Applications received now will receive priority consideration for the next program start date which will be determined soon. Applicants will be contacted with this information as soon as its available.
Every aspect of the Addiction Recovery Coach Certificate (ARCC) Program is set up to give individuals the knowledge and skills required to be a recovery coach. The ARCC program's foundation is built on the nationally recognized Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)'s Recovery Coach Academy. The Recovery Coach Program offers individuals an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills by providing the necessary education, tools, and resources needed to become an effective recovery coach. The content of the program has been accredited by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification for CARC requirements.
Schedule
2025 Program Schedule
The ARCC program is a live online course conducted via Zoom. The next program will run from January 21 - May 13, 2025. The program includes 61 class hours and a minimum of 30 practicum hours. Classes will take place online on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays.
Cost
The cost of the ARCC program is $1,950. A payment plan is available for those paying out of pocket. Third party payments are also accepted. If grant funds are available, applicants will be notified. Please contact us for additional information.
ARCC Program content includes the four domains required for CARC Certification:
•Advocacy (10 hours)
•Mentoring/Education (10 hours)
•Recovery/Wellness Support (10 hours)
•Ethical Responsibility (16 hours)
These four domains are addressed in the 30-hour CCAR Recovery Coach Academy and 16-hour Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches that are presented in the ARCC program.
Additional trainings to meet certification requirements are included in the ARCC Program:
•Exploring Cultural Competency (3 hours)
•Addiction 101 (6 hours)
•Mental Wellness (3 hours)
•Motivational Interviewing (3 hours)
Additional Experience required for CARC Certification
Practical Training beyond this course is required for certification. MBSACC CARC Certification requires 500 hours of supervised (paid or volunteer work) experience specific to the domains of advocacy, mentoring/education, recovery/wellness support, and ethical responsibility. These hours must be supervised by a qualified recovery coach supervisor who has completed an MBSACC approved Recovery Coach Supervisor Training. A minimum of 30 of these 500 hours, specific to the domains, will be provided in this training as part of the practicum. The remainder of these 500 hours are NOT part of the ARCC program.
Director and Teaching Staff
Westfield State University is partnered with Choice Recovery Coaching Inc which is a 501 C3 Non Profit organization dedicated to Championing Recovery for individuals, communities, and systems across the Commonwealth and beyond. pAUL aLVES, RCPF, CARC, NCPRSS, a person in long term recovery, is the founder and Westfield State ARCC program director.
Admission Application Checklist
•Completed application - Choose to complete either the fillable PDF or online form linked below
•Narrative statement
- 1 to 2 pages typed and double-spaced
- Include a bit about your background, why you chose to apply to the program, and what you hope to do after program completion.
•Signed Attendance Policy
•Official transcripts from highest level of education attained - College, High School, or GED scores
Important Links
•Application for ARCC program (PDF Version)
•Application for ARCC program (Online Form)
•Application Instructions
•Online Attendance Policy
Contact
All application materials can be emailed to bfredette@westfield.ma.edu or sent to the following address:
Westfield State University
Recovery Coach Program
577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA 01086
If you have any questions about the program or application process, contact Brandon Fredette at (413) 572-8033 or bfredette@westfield.ma.edu
