Training and Events Calendar

This presentation will explore the role of medications in both treating and preventing mood episodes in bipolar disorder. We'll discuss diagnosis briefly and mainly focus on treating medication resistant mood symptoms in individuals with this diagnosis.   Presenter: Dr. Roscoe Brady is an associate professor of psychiatry and vice-chair for research at the Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. He is well known for his work in improving our understanding of the biological basis and innovative treatments for serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

ABOUT THIS EVENT This webinar in partnership with Perfectly Queer Counseling will delve into the history of feminist therapy, how it has developed into modern therapy, and how to use it in their own practice. Participants will be able to define intersectional feminism and feminist therapy and will leave with tools and resources to apply intersectional feminism to various therapeutic interventions. Presentation slides FACILITATOR Leah Post, LICSW, MSW, MPH Leah Post (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a WA State Approved Clinical Supervisor and founder of Perfectly Queer Counseling. Leah graduated from the University of Minnesota with both a master's in social work in public health. Leah has spent their career providing support, education and psychotherapy to folks ages 13+. Leah's focus is working with queer youth and adults and has built an all-queer practice of clinicians who bring lived experience and queer identities to their work. 

About this Event: The National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification” is the first substantive document on peer support published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration since the 2015 landmark publication of “SAMHSA’s Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services.” A lot has changed (as evidenced by the depth and breadth of the content areas packed into the 35 pages of the Standards); and all but one state now have state-run or state-endorsed peer certification programs. For those without an extensive formal training in behavioral health or experience reading federal policy, the Standards, while exciting as movement forward, can be nonetheless confusing, intimidating, and challenging. In this 3-part series we plan to make the Standards more understandable to the people and organizations providing peer support on both the macro level (What is a national standard, and does it impact me and my work?) and the micro level (What are the five Pillars of Peer Support Supervision and what happens if my state only adopts four of them as certification requirements?). Subject knowledge experts will be joining us throughout the series, but the focus will remain on the peer perspective. The first session, held on July 29 (1-2:30pm ET), will be an overview of the 11 standards and introduction to a matrix that groups can use to determine their compliance with the standards and whether or not the standards apply to their state/organization. Then we will do a deep dive into the two standards that have generated the most discussion among the stakeholders we have been in contact with since the release of the standards in 2023. The second session, held on August 5 (1-2:30pm ET), will review Standard 7: Recovery. For the third session, held on August 12 (1-2:30pm ET) facilitators will discuss Standard 11: Peer Supervision. At the end of Session 1, participants will be able to: Define what National Model Standards are generally, including whether they are mandated under federal law, can states tie funding to them, is there a timeline for their implementation, etc. Describe the purpose and/or goal of each of the 11 standards Describe the purpose of the matrix, and when and how it should be used. To learn more or register for additional sessions in the series, please visit here.

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based method for reducing harm and improving outcomes for patients with substance use disorders. This SBIRT training will prepare participants to deliver SBIRT interventions in health care and other settings. In this interactive, instructor-led workshop, you will learn the SBIRT process, practice using SBIRT screening tools, practice administering and interpreting assessments, and understand how to give feedback and make recommendations, including recommendations for treatment.   Note: Participants must complete Motivational Interviewing: Relational Skills (Level 1) and Motivational Interviewing: Technical Skills (Level 2) to be eligible to attend SBIRT. Those who fully attend Levels 1 & 2 will automatically receive an invitation to register to attend Level 3. More info can be found on our MI and SBIRT Training 2024 webpage.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define the five categories of use on the substance use continuum Explain the rationale for universal SBIRT Understand how to use motivational interviewing to conduct each step of the SBIRT process (screening, brief assessment, and intervention/referral) Administer SBIRT to adult patients Discuss how to conduct patient follow-up after initial SBIRT sessions Describe indications, adverse effects, and dosing for FDA-approved medications for substance use disorders Delineate common barriers to administering high-quality SBIRT systematically to all patients and how to overcome those barriers     CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 8 NAADAC-certified continuing education (CE) hours. CE certificates are sent to qualifying individuals via email within two weeks after the event or training.   TRAINER: Richard L. Brown, MD, MPH, is a highly experienced family physician and healthcare leader who is a nationally recognized leader in implementing the "Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment" (SBIRT) program focused on preventing problematic use, abuse and dependence of alcohol and illicit drugs. Dr. Brown has served as a practice-transformation team member for an SBIRT-related project administered by the National Council on Behavioral Health and funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Most recently, Dr. Brown served as a market medical director for ConcertoHealth. Previous to that he as professor of Family Medicine and director of the Wisconsin Initiative to Promote Healthy Lifestyles, at the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison; and CEO and Chief Medical Officer for Wellsys, LLC. Among his many accolades, Dr. Brown is a recipient of several awards including the Hope in Healing Award from the Addiction Resource Council of Waukesha, Wis. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Brown University in Providence, R.I., where he also received his M.D. degree. He also earned an M.P.H. degree from the University of Washington, in Seattle, Wash.     The Great Lakes A/MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

When faced with challenges like homework, screen time, food choices, and bedtime, it is helpful for parents to have a plan to address them with consistency. Children who have experienced trauma often respond with reactivity instead of receptivity. Nevertheless, caregivers can foster their children’s ability to be open and curious about the world despite its frustrations and challenges. This is done by specific strategies that initiate the thinking part of the brain, inviting exploration and chance-taking. This class outlines practical parenting strategies to help navigate common situations in the home.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Set boundaries and limits in the home Strengthen insight and empathy Explore the mind body connection Increase tolerance with discomfort   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 1.5 continuing education (CE) hours certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.   PRESENTER: Warren Duncan, BS, has had various roles throughout his career working with households experiencing homelessness and multiple barriers to stable housing. He has worked as direct support staff on mobile teams in Permanent Supportive Housing program across the metro area, assisted in outreach efforts for program participants living on the streets and in shelter, provided outreach to property managers and landlords, connecting them to support services in metro and greater Minnesota communities. He has worked to provide support to a network of supportive housing programs and community organizing among County, State, and local community agencies in Southern and Central Minnesota. He is currently overseeing all programming as Program Director for a Minnesota Nonprofit. Warren enjoys facilitating workshops and has led a number of training sessions. Topics include Building Landlord Relationships, Housing First, Harm Reduction, Navigating Conflict, De-escalation, and Mindfulness. Warren grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Minnesota shortly after graduating from Iowa State University. He currently lives with his family in the Twin Cities western suburbs. He enjoys drawing, painting, and photography in his spare time. This training is provided by our valued partners at the People Incorporated Training Institute. The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2024 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. HT / 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. MT / 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CT / 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET Session 7 of 8 in the "Provider Plática Learning Collaborative" Series / Sesión 7 de 8 de la Serie "Colaboración de Aprendizaje para una Plática entre Profesionales" (view series main page for full details / consultar la página principal de la serie para ver toda la información) Provider Plática Learning Collaborative: Supporting the Training Needs of Practitioners of Spanish Language Mental Health Services Colaboración de Aprendizaje para una Plática entre Profesionales: Respaldando las Necesidades de Capacitación de los Profesionales que Prestan Servicios de Salud Mental en Español July 30: Session 7 / 30 de julio: Sesión 7   Welcome to Session 7 in this series! / ¡Bienvenidos a la Sesión 7 de esta serie! Collaboratively held by the National Training & Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) and the Pacific Southwest MHTTC this Provider Platica program is a monthly collaborative space for peer learning and resourcing. This session and all that follow are an open, bilingual space for members of the mental health workforce to share common challenges and experiences when providing services to Spanish-speaking communities with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) as well as high-quality resources and innovative solutions. All levels of Spanish language proficiency and comfort are welcome. Este programa de Plática entre Profesionales, llevado a cabo colaborativamente por el Centro Nacional de Capacitación y Asistencia Técnica (NTTAC por sus siglas en inglés) y el Centro de Transferencia de Tecnología de Salud Mental del Sudoeste del Pacífico (MHTTC por sus siglas en inglés), es un espacio mensual de colaboración para el aprendizaje entre pares y la facilitación de recursos. Esta y todas las demás sesiones son un espacio abierto y bilingüe donde los miembros de la fuerza laboral de salud mental podrán compartir desafíos y experiencias en común a la hora de prestar servicios a las comunidades de habla hispana con un Dominio Limitado del Inglés (LEP por sus siglas en inglés), así como recursos de alta calidad y soluciones innovadoras. Son bienvenidas las personas con cualquier nivel de dominio del español y comodidad con el mismo.   Audience / Audiencia Mental health professionals across the country and U.S. territories, including clinicians, peer counselors and others who provide services to Spanish-speaking individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). We welcome providers in a wide range of professional settings, including clinical, community and government agencies, education, private practice, and more. Profesionales de la salud mental de todo Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluidos médicos clínicos, consejeros entre pares y otras personas que prestan servicios a hablantes de español con un Dominio Limitado del Inglés (LEP por sus siglas en inglés). Les damos la bienvenida a profesionales provenientes de una amplia variedad de entornos, que incluye instituciones clínicas, comunitarias, gubernamentales, educativas, consultorios privados y demás.   About the Facilitator / Conozca a la Facilitadora   Kristi Silva (she/her) has over 15 years’ experience providing culturally responsive training and technical assistance – especially for Latine and Native American communities – at the local, state, and national level. In addition to subject matter expertise in health equity and policy, Ms. Silva is an experienced researcher and evaluator, with specialization in community-developed best practices requiring an adapted evaluation methodology. She has worked in partnership with communities impacted by pan-generational trauma to develop strengths-based policies and practices that are sustainable and rooted in a social justice framework. As a professional who now serves communities like the one she comes from, Ms. Silva brings an essential lens of lived experience to the work. Kristi Silva (ella) tiene más de 15 años de experiencia brindando capacitación y asistencia técnica culturalmente receptiva —especialmente a comunidades latinas e indígenas norteamericanas— a nivel local, estatal y nacional. Además de ser experta en asuntos de equidad y políticas de salud, la Srta. Silva es una evaluadora e investigadora experimentada, especializada en mejores prácticas desarrolladas por la comunidad que requieran una metodología de evaluación adaptada. Ha trabajado junto con comunidades impactadas por el trauma pangeneracional para desarrollar prácticas y políticas basadas en las fortalezas que sean sostenibles y se fundamenten en un marco de justicia social. Como una profesional que ahora atiende a comunidades similares a aquellas de donde proviene, la Srta. Silva lleva a cabo su trabajo con una perspectiva fundamental de experiencias de vida.     Meet Our Guest Speaker / Conozca a nuestro invitado especial   Irene Gotera (she / her /ella) is an attorney, seasoned linguist, and restorative justice practitioner specializing in multilingual community engagement. She is the founder of Linguistic Justice®, a private practice dedicated to co-creating linguistic justice with grassroots movements, academia, and philanthropy. She collaborates with organizations to develop social capital for language justice, serving as a consultant in implementing language justice research, a conference interpreter, and a facilitator of strategic global initiatives. She is the Executive Director of the newly founded nonprofit organization, Linguistic Justice Foundation. The first and only organization wholly dedicated to advance language rights and linguistic justice globally.   Irene Gotera es abogada, lingüista experimentada y practicante de justicia restaurativa especializada en participación comunitaria multilingüe. Es la fundadora de Linguistic Justice®, un despacho privado de asesorías dedicado completamente a co-crear justicia lingüística con movimientos de base, en el ámbito académico y con organizaciones filantrópicas. Irene colabora con dichas organizaciones para desarrollar capital social en pro de la justicia lingüística, sirviendo como asesora en la implementación de investigaciones sobre justicia lingüística, intérprete de conferencias y facilitadora de iniciativas comunitarias estratégicas a nivel global. Es la Directora Ejecutiva de la recién fundada organización sin fines de lucro, Linguistic Justice Foundation. La primera y única organización completamente dedicada al progreso de los derechos lingüísticos y la justicia lingüística a nivel global.   (view series main page for full details / consultar la página principal de la serie para ver toda la información)  

One of the most difficult tasks for staff in human service work is to successfully respond instead of react to agitated clients. While many trainings teach de-escalation approaches, few are explicitly grounded in an understanding of how trauma and stress impact the brain. And even fewer acknowledge that responding to an escalation requires the professional to override their natural “fight-flight-freeze” instincts. This two hour training will examine disconnecting our own stress response when responding to power struggles and escalated clients. Guided by frameworks of Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Change Theories, the training will educate, inform, and inspire service providers to improve practices and approaches. Frameworks presented can be used in organizational settings of both children and adults.   Presenters: Rowan Willis-Powell is an experienced systems transformation advocate with 10 years of experience using their living expertise to uplift the voices of youth peers, guide development of youth peer programs, educate the behavioral health community about supporting LGBTQIA individuals, and advocate for appropriate and equitable suicide prevention and intervention for youth. Rowan has 10 years of experience connecting and mentoring young adults with lived experience in behavioral health service settings to peer support career pathways and leadership opportunities on community, state, and national levels. Rowan has supported numerous organizations and groups with the process of developing or strengthening their youth serving programs and always strives to ensure that youth voice and youth engagement are at the focus of the work.   Liz Geisel, MSW has dedicated the last twenty years to the field of social work, specializing in healthcare, mental health and substance dependence. Her clinical approach focuses on trauma-informed practices, harm reduction and building collaborative partnerships with individuals, families and organizations. Liz has worked at several leading Boston based healthcare organizations including the Sidney Borum Health Center (now part of Fenway Health), the Institute for Health and Recovery and Boston Medical Center. Liz collaborates with the MA Bureau of Substance Abuse Services and AdCare to create impactful trainings to individuals working in the field of substance dependence and recovery. Most recently, Liz was the Director of Programs at Family Reach, a national nonprofit focused on financial toxicity for individuals living with cancer. Liz is a passionate trainer that engages participants through interactive activities, real life scenarios and lessons learned through her years of working with vulnerable populations. Liz can usually be found listening to music, playing outdoors or thrifting for old furniture in the hopes of restoring it back to beauty.     If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

ABOUT THIS EVENT This webinar in partnership with Perfectly Queer Counseling will describe key competencies for working with individuals who self-identify as a sexual and/or gender minority on their substance use treatment. The goal is for participants to be able to define SGM populations, identify disparities for SGM populations and substance use, and understand the gaps in research. Participants will leave with resources for national and local support information for SGM populations and substance use. FACILITATOR Leah Post, LICSW, MSW, MPH Leah Post (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a WA State Approved Clinical Supervisor and founder of Perfectly Queer Counseling. Leah graduated from the University of Minnesota with both a master's in social work in public health. Leah has spent their career providing support, education and psychotherapy to folks ages 13+. Leah's focus is working with queer youth and adults and has built an all-queer practice of clinicians who bring lived experience and queer identities to their work. 

Event Description Group counseling services are considered the mainstay of all clinical services. It is essential that everyone leading groups possess effective group facilitation skills. Facilitators skilled in group counseling methods are better prepared to assist group members in practicing communications skills, can effectively role play difficult situations, can give and receive feedback, can identify and name feelings, and provide support, all of which correlate to positive client outcomes. The goal of this Group Counseling: Intentionally Built & Effectively Facilitated Enhanced Professional Learning series (EPL) is to help group leaders build skills, increase knowledge on evidence-based practices in group counseling, avoid unhelpful or non-therapeutic group activities, and elevate confidence in providing quality group counseling services through feedback and practice. Participants will have weekly learning opportunities to share group counseling experiences and practice group facilitation skills. This EPL will focus on how to envision and build groups and develop/refine facilitation skills, including knowledge and skills related to: · Building group cohesion · Managing conflict · Redirecting clients who monopolize group discussion or stray off topic · Managing unhelpful advice given from one member to another · Eliciting client participation rather than lecturing · Handling content and process issues · Awareness of group work versus individual casework within a group · Using reflection to refine and enhance facilitation skills.   WHEN: Every Wednesday, July 31 – September 25, 2024 from 2 – 3:30 pm MDT / 3 – 4:30 pm CDT INTENDED AUDIENCE: Mental health professionals who are located in the Mountain Plains MHTTC region (HHS Region 8 includes CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY).   PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS · Attend a live 1-hour Orientation Session on July 31 at 2pm MDT/3pm CDT · Commit to 8-weeks of training for 1.5 hours weekly from August 7 – September 25 · Complete 1-hour of weekly self-study learning activities · Access to appropriate technology to utilize online videoconferencing platform (i.e., an internet connection, webcam, computer/tablet, speakers, and microphone) · Be prepared and actively engage while on camera during the scheduled series time.   Trainers Kate Speck, PhD, MAC, LADC Paul Warren, LMSW Amy Shanahan, MS, CADC

This is Session 4 of 4 in the Applying Holistic Leadership to Create Healthier Workplace Cultures series. Event Description This program aims to equip behavioral health leaders with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively lead teams and foster healthier organizational cultures. Participants will learn strategic and people-focused leadership methods through “Authentic Connection.” The goal of this training series is to enhance their ability to navigate uncertainty, ambiguity, and conflict while maintaining resilience and composure in a rapidly changing behavioral health landscape.  Participants will learn:   -          Explore strategies for fostering wellness and resilience to develop a healthier work culture within their scope of influence.  -          Acquire practical skills in self-care, compassion, and inclusive strategies to integrate into their professional roles.  -          Learn communication strategies to collaborate with others to develop adaptive strategies to address challenges in diverse teams.    Trainer Lamarr Lewis Lamarr Lewis, is a dedicated advocate, author, and agent of change. With a focus on community-based mental and public health, he works with diverse groups including individuals living with psychiatric disabilities, people in recovery from substance abuse, and at-hope youth (He does not use the term at-risk).   He is an alumnus of Wittenberg University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Africana Studies and Religion. He later received his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Argosy University.   His career spans over twenty years with experience as a therapist, consultant, public speaker, facilitator, trainer, and human service professional. He has been a featured expert for such organizations as; Boeing, Region IV Public Health Training Center, Fulton County Probate Court, Mississippi Department of Health, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and many more.   His lifelong mission is to leave the world better than how he found it. 

The South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC), invites Region 6 Peer Specialists and Family Partners to participate in our monthly networking meetings. These no-cost, virtual meetings offer you the opportunity to collaborate with other Peer Specialists and Family Partners in a supportive, mentoring environment. The goal is to provide a space for resource sharing, support around ways to be most effective when working with clients, options for self-care strategies, and more! This event takes place on the first Friday of each month from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. CT.  About the Facilitator:  Jessi Davis (she/they) is an experienced Program Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the Peer Support, Mental Health, and Substance Use Recovery fields. Jessi is known for work surrounding Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training, technical assistance, and leadership. Their qualifications include Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Peer Recovery Support Specialist – Transitional Aged Youth, and Digital Peer Support certifications. Currently working at the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, Jessi works to provide support, technical assistance, and training to the peer workforce throughout the 5 states and all tribal communities within Region 6. They have spent much of their career focused on Youth and Young Adult Peer Support and is currently the President of the National Association of Peer Supporters.

ABOUT THIS EVENT This webinar in partnership with Perfectly Queer Counseling will focus on the benefits, impacts and unique challenges that queer supervisors and queer supervisees may encounter in the therapeutic space. We will look at self-disclosure, therapeutic models from a queer lens and the importance of a shared queer space. FACILITATOR Leah Post, LICSW, MSW, MPH Leah Post (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a WA State Approved Clinical Supervisor and founder of Perfectly Queer Counseling. Leah graduated from the University of Minnesota with both a master's in social work in public health. Leah has spent their career providing support, education and psychotherapy to folks ages 13+. Leah's focus is working with queer youth and adults and has built an all-queer practice of clinicians who bring lived experience and queer identities to their work. 

The Northwest MHTTC is excited to partner with Leah Post to offer a live learning community on LGBTQIA2S+ supervision. 6 hours of CE contact hours available* (see below.) ABOUT THIS LEARNING COMMUNITY This Learning Community in partnership with Leah Post, LICSW, MSW, MPH will focus on the benefits, impacts and unique challenges that queer supervisors and queer supervisees may encounter in the therapeutic space. We will look at self-disclosure, therapeutic models from a queer lens and the importance of a shared queer space. ELIGIBILITY Members of the mental health/behavioral health workforce who are based in the states of Alaska, Oregon, Idaho & Washington (HHS Region 10) Commitment to attend the whole series is required Each individual must have access to computer/web camera/audio to participate The deadline for applications is July 29th. We will notify you of your application status by July 31st. Questions: For questions about this series, including eligibility and registration please contact the Northwest MHTTC at [email protected]. SESSIONS: Mondays, August 5 - 26 8:30 - 10:00am AK / 9:30 - 11:00am PT / 10:30am - 12:00pm MT August 5: Participants will learn the benefits of queer therapists working with queer supervisors. August 12: Participants will learn how to be an intersectional supervisor. August 19: Panel discussion of supervisees discussing the pros and cons of different types of supervision they've attended over the years. August 26: Participants will learn how to find/offer supervision for your target Supervisor/Supervisee FACILITATOR Leah Post, LICSW, MSW, MPH Leah Post (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a WA State Approved Clinical Supervisor and founder of Perfectly Queer Counseling. Leah graduated from the University of Minnesota with both a master's in social work in public health. Leah has spent their career providing support, education and psychotherapy to folks ages 13+. Leah's focus is working with queer youth and adults and has built an all-queer practice of clinicians who bring lived experience and queer identities to their work.  *Continuing Education Contact Hours Details Physicians, physician assistants, primary care ARNPs, psychologists, and other health care providers may be eligible for CME or CEUs for completing the course. Retain your Certificate of Completion and verify its suitability for CME/CEUs with your licensing/credentialing entity. The University of Washington is an approved provider of continuing education for DOH licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, substance use disorder professionals, nurses and physicians under the provisions of: WAC 246-809-610, WAC 246-809-620, WAC 246-811-200, WAC 246-840-210, WAC 246-919-460 and WAC 246-924-240.

The Massachusetts Psychosis Network for Early Treatment (MAPNET) and the New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) will host a virtual monthly “Early Psychosis Prescriber Consultation Series” led by Dr. Matcheri Keshavan on prescribing practices for early psychosis, including a review of a selected monthly topic. Our next call is on Monday, August 5 from 11am-12pm EST. Our topic for this month is “Long Acting Injectables” and will be presented by Dr. Raúl Condemarín.   Dr. Raúl Condemarín is a psychiatrist with many years of experience as a psycho-pharmacologist and psychotherapist. He is board certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychoanalysis. His main areas of expertise are: psychopharmacology, anxiety and mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders. He has conducted research and published in the areas of addiction, psychodynamic psychopharmacology, and the relationship between medical and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Condemarín holds an appointment as Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School through his affiliation with Massachusetts Mental Health Center, where he teaches and supervises medical students and residents. He is Editor and Trustee of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.   Attendees are invited to bring deidentified case questions to discuss with the group. Cases do not have to relate to the monthly topic but should be focused on prescribing issues in early psychosis care. Attendance will be limited to 20 participants and will be on a first come, first serve basis.     If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

This 90-minute virtual consultation call with ACT teams and ACT stakeholders consists of a mini-didactic training on a topic of relevance and interest to ACT teams, plus opportunities to pose consultation questions and learn from other ACT teams and their shared experiences within ACT. ABOUT THIS EVENT Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a multidisciplinary, team-based model that provides intensive community-based and outreach-oriented services to people who experience the most severe and persistent mental illness. The vast majority also have a co-occurring substance use disorder and many experience comorbid medical illnesses as well as homelessness. This is a vulnerable population and their providers – ACT teams – are at elevated risk themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Northwest MHTTC is partnering with the Institute for Best Practices at the University of North Carolina to host and facilitate regular meetings for ACT teams. August's Meeting Topic: Findings from the National ACT Study with Lorna Moser, PhD Goals of the meetings are to: connect with one another share strategies and resources for adapting team practices and communications facilitate connection to the most up-to-date resources For more information or questions, contact: Maria Monroe-DeVita, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine and Director of the Washington State Center of Excellence in First Episode Psychosis or Lorna Moser, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Director of the Institute for Best Practice, Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SERIES FACILITATORS Lorna Moser, PhD Dr. Lorna Moser is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and the Director of the Institute for Best Practice, Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health.     Maria Monroe-DeVita, PhD Dr. Monroe-DeVita is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Director, Washington State Center of Excellence in First Episode Psychosis.    

About this Event: Session Two: Model Standard 7, What is Recovery? This is a deep dive into Standard 7 of “The National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification,” and how organizations and communities with different understandings of what “abstinent recovery” is can thrive while aligning themselves with the national standards. At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Define what “recovery” means according to Standard 7. Describe how the standards address Medication Assisted Recovery, and the purpose and/or goal of each of the 11 standards Explain the role of recovery-pathway-specific requirements in state-level certification requirements. To learn more or register for additional sessions in this series, please visit here.

The Northwest MHTTC is excited to partner with Leah Post to offer a live learning community on sexual health in treatment to improve client health outcomes. 6 hours of CE contact hours available* (see below.) ABOUT THIS LEARNING COMMUNITY This learning community in partnership with Leah Post, LICSW, MSW, MPH is geared towards mental health therapists who want to understand the importance of sexual health in treatment to improve client health outcomes. Participants will gain confidence in assessing a client's sexual health need/risk, while also learning to define various types of intimate relationships. Sexual health is important to talk about in therapy, and this learning community will help you understand why and how to better engage your clients in this discussion. ELIGIBILITY Members of the mental health/behavioral health workforce who are based in the states of Alaska, Oregon, Idaho & Washington (HHS Region 10) Commitment to attend the whole series is required Each individual must have access to computer/web camera/audio to participate The deadline for applications is July 30th. We will notify you of your application status by August 1st. Questions: For questions about this series, including eligibility and registration please contact the Northwest MHTTC at [email protected]. SESSIONS: Tuesdays, August 6 - 27 8:30 - 10:00am AK / 9:30 - 11:00am PT / 10:30am - 12:00pm MT August 6: Participants will learn the basics of sex education and how to communicate with clients to improve health outcomes. August 13: Participants will learn about various types of intimate relationships and how to communicate with clients to improve understanding in the therapeutic relationship. August 20: Participants will discuss and discover why sexual health is important to talk about in therapy. August 27: Participants will engage in a game of Sexual Health Jeopardy and have time to ask questions related to their clientele and treatment setting. FACILITATOR Leah Post, LICSW, MSW, MPH Leah Post (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a WA State Approved Clinical Supervisor and founder of Perfectly Queer Counseling. Leah graduated from the University of Minnesota with both a master's in social work in public health. Leah has spent their career providing support, education and psychotherapy to folks ages 13+. Leah's focus is working with queer youth and adults and has built an all-queer practice of clinicians who bring lived experience and queer identities to their work.  *Continuing Education Contact Hours Details Physicians, physician assistants, primary care ARNPs, psychologists, and other health care providers may be eligible for CME or CEUs for completing the course. Retain your Certificate of Completion and verify its suitability for CME/CEUs with your licensing/credentialing entity. The University of Washington is an approved provider of continuing education for DOH licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, substance use disorder professionals, nurses and physicians under the provisions of: WAC 246-809-610, WAC 246-809-620, WAC 246-811-200, WAC 246-840-210, WAC 246-919-460 and WAC 246-924-240.

The Northwest MHTTC is excited to partner with Lamarr Lewis, MA, LAPC, CPRP, to offer a live learning community about motivation in mental health recovery. 6 hours of CE contact hours available* (see below.) ABOUT THE LEARNING COMMUNITY This Learning Community is designed to equip behavioral health professionals with the skills and knowledge to leverage storytelling for effective communication and community engagement. Through a combination of theoretical understanding, practical exercises, and real-world application, participants will emerge with enhanced storytelling capabilities that can drive positive change in behavioral health. The goal is to enhance communication to build more functional relationships and improve service outcomes. Learning Objectives:  Improve participants' ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences in the context of behavioral health.  Equip participants with the ability to integrate local stories into their behavioral health messages for increased community engagement.  Develop participants' ability to assess the impact of storytelling on behavioral health outcomes through measurable indicators.  Eligibility Members of the mental health/behavioral health workforce who are based in the states of Alaska, Oregon, Idaho & Washington Commitment to attend the whole series is required Each individual must have access to computer/web camera/audio to participate Deadline to apply: Monday, July 22nd. Applicants will be notified of their status by July 26th. Questions: For questions about this series, including eligibility and registration please contact the Northwest MHTTC at [email protected]. SESSIONS: Tuesdays, August 6 - 27, 2024  12:30 - 2:00 pm AK / 1:30 - 3:00pm PT / 2:30 - 4:00pm MT August 6: Mastering the Art of Narrative Construction   Participants will learn the fundamentals of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with the audience. August 13: Identifying Personal Narratives   Effective storytelling in behavioral health requires the ability to reflect and clarify our own personal narratives and how they influence our work. August 20: Tailoring Messages to Diverse Audiences   Effective storytelling in behavioral health requires the ability to adapt narratives for diverse audiences. August 27: Evaluating and Measuring Impact   To ensure the success of storytelling initiatives, participants will discover how to assess the impact of their narratives. FACILITATOR Lamarr Lewis, MA, LAPC, CPRP Lamarr Lewis is a dedicated advocate, author, and agent of change. With a focus on community-based mental health, he works with diverse groups including individuals living with psychiatric disabilities, people in recovery from substance abuse, and at-hope youth (He does not use the term at-risk). He is an alumnus of Wittenberg University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Africana Studies and Religion. He later received his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Argosy University. His career spans over twenty years with experience as a therapist, consultant, and human service professional. He has been a featured expert and trainer for such organizations as; Boeing, Fulton County Probate Court, Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Mississippi Department of Health, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Region IV Public Health Training Center, the Ruby Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation, and more. His lifelong mission is to leave the world better than how he found it. *Continuing Education Contact Hours Details Physicians, physician assistants, primary care ARNPs, psychologists, and other health care providers may be eligible for CME or CEUs for completing the course. Retain your Certificate of Completion and verify its suitability for CME/CEUs with your licensing/credentialing entity. The University of Washington is an approved provider of continuing education for DOH licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, substance use disorder professionals, nurses and physicians under the provisions of: WAC 246-809-610, WAC 246-809-620, WAC 246-811-200, WAC 246-840-210, WAC 246-919-460 and WAC 246-924-240.

ABOUT THIS EVENT Navigating a transition from coworker or team member into a Supervisor or Manager position is not as simple as applying for and accepting the job. After all, you are now responsible for overseeing one or more staff members in their roles, handling administrative tasks, and managing new relationships. If you work in Behavioral Health, you know you will encounter a variety of personalities and ways others view supervision and management. During this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn more about how to transition into this new role effectively. Items we will focus on during this webinar: - What’s your vision for your new position as a Supervisor or Manager? - What is your communication style? - What’s your feedback like and your comfort with conflict resolution? - Have you explored your own bias around leading and managing different styles? - How will you support staff with their career goals? - With insight, what is your mission statement? FACILITATOR Bianca Andrews Bianca Andrews is a Washington based peer support practice manager, community care advocate, facilitator and trainer in organizational practices and behavioral health care. With focus on community care with intentionality and from a culturally affirming practice lens, Bianca aims to deliver information and perspective that creates critical thinking and space to consider elevated possibilities of support for all persons, and specifically aims to amplify the need to shift our support in a more meaningful way for persons who have historically been under resourced, marginalized and oppressed. Over the last 25 years, Bianca has provided her experience in peer support to the military and mental health communities, consulted and presented in various projects affecting community members at the local, state and national level. As a community caregiver, person living with mental health and generational trauma experience, mental health and military community member and advocate, Bianca is unrelenting and unreserved in their support of Indigenous Sovereignty.

A learning community among state education and mental health leaders involved in Project AWARE grants in the region.

ABOUT THIS EVENT As behavioral health and mental health agencies aim to provide more access and available supports to diverse communities and people who have historically been oppressed or marginalized, there is a substantial need to understand how to engage with different cultural beliefs and values, and have an awareness of one’s own biases, privilege and recognize where discriminatory practices could take place. This 90-minute webinar will discuss the impact of personal bias, how it impacts the people we serve, and what culturally thoughtful and affirming work can look like as a behavioral health professional. Items we will focus on during this webinar: - Personal bias: begin with awareness, recognize hot buttons and what comes up for you? - How does bias impact the work you do as a behavioral health professional? - What would personal work look like from a starting point? - Have you reflected on the privilege you bring into the work as a behavioral health professional? - What does being culturally thoughtful and affirming mean when working as a behavioral health professional? FACILITATOR Bianca Andrews Bianca Andrews is a Washington based peer support practice manager, community care advocate, facilitator and trainer in organizational practices and behavioral health care. With focus on community care with intentionality and from a culturally affirming practice lens, Bianca aims to deliver information and perspective that creates critical thinking and space to consider elevated possibilities of support for all persons, and specifically aims to amplify the need to shift our support in a more meaningful way for persons who have historically been under resourced, marginalized and oppressed. Over the last 25 years, Bianca has provided her experience in peer support to the military and mental health communities, consulted and presented in various projects affecting community members at the local, state and national level. As a community caregiver, person living with mental health and generational trauma experience, mental health and military community member and advocate, Bianca is unrelenting and unreserved in their support of Indigenous Sovereignty.

About this Event:  Model Standard 11, What is Supervision? Discussions around peer supervision can be especially confusing because of the different backgrounds and lived experience of peer support stakeholders. In this deep dive into Standard 11 of “The National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification,” we will share basic definitions of the terminology used in this model standard, and how that language fits into the larger concepts addressed directly and indirectly in this standard, including ensuring that the emerging profession of peer support thrives as part of the continuum of care in behavioral health without eliminating the unique characteristics of peer support, such as the active use of lived experience, that are essential to its success. At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Define what “supervision” means according to Standard 11. List and describe the five Pillars of Peer Support Supervision. Explain how other model standards (especially including 2, 4, 8, and 9) are incorporated into this standard.

Event Description Location: Sioux Falls, SD  Costs: Hotel room, workshop registration and related materials are provided free of charge by the Mountain Plains MHTTC. The participant will be responsible for travel and meal expenses.  Based on the latest research of Dr. Brené Brown, Dare to Lead™ is an empirically based courage-building program that Brené refers to as a “skill-based playbook for leaders.”   Participants will:   Recognize vulnerability as the emotion we feel during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. Explain why courage requires vulnerability. Establish a link between what I learned and behaviors I want to change. Recognize the critical role that self-awareness plays in daring leadership. Give examples to support how armor – not fear –is the greatest obstacle to daring leadership. Identify the four skill sets that make up courage: rumbling with vulnerability, living into our values, BRAVING trust, and learning to rise.  Recognize that courage is a collection of four skill sets that are measurable, observable, and teachable.  Recognize that vulnerability is the birthplace of many of the behaviors that define daring leadership, including creativity, accountability, and difficult conversations.  Give examples of why daring leadership requires showing up for hard conversations and rumbles, including giving and receiving feedback.  Trainer Laurel Smylie Laurel Smylie is an organization development consultant, coach, speaker, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Four Letter Consulting. Over the course of her career, she has supported household names like Hyatt and Bridgestone evolving their cultures and creating and maintaining high-trust workplaces. She has partnered with organizations like SAG-AFTRA and VRBO in developing and rolling out their organizational values. In her time at Great Place to Work, the organization responsible for  FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Laurel evaluated company submissions while also supported executive teams in times of transition and organizations in building cultures that serve as competitive advantages. She believes that where you start does not predict where you can go, having supported “toxic” leaders in their transformation to brave leadership, just as she has helped some of the strongest leaders continue to refine their capabilities. Whether a name brand or an organization of 25 people, whatever the industry (and she’s worked in them all), Laurel meets her clients where they are and brings her passion to their unique journey. Whether working with individual managers, functional teams, leadership teams or entire organizations, Laurel can help your team be honest about what’s real, define a clear and inspiring vision and support you in bringing that vision to fruition. 

This training is invite only.  The South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) invites peer specialists from across Region 6 to apply for the Youth and Young Adult Peer Specialist training. In order to attend the YAYAPS TOT, participants must have successfully completed the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training through the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. Youth and Young Adult Peer Support is a three-day training that provides participants with a foundation for youth experience with mental health and substance use challenges, the unique issues for youth navigating recovery and youth-serving systems, and best practices and tools for peer specialists looking to support youth. The training will also encourage participants to consider how to use their own lived experience when supporting youth through structured reflection, group discussion, and interactive activities. The Training of Trainers Event for the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support will prepare people to co-facilitate this training in their community. The virtual YAYAPS TOT is four days long, during which experienced facilitators will introduce the terms and concepts in the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training, review the structure and expectations for facilitating the training, and discuss common challenges or questions that come up when facilitating the training. Learning Objectives: At the end of this training, it is envisioned that participants will be able to: Identify the core learning objectives and main ideas for the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training; and Conduct the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training according to best practices and expectations for instructors.   Facilitators Jessi Davis (she/they) is an experienced Program Coordinator and Peer Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the Peer Support, Mental Health, and Substance Use Recovery industries. Jessi is known for work surrounding Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training, technical assistance, and leadership. Currently working at the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, Jessi works to provide support, technical assistance, and training to the Peer Workforce throughout the 5 states and all tribal communities within Region 6. They have spent much of their career focused on promoting access to quality Peer Specialist services across the lifespan. Darcy Kues (she/her) is a Project Manager with the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and the Addiction Research Institute, where she writes curricula focused on peer support and recovery services. She has over 7 years of experience in curriculum development, grant writing, and program coordination for peer support services and recovery-oriented behavioral health. Darcy has developed trainings on reentry peer support, youth and young adult peer support, trauma responsiveness, peer support supervision, LGBTQ affirming services, and more. She is committed to building a world where recovery and lived experience are centered at every level of decision-making.