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Defining Prevention Services
Prevention services are a comprehensive, multi-system set of individual and environmental approaches that maximize physical health, mental well-being, and promote safety. Prevention services occur BEFORE the onset of a behavioral health disorder/diagnosis.
If you are currently delivering prevention services, we strongly advise you to apply to receive your prevention credentials if you haven't already. Individuals who deliver prevention services can be community members, volunteers, or paid professionals.
The Ohio prevention credentials establish a universal and thorough understanding of prevention and evidence-based practices. Credentials provide a trusted measure of professional credibility to the public, employers, and funders. To receive an Ohio prevention credential individuals/professionals must demonstrate competency through experience, education, supervision, and passing an exam. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board administers these credentials.
Getting Started
The Ohio Certified Prevention credentialing process can be complicated and time-consuming. The OCAM Network is available to answer questions and provide support during this process.
There are four levels of Prevention Credentials:
1. Registered Applicant (RA)
2. Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant (OCPSA)
3. Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist (OCPS)
4. Ohio Certified Prevention Concultant (OCPC)
If you are interested in getting started in this process and apply for your RA it is important to first determine if you are providing prevention services/ if your job description fits the scope of prevention. Second, you must determine who your prevention supervisor will be!
Then you should determine how you will complete the education and experience requirements needed to get credentialed, which you will plan out in your Professional Development Plan required to recieve your RA. You can read more about the requirements for each credential here.
Once you have completed all of these steps you can apply for your credential through E-License
Please note that the OCAM Network is happy to set up a one on one meeting with a coach to walk you through this process. Contact info@ocamnetwork.org for more information!
Helpful Videos:
- To learn more about what prevention credentials are, what they mean, and how to get them watch this video: Ohio Prevention Credentialing Overview
- Need help navigating the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board's website? Watch this video
- Don’t know where to start on your Prevention Education Grid? Watch this How to Complete Education Grid Video
- Wondering how to find your license number? Watch this short video!
Additional Resources:
Detailed Graphic on The Steps to Getting Your RA
Graphic on How to Submit your RA Application
Graphic on How to Apply for the OCPSA
Graphic: What Does My Supervisor Need for my OCPSA & OCPS
Ohio Chemical Dependency Updated Prevention Rules (Summer 2024)
Ohio Chemical Dependency Board's Updated OCPC Requirements (Summer 2024)
