SOUND Life Learning FAQ
Questions about learning with us
COD Specialist Enhancement Training (CODSE)
Where can I find more information on the WA State COD Specialist enhancement?
Please visit the dedicated COD Specialist enhancement Washington State Department of Health website for more information: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/co-occurring-disorder-specialist-enhancement
Why should I invest in the CODSE training when relatively few mental health professionals currently hold the Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist enhancement?
Being among the professionals who pursue advanced specialization in co-occurring disorders presents an opportunity to distinguish yourself in an increasingly important area of behavioral healthcare.
The Washington State's Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist enhancement has been around for some time but is little known. It represents an opportunity to become part of a developing specialty and help establish a higher standard of integrated mental health and substance use treatment.
Mental health and substance use disorders frequently occur together. Yet individuals experiencing both conditions can encounter fragmented treatment systems, providers who specialize in only one area, and difficulty finding professionals who understand the complex relationship between psychiatric conditions and substance use.
Professionals who develop advanced competencies in both areas are positioned to help address this gap.
The CODSE training offers several potential professional advantages:
1. Differentiate yourself in a competitive professional marketplace.
Develop specialized knowledge and competencies that distinguish your professional background from practitioners whose training has focused primarily on traditional mental health counseling or substance use treatment.
2. Develop a higher level of clinical competence.
Strengthen your ability to understand, recognize, assess, and address the interaction between psychiatric disorders and substance use. Develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex presentations, including addiction, psychosis, schizophrenia, trauma, and other co-occurring conditions.
3. Expand your professional opportunities.
Specialized co-occurring disorder knowledge may make you a valuable resource to behavioral health agencies, treatment programs, community mental health organizations, hospitals, referral networks, and other professionals seeking integrated approaches to care. As well, the enhancement offers an opportunity for agencies & programs like this to expand their abilty to bill for substance use services offered by a mental health provider.
4. Improve your ability to serve an underserved population.
People living with both serious mental health conditions and substance use disorders often face significant barriers to receiving coordinated care. Advanced training can help you become better equipped to work with this population and address treatment needs that might otherwise go unrecognized.
5. Strengthen professional credibility and recognition.
Completing the required training and subsequently obtaining the Washington State CODS enhancement can demonstrate a commitment to advanced specialization and professional development. It provides an additional state-recognized qualification beyond your underlying professional license.
6. Become part of an emerging specialty.
Because the CODS enhancement is a relatively new and not yet widely held credential in Washington, early participants have an opportunity to help increase professional awareness, contribute to the development of the specialty, and become part of a growing community of practitioners with advanced co-occurring disorder competencies.
7. Increase your value as a referral resource.
Other mental health professionals, substance use treatment providers, physicians, and community organizations may increasingly seek practitioners who understand the complexities of treating both conditions. Specialized training can help establish you as a knowledgeable referral resource and collaborative professional.
8. Invest in the long-term development of your professional practice.
Advanced specialization can strengthen your professional identity, expand the populations you are prepared to serve within your scope of practice, and provide a foundation for developing additional services, professional collaborations, consultation opportunities, and future career pathways.
Why might a non-agency clinician seek a CODSE?
The CODSE offers independent clinicians an opportunity to expand their clinical expertise through 60 hours of specialized education and training in substance use treatment. Beyond strengthening competence and confidence in treating co-occurring disorders, the credential demonstrates an advanced commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare, enhances professional credibility, and distinguishes clinicians as having specialized knowledge in an area of significant and growing need.
For clinicians interested in strengthening their knowledge and clinical competence in treating co-occurring disorders without pursuing the full 60-hour CODSE training, we also offer our 14-hour Integrated Recovery Principles (IRP) for Co-Occurring Disorders training. This provides a more condensed opportunity to build foundational knowledge and enhance clinical practice.
For clinicians interested in strengthening their knowledge and clinical competence in treating co-occurring disorders without pursuing the full 60-hour CODSE training, we also offer our 14-hour Integrated Recovery Principles (IRP) for Co-Occurring Disorders training. This provides a more condensed opportunity to build foundational knowledge and enhance clinical practice.
How does the CODSE benefit my behavioral health agency, federally qualified health center, or hospital?
The CODSE opens the door for qualified counseling agencies, federally qualified health centers, and hospitals to provide and bill for SUD services provided by a qualified MHP. Please visit the dedicated COD Specialist enhancement Washington State Department of Health website for more information: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/co-occurring-disorder-specialist-enhancement
Who can pursue the CODSE enhancement?
Qualifying professionals include licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), independent clinical social workers (LICSWs), marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), psychologists, and agency-affiliated counselors (AACs) who meet additional degree and supervised-experience criteria. Associate-level clinicians can complete the 60-hour training while working toward full licensure, but the enhancement cannot be issued until qualifying full licensure is obtained. The possibility of submitting the full-licensure and enhancement applications concurrently should be confirmed directly with DOH before publication as a firm application policy.
Will this training fully qualify me for the COD Specialist enhancement?
This course is designed to meet the 60-hour educational requirement defined by the Washington Department of Health. The full enhancement pathway also includes supervised experience and an exam, which are separate steps completed outside of this training.
This is a significant investment. Is it worth it?
A 60-hour specialized training program is a meaningful investment of both time and money. We recognize that prospective students need to carefully consider the value of that investment.
The value of CODSE extends beyond the 60 hours of instruction. It is an investment in developing specialized clinical competencies, distinguishing your professional qualifications, and preparing to serve a population with complex and frequently unmet treatment needs.
For professionals who intend to work with individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders, this knowledge can have lasting value throughout their careers.
The opportunity is not simply to earn another training certificate. It is to develop a professional specialization in an area where advanced competency is critically important and where the need for qualified practitioners continues to be significant.
Note: Completion of the CODSE training does not, by itself, confer the Washington State CODS enhancement. Participants must independently satisfy all applicable state eligibility, experience, examination, and application requirements and receive approval from the Washington State Department of Health.
Do I need to already work with substance use clients to take this training?
No. Many clinicians entering this training already encounter substance use in their work but may not feel fully confident addressing it. This course is designed to build that confidence and provide a clear framework, whether substance use is already central in your work or becoming more relevant over time.
How is this different from other substance use trainings?
Many trainings focus on isolated topics or theory. This program is structured to help you understand how everything fits together in practice—from assessment and ASAM placement to engagement, relapse, and treatment planning—within an integrated co-occurring framework. As well, this is currently the only training through which individuals can acquire a SUD enhancement through the State of Washington Department of Health.
Is this more academic or practical?
The content is grounded in research and state requirements, but the focus is practical application. The goal is for you to leave with a clear sense of how to approach real clients, not just understand concepts.
What if I feel overwhelmed by co-occurring cases right now?
Where can I find more details of each training date topic?
Click the download button, below, for a more detailed course syllabus and more information on each session.
Is this course approved for CEU's?
Yes, we're an approved provider with NASW-WA & this training has been NASW-WA approved or 60 CEU's.
Do you offer payment plans to assist with the purchase of the CODSE training?
Yes! Installment plans details are in the dropdown under the "Add to cart" button.
Is there special bulk group pricing for the CODSE training?
Yes! Agencies & other groups have the option to purchase licenses in bulk at a discount.
To do so:
1. Select the "Buy licenses" link found under the "Add to cart" option.
2. After clicking "Buy licenses", you will see an option at the bottom right of the screen to either check out or view your cart. Select "View Cart" to enter the desired number of seats (do not select "Checkout" here).
3. If you are enrolling yourself with this purchase, select the checkbox "Enroll me" on the cart page.. If you are a manager buying for employees but NOT attending yourself, do not check this box.
For more information, please see the Q&A below on how to purchase and assign bulk licenses in our General FAQ's.
***Please note, installments plans are not available with group pricing.
Team pricing discounts, per seat:
To do so:
1. Select the "Buy licenses" link found under the "Add to cart" option.
2. After clicking "Buy licenses", you will see an option at the bottom right of the screen to either check out or view your cart. Select "View Cart" to enter the desired number of seats (do not select "Checkout" here).
3. If you are enrolling yourself with this purchase, select the checkbox "Enroll me" on the cart page.. If you are a manager buying for employees but NOT attending yourself, do not check this box.
For more information, please see the Q&A below on how to purchase and assign bulk licenses in our General FAQ's.
***Please note, installments plans are not available with group pricing.
Team pricing discounts, per seat:
| # of Seats | % Savings | Savings per Seat |
| 3 | 15% | -$599.55 |
| 4 | 18% | -$719.46 |
| 5+ | 20% | -$799.40 |
How often do you plan to offer the CODSE training?
Our aspiration is to offer two live cohorts per year access to the live version of this training. It is not yet offered on-demand and, while we hope to do so, we can't yet guarantee that it will be.
How do I access the IRP course that is offered complimentary with the CODSE training?
We'll share a single use coupon code by the final day of training that will allow you to purchase it at 100% off.
Will I receive 14 CEU's if I complete the bonus IRP training?
Yes, certificates of completion noting 14 CEU's are auto-awarded at the completion of the IRP training & after a passing course test score.
Is the abbreviation CODSE established by WA state ?
The state has established the credential's name as the Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist enhancement and refer to it as CODS enhancement on their website. At SOUND Life Learning, we have started using the abbreviation CODSE for the sake of efficiency in both print and verbal communication. It's much easier as it rolls off the tongue, however it is not a state established acronym by the state.
Did you see CODSE as an acronym after Jeff's name on a mailer? Clarification with the state and updates to this are incoming. Jeff is one of the very few clinicans to hold the enhancement - and credentials are not yet clear. Stay tuned for more information on how the state plans to publicly identify enhancement holders with post-nominal letters.
Did you see CODSE as an acronym after Jeff's name on a mailer? Clarification with the state and updates to this are incoming. Jeff is one of the very few clinicans to hold the enhancement - and credentials are not yet clear. Stay tuned for more information on how the state plans to publicly identify enhancement holders with post-nominal letters.
COD Specialist Enhancement
vs Substance Use Disorder Professional
What is the difference between the CODSE and SUDP credentials?
The Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist enhancement is added to an eligible existing Washington professional license. It permits substance use disorder (SUD) counseling for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, subject to specific settings and limitations. The Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) is a standalone certification with a broader SUD counseling scope, including clients without a co-occurring mental health diagnosis.
How do the education requirements compare?
CODSE requires one DOH-approved, 60-hour educational program covering addiction, pharmacology, ASAM criteria, treatment planning, relapse prevention, and confidentiality. Traditional SUDP certification requires substantially more formal SUD-related coursework or an approved apprenticeship. Eligible already-licensed clinicians may instead qualify for the alternative SUDP pathway requiring 15 quarter or 10 semester college credits in specified topics.
How do the supervision requirements compare?
For CODSE, DOH specifies 80 hours for clinicians with fewer than five years of primary-license experience and 40 hours for those with more than five years. The alternative SUDP route generally requires 1,000 hours of supervised SUD counseling experience; other SUDP routes generally require 1,500–2,500 hours depending on education (with special apprenticeship rules). These are supervised experience requirements, not necessarily equivalent hours in one-to-one supervisor meetings.
Do both credentials require an examination?
Yes. DOH currently specifies the NAADAC Level 1 or higher examination for the CODS enhacement. SUDP accepts specified NAADAC or IC&RC examinations. Completing the educational course alone does not confer CODS enhancement: candidates must satisfy all applicable requirements and receive DOH approval.
How do renewal and continuing education requirements compare?
The CODS enhancement is an enhancement, so it has no separate renewal or continuing education requirement. Clinicians must maintain their qualifying primary credential. SUDP is separately renewed and requires 20 hours of continuing education every two years, with specified ethics, suicide-assessment, and health-equity topics.
Can CODSE holders provide the same SUD counseling as SUDPs?
DOH describes CODS enhancement SUD counseling services as equal in scope to those of SUDPs, with important restrictions. After intake and assessment, CODSE treatment is limited to clients diagnosed with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. The CODS enhancement also has setting restrictions and special referral requirements for clients needing ASAM Level 2.1 or higher care.
Can I use CODSE in private practice?
Which pathway is the better fit?
The CODS enhancement may be especially attractive to eligible licensed mental health clinicians working primarily with co-occurring disorders in permitted settings who want a focused educational pathway. SUDP is a better fit for clinicians seeking standalone, broader SUD counseling authority, including SUD-only clients and independent SUDP private practice. Neither pathway is universally better; choice depends on intended clients, workplace, and goals.
Where can I find more information to compare the CODSE with the SUDP credentials?
For more & the most up-to-date information on the CODSE:: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/co-occurring-disorder-specialist-enhancement
For more & the most up-to-date information on the SUDP: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/substance-use-disorder-professional
For more & the most up-to-date information on the SUDP: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/substance-use-disorder-professional
Integrated Recovery Principles
for Co-Occurring Disorders (IRP)
Who is this course for?
We’ve had learners from all mental health professions attend our trainings. This includes social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, occupational therapists, substance use disorder professionals, advanced practice registered nurses, psychiatrists, and others. If you are interested in the marriage of neuroscience & behavioral science in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, this course may be of interest to you.
Is the IRP training accessible to all levels?
We created this IRP training to be accessible to all learners, from beginners to clinicians with years of experience. We break down topics down into clear, engaging lessons. If needed, you can watch in smaller sections, take it as an introduction, and revisit later for deeper understanding. Our goal is to make learning enjoyable and build your confidence in clinical practice.
How in-depth is the IRP training?
Understanding theory and neuroscience provides a clearer roadmap for treatment. This training goes beyond the "how to” - it builds a model to explain the "how it works" and the "why." While theory and neuroscience can be a deep dive, we attempt to approach them in a way that is engaging and accessible. We’ve designed the material to be easy to follow, sometimes even playful. If it ever feels like a lot, take it in smaller chunks or listen casually at first and revisit it later to deepen understanding. The more you explore the mechanics of the "why," the more confident and capable you’ll feel in guiding clinical decisions.
What kind of support do you offer to better integrate the material into my practice?
There is an abundance of material offered in this course that can be mastered over a period of time. We offer services with additional support in mind. Some people find it useful to make use of individual or group supervision, consultation, or mentorship. In groups, we cover special topics and case studies to integrate the material into real life scenarios. More information is presented at the end of the training. As well, you can visit our Professional FAQ at SOUND Life Recovery, found here, for more detailed information.
Can we arrange for our entire team to take the training? Can we arrange other support to integrate the material?
What is the difference between SOUND Life Recovery and SOUND Life Learning?
SOUND Life Recovery is our therapy private practice where we offer mental health support to individuals & their families, as well as supervision and individual consultation to other mental health professionals. Generally, if conversations are happening that are HIPAA protected, we filter those through our therapy business. SOUND Life Learning is our sister company which acts as our education arm. Here, we’re in process of creating further learning opportunities for both professionals and non-professionals. More information about SOUND Life Recovery can be found here.
Our individual and group supervision, as well as individual consultation, is offered through SOUND Life Recovery. Our training and Large IRP Consultation & Education group, where clinicians are asked to not share HIPAA protected information, is offered through SOUND Life Learning.
Our individual and group supervision, as well as individual consultation, is offered through SOUND Life Recovery. Our training and Large IRP Consultation & Education group, where clinicians are asked to not share HIPAA protected information, is offered through SOUND Life Learning.
Why "SOUND"?
We selected this name for a few reasons. Firstly, we reside near the Salish Sea in the beautiful Puget Sound region of the Pacific Northwest. As we reflected on the term, we repeatedly returned to alternative meanings of "sound" - solid, firm, stable, secure, and reliable. These are attributes we strive for in our own lives, and we hope to assist others in discovering a stable and secure way of existing and navigating through the world - and all that arises in their experience, even in the midst of challenging & difficult times - as well.
There are no sub-titles on the IRP intro video. Can you offer a transcript for those with sensory differences which impact easy listening?
Okay, so this isn't a frequently asked question, but it is an important one. Until we get sub-titles in place, we're including a downloadable document for individuals who might benefit from having the spoken word in writing.
If you have access accommodation needs, please contact us. We'd like to support you.
If you have access accommodation needs, please contact us. We'd like to support you.
Purchase & License Assignment
There are multiple purchase options including add to cart, licenses, gifts, and custom orders. Which is best for me?
How do I purchase bulk licenses for my team? How do I assign them?
This is an easy process - and there are a few tips to keep it that way. Please download the following document to help guide you in purchasing & assigning licenses, available on your computer screen to enlarge images, if needed, or for printing.
Are your trainings tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive?
I, or my team, didn't receive an access email directing them how to log in after purchase or assignment of a license. What to do?
tech@soundlifelearning.com
I just purchased. Where is my receipt?
What is the difference between SOUND Life Recovery and SOUND Life Learning?
Services offered through SOUND Life Recovery: Individual/group supervision, individual consultation
More information about SOUND Life Recovery can be found here.
SOUND Life Learning is our sister company which acts as our education arm. Here, we’re in process of creating further learning opportunities for both professionals and non-professionals.
Services offered through SOUND Life Learning: Live and on-demand courses and a large-scale IRP consultation & education group, where clinicians are required to refrain from sharing HIPAA protected information.
Why "SOUND"?
General & Accessibility
There are no sub-titles on the IRP intro video. Can you offer a transcript for those with sensory differences which impact easy listening?
Okay, so this isn't a frequently asked question, but it is an important one. Until we get subtitles in place, we're including a downloadable transcript for individuals who might benefit from having the spoken word in writing. Just hit the button below this paragraph. And, if you have other access accommodation needs, please contact us. We'd like to support you.
What is the difference between SOUND Life Recovery and SOUND Life Learning?
SOUND Life Recovery is our therapy private practice where we offer mental health support to individuals & their families, as well as supervision and individual consultation to other mental health professionals. Generally, if conversations are happening that are HIPAA protected, we filter those through our therapy business. SOUND Life Learning is our sister company which acts as our education arm. Here, we’re in process of creating further learning opportunities for both professionals and non-professionals. More information about SOUND Life Recovery can be found here.
Our individual and group supervision, as well as individual consultation, is offered through SOUND Life Recovery. Our training and Large IRP Consultation & Education group, where clinicians are asked to not share HIPAA protected information, is offered through SOUND Life Learning.
Our individual and group supervision, as well as individual consultation, is offered through SOUND Life Recovery. Our training and Large IRP Consultation & Education group, where clinicians are asked to not share HIPAA protected information, is offered through SOUND Life Learning.
Why "SOUND"?
We selected this name for a few reasons. Firstly, we reside near the Salish Sea in the beautiful Puget Sound region of the Pacific Northwest. As we reflected on the term, we repeatedly returned to alternative meanings of "sound" - solid, firm, stable, secure, and reliable. These are attributes we strive for in our own lives, and we hope to assist others in discovering a stable and secure way of existing and navigating through the world - and all that arises in their experience, even in the midst of challenging & difficult times - as well.
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