American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)

The ASAM Criteria defines the treatment criteria and levels of care for the treatment of substance-related and co-occurring conditions. The ASAM Criteria structure is the underlying framework for our service codes (billing guides), fiscal assumptions (rates), etc.

Under state law, licensed behavioral health agencies (BHA) providers are required to use The ASAM Criteria. Managed care organizations (MCOs), behavioral health administrative services organizations (BH-ASOs) contracted by the Health Care Authority (HCA), and private insurance plans use The ASAM Criteria as a utilization management tool.

The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition: Volume 1, Adults and Volume 2: Adolescent and Transition Age Youth (ATAY) is now available.

On this page

Want to stay up to date on the ASAM?

Sign up to receive ASAM updates.

4th edition timeline

SB 5361 passed in the 2025 legislative session, delaying the adoption date until January of 2028.

Read the ASAM adoption readiness FAQ

While the adoption date is delayed, clinicians are encouraged to continue to work on quality improvement.

Information about ASAM trainings

HCA in partnership with Train for Change offered comprehensive free trainings for providers between July 2024 and June 2025. While the state does not anticipate receiving funding for additional training, we appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in past trainings.

HCA will be hosting Implementation Support workshops starting in the Fall of 2026. As of 2026, the state will communicate any instance of refresher courses and/or resources. Please look for quarterly communication updates.

Internal training resources

Starting in September 2026, HCA will offer ASAM Criteria Implementation Support focused on the transition from the ASAM Criteria 3rd Edition to the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition for both adult and ATAY populations. Monthly Implementation Support workshops will continue through 2028. 

You do not need to register for the workshop. Everyone is welcome to join the workshop that is of interest and works for your schedule.

Read the ASAM implementation support FAQ.

External training resources

The American Society of Addiction Medicine

ASAM Criteria 4th Edition resources

ASAM video trainings

The following trainings are available on YouTube. CEUs are not available for prerecorded trainings.

Contact

For ASAM transition and other related questions
Email: HCA substance use disorder provider support

For ASAM for adolescent and transition age youth and other related questions
Email: HCA substance use disorder provider support (include “ATAY” in your subject line)