Wooded Glen Recovery Center, IL
“I think the training went great. You provided a lot of good information that we need.”
Julia Mackey
Director of Admissions
Reduce Your AMA / APA Rate
Improve client outcomes while boosting facility ROI
Fully accredited. Globally recognized. Built for the next generation of Addiction & Mental Health Professionals.
What Is The AMA Reduction Training?
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers struggle with clients wanting to leave Against Medical Advice (AMA) or Against Professional Advice (APA) and sometimes the length of stay of your client does not meet the goal of the treatment team. When a client wants to leave it creates a crisis disruption that pulls all of the treatment team staff away from helping other clients to convince the one client to stay. This usually results in multiple clients leaving at once, because the treatment team is not trained in AMA/APA blocking techniques.
At The Addictions Academy, we have developed a training program that crosses clinical verbiage and retention techniques to improve the AMA/APA rate of your Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center or Mental Health Center Team. We will analyze the systems you have in place, meet your staff, and train them on both clinical terminology and closing retention tactics. We have cross blended Motivational Interviewing, with Coaching and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy terminology and sales closing techniques for a proven system that retains clients.
The relationship that is built with the client prior to treatment and during treatment is crucial to the success of that client and your center. We have a comprehensive training program that will assist your staff in quickly resolving the issue, resulting in less staff needed to block the AMA/APA client and fewer clients leaving resulting in more revenue for your drug and alcohol treatment center or mental health facility.
A happy, sober client is worth 4-10 referrals. An unhappy client is worth 40 negative reviews. Can you stand to lose 40 potential clients in this competitive market? This all translates into time lost and revenue lost. Loss of services to other clients, loss of possible other clients, loss of revenue that you spend thousands of dollars to get started in the first place. The Addictions Academy can fix that glitch in the system for you.
Key Topics & Teachings Include:
Master the Language of Retention
Use precise phrasing to stop AMA/APA in real time.
Ask strategic questions that shift clients back into treatment.
Apply body language and NLP techniques to reinforce connection.
Purpose-Driven Programming
Craft groups that hit visual, auditory, and hands-on learners.
Rotate activities to prevent monotony and spark engagement.
Momentum-builders with fun, creative challenges.
Building Long-Lasting Rapport
Establish trust before, during, and after intervention moments.
Listen actively vs. passively to uncover real concerns.
Recognize guilt, remorse, and self-sabotage patterns early.
Handle Objections and Resistance
Turn “I just want to get high” into a growth conversation.
Overcome common objections to treatment without judgment.
Reframe anger and obstinance into teachable opportunities.
Leverage Assessments and Stages of Change
Use proper assessment tools to identify risk points.
Match strategies to each stage of change for better retention.
Coordinate services to keep clients moving forward.
Set the Tone Through Staff Leadership
Staff energy directly influences client behavior and retention.
Daily check-ins and name recognition foster belonging.
Unified positivity keeps morale high and AMA rates low.
Here’s Exactly What You’ll Get When You Enroll
AMA Reduction Training - Counts Towards 11 CEU/CME/CE/Hrs For Each Member Of Your Staff
LIVE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM FOR UNLIMITED STUDENTS
5 CEU/CME/CE/Hrs
A fully interactive online classroom experience where your entire team can join from anywhere. The training is delivered live via webinar by Dr. Cali Estes (or TAA faculty), allowing unlimited staff participation. Sessions are engaging, story-driven, and packed with practical strategies you can apply the same day.
Session One:
How to Stop AMA/APA Before It Starts
Dr. Cali Estes reveals how to prevent clients from leaving treatment before the urge even surfaces. This session covers early warning signs, rapport-building tactics, and creative engagement strategies that keep clients connected. Students learn how to shift complaints into coaching moments, set the right staff energy, and empower clients through micro-leadership.
Session Two:
Addressing Client Needs, Frustrations, and Facility Gaps
This session dives into the real reasons clients AMA—cigarettes, caffeine, withdrawal, boredom—and how staff can intervene before frustration turns to exit. Cali blends hard truths with practical solutions, showing how to reframe complaints, elevate group programming, and close gaps in care. The focus is on structure, compassion, and creating a united staff culture that supports retention.
Session Three:
Resolving Conflict, Setting Boundaries, and Preventing AMA
Conflict is one of the top AMA triggers, and this session breaks down how to stop drama before it spreads. Cali teaches staff to use structured conflict resolution, enforce consistent boundaries, and coach emotional regulation. Students learn to handle strong personalities, redirect anger, manage phone-call triggers, and turn every conflict into a teachable moment that builds resilience and connection.
Session Four:
Building Respect, Routine, and Retention in Recovery Spaces
In the final session, Cali pulls everything together with a focus on program culture. Students explore retention tools like buddy systems, smoking/sugar substitutions, daily staff check-ins, and structured family visitation. The session closes with strategies for outpatient and telehealth AMA prevention, plus a roadmap for continued growth, ethics, and professional networking.
AMA Reduction Training Manual
This comprehensive manual on AMA (Against Medical Advice) Reduction Training is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their skills in addiction treatment. It delves into the multifaceted reasons clients leave treatment prematurely, from impulsivity and withdrawal discomfort to relationship issues and perceived lack of program alignment. By equipping students with a deep understanding of AMA and a wide array of tools to address it, this manual directly contributes to improved client retention, reduced readmission rates, and ultimately, more successful long-term recovery outcomes. It's an indispensable guide for any professional committed to providing the highest quality of care in the addiction field.
4 Weeks Of Online Staff Training Follow-Up To Ensure Implementation Of Techniques
Nearly a month of structured follow-up designed to make sure your staff actually implements what they’ve learned. Includes weekly online check-ins, coaching, and accountability support so new techniques become part of daily practice—not just a one-time training.
Ethics Course
6 CEU/CME/CE/Hrs
Gain a deep understanding of ethical responsibilities, including confidentiality, professional standards, report writing, case management, and legal compliance across state lines. Through practical scenarios, action planning, and guidance on boundaries, trust-building, and communication, participants learn to navigate complex ethical situations confidently.
End-of-Program Examination
Every staff member gets to take the exam and receives a certificate of completion and 11 CEU/CME/CE/Hrs upon passing—so you’re not just training as a group, you’re verifying that each individual has learned, retained, and can apply the material.
6 Months of On-Demand Access
Enjoy 6 months of on-demand access to the recordings of the training, allowing you to revisit lessons anytime, review key strategies, and reinforce skills whenever needed.
Upgrade We'll Come LIVE To YOUR LOCATION
Call Us At 1-800-706-0318 ext 2 For In Person Packages & Pricing
Onsite Group Training Option
Bring Dr. Cali Estes (or faculty) straight to your doorstep for an electrifying, hands-on experience. Imagine your entire team learning together, live and in person—feeding off the energy, practicing techniques in real time, and getting immediate feedback. It’s immersive, powerful, and unforgettable. Plus, you still get all the same follow-up, certificates, and bonus perks to lock in the transformation long after training day.
Plus Get These Practice-Building Bonuses
Bonus: 3 Months Free Online Directory Listing Site
Be found by clients actively searching for addiction and mental health coaches.
Bonus: Private Graduate & Networking Communities
Tap into a global network of certified professionals, mentors, and peers.
Bonus: Lifetime Discounts on All Future TAA Programming
Keep leveling up your credentials and skills—while paying a fraction of the cost.
AMA/APA Reduction Training
$3500.00
Quantity
Choose from 2 separate learning tracks:
The Virtual Classroom Training is a live, interactive webinar that lets unlimited staff attend from anywhere. It’s cost-effective, flexible, and includes all the follow-up, certificate of completion, and bonus perks to keep your team sharp and connected. The On-Site Group Training brings Dr. Cali Estes (or faculty) directly to your facility for a hands-on, in-person experience. Your team trains together in real time with live interaction, energy, and practice—while still getting the same follow-up, certificate of completion, and bonuses. Call us for packages & pricing.
Join 60,000+ Student Success Stories & Counting...
Become part of a global network of coaches and professionals trained in over 40 countries—and get everything you need to build a purpose-driven practice, help others heal, and create a profitable business
Sierra Tucson, Arizona
“Dr. Cali Estes joins Sierra Tucson to train their entire Recovery Coach 360 Team.”
Crossroads Turning Point, Colorado
“Amazing training on Harm Reduction and relapse prevention. Cannot wait to have you back next month to teach another class.”
Rob Archuletta
Executive Director
Wynward Way, OC California
“Very pleased to have Dr. Cali come out and train our staff in AMA/APA block training.”
Veronica Waters
Vice President
Just Believe Recovery, PA & Florida
“Dr Cali Estes was a joy to have at our center. We received a lot of amazing feedback from our staff and loved the breakout sessions”
Sinead
Clinical Director
Aqua Recovery Center, Utah
“Dr. Cali has given us the ability to create a new program in Recovery Coaching. This has given us the ability to keep track of our patients while at RTC, and also when they leave. We have seen great success with this program.”
Clint Tolman
Executive Director
St. Joseph's Institute, PA
“We have learned a lot at this training, I am glad you came out and we found you for our staff. You are doing a great job.”
Guy Murray
CEO St. Joseph’s Institute
New Vista Behavioral Health, Avalon Malibu
“Excellent Admissions Call center training with Cali”
Christine Parker
Marketing Director
Ocean Hills Recovery, California
“Amazing class! We have had Cali out here a few times for training our staff.”
Chris Cannon
Managing Partner
Vanguard Accelerator
Vanguard Accelerator
Cedar Point Recovery, CA
“Thank you, Dr. Estes. The staff found your training educational and allows them the opportunity to empower themselves with clients.”
Jody M. Ressio
MA, LAADC, Clinical Director
Lakeview Health, Jacksonville, FL
“The training was comprehensive and easy to follow for some employees not as versed in the field of interventions. I would highly recommend Cali and The Addictions Academy to anyone looking to join or excel in the field of Addictions.”
Derek Gwaltney
Vice President
Gosnold on Cape Cod, MA
“Cali Got great feedback about today’s training. Much appreciated.”
Ray Tamasi
CEO
Meet Your Instructor:
Dr. Cali Estes
Founder & CEO
Dr. Cali Estes is a world leader in addiction recovery, mental health, and performance coaching—known globally as “The Female Dr. Drew” and “The Battery Recharger.” With over 25 years of experience, she’s helped CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and high-achievers break free from burnout, addiction, and trauma using her no-nonsense, science-backed, results-driven approach.
As founder of The Addictions Academy and Sober On Demand®, Dr. Cali has trained more than 60,000 professionals across 40 countries and created concierge recovery programs trusted by leaders who need change fast. A 6x #1 best-selling author, international speaker, and host of the UnPause Your Life podcast, her work has been featured by CNN, Forbes, People, and FOX.
When you learn from Dr. Cali, you’re learning from someone who has walked through the fire, mastered the tools, and built programs that actually work. She won’t just give you knowledge—she’ll show you how to create transformation that lasts.
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The World’s Premier Training Institute for Mental Health & Addiction Professional Development.
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