2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on The Neuroscience of Addiction and the Role of Medications in Treatment and Recovery is presented by Mita M. Johnson, Ed.D.

As our understanding of the impact of addictions on the brain and body progresses, so does our need for integrated, science-driven practices that help a person functionally recover.  Specifically, there has been much confusion about the types of medications available to help a client recover and thrive, as well as many myths about the role of medications in treatment and recovery.  This program will focus on dispelling myths - bridging science and practice as we  identify practices that treat the whole person, including the integrated use of specific medications.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe addiction and addictive disorders and the key risk factors for developing an addiction
  • 2 Describe the impact of addictions on the brain and body
  • 3 Describe integrated practices (medical + psychotherapeutic) that have evidence of helping clients succeed in treatment and recovery
  • 4 Describe medications that have been found to be helpful as a part of integrated care as well as highlight cutting edge research currently studying alternative medications and substances

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for behavioral health professionals interested in evidence-based, integrated approaches to addiction treatment, particularly those specializing in substance use disorders, clinical psychology, counseling, and pharmacological or behavioral interventions for recovery.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Psychologists
    • Social workers
    • Counselors
    • Mental health professionals
    • Addiction specialists
    • Clinical psychologists
    • Substance use disorder counselors
    • Behavioral health clinicians

  • Experience Level

    This CE training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with addiction treatment and integrated care.

    • Beginner: Participants are new to addiction treatment and seek foundational knowledge about addictive disorders, risk factors, and the basics of integrated care, including medication-assisted treatment.

    • Intermediate: Participants have some experience with addiction treatment and are looking to deepen their understanding of the neurobiological impact of addictions, evidence-based integrated practices, and current research on medications in recovery.

    • Advanced: Participants are experienced in addiction treatment and integrated care, seeking to refine their expertise by critically examining cutting-edge research, dispelling persistent myths, and applying advanced, science-driven interventions in complex cases.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals typically practice in integrated behavioral health environments that coordinate psychotherapy, case management, and medication-supported care within interdisciplinary teams. These settings emphasize evidence-based protocols, collaboration with medical providers and pharmacists, and continuity of care across varying levels of intensity.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient behavioral health and integrated primary care clinics
    • Hospital-based addiction medicine and consult-liaison services
    • Residential and intensive outpatient programs (IOP/PHP)
    • Community mental health centers and opioid treatment programs (OTP/MAT)
    • Telehealth and digital health platforms
    • Correctional and reentry treatment services
Presented By

Mita M Johnson, EdD,

Mita M Johnson, EdD, NCC, LPC, LMFT, LAC, ACS, LMFT-S, MAC, SAP, EMDR, BC-THP has been practicing in the world of mental health, marriage and family, and addictions counseling for the past 30 years. She earned her Doctorate in counselor education and supervision and is a core faculty member in the School of Counseling program at Walden University. She has a thriving private practice where she provides telebehavioral health services, clinical supervision, counseling to our military, and addiction-specific training and education. She has been an active member of NAADAC for the last 15 years, has served as NAADAC's Ethics Chair before beginning her two-year term as NAADAC’s President in October 2020.



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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.