Business Details
46 Years
experience
Georgia Addiction Counselors Association
Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) has dedicated over 45 years to advancing addiction recovery through professional development and advocacy. As a not-for-profit organization with 650+ members, we empower addiction counselors across Georgia through certification programs, continuing education, and legislative efforts. Our volunteer Board of Directors, composed of top addiction professionals, drives initiatives to reduce stigma and improve access to quality care. We offer structured certification pathways including CACI, CACII, CCS, and CMAC credentials, ensuring counselors meet rigorous competency standards. Our annual conferences and training programs address critical issues like the opioid crisis while providing 12.5 CE/Clock Hours approved by multiple regulatory bodies.Through partnerships with MARR Addiction Treatment Centers and NAADAC providers, we deliver in-person and virtual educational opportunities. Our members benefit from discounted certification rates, professional networking, and advocacy resources including malpractice insurance and legislative alerts. We maintain strict certification requirements aligned with eight core counselor skill groups, including clinical assessment and ethical practices. Our recertification process mandates ongoing education in telemental health and ethics to maintain professional standards. With a legacy dating to 1980, we remain Georgia's premier certifying body for addiction counselors.
Services
Certification Programs
Continuing Education
Legislative Advocacy
Professional Networking
Conference Events
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer over 45 years of experience in addiction counseling advocacy
- We provide state-specific certification recognized by Georgia regulatory bodies
- Our programs include 12.5 CE/Clock Hours approved by multiple agencies
- We maintain partnerships with MARR Addiction Treatment Centers
- Our board includes certified clinical supervisors with advanced credentials
Services
Certification Programs
GACA offers tiered certification pathways including CACI, CACII, CCS, and CMAC credentials. Our programs require documented experience, education, and examination to ensure competency in addiction counseling. Certified professionals gain recognition as Georgia's premier addiction counselors.
Continuing Education
We provide approved training programs covering eight core skill groups including clinical assessment and ethical practices. Our courses meet recertification requirements with mandatory telemental health and ethics components for maintaining active credentials.
Legislative Advocacy
GACA actively participates in legislative matters surrounding addiction treatment and the opioid crisis. We organize advocacy efforts to improve access to care and reduce stigma through professional representation in Georgia and national governments.
Conference Events
Our annual conferences feature educational workshops and networking opportunities at venues like MARR Addiction Treatment Centers. Events provide 12.5 CE/Clock Hours approved by multiple regulatory bodies including NAADAC and NBCC.
Professional Networking
Members gain access to networking through working committees, regional directorships, and professional update newsletters. We facilitate connections between certified counselors, supervisors, and treatment providers across Georgia's eight regional districts.
People
Star Bridges
President
CACII, CCS, and LPC certified professional with leadership experience in Habersham County's addiction treatment programs.
David Burris
Pres-Elect
BA holder with dual NCACII and CACII certifications, providing clinical supervision in Chattooga region.
Diane Diver
Treasurer
LCSW and CACII certified professional managing financial operations from Chatham County.
Janis Ellington
Secretary
Experienced CACII professional overseeing administrative functions from Bryan County.
Robin Leccese
Past-President
LPN and CACI certified leader with contributions to Cobb County's addiction counseling initiatives.
Questions
What certification levels does GACA offer?
We offer CACI, CACII, CCS, and CMAC certifications with specific education and experience requirements for each level.
How can I recertify my credentials?
Recertification requires 40 CE hours including 6 hours each of ethics and telemental health, plus renewal fees.
Are your conferences approved for CE credits?
Yes, our events provide 12.5 CE/Clock Hours approved by GACA, GAMFT, GSCSW, NAADAC, and NBCC.
How do I become a member?
Visit our website to select membership type and complete the 24-hour processing registration process.
Do you offer reciprocity for out-of-state certifications?
Yes, we provide reciprocity through a separate application process for qualified out-of-state professionals.
Where are your training programs held?
Training occurs at MARR Addiction Treatment Centers in Atlanta and through approved providers statewide.
