SWK X005 - ABCs of Harm Reduction
This training educates participants on the concepts of harm reduction and ways to support people who continue to participate in risky behaviors, such as substance use and gambling. Attendees will learn to identify their own values and biases around harm reduction and become more familiar with harm reduction, person-centered frameworks and “meeting people where they are.” The training is designed to highlight the current and potential future landscape of harm reduction with available data and assist attendees by incorporating harm reduction strategies in their practice.
Delivery Options
This training is constructed as a non-interactive, video-based asynchronous distance learning training.
Time to Completion
Total Asynchronous Time is approximately 3 hours.
Training Completion Requirements
- Participants must submit a pre-training survey, complete all coursework requirements, and pass the training post-test with a score of at least 80%. Unlimited attempts are allowed.
- The post-training evaluation survey will be immediately available once the required coursework and post-test are finished, and the evaluation must be completed to receive CE credit.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Modern web browser (Google Chrome or Firefox recommended)
What You'll Learn
After completing this training, participants will be able to...
- Identify the components of harm reduction and benefits of this approach.
- Identify their own values and biases on concepts of harm reduction.
- Describe how they can incorporate concerns of harm to help support their clients.
What You'll Earn
This training is approved for 3 CE clock hours for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists, as well as for substance use counselors in domain C7 - relapse and recovery strategies in the state of Ohio.
Additional Information
Development Date: February 2025
Target Audience: 988 crisis call line staff and other human services professionals
Content Level: Beginner
Training Outline
- How values impact client care
- What is harm reduction?
- Harm reduction and risky behavior
- Harm reduction in practice; MOUD/Gambling
- Evidence and data to support harm reduction
- Incorporating harm reduction into practice
Presenter
Michael Gersz, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS
Director of Outpatient Services, Maryhaven
Michael "Mike" Gersz, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, has worked in the behavioral health field for over 14 years and currently holds the license of LPCC-S and LICDC-CS. He currently serves as the director of outpatient services at Maryhaven. He received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, majoring in criminology and sociology, and received his graduate degree from the University of Dayton in clinical mental health counseling. Gersz received his Advanced Chemical Dependency Certificate from Columbus State Community College and currently serves as an adjunct instructor at CSCC in the Social Work and Human Services Department.
Continuing Education Approvals
The Ohio State University College of Social Work provides approvals for continuing education for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists that are accepted by the state of Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board.
The Ohio State University College of Social Work has been approved by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals (CDP) Board as a provider of Continuing Education, approval number: 50-24068.
Certificates & CE Reporting
CE certificates will be available for download in your learner portal after submitting the evaluation survey.
Hours for those with Ohio licenses that are submitted with the evaluation survey will be reported to CE Broker every 14 days (twice per month).
⚠️ Note: You may only complete this training once for CE credit. You may revisit the content, but only one certificate will be issued and credit will only be reported to CE Broker one time.
Cancellations, Refunds, Grievances, Accessibility Requests & Learning
Please visit the Policies section of our website for more information on our processes for cancellations, refunds, grievances, training completions & certificates, participant conduct, and accessibility requests and learning accommodations.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you require an accommodation to participate in this training, please contact CSW Accessibility as early as possible and in advance of the training start date by email at csw-accessibility@osu.edu or call 614-688-1657. Requests received at least 14-days prior to the date you plan to begin a training will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the College will make every effort to meet requests that we receive regardless of lead time.
Contact Us
For questions about the enrollment process, payment options, technology, or training records, please submit an inquiry and our Enrollment Support team will assist you within 24 hours during business days.
If you have any questions, concerns or feedback about the training content or delivery format, please contact the CSW Office of Continuing Education at cswce@osu.edu. For questions related to the training content, our office will facilitate communication with the training instructor on your behalf and connect you, if applicable. Presenter contact information will be provided within the training for questions, feedback, or comments.
The Ohio State University, College of Social Work, Office of Continuing Education, 302 Stillman Hall, 1947 College Road, Columbus, OH, 43210.
Phone: (614) 292-3032
Email: cswce@osu.edu
Website: csw.osu.edu/continuing-education/