To those who use the directory, we always point out that the Society does not make referrals for clinical care, and the list of members is not intended for that purpose. For the information of the readers, the Directory does show whether the member is certified by ASAM. The Directory lists the specialty information for each member (as supplied by the member) and information about the member's current positions.

What the "CERTIFIED BY ASAM" Designation Means...

History
In 1983 and 1984, the California Society offered a certification examination to identify members who met the criteria adopted by the Executive Council describing a physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism and other drug dependencies. In those two years, 183 members were certified by the California Society. In 1985, the California Society turned the project over to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and the first national exam was offered on October 18, 1986. Since that date, thousands of physicians have been certified by ASAM. Certification attests to their mastery of the body of knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of chemical dependence commensurate with the standards set by ASAM to identify physicians expert in this field.

ASAM Certification
ASAM certification is available to members and non-members of the Society. To sit for the certification examamination, a physician must meet criteria set by the ASAM Board of Directors. Physicians must submit an application form by the deadline. The application form asks for information which shows how they meet the criteria in place for that year.

ASAM's certification process includes an examination which is a test of knowledge. While it does not certify clinical skill or competence, it does identify a physician who has demonstrated the degree of knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism and drug dependencies commensurate with expertise in the field as defined by ASAM. However, the ASAM certification process is not a board certification. ASAM is not a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.