Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934

Addiction Psychiatry

Deadlines, Fees and Content for Initial Certification in Addiction Psychiatry

*Application deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Candidates in the subspecialty of addiction psychiatry are those in the field of psychiatry, who are seeking ABPN Board Certification. Addiction psychiatry is a subspecialty that involves focusing on evaluation and treatment of individuals with alcohol, drug, or other substance-related disorders, and of individuals with dual diagnosis of substance-related and other psychiatric disorders.

Addiction Psychiatry History and Statement of Principles

The ABPN, in concurrence with the ABMS, established a Committee on Certification of Added Qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry in October 1991. This was done to officially establish the field of addiction psychiatry as a definite area of subspecialization in psychiatry and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced addiction psychiatrists. The first examination was administered in 1993.

Candidates in the subspecialty of addiction psychiatry are those in the field of psychiatry, who are seeking ABPN Board Certification. Addiction psychiatry is a subspecialty that involves focusing on evaluation and treatment of individuals with alcohol, drug, or other substance-related disorders, and of individuals with dual diagnosis of substance-related and other psychiatric disorders. The actual mechanics of certification of qualified candidates have been delegated by the Board to the Committee, which operates under the supervision of and in accordance with the policies of the Board.

In February 1997, the Board, in agreement with the ABMS, discontinued using the term “Added Qualifications” for this certificate. The names of both the certificate and the Committee were changed at that time to “Certification in the Subspecialty of Addiction Psychiatry.”

Currently, there is no limit on the number of times an applicant may apply to take the initial certification in the subspecialty of addiction psychiatry examination. For Board Eligibility requirements please visit:  Board Eligibility (abpn.org)


 

Specific Training Requirements

Applicants for certification in addiction psychiatry must be certified by the Board in general psychiatry by December 31 of the year prior to the examination. All applicants other than those initially admitted during the practice pathway period (1993-2000) are required to submit documentation of successful completion of one year of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship training in addiction psychiatry that did not begin before the time general residency training in psychiatry, including time spent in combined training programs, was completed. The exposure to addiction psychiatry given to psychiatry residents as part of their basic psychiatry curriculum does not count toward the one year of training. All licensing and training requirements must be met by July 31 of the year of the examination.

The required one year of specialized training in addiction psychiatry may be completed on a part-time basis as long as it is not less than half time; credit is not given for periods of training lasting less than one year except under special circumstances that must be approved by the ABPN Credentials Committee. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide detailed documentation from the respective training directors, including exact dates (month/day/year to month/day/year) outlining training content, duties, and responsibilities.  Each case is considered on an individual basis.

Currently, ABPN does not accept training from international programs.