Products and Resources Catalog

This is a recording of Workshop 5 of 6 in the "Trauma-Informed, In School Sessions" Workshop Series.  "You Can Talk to Me": A Family Guide to Support Students' Mental Health and Well-Being Trauma Informed Principle to Practice: Trustworthiness & Transparency, Collaboration & Mutuality    How might we partner with parents, caregivers and families through trauma informed approaches to support the mental health and well-being of the children and teens in their lives? In 2023, Project Cal-Well (a cross-agency mental health initiative led by the California Department of Education to promote mental health awareness and wellness among California's K-12 students) designed the Family Guide to Supporting Young People’s Mental Health and Well-Being for parents and other caregivers (available in English and Spanish), with input from families, educators, mental health professionals, and youth. By sharing tips for families on how to have conversations about social media use, mental health, anti-LGBTQ experiences, bullying and more, this guide provides parents and other caregivers with information and easy-to-use strategies to support their children’s overall well-being and mental health.   How did the guide’s authors partner with students and their families to create this guide? How might we support students and families to dig into its information and leverage this resource to partner with parents and other caretakers? View this workshop recording to explore these questions, and the guide itself, while learning from several of its authors about how the guide’s development process was trauma informed.   Viewers of this workshop video will: (1) learn about the development and content of the guide; (2) have the opportunity to consider how to get the guide and related local resources into the hands of families; and (3) generate ideas for how to use individual sections of the guide to align with a school’s continuum of trauma-informed approaches and social, emotional, and behavioral supports.

This webinar provided tips for working with families of individuals with psychosis in outpatient community settings. Questions that were addressed include:   How can I develop a good working relationship with families in order to support care even though I don’t have a lot of experience working with families and I have a large caseload? How can I manage confidentiality? How can I help families develop a better understanding of their relative and their symptoms and treatment? What are some important considerations for providing culturally responsive care when working with families? What can I learn to feel more equipped to support families entering care in the context of a recent onset of psychotic symptoms?   Presenter: Julie M. McCarthy, PhD, is a clinician-scientist in the Division of Psychotic Disorders at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Her research aims to identify neurobiological and psychosocial treatment targets and develop/evaluate treatments for individuals and families experiencing co-occurring psychotic and substance use disorders.

  Learn more about this Learning Community: First Episode Psychosis Learning Community     Author: Dr. Nicholas Breitborde, Ph. D. Dr. Nicholas Breitborde is Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University and Director of the OSU Early Psychosis Intervention Center (EPICENTER). He serves as a Content Area Expert for the Global Burden of Disease Study and is a member of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Serious Mental Illness/Severe Emotional Disturbances. To date, his research has been cited over 40,000 times and has been funded by agencies such as the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).    

This session informed participants about a variety of innovative strategies providers can share with families to assist them in supporting people who hear voices or experience other unusual beliefs or extreme states that are often labeled as psychosis. Internationally recognized educator, consultant, and presenter Cindy Hadge draws from her own experiences overcoming childhood trauma as well as her experiences supporting family members to fuel her passion and inform her work resulting in invaluable information and tools shared with participants.   Presenter: Cindy Hadge has become an internationally recognized educator providing training and consultations to mental health providers worldwide who are looking for innovative ways to approach voice-hearing and extreme states. She is also passionate about developing and facilitating healing spaces and workshops for families whose loved ones are not responding well to the current mental health system’s offerings. As Lead Trainer of the Wildflower Alliance, Cindy has keynoted a variety of conferences.   View a recording of this 1/9/24 session here. 

In "Fronterismo - Supporting Transborder School Mental Health," the third installment of The Needs and Joys of our (Im)migrant Students, Families, and Community Partners: Exploring and Expanding our School Mental Health Practice, a special three-part series focused on (im)migrant student mental health, we: focused on shared risk and protective factors for vulnerable populations outlined school programs like CBITS and restorative justice Community Building Circles highlighted cultural adaptations of both models.   The audience for the event included mental health professionals, administrators, educators, recovery specialists, students and others.

This session provided participant providers with experiential opportunities to learn about Breath-Body-Mind™, an integrative approach and universally accessible stress reduction practice. These techniques were introduced using breath work and gentle, adapatable, body movements. Parents/caregivers and other family members often bear the stressors of trying to navigate systems, advocating for supports and services that work, balancing the internal struggle between caring "for" and caring "with", and juggling other work, family, and life responsibilities, leaving little time to protect their own peace and wellbeing.  Led by Level 4 practitioner Linda Lentini as she showed us useful stress reduction tools we can all use and share with families and caregivers.

The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) is an alternative, non-diagnostic conceptualization of distress created by providers and service users, published by the British Psychological Society and attracting international attention. Participants learned the basics of the framework and had an opportunity to discuss how it might be useful to the family workforce, especially in the areas of meaning-making, empowerment and choice. Attendees also gained knowledge of where to access further information about the use of PTMF to enhance family workforce knowledge and tools.   Presenter: Dr. Lucy Johnstone is a consultant clinical psychologist, author of ‘Users and abusers of psychiatry’ (2nd edition Routledge 2000) and co-editor of ‘Formulation in psychology and psychotherapy: making sense of people’s problems’ (Routedge, 2nd edition 2013) and ‘A straight-talking guide to psychiatric diagnosis’ (PCCS Books 2014), along with a number of other chapters and articles taking a critical perspective on mental health theory and practice.   

This is a recording of, “Interrupting Bullying & Fostering Belonging for the General Mental Health Workforce,” on October 24, 2023. In honor of October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, the Pacific Southwest MHTTC hosted a series of learning sessions to augment mental health providers and systems leaders’ knowledge, skills, and approaches for effectively responding to and preventing bullying while also fostering belonging. In dialogue with a set of regional leaders and specialists, including Jennifer Pardini, Community Education Coordinator at Legal Assistance for Seniors; Dr. Nellie Tran, Professor of Counseling and School Psychology at San Diego State University and Executive Director of the SDSU Center for Community Counseling & Engagement; and Robin Kincaid, Program Director of Nevada PEP’s Safe Allies and Education Services, we explored new phenomena related to bullying (e.g., anti-immigrant harassment, elder abuse, workplace bullying) and strategies for fostering belonging. This panel event brought to light the challenges foreseen at the workforce level, and identified training, resources, and other support to help resolve them. Our Pacific Southwest Team centered conversations around rising practices, policies, and successful strategies for bullying prevention and response. This session was designed for psychologists, community mental health workers, community health center professionals, social workers, marriage and family therapists, pre-service graduate students, and anyone else interested!"

  This toolkit offers resources and a roadmap from the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center, the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, and the National Center for School Mental Health to move schools from the tokenism that often comes with family involvement to authentic family engagement. Learn how incorporating Family Peer Specialists on school-based mental health teams can move schools towards family-driven partnership and support for youth experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.

NAMI has many free support and educational programs. This talk reviews these programs and discuss NAMI's first book You Are Not Alone, where people who have lived with mental health conditions use their names and share what they have learned. They do so to reduce the isolation and shame so common with mental health conditions and to make meaning of their experience. Their lessons include ways they have found to live with symptoms, give to others, and build a life. Families who have learned to communicate and cope with loss will also share what they learned.   Presenter: Ken Duckworth, MD, is the chief medical officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Ken is board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, and is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.   View a recording of this 9/13/23 session here. 

This is a recording of Region 9's webinar, "California CARE Court: What Providers Need to Know" that took place on August 8, 2023.    In this session, the Pacific Southwest MHTTC brought together key stakeholders in the California’s CARE Act, including Orange County’s Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services Dr Veronica Kelley, Urban Los Angeles NAMI Executive Director Harold Turner, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Honorable James Bianco and the former Director of the Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy, and Ethics, Christopher Schneiders.  These subject area experts each presented an overview of the CARE Act and discussed the opportunities and challenges to self-determination for individuals with serious mental illness (SDM, PADs, Care Plans). Pacific Southwest MHTTC’s Research Associate, Amanda Lipp moderated this panel and a discussion on the CARE Act's new framework for family members and other stakeholders to petition the courts and provide support during the CARE process.   This panel presentation video is suitable for a viewership of leaders within the peer, family-advocacy, judicial, and mental health field.

The one-hour Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance virtual series provides an opportunity for participants to: Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health, and Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health, and Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music videos and Native spoken word performances as part of each session of the Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance series.   June's topic was "Healing Family Trauma Connected with Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol."   View a recording of this 6/27/23 session here. 

  This is the June session of our ongoing Workshop Wednesday learning series. To view resources from this presentation, click DOWNLOAD above Click here to watch the recording Event Description This training will provide information about anxiety in children, adolescents, and emerging adults. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of psychosocial developmental milestones (e.g., independence, emotion regulation, identity formation) and the ways in which anxiety, stress, and sociocultural factors can interfere with the successful transition to young adulthood.   Practical strategies for assessment and tools to support youth independence and college or workforce readiness will be reviewed. Trainer Lauren Hoffman

The one-hour Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance virtual series provides an opportunity for participants to: Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health, and Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health, and Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music videos and Native spoken word performances as part of each session of the Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance series.   May's topic was "Healing Family Trauma Connected with Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol." View a recording of this 5/23/23 session here. 

  ABOUT THIS EPISODE Carol Dickey joins us to discuss how the stigma attached to mental health disorders is entrenched within the child-serving systems and extends to the family members of children living with complex behavioral health challenges. GUEST Carol Dickey, MBA, MS  Carol Dickey is a parent of five children and a passionate advocate for behavioral health system transformation through elevation of the family voice and an interaction over intervention approach to service delivery. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in health-services administration and agency leadership, her advocacy efforts are driven by her family’s experiences within the child-serving systems. They are inspired by the stories of frustration, hurt, and helplessness shared by countless families so often forced to survive in crisis.   HOST Christina N. Clayton, LICSW, SUDP, Northwest MHTTC Co-Director Christina Clayton has been working in the behavioral health field since 1993 working with people and programs addressing severe mental health issues, substance use, co-occurring issues, chronic homelessness, integrated care, outreach, physical health, trauma and diversity/equity/inclusion topics. Christina has education and licenses/credentials in clinical social work, mental health and substance use.  She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work (MSW ’97).  Learn more about MHTTC Staff & Faculty   LEARN MORE Webinar recording, slides, & resources: "More than a DSM Code: Addressing Stigma Experienced by Families" PODCAST SERIES Discover other episodes in the Putting It Together series here. Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

This is a recording of Part 1: Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence, that took place on April 18, 2023. To raise awareness and support prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in children, our Region 9 partnered with Dr. Meagan O’Malley, Frances Marion LCSW and Jessica Palacio LCSW to release Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence: A Resource for Elementary School Educators and School-Based Professionals (March, 2023) Led by the authors of this guide, this webinar video is available to provide elementary school personnel with critical knowledge and resources to help recognize, assess and respond to the warning signs of STBs in such a way that harm may be reduced and children are kept safe. Part 1 of the series offers an interactive walk through the guide with exercises and scenarios to support optimum use of the guide. Viewers of this video can benefit from the following learning objectives: Gain a deeper understanding of the risk factors and warning signs of suicide in elementary age children. Explore the protective factors against suicide, as well as tiered, school-based approaches to prevention and intervention. Learn strategies to communicate with parents/caregivers of elementary age children at risk for suicide.

This is a recording of Part 2: Young Children & Suicide Prevention for Parents and Caregivers To raise awareness and support parent and caregiver’s prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in children, our Region 9 partnered with Dr. Meagan O’Malley, Frances Marion LCSW and Jessica Palacio LCSW to release Our Young Children & Suicide Prevention: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers  (March, 2023) This resource is for schools and mental health providers to distribute to parents and caregivers so they are equipped with the tools to recognize the warning signs of STBs, and, when necessary, intervene early and effectively to keep their child safe. In Part 2 of the series, the authors of this guide walked school personnel through how to use the guide, discussed some of the risk factors for suicide, and provided coaching models for ways parents can talk with children about suicide in an age-appropriate way, as well as actions to take in securing professional help if a child is in danger. Viewers of this video can benefit from the following learning objectives: Gain a deeper understanding of risk factors and warning signs of suicide in young children. Learn developmentally appropriate ways parents and caregivers can talk with their children about suicide. Learn action steps parents and caregivers can take in responding to suicide risk in their children, including how to make their environments safer and connect children to professional support.

  When children talk about death, communicate a wish to die, or hurt themselves—when they engage in suicidal thoughts and behaviors (“STBs”)—school adults may feel stunned and disoriented. Rates of reported STBs in children are rising (Burstein et al., 2019), elevating the need for up-to-date information meant to ensure educators are prepared to respond in the best possible way. This Brief, a complement to the more detailed resource, “Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Childhood and Early Adolescence: A Resource for Elementary School Educators & School-Based Professionals,” is designed to provide elementary school personnel with critical knowledge and resources to help them recognize and assess the warning signs of STBs, and to respond in such a way that harm may be reduced, and children are kept safe.   O’Malley, M., Marion, F., Palacio, J., & Gomez, J. (2023) Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC).

  May 3rd was World Maternal Mental Health Day. Be sure to watch this one-hour webinar to learn more about maternal mental health and what was discussed. To view all resources from this training, please click DOWNLOAD above Click here to watch the recording Event Description May 3rd was World Maternal Mental Health Day. To support providers and families living and working in the HHS Region 8 states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, who are involved with maternal healthcare and perinatal mental health, we are proud to host the exciting Workshop Wednesday training, “An Interprofessional Tool for Perinatal Mental Health”. This workshop will be led by Abbey Marinucci, an OT doctoral candidate at the University of North Dakota, who has been interviewing practicing providers from many fields involved with perinatal healthcare, with a focus on perinatal mental health. From her research, Abbey will present an evidence-based product that will ultimately serve to inform providers of the perinatal population to expand the interdisciplinary approach to perinatal healthcare This interdisciplinary tool will help to streamline healthcare for mothers. This resource will assist providers in effectively referring mothers to appropriate members of the interdisciplinary team. This resource guide may be a helpful resource to current healthcare providers and professionals serving the perinatal population as well as additional healthcare professionals who provide education to mothers through community-based programs such as early intervention. Join us as we introduce Abbey’s important contribution to the field of perinatal mental health. Objectives After attending this training, participants will: 1. Identify the need for interdisciplinary support for promoting perinatal mental health. 2. Understand a resource product for facilitating referrals to the perinatal interdisciplinary team. 3. Be familiar with patient handouts for the referral process. 4. Identify how to access the resource product. Trainer Abbey Marinucci OT Doctrinal Candidate University of North Dakota

1 in 36 school-age children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic students are much more likely than non-autistic students to experience mental health challenges, including difficulty with executive functioning.  This infographic provides an overview of common executive function differences in autistic students and why these differences matter for school.

  LEARNING SUMMARY Working with Youth and Families Experiencing Homelessness and Home Insecurity   In July of 2022, MHTTC's Region 9 convened leaders in the school and mental health workforce to share strategies for responding to youth homelessness and housing insecurity in school and community-based settings. Highlights from the panelists and group discussion, along with resources shared, are presented in this document. 

View Recording Slides (Click Download above) Supporting Recovery for People Aging with Serious Mental Health Conditions  Session 2: Best Practices in Psychiatric Rehabilitation for People Aging with Serious Mental Health Conditions March 23, 2023 This session will explore specialized psychiatric rehabilitation programs for people aging with serious mental health conditions (SMHC) and discuss practices to empower and promote mental health in people aging with SMHC such as shared-decision making. Learning Objectives: • Identify the strengths and challenges of people aging with serious mental health conditions (SMHC) • List examples of psychiatric rehabilitation programs for people aging with SMHC • Clarify the benefits of peer-delivered services for people aging with SMHC    Session 1: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Philosophy and Goals to Promote Recovery for Older Adults

Recording Slides (click the download button above) Supporting Recovery for People Aging with Serious Mental Health Conditions Session 1: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Philosophy and Goals to Promote Recovery for Older Adults                                                                                                                                                                                                  March 16, 2023 Summary: Many people are aging with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and we are still learning about the services that can support their mental health recovery. This session will offer an overview of the population, discuss psychiatric rehabilitation goals for people aging with serious mental health conditions, and explore mental health recovery as we age. Objectives: • Summarize important considerations when supporting people aging with serious mental health conditions (SMHC)  • Evaluate and apply psychiatric rehabilitation goals for people aging with SMHC • Define mental health recovery and offer examples of mental health recovery goals for people aging with SMHC   Session 2: Best Practices in Psychiatric Rehabilitation for People Aging with Serious Mental Health Conditions

  Learning that your elementary-aged child is thinking about self-harm or using language that signals suicide is frightening and disorienting. Thankfully, suicide is preventable and there are many things that you as parents and caregivers can do to help keep your children safe. This resource is designed to help parents and caregivers prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs), recognize the warning signs of STBs, and, when necessary, intervene early and effectively to keep their child safe.   What’s inside the guide? Myths and facts about STBs among elementary-aged children  Recognizing signs and symptoms of STBs Responding effectively to keep your child safe, including sample language and concrete actions Preventing STBs Considerations for BIPOC and LGBTQ children and their unique needs