Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
Certificate Program

 
 

For details and upcoming dates, sign up for our waitlist, which can be found HERE.

Our Harm Reduction Psychotherapy Certificate Program offers an intensive immersion in its principles, theories, and practical application. Harm reduction psychotherapy is a collaborative, personalized, and empowering approach to helping those with substance use issues and other risky behaviors. Our integrative perspective combines relational psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques.

Students will learn about the origins and history of harm reduction psychotherapy, along with the paradigm shift from an abstinence-only approach to a more collaborative and engaging model to address the spectrum of problematic substance use and other behaviors. There will be in-depth skill practice and opportunities for consultation and feedback. Classes are co-taught by Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, the developer of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP), and Dr. Jenifer Levy, a close collaborator in its continuing evolution. Special guest speakers also contribute to the class and offer students the opportunity to engage with experts in the field.

Course objectives

  • Fundamentals for conceptualizing, assessing, and treating substance misuse and other problematic behaviors

  • Integration of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and relational approaches

  • Knowledge of the pharmacology of specific substances and how to tailor interventions accordingly

  • Discussion of limitations of the disease model and rationale for providing comprehensive services based on the psychobiosocial model

  • Increased awareness of the social and political context of harm reduction

  • Identify effective strategies to develop the therapeutic alliance and track interpersonal process issues (e.g., transference, countertransference) in the treatment

  • Learn strategies for engaging diverse clients and collaborating around assessments, clarification of goals, and personalized clinical treatment plans

  • Understand how cultural issues impact the therapeutic process and develop skills to work with diverse clinical populations

  • Application of emotion regulation strategies in individual and group therapy

  • In-depth practice with mindfulness-based interventions and ways it can be tailored for clinical practice in both individual and group therapy

Eligibility: This program is designed for mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals, psychiatrists, graduate students, and those working in harm reduction settings who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills about harm reduction principles and practices. *Attending our 3-day Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy Essentials Training either before or after this training is not a prerequisite but is highly recommended. Details can be found HERE.

Tuition and Fees: The online certificate program costs a total of $3500 and full payment is due by the first class. Refunds or credits will not be issued once classes have started.

Discounts: 20% off tuition if four or more students from the same agency or organization register for the program. All New School alumni and students receive a 20% tuition discount.

Continuing Education: Continuing Education:  Optimal Living Psychological Services, PC is recognized as an approved provider of continuing education by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work for licensed social workers #SW-0534 and by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychologists for licensed psychologists #PSY-0075.

*Please note that we are not credentialed to provide CE credits for psychologists, LMHCs, or medical providers. OASAS will cross-honor CE credits for social workers for CASACs in NY State. If you are out of state, please check with your licensure board to see if they will honor CE credits issued for social workers in NY State.