Academy for Addiction & Mental Health Nutrition

Become a Certified Recovery Nutrition Coach (CRNC 1)

Evidence-based amino acid therapy training that teaches you to address the root causes of cravings, anxiety, depression, insomnia and relapse—naturally.

Final Cohort
Starts Oct 28, 2026
Meets every 2 weeks
No future cohorts scheduled at this time.
Ideal for students who prefer space between classes to learn, absorb, and implement amino acid therapy into practice. This will be our last scheduled cohort for the foreseeable future.
Earn 40 CEU Hours Approved continuing education for health, nutrition, and recovery professionals.
Level 1 Certification
Amino Acid Therapy
Level 1 Core Training

Amino Acid Therapy Course

This Level 1 Core Training is a six-month training program that thoroughly introduces students to the use of amino acids, specific crucial nutrients, and diet in addressing symptoms of neurotransmitter depletion, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, cravings, and relapse. The use of vitamin and mineral co-factors, blood sugar regulation, and the 5-Star Pro~Recovery Diet ©, all of which are critical to brain function, are covered in detail.

The Academy for Addiction & Mental Health Nutrition believes that all addictive disorders, as well as many mental health issues, are driven by nutrient and neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain that can often be successfully addressed without the need for psychotropic medication.

Level 1 Core Training is right for you if…

  • You're a dedicated health practitioner seeking to expand your skills and confidently support your clients.
  • You aspire to make a meaningful impact by guiding individuals toward successful recovery.
  • You are eager to delve into the best practices of Amino Acid Therapy.
  • You or a family member are on a recovery journey and seeking powerful nutritional strategies to aid in the process.
  • You've envisioned integrating your nutrition expertise to assist those grappling with mental health or addiction challenges.
  • You relish connecting with like-minded professionals, discussing health, nutrition, and the path to recovery.

Are you equipped to turn off cravings within 20 minutes—without medication? What about addressing anxiety, depression, violence, or insomnia—naturally and effectively?

If you're not using amino acid therapy, you might be missing a powerful tool in your practice. Amino acid therapy can be a game-changer for practitioners working to manage neurotransmitter imbalances and emotional challenges. With the right amino acid protocols, you can quickly reduce cravings and improve mood, sleep, and overall mental health.

Elevate your practice with advanced nutritional solutions that address the root causes of these issues.

Amino Acid Therapy peer coach training
As low as
$398 / month
Enroll Now
About this course
Level
Beginners or Professionals
Certification
Certified Recovery Nutrition Coach, Level 1 (CRNC 1)
Duration
6 Months · Online via Zoom once a week · AM or PM class
Who is this for?
Mental Health Coach Family Member Support Provider Psychotherapist or Licensed Therapist Health Coach or Nutritionist Medical Practitioner Treatment Center Staff
Level 1 Curriculum

6-Month Course Overview

Month 1

Amino Acids, Neurotransmitter Function, Addiction and Mood Disorders, Part 1

  • Amino Acid Therapy Foundations
  • Using the Amino Acid Therapy Chart for Neurotransmitter Assessment
  • Catecholamines, Caffeine, Stimulants, SNRIs, ADD, Tyrosine and L-Phenylalanine
  • Reward Deficiency Syndrome
Month 2

Amino Acids, Neurotransmitter Function, Addiction and Mood Disorders, Part 2

  • Serotonin, Sugar Addiction, SSRIs, Ecstasy, and Alcohol, 5HTP and Tryptophan
  • Endorphins, Opiate Addiction, Chronic Pain, D-Phenylalanine
Month 3

Amino Acids, Neurotransmitter Function, Addiction and Mood Disorders, Part 3

  • Amino acid and Neurotransmitter Review
  • GABA, Benzodiazepine Addiction, Taurine, Theanine
  • Hypoglycemia
  • How / Why Blood Sugar Dysregulation Affects Mood, Behavior and Addiction Recovery
  • Use of Food Diaries and Other Hypoglycemia Assessment Tools with Clients
  • How to Keep Blood Sugar Stable Using Diet and Supplements
Month 4

Crucial Nutrients for Brain Function, Mood and Behavior

  • Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, Water
  • Genetic Polymorphisms such as MTHFR, COMT, Pyroluria
  • Supplement Protocols for Addiction Recovery
  • Lab Tests and Assessments
  • Hypoglycemia Practice Case Review
Month 5

The 5-Star Pro-Recovery Diet © (taught by Pati Reiss)

  • Characteristics of the 5-Star Pro-Recovery Diet © and How to Adapt it to a Variety of Lifestyles and Blood Types
  • The Role of Protein, Healthy and Non-Healthy Fats, Complex Carbohydrates, Fiber and Water; the Dangers of Food Additives
  • Shopping, Cooking and Kitchen Tips from a Master Holistic Chef
Month 6

Putting It All Together

  • Student Case Presentations
Certification

Become a Certified Recovery Nutrition Coach (CRNC 1)

Certified Recovery Nutrition Coach Level 1 (CRNC 1) badge
CRNC Level 1 · Amino Acid Therapy Training

Certified Recovery Nutrition Coaches, Level 1 (CRNC 1) are trained to:

  • Assess the potential need for amino acid and nutrient support of neurotransmitter function in clients who are detoxifying and recovering from substance use disorders, other addictive behaviors, psychotropic drug dependencies, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other behavior disorders.
  • Understand the relationship between specific nutrient deficiencies and mental health and behavioral symptoms.
  • Design an individualized and targeted amino acid and supplement protocol to address this potential need.
  • Give information about the 5-Star Pro~Recovery Diet ©, which may address these insufficiencies and support clients in making and maintaining these dietary and lifestyle changes.
  • Identify common insufficiencies in diet, such as missing a meal or over-consumption of sugar, which may contribute to the above symptoms.

Continuing Education & Accreditation

CEUs provided for all courses

The Academy for Addiction & Mental Health Nutrition is pleased to provide CEUs for all courses through B.E. Education Group, LLC (1432 S. Lindenwood Drive, Olathe, KS 66062). B.E. Education Group, LLC is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, Provider Number LT0258-0310, and is a pre-approved provider for Social Workers through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, KSBSRB Provider Number 14-002.

Approved Contact Hours
Level 1 Core Training
24
contact hours
$60
Internship
16
contact hours
$40
Level 2 Advanced Training
32
contact hours
$80

Contact hours apply for RN, APRN, LPN, and LMH re-licensure. Pre-approval by BSRB for continuing education credit is not required for mental health professionals.

BSRB-approved provider status for Social Workers is accepted for Psychologists, Professional Counselors, Master's Level Psychologists, Clergy, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Addiction Counselors.

Please note: It is the responsibility of each professional to know what their credentialing body accepts and what documentation needs to be sent for re-licensing.

Investment Options

Course Fees & Payment Plans

Level 1 + Certification

For professionals looking to complete Level 1 training and earn their CRNC 1 certification.

$398 / mo
9 monthly payments
$2,999
One-time payment
Save $583
  • Level 1 Core Training
  • CRNC 1 Certification

Level 1 Training Only

For those who want the educational curriculum without certification credentials.

$498 / mo
6 monthly payments
$2,499
One-time payment
Save $489
  • Level 1 Core Training
  • No Certification Included
Course Details

Everything You Need to Know

What skills will I be building?

Graduates will be able to confidently utilize the Amino Acid Therapy Chart © Julia Ross to create effective programs using targeted amino acids and other key nutrients to support clients in their efforts towards mental health, emotional well-being, and addiction recovery.

Additionally, they will be able to help their clients identify deficits in their current diets and create healthy meal plans tailored to their own lifestyles and cooking abilities.

Who is this course for?

This training is for you if you have ever wanted to apply your nutrition training and skills to clients who are struggling with mental health or addictive issues:

Mental Health Coaches Family Member Support Psychotherapist or Licensed Therapist Health Coach & Nutritionist Medical Practitioner Nutritionally Oriented Treatment Center

We teach clinicians, treatment providers, and health/recovery coaches how to reduce cravings and recurrent use, and improve the quality of recovery by using amino acid and nutrient therapy, along with diet, to effectively address many biochemical aspects of addictive and mood/behavioral disorders.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered online via Zoom once a week and through our Online Learning Platform across two schedules. Upon enrollment, you can choose either an AM or PM class.

Investment

We offer flexible payment with installment options:

$398 per month · as low as

Contact us for more information at student@aminoacidtherapy.com.

Certification requirements

This certification demonstrates your competency in the following areas:

  • Understand the relationship between specific nutrient deficiencies and mental health and behavioral symptoms.
  • Assess the potential need for amino acid and nutrient support of neurotransmitter function in clients who are detoxifying and recovering from substance use disorders, other addictive behaviors, psychotropic drug dependencies, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other behavior disorders.
  • Design an individualized and targeted amino acid and supplement protocol to address this potential need.
  • Identify common insufficiencies in diet, such as missing a meal or over-consumption of sugar, which may contribute to the above symptoms.
  • Give information about dietary changes which may address these insufficiencies, and support your clients in making and maintaining these dietary and lifestyle changes.

Read the full information on Certification Requirements here.

Course materials & resources

Most of the materials and resources can be found in our online platform. We also provide a list of recommended books and readings that can be found easily in our mental health nutrition bookstore and mental health and nutrition scientific resources page.

What is your refund policy?

Please note that we do not offer full refunds for any courses purchased. We firmly believe in the value and expertise our courses provide, and we stand by the investment you make in your education.

Course Pause and Audit Option: We understand that circumstances may arise that require you to pause your participation in the current course cohort. In such cases, we are pleased to offer an alternative option: you are welcome to audit the course and join another cohort when it becomes available.

To learn more about our refund policy and how it applies to course enrollments at The Academy for Addiction & Mental Health Nutrition, please visit this page or contact our dedicated support team at student@aminoacidtherapy.com. We are here to provide further information and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Continued Learning

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