Certified Domestic Violence Specialist - (CDVS)
CDVS-I, II credentials


   “I wanted to update you…the clients attending are very responsive. I have been getting positive input from all the participants. Program is amazing and so much better than the Duluth Model.”   Jennifer, H., Probation and Parole Officer, Indiana.

Certified Domestic Violence Specialist-I, II (CDVS-I, CDVS-II) certifications have been developed in response to the increased global call for accessible and effective Domestic Violence services and the accompanying need to provide training programs for service providers and community organizations including professional counselors, chaplains, certified coaches, educators, social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, pastors, social workers, psychiatrists, substance abuse, and domestic violence counselors and others working in local settings. NAMA Certified Domestic Violence Specialist standardization offers professionals, schools, hospitals, agencies, community workers and organizations an opportunity to expand their services by including Domestic Violence programs.
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THREE LEVELS of CERTIFICATION
  • The CDVS-I credential is for providing Domestic Violence Education services ONLY
  • The CDVS-II credential is for providing Domestic Violence Treatment services
NAMA provides two levels of certification (I. Education services ONLY, II. Treatment services) 
CDVS-I certificate seekers primarily want to utilize their skills and credential by providing educational programs (such as in school or community organization programs). Participants who complete CDVS-I receive essential conceptual and practical training in this field.
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However, the standard in the field for treating domestic violence offenders is a minimum of 40 hours of training. Anyone planning to offer extended or intensive treatment (such as court ordered 26- or 52- week programs) should take both CDVS-I and CDVS-II training. The CDVS-II training adds material on ethical aspects of DV counseling, treating female DV offenders, and integration of anger management counseling. Participants will also be provided with materials to conduct a 52 session treatment program.

NOTE: All CDVS-II Participants MUST COMPLETE CDVS-I before taking the CDVS-II training.                                                      Upon completing the requirements for CDVS-I you may immediately begin CDVS-II requirements - (waiting to make CDVS-II application (fee $150) will save cost of the CDVS-I application fees.)
​**If you wish to pursue this option, please contact Char Richardson, CDVS-III at rcc1030@gmail.com. Also note participants cannot opt for the Level One/Two combination until they have completed their initial single supervision session with Char Richardson, CDVS-III.

CDVS Course   
GROWTH CENTRAL TRAINING (growthcentraltraining.com) partnered with renowned domestic violence counselors Dr. Ron and Pat Potter- Efron to provide treatments for domestic violence by offering two (2) different approaches for obtaining Certified Domestic Violence Specialist (CDVS-I or CDVS-II) certification and Offender Treatment training courses endorsed by the National Anger Management Association (NAMA).
                                                                                                   
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER CURRICULUM.  The Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Curriculum: Cognitive-Behavioral course offers a more traditional approach to DV treatment as well as to reconsider the connection between DV and anger management. This treatment approach to domestic violence focuses upon achieving ‘safety for all’ and also includes anger management skills and techniques for individuals’ future relationships. In addition to the Cognitive-Behavioral DV training course, there are workbooks and curriculum available to help support and guide you through the process with your clients.

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How to get started to become a Certified Domestic Violence Specialist (CDVS)

NAMA Requirements for Domestic Violence Specialist-I Certification - CDVS-I

Everyone must take the CDVS-I training course first to be certified at any level by NAMA. This certification requires a minimum of a BA degree or significant community service experience. Certifies trained individuals to provide community domestic violence educational services including Domestic Violence Classes and a 13 week Domestic Violence Educational Program.

Participants for this certification are required to complete of a minimum of 12 hours NAMA authorized live or distance learning training. It trains individuals to provide community Domestic Violence educational programs and services including Domestic Violence Classes and Domestic Violence Educational Programs for individuals, couples and groups.

Certified Domestic Violence Specialist I & II: Cognitive-Behavioral Course (WEB-BASED VIDEO) - $199.00

1. Basic Domestic Violence Content Component - Completion of a 12 hour live or distance learning Basic Domestic Violence course sponsored by NAMA. Approved programs include (at minimum) an understanding of the nature of Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence skills & concepts, an understanding of brain functioning and brain change, cognitive distortion, the role of communication and assertiveness, the role of empathy, the role of stress, and the role of consequences. 

2. Supervision Component - Two (2) hour of supervision (phone or Zoom) with Char Richardson, CDVS-IV at rcc1030@gmail.com

3. Application Component - Complete Application (include processing fee $125) and provide Resume for NAMA Review. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________    Suggestion -  Level One/Two Combination (Best Value).
           We highly recommend this option because you will save time and money by making an initial commitment to completing the entire Level One/Level Two certification process. By doing so you will:
            a) Need only four supervision sessions instead of five;
            b) Only pay one administrative fee instead of two;
            c) Develop a clear, personalized learning agenda from the beginning of training.
        When you select this option, first you will receive all the material in Level One, then complete the Level One test, and have one supervision session with Char Richardson, CDVS-IV at rcc1030@gmail.com. Next you will immediately proceed to Level Two and receive all the materials listed under Level Two training above. You will bypass the Level One administrative fee (unless you need immediate certification at that level for career purposes) and go immediately to Level Two. You will only need to schedule 3 more supervision sessions with Char Richardson, CDVS-IV at rcc1030@gmail.com instead of four because you will have already completed one session. When you have completed all the training materials you will pay only one administrative fee and receive Level Two certification. 
**If you wish to pursue the CDVS-I/CDVS-II combination option, please contact Char Richardson, CDVS-IV at rcc1030@gmail.com.  (Note: participants must complete a CDVS-I phone/Zoom supervision session with Char Richardson, CDVS-IV at rcc1030@gmail.com before moving on) Total cost: approximately $1,200. (Note: There is no "button" to push to formally enroll in this program. Simply inform Char Richardson, CDVS-IV at rcc1030@gmail.com of your intentions to take the combined training)
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Certification Process and Fees for CDVS-I 
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER CURRICULUM.  The Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Curriculum: Cognitive-Behavioral course offers a more traditional approach to DV treatment as well as to reconsider the connection between DV and anger management. This treatment approach to domestic violence focuses upon achieving ‘safety for all’ and also includes anger management skills and techniques for individuals’ future relationships. In addition to the Cognitive-Behavioral DV training course, there are workbooks and curriculum available to help support and guide you through the process with your clients.

The CDVS Cognitive-Behavioral treatment courses are endorsed by the National Anger Management Association (NAMA), but are not necessarily recognized by every court.  Many states have guidelines or specific requirements regarding becoming a certified domestic violence counselor and/or creating a DV program. It is in your best interest to consult these guidelines directly yourself or by consulting with practitioners in your area. NAMA cannot guarantee that our training meets the requirements in every state since these requirements are quite varied. You must check with your local court to determine if the CDVS certification is acceptable for court mandated clients.

HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED - Purchase the CDVS Online course - Certified Domestic Violence Specialist I & II: Cognitive-Behavioral Course (WEB-BASED VIDEO) - $199.00

CDVS I (Certified Domestic Violence Specialist I) – CDVS I is meant for Domestic Violence EDUCATIONAL purposes only. It is not recommended that a CDVS I conduct groups or work one on one with offenders without a supervisor or mentor who is already working in the field. Professionals who have experience or are currently working in behavioral health, schools, corrections, hospitals, security, housing shelters, foster care, child and family services, etc. are eligible. CDVS I candidate needs at least one of the following: a BA degree, professional field experience, peer support experience, and/or volunteer/community service. 12 hours of coursework.

Participants for this certification are required to complete of a minimum of 12 hours NAMA authorized live or distance learning training. It trains individuals to provide community Domestic Violence educational programs and services including Domestic Violence Classes and Domestic Violence Educational Programs for individuals, couples and groups.

1. Basic Domestic Violence Content Component – Completion of a 12 hour live or distance learning Basic Domestic Violence course sponsored by NAMA. Approved programs include (at minimum) an understanding of the nature of Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence skills & concepts, an understanding of brain functioning and brain change, cognitive distortion, the role of communication and assertiveness, the role of empathy, the role of stress, and the role of consequences.
2. Supervision Component – Two hours of supervision with NAMA Approved Supervisor 
3. Application Component – Complete Application (include processing fee $125) and provide Resume for NAMA Review.     
Certification Process and Fees for CDVS-I:
Fees for CDVS-I: Web-based 
​CDVS II (Certified Domestic Violence Specialist II) – CDVS II is achieved upon approval of a CDVS NAMA Authorized Supervisor. Additional supervision and successful completion of the CDVS I training. Required coursework: Ethics course, assigned reading, and (3 or 4) supervision hours. Prerequisite for CDVS II:  CDVS I, mental health state license or drug and alcohol certification, liability insurance.

The CDVS-II certification requires successful completion of the NAMA CDVS-I requirements.
  1. Pre-requisite: CDVS-I 
  2. Candidates must possess a mental health state license and professional liability insurance.  
  3. Required Supervision: Four hours (4) or  three hours (3) required if you have the CAMS credential. Supervision provided by a NAMA Authorized Supervisor Domestic Violence Specialist provider. These are arranged directly with the CDVS Authorized Supervisor. 4 credit hours.
  4. Required Components of training in addition to supervision:
    1. Completion of six-hour Ethic Concerns Video (download): Ethical Concerns and Moral Neuroscience Considerations in Anger Management and  Domestic Violence Offender Counseling. Note: Test of material will be administered. 6 credit hours.
    2. Completion of Level One NAMA anger management certification program or completion of Handbook of Anger Management and Domestic Violence Offender Treatment (second edition). Note: If Handbook option is selected, a test of material will be administered. 8 credit hours.
    3. Completion of: Domestic Violence Treatment for Abusive Women (Ellen Bowen; Routledge.) 4 credit hours.    AND ALSO   Treating the Trauma Survivor: An Essential Guide to Trauma-Informed Care. (Carrie Clark et al. Routledge.) 4 credit hours.      Available through Amazon and bookstores.
    4. Completion of any one of the following books: Letting Go of Shame (Ron and Pat Potter-Efron, Hazelden Publications); Rage (Ron Potter-Efron, New Harbinger); Healing the Angry Brain (Ron Potter-Efron). 2 hours.
Note: Participants may, with approval from their supervisor, substitute another book or learning experience instead of the books listed in item #8. Such a substitution would reflect the participant’s particular learning objectives.
Fees for CDVS-II
  • $600 (with CAMS) or $800 fee for Supervision 
  • $100 approximate cost of required books
  • $89.95 Ethics course
  • $150 – NAMA application fee which includes CDVS-II certificate and one year NAMA Active Status and Profile listed in Directory.
For further information about CDVS I or II contact: Char Richardson at rcc1030@gmail.com