utilizes comprehensive coding manuals that were created for each protocol.