Our Story

Laitinen Academy was founded in 2022 by substance abuse recovery and mental health professionals, for substance abuse recovery and mental health professionals. Working in the field for many years we took note of the fact that although there are many organizations out there that offer resources and training for substance abuse recovery and mental health professionals, no one organization does it all and thus Laitinen Academy was born.

Our Mission

At Laitinen Academy we believe that everyone has a right to seek and receive appropriate and often lifesaving treatment from skilled and well trained professionals. Therefore, our mission is to provide comprehensive experiential-based courses and training to provide professionals and organizations with the tools and support they need to to really make a difference.

A Tribute to Bob: The Inspiration Behind Laitinen Academy

Bob was more than a mentor—he was a guiding light who inspired countless others with his unwavering lessons of hope, resilience, and the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. His legacy is one of compassion, strength, and a belief in the transformative power of community and personal growth.

Laitinen Academy stands as a living tribute to Bob’s enduring influence. The values he instilled—empowerment, perseverance, and a commitment to uplifting others—are at the heart of every program and initiative. Rooted in his profound teachings, the academy seeks to nurture personal growth and foster a sense of belonging, ensuring that Bob’s legacy of hope and transformation continues to resonate through generations.

Through Laitinen Academy, Bob’s lessons live on, touching lives and reminding us of the extraordinary impact of a mentor who believed in the potential of every individual. His spirit is woven into the fabric of the academy, a lasting testament to his kindness, strength, and unwavering belief in the power of hope.

Join Our Community Today

At Laitinen Academy, we understand that learning is better when we do it together. That’s why we foster a supportive and inclusive community that encourages growth and collaboration among our members. Whether you’re a student, a faculty member, or a professional seeking continuing education, you’ll find a welcoming home within our community. Join us and discover a new way to learn, grow, and succeed.

Participating in the SAC-IT program has been a very transformative experience for me. I feel confident and capable of transitioning into the next phase of my career as a substance use counselor. I have developed such a strong understanding of our client population and am excited to support them in a greater capacity and support their recovery journey. I am so proud to have taken the leap and enrolled in Laitinen Academy.

The start of my personal recovery journey was full of substance abuse counselors and clinical support. I had no idea what the future looked like for me, but the more that I learned more about my own substance use disorder and how to take care of myself, the more I realized I could use my experience and those skills I was learning to help others. The SAC-IT Program through Laitinen Academy had been like a GPS on that road. The tools I’ve learned and the education I received in the program not only have helped me feel prepared for this field, but they have strengthened my excitement for the opportunity to do this work. The positive impact this program has had on me is going to be a key piece of the positive impact I hope to have on others

As an individual in recovery, having an opportunity to work in the treatment field has brought me a level of job satisfaction that I never thought was possible. As I’ve continued to grow into this field I’ve looked for ways to advance my knowledge and skill set and Laitinen Academy’s Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training course gave me just the opportunity I was looking for. The comprehensive course work combined with the easy to use platform, and attentive one-on-one instruction allowed for me to feel engaged and supported throughout the entire course. The material presented in the course felt both educational and representative of real world scenarios I may encounter while working as a counselor for those that suffer from Substance Use Disorders, and upon completion of the course I feel invigorated and prepared to begin work as a Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training.