North American Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Training Institute
Founded by Saint Louis University's Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP), the North American Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Training Institute (NACSTTI) provides high-quality CST training and education to thousands of health care and social service professionals, students and caregivers.
About the Training Institute
Cognitive stimulation therapy is an evidence-based, non-pharmacologic intervention for people experiencing mild to moderate cognitive impairment. CST sessions follow a general theme and provide opportunities for social connection through activities, discussion and reminiscing. Research shows CST has significant impact on cognitive function, and both CST participants and their caregivers credit its supportive environment and structure for improvements in mood, confidence and concentration.
The NACSTTI mission is to serve as the preeminent training site for CST. SLU's GWEP team has provided CST education and training since 2014, and the institute is a natural progression of that training's growing national scope. NACSTTI leaders consult and collaborate with the original CST developers at University College London.
NACSTTI Services
- Offer certification to deliver CST and train other CST facilitators
- Help providers offer CST in virtual, in-person and hybrid formats
- Provide CST resources, evaluations and implementation guidance
- Establish standardized CST training in the U.S. and Canada
- Maintain a registry of individuals who have successfully completed CST training and facilitator programs
NACSTII Training Opportunities
CST treatment can be administered by trained health care professionals working with people with dementia, such as social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and registered nurses. NACSTII offers certifications to become a CST practitioner or a CST trainer.
Certified CST Practioner
The institute holds semi-annual, day-long training sessions for those interested in learning more about CST. Participants will learn about dementia, cognitive functioning, basic CST principles, CST group development, and CST billing/reimbursement. Prerequisites for CST practitioner training include:
- Documented experience working with older adults
- Familiarity with special needs of people living with dementia
- Commitment to learning and implementing evidence-based intervention
- Comfort leading group discussions, teaching and role play
Certified CST Trainer
The institute holds this advanced training for qualifying individuals and sites by appointment only. Prerequisites include:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in field of expertise
- Prior completion of the CST practioner course and NACSTTI recognition as a CST practitioner
- Experience implementing CST curriculum as evidenced by documented facilitation of at leasat 56 CST sessions (four completed CST groups)
- Experience delivering at least two years of direct professional services to people with dementia
- Documented experience leading CST group discussions, teaching and role play
For more information about CST training and implementation, email cst@health.slu.edu or call 314-977-9759.