1.5 Hours / 1.5 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Introduction to Addictive Disorders is presented by Regina Moro, PhD. This free program is part of Palo Alto University's At the Forefront of Mental Health series, in which PAU experts tackle pressing and emerging issues.

This program provides an overview of the treatment of addictive disorders. With many Americans struggling with addictive disorders personally or being affected due to someone in their close network’s struggle, all mental health professionals will likely interact with someone with an addictive disorder. 

This program provide a basic foundation of knowledge for those interested in learning more about addictive disorders. We begin with an overview highlighting the prevalence of addictive disorders in the United States and explore how these rates have shifted throughout history. The next segment of the presentation explores etiological models for understanding how addictive disorders develop. The last portion of the presentation explore treatment models and settings utilized to provide these needed services, paying particular attention to evidence-based programs. Following attendance at this presentation, mental health professional attendees gain a foundational understanding of addictive disorders, how their clients may be affected, and what to do.

This program is intended for mental health professionals at all stages of their careers and who work in all specialties and environments. This is a broad training meant for anyone who has contact with humans in their job role. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the prevalence rates of addictive disorders in the United States
  • 2 Describe common models of etiology of addictive disorders
  • 3 Describe evidence-based treatments for treating addictive disorders

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health professionals and others whose roles involve interacting with individuals affected by addictive disorders. It is suitable for those working in clinical, educational, or community contexts, whether their contact with individuals experiencing addiction is direct or indirect. The program welcomes participants from a variety of professional backgrounds, including those in both clinical and non-clinical roles.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental health professionals (counselors, therapists, psychologists, social workers)
    • Case managers
    • Support staff
    • Educators
    • School counselors
    • Healthcare providers
    • Addiction specialists

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for mental health professionals at all experience levels who wish to enhance their foundational knowledge of addictive disorders.

    • Beginner: Participants new to the topic or with limited experience treating addictive disorders will gain essential knowledge about prevalence, etiology, and evidence-based treatment models.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience or prior training in addictive disorders will deepen their understanding of current research, historical trends, and practical applications of treatment approaches.

  • Practice Setting

    Participants typically practice in diverse clinical, educational, and community environments where they encounter individuals and families affected by addictive disorders, either directly or indirectly. Settings range from outpatient and inpatient care to school- and community-based services, delivered in-person or via telehealth across urban, suburban, and rural regions. Many work within interdisciplinary systems that coordinate prevention, assessment, and treatment.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient mental health and substance use clinics
    • Hospital and behavioral health units
    • Residential treatment and detoxification programs
    • Primary care and integrated care clinics
    • School- and campus-based counseling centers
    • Community agencies and non-profit service organizations
    • Mobile crisis, outreach, and harm-reduction programs
    • Correctional, court, and reentry services
    • Shelters, supportive housing, and recovery community centers
    • Telehealth and hybrid care platforms
Presented By

Regina Moro, PhD

Dr. Regina Moro is licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (Idaho), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (North Carolina) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida). She is also a National Certified Counselor and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider. Her clinical passion involves work with crisis and trauma, including a focus on addiction with individuals and families. She has experience working in community mental health, integrated care settings, and private practice.

Dr. Moro's doctoral coursework included a specialized focus on multicultural counseling which is something she integrates into her courses and clinical supervision practice. Dr. Moro is an active member of the American Counseling Association, the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision, and the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors. She is the recipient of the Idaho Counseling Association's 2019 Counselor Educator of the Year award.

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).


Sponsorship Approval Statements

Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Palo Alto University maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073.