Vermont Recovery Coach Academy

Become a Vermont Recovery Coach

Worried about the addiction epidemic? Want to make a real difference and help those in recovery?

The Vermont Recovery Coach Academy is a comprehensive and relatable training that equips participants with the skills and resources vital to help those in recovery. In Vermont, every year over 12,000 people leave substance use disorder treatment. When they leave treatment, we ensure that they have the evidence- based supports to continue strong in their recovery.

What is a Recovery Coach?

The role of the Recovery Coach reflects a collaborative and strength-based approach, with the primary goal being to assist individuals living in or seeking recovery from the effects of substance use disorders. Recovery Coaches employ the evidence-based practices of motivational interviewing and resource provision. They do not replace other professional services, they complement the existing array of support services. The Recovery Coach is not a twelve-step sponsor, case manager, or therapist, but rather an important resource for a lifetime of recovery.

Where do Recovery Coaches work?

Participants of the Vermont Recovery Coach Academy (VRCA) work or volunteer in recovery resources that serve Vermonters. VRCA graduates use this training in many different professional arenas. Most work for our state’s nationally renowned 12 Recovery Centers located in every corner of the state. Some work or volunteer at treatment centers or hospitals, others use their training in recovery resources such as housing, corrections, employment, youth and family services, harm reduction, or other areas of human service that support recovery.

What should I expect of the Vermont Recovery Coach Academy?

Teachings include intensive dynamic modules in:

Motivational Interviewing
Resource Provision
The Science of Addiction and Harm Reduction
Ethics and Boundaries
Multiple Pathways to Recovery
Self-care and Wellness Plans
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Stigma Reduction
Trauma Informed Care

Why should I become a Vermont Recovery Coach?

According to the Vermont Governor’s Office and the Vermont Department of Health, one of the number one needs of healthcare in Vermont is the need for more Vermont Recovery Coaches. We need them in our schools, our Emergency Departments, our corrections facilities, our employment agencies and in our community. People recover – and Recovery Coaches meet them where they are at, providing thoughtful listening, tools, and strength-based resources.

Common Questions

What are the Requirements?

The Vermont Recovery Coach Academy is open to those currently working or volunteering at addiction recovery resources in Vermont. This includes staff at Vermont’s recovery centers, recovery residences, recovery employment agencies, treatment centers, prevention, harm reduction, and some related fields. All students who are associated with one of Vermont’s recovery centers must have the Center Director’s approval in order to attend.

Requirements include: one year minimum of continuous recovery (if applicable), a supervisor, and a strong internet connection.

What is the cost?

The cost of the Academy is $900. Applications for full scholarships are available for those working or volunteering at recovery resources that serve Vermonters. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

Where is the Vermont Recovery Coach certification recognized?

Vermont Recovery Coaches are recognized at the state and international level. Since 2021, Coaches are able to receive international certification through the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and the Vermont Department of Health, ADAP. For more information about certification, visit our Certification page.

All of our Recovery Coaches are held to a Code of Professional Ethics created and governed by the Vermont Recovery Coach Certification Board.

Code of Ethics

Upcoming Online Academies in 2023

The Vermont Recovery Coach Academy has moved to remote learning! In response to COVID-19, in order to continue making our trainings accessible, all of our future upcoming trainings will be held online.

What Our Recovery Coach Academy Participants Have To Say

“This week has been unbelievably inspiring. Every aspect of this training has been beneficial in building my confidence as a recovery coach. I’m forever grateful to the instructors and their ability to provide us with such useful information and for helping me grow as a person.”

Lauren PaineRecovery Coach Academy, Waterbury 2019

“The Recovery Coach Academy enhanced my listening skills, taught me techniques in motivational interviewing, boundaries, awareness of time, and the importance of allowing coaches to define their own path to recovery. The facilitators were extremely professional, informative, and kept the momentum of the group going in a positive and uplifting direction. Being a participant in this program was an honor and a privilege.”

Bonnie Dean LynchRecovery Coach Academy, Waterbury 2019

“Spending a week at the Recovery Coach Academy has been very powerful in giving me the tools I need to be more successful in coaching others but also for me to become a better listener.”

Dawn TatroRecovery Coach Academy, Waterbury 2019

“The most powerful skill I learned, I believe, is how to talk and get people to talk, who otherwise would be shy, and get them to open up about their addiction and what they would like to do about it. My thinking was changed in a way that I thought I would always be cursed with shyness. I hopefully will be using my new skills in my workplace to help recovering addicts back to work.”

Michael LaFlamRecovery Coach Academy, Waterbury 2019

“I really enjoyed my training at the Recovery Vermont Recovery Coach Academy. After 11 years in recovery from compulsive gambling, I’m always looking for recovery resources. I think that the skills I learned in this class will help me be a better person and will assist me when I interact with others in recovery.”

Bob FishelRecovery Coach Academy, Waterbury 2019