Provider Ambassador Program Regarding ASAM 4th Edition Transition

Supporting Substance Use Disorder (SUD) 3.2 Withdrawal Management Providers in Preparing for the Transition to the ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition Standards

Colorado is transitioning into alignment with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria 4th Edition Standards, effective July 1, 2026. One way that the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) are supporting providers through this transition, is by offering the Provider Ambassador Program. HCPF and BHA have contracted with Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA) to design and execute this program which provides resources to help 3.2-WM providers prepare for alignment with the levels of care outlined in the ASAM 4th Edition or transition into the crisis services space. Although this program was intentionally designed for 3.2-WM providers, any SUD provider is welcome to utilize the resources available.

HCPF & BHA have collaborated to devise four optional pathways for 3.2-WM providers to consider as they transition into compliance with the ASAM Fourth Edition standards or crisis services space. This page features recordings of live webinars and a toolkit of resources which includes guidance materials and operational strategy tools for each of the four pathways to help providers make decisions in preparation for alignment with a new level of care.

Click on the links below to access resources by pathway. Please email hcpf_sudbenefits@state.co.us if you need assistance finding the right training for you.

Introductory Webinar 

• Intro Webinar Recording
• Intro Webinar Slides

Residential Pathway 1: ASAM Level 3.5 Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Treatment

• 3.5 Webinar Recording
• 3.5 Webinar Slides
• 3.5 Toolkit: 
  • START HERE: Service Transformation Toolkit and Guide 3.2-WM to 3.5
  • 3.2-WM to 3.5 Service Type Comparison Tool
  • 3.5 Comprehensive Transition Planning Tool
  • 3.5 Curriculum Planning Tool 
  • 3.5 Implementation Workflow Tool
  • 3.5 Medical, Psychiatric, and MAT Services Integration Tool
  • 3.5 Personnel Crosswalk
  • 3.5 Physical Plant Requirements Tracking Tool
  • 3.5 Policy and Procedure Alignment Tool

Residential Pathway 2: ASAM Level 3.1 Clinically Managed Low- Intensity Residential Treatment 

• 3.1 Webinar Recording 
• 3.1 Webinar Slides 
• 3.1 Toolkit: 
  • START HERE: Service Transformation Toolkit and Guide 3.2-WM to 3.1
  • 3.2-WM to 3.1 Service Type Comparison Tool
  • 3.1 Comprehensive Transition Planning Tool
  • 3.1 Curriculum Planning Tool
  • 3.1 Implementation Workflow Tool 
  • 3.1 Medical, Psychiatric, and MAT Integration Tool
  • 3.1 Personnel Crosswalk
  • 3.1 Physical Plant Requirements Tracking Tool
  • 3.1 Policy and Procedure Alignment Tool

Crisis Pathway 3: Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

• CSU Webinar Recording
• CSU Webinar Slides
• CSU Toolkit
  • START HERE: Service Transformation Toolkit and Guide 3.2-WM to CSU
  • 3.2-WM to CSU Service Type Comparison Tool
  • CSU Comprehensive Transition Planning Tool
  • CSU Implementation Workflow Tool 
  • CSU Medical, Psychiatric, and MAT Integration Tool
  • CSU Personnel Crosswalk
  • CSU Physical Plant Tracking Tool
  • CSU Policy and Procedure Alignment Tool 
  • CSU Service Element Planning Tool

Crisis Pathway 4: Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) - Coming soon

Direct Technical Assistance: HMA is also offering direct technical assistance to current ASAM 3.2-WM level of care providers through:
Office hours on July 30, 2025 at noon- Register here!
One-on-one technical assistance (TA) to address specific questions, challenges and concerns. Request TA or provide feedback here!

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  • See our calendar for opportunities to participate in forums, office hours, and webinars.
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• Contact Us
  • We’re here to help! Contact hcpf_sudbenefits@state.co.us for more information.