About Us

Dear Prospective Students,

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey of learning that prepares you for a career in the human services field? Have you decided that you absolutely must dedicate your skills to improving the quality of life of populations in need of professional guidance? Then you will find Great Escape extremely useful.

Great Escape is a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) training and programs. We provide you with the data, news and tools you need to navigate courses and career options in an informed manner. Consider us your one-stop resource for reliable knowledge and professional training on substance abuse, which we believe, will empower you to serve vulnerable populations competently, confidence and sensitively.

We encourage you to review our services, experiences and credentials to judiciously determine why and how Great Escape can be a valuable partner on your career path. We welcome your questions and look forward to joining you on your journey!

Anthony Bryant, Executive Director/CEO

Dear Prospective student,

Are you ready to begin a rewarding journey that prepares you for a meaningful career in the human services field? Have you made the decision to dedicate your time and talents to improving the quality of life for individuals and communities in need of professional support? If so, Great Escape Training is here to help you take the next step.

At Great Escape, we offer comprehensive programs for those seeking Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) training and related certifications. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your education and career path. We serve as your one-stop resource for professional training, current information, and practical insights in the field of addiction and recovery services.

We invite you to explore our programs, review our credentials, and discover how Great Escape can become a trusted partner in your professional growth. We welcome your questions and look forward to walking alongside you on this transformative journey.

Warm regards,

Great Escape Team!

Great Escape Substance Abuse and Training Information, Inc. is agency dedicated to providing quality education and training to the community while equipping prospective candidates to become effective counselors and recovery professionals in the field of addiction and behavioral health.

We offer the complete 350-hour Substance Abuse Education Program required to qualify for the New York State CASAC-T (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor – Trainee) certification. Upon completion, students receive comprehensive guidance on the CASAC application process and preparation for the state exam.

In addition to CASAC training, Great Escape also provides specialized courses for individuals seeking Peer Recovery Professional credentials through the New York Certification Board (NYCB). Our Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) and Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) programs are designed to prepare peers to effectively support individuals in recovery using lived experience, advocacy, and ethical practice. These trainings empower participants to become valuable members of the recovery workforce, helping to bridge the gap between clinical providers and the communities they serve.

We also offer CASAC/CPP/CPS renewal packages, ethics workshops, supervisory courses, and test preparation programs to support ongoing professional growth.

All courses are approved by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and meet the training standards required by NYCB for peer and recovery support certifications.

Founded in 2012, Great Escape has been recognized by the former Mayor of Freeport, NY, Nassau County, and Congresswoman Grace Meng of the Sixth Congressional District for outstanding contributions to community outreach and addiction training. With small class sizes at our Baldwin, NY campus, we provide compassionate instruction, professional guidance, and individualized support—helping our students achieve excellence and often pass their certification exams on the first attempt.

Our Programs are geared toward:

New students looking to begin (or transition into) a career in substance abuse counseling
Social workers looking to expand their knowledge of addiction treatment
Individuals as well as community, faith-based and private organizations interested in conducting outreach
Anyone interested in learning about and understanding the disease concept of addiction

In addition to education and training, Great Escape provides:

Recovery support groups
Ex-Offender Advocate groups
Drug treatment referral services
Community outreach
Youth empowerment courses

Our Programs are geared toward:

New students looking to begin (or transition into) a career in substance abuse counseling

Social workers looking to expand their knowledge of addiction treatment

Individuals as well as community, faith-based and private organizations interested in conducting outreach

Anyone interested in learning about and understanding the disease concept of addiction

In addition to education and training, Great Escape provides:

Recovery support groups

Ex-Offender Advocate groups

Drug treatment referral services

Community outreach

Youth empowerment courses

Certifications & Recognition's

Check out our certifications & awards

OASAS

Great Escape is Certified by The New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services.

Florida Certification Board

Great Escape is Certified by the State of Florida Certification Board as an Approved Education Provider.

Great Escape was awarded a Citation Nassau County twice

Nassau County, State Of New York

Great Escape was given a Citation by the County for their dedication and commitment to serving individuals and families in the Recovery community.

Nassau County, Freeport, NY

Great Escape was awarded a Citation by Mayor Andrew Hardwick (former). Great Escape was recognized for providing great service to their community

US House of Representatives (Congresswoman)

Great Escape received a Proclamation from Congresswoman Grace Meng from the Sixth Congressional District Of New York. The organization (Anthony Bryant) was recognized for exemplary leadership in Human Services and extraordinary commitment to community service and common good.

Long Island Press

Recognized in the Long Island Press.

See the full article here.

Testimonials

See what others have to say about us

"I have had such a wonderful experience these past few months. The instructor is wonderful; I have been able to take so much from him and his experience in the field. The staff at Great Escape provided more than just educational support. I'm so grateful to have found Great Escape."

Maureen Bisulca, CASAC-T

"I was at a point in my life where my career was stalled and I was feeling discouraged. My decision to go to Great Escape was one of the best I’ve ever made. The classes are fun and dynamic, taught in a family atmosphere. I looked forward to attending every weekend. The staff are not only knowledgeable, but want the best for their students. They have assisted me with everything from my CASAC application to preparing a new resume. They are empathetic people who always made time to meet with me one on one when I was overwhelmed. I was able to complete the 350 hours, get my CASAC-T and pass the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam within fourteen months! Utilizing their test prep not only prepared me to do well on the exam the first time, but also boosted my confidence. I got my official scores back from the CASAC test and I got a 97% in Counseling and in Treatment Planning, Collaboration and Referral. I would like to thank the whole team for their expertise, patience and guidance. I will be returning here for training hours the first chance I get."

Lynn Dorney, MS, CASAC-T

"I would like to acknowledge Great Escape. I completed the Recovery Coach training. As a 30 year provider of substance abuse services, I found this course highly informative and useful."

Bruce B.

"I started CASAC classes at Great Escape in October of 2013. I have since graduated and now use my knowledge in the field as a substance abuse counselor. I loved every minute of my classes. Mr.Bryant is so knowledgable and full of energy, I never had a boring class. He made learning fun for me and I'm sure for everyone in my class as well. I learned so much from this school and I recommend this school to anyone who is looking to get their CASAC. Thank you Great Escape!!"

Kimberly W. CASAC-T, Great Escape Graduate, Certified Recovery Coach