CCAR Recovery Coaching in the Emergency Dept

Across the country, recovery coaching in an emergency department is becoming a powerful tool in reducing overdose rates and connecting individuals to long-term recovery. Emergency Departments are often the first point of contact for individuals in crisis due to substance use. Having a trained recovery coach available in that moment can be the turning point.

CCAR has led the way in training ED-based recovery coaches through the Connecticut Emergency Department Recovery Coach Program. We’ve designed this course based on real-world experience and evolving best practices, ensuring participants are fully prepared to support patients, collaborate with medical staff, and navigate hospital systems with professionalism and empathy.

What You’ll Learn in the Recovery Coaching in an Emergency Department Course

In this recovery coaching in an emergency department training, participants will:

• Define the unique role and responsibilities of a recovery coach in an ED
• Learn how to “stay in your lane” while supporting patients and working alongside medical professionals
• Develop communication strategies to advocate for recovery-oriented approaches with staff and patients
• Practice using Motivational Interviewing (MI) to engage individuals through the stages of change
• Gain confidence in working in high-stress, fast-paced clinical environments
• Expand their recovery coaching skills in real-world hospital scenarios

Course Details

• Length: 2 days
• Contact Hours: 12
• CEUs Offered: 12
• Delivery: Online or in-person with CCAR-trained facilitators
• Prerequisite: Completion of the Recovery Coach Academy is recommended