American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

The ASAM Criteria defines the treatment criteria and levels of care for the treatment of substance-related and co-occurring conditions. The ASAM Criteria structure is the underlying framework for our service codes (billing guides), fiscal assumptions (rates), etc.

Under state law, licensed behavioral health agencies (BHA) providers are required to use The ASAM Criteria. Managed care organizations (MCOs), behavioral health administrative services organizations (BH-ASOs) contracted by the Health Care Authority (HCA), and private insurance plans use The ASAM Criteria as a utilization management tool.

The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition, Volume 1, Adults is now available.

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4th edition timeline

The state will adopt the new ASAM Criteria version in January of 2026. Providers can prepare for implementation, but rates and service codes will not change until 2026.

To get ready to use the new version, the state will offer a series of training courses.

Training courses will:

  • Be held virtually.
  • Start in July 2024 and run through January 2026.
  • Be offered by the Train for Change Company and free of charge (funded by the Washington State Legislature and State Opioid Response Grant).

The Adolescent and Transition Age Youth version is anticipated to be released in 2026.

View the current timeline

4th edition trainings

Tier 1: The Evolution of The ASAM Criteria: What’s New in the 4th Edition.

This is a great training for a broad audience who works in the field and wants a consolidated overview of the ASAM updates. Tier 1 training is for anyone and everyone in the behavioral health field.

Tier 2: Two-day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill-building Training

This is a prerequisite for Tier 3 training. Tier 2 training will benefit clinicians who are newer to the field or are substance use disorder professionals who would benefit from an in-depth course.

Tier 3: Implementation, Improvement, Sustainability, and Coaching of The ASAM Criteria. A “How to,” Science-based Approach.

This training is designed for clinical supervisors, directors, administrators, and decision makers who play a key role in implementation and ongoing support of adopting the changes within their organization.

How do I participate in trainings?

  • Read the 4th edition ASAM FAQ.
  • Select the training that you want to attend.
  • Sign up using the email address for the location where you will attend the virtual training.
  • Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation.
    • Spots are limited. Please reach out to the contact person on the confirmation email to cancel the training if you cannot attend.

All trainings are offered by the Train for Change company. Although the trainings are free of charge, you will need to purchase The ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition.

Contact

For information about trainings
Email: Train for Change

For ASAM transition and other related questions
Email: HCA substance use disorder provider support

For ASAM for adolescent and transition age youth and other related questions
Email: HCA substance use disorder provider support (include “ATAY” in your subject line)