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To view resources from this training, click ATTACHMENT links Recording coming soon!   Event Description Statistics reveal a concerning trend: a significant number of men who have died by suicide had visited a healthcare provider within 30 days prior to their death. This alarming fact underscores the urgent need for more effective mental health interventions and support systems within rural settings. This session aims to shed light on the critical intersection of masculinity, mental health, and rural life, and explore how everyday places—such as doctors' offices, churches, workplaces, and community gatherings—can become gateways to meaningful conversations and interventions. Key topics will include: Understanding the barriers to mental health support for rural men, including stigma, limited resources, and cultural norms. Strategies for healthcare providers to initiate mental health conversations and recognize warning signs during routine visits. The role of churches and faith-based organizations in providing support and breaking down the stigma associated with mental health issues. Integrating mental health awareness and support into workplaces, especially in industries predominant in rural areas. The importance of Integrated Behavioral Health positions in creating a holistic approach to health care in rural settings. Trainer Andrew Jordan Thayer, PhD, LP

Recording of the event Mental Health Disorder in African American Men, originally held on June 15, 2023. Presentation Slides

About this Resource:  According to SAMHSA's 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 26% of African American adults experienced a mental health and/or substance misuse concern1. While these rates may be similar to those of the general population, disparities exist in regard to their access to high quality and culturally competent mental health care services. It is estimated that only one-in-three African Americans who need mental health care receives it.2  An important step in reducing disparities and expanding access to care is to train educators and mental health professionals to understand the cultural and racial support that men of color need. Another is by leveraging relationships in the community, in particular barbers, to help de-stigmatize the conversation about mental health in a setting men may feel more comfortable talking. In this on-demand recording, Lorenzo Lewis shares about the important work of The Confess Project and their efforts to teach barbers how to be active listeners, how to validate clients' responses, and how to eliminate mental health stigma by using positive language.   1Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: African Americans. 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: African Americans | CBHSQ Data (samhsa.gov) 2Dalencour M, et al. “The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in the Depression Care of African Americans and Hispanics in Los Angeles.” Psychiatric Services. 2017. 68(4):368-374

At least 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused by the time of their 18th birthday and this number and proportion increase with 1 in 4 men experiencing sexual abuse or assault at some point across their lifespan. The health effects of sexual trauma are often significant and long-lasting. For example, sexual trauma is related to an increase in psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and dependence, depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. The majority of the research on sexual abuse, including the development and testing of psychosocial interventions, focuses on women. While that work is incredibly important and essential, men and boys who experienced sexual abuse are largely overlooked, stigmatized or shamed by the public, and sometimes even by health care professionals. This presentation will address myths related to sexual abuse and assault in boys and men, address barriers to their receipt of mental health services, and provide ways that mental health providers can support male survivors in their healing journey.  

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE In celebration of June as Pride Month, Aleks Martin invites the listener to consider his or her personal definition of diversity, the value of diversity, and ways to lean closer instead of pulling apart when encountering differences. She presents skills for building provider well-being from an inclusion and equity perspective, including multiple dimensions of self-care. This month’s learning goals are: to learn to identify diversity ​in racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, and academic/professional backgrounds, including different opinions, religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientations, heritage, and life experience; and learn skills from an inclusion and equity perspective. Find out more about the series here. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES View the webinar recording and access accompanying resources FACILITATOR Aleks Martin (S/he pronouns, but they is ok) has been in the health and social service field for over 20 years. Aleks was drawn to the LGBTQI2+ community in their mid-twenties working for a national HIV-prevention study with youth called, Young Asian Men’s Study (YAMS). This exposed them to the great work of HIV workers from other organizations and how community-based programs are critical in reaching out to the most vulnerable populations. During this time, they worked as a Disease Intervention Specialist with Public Health - Seattle & King County for 7 years, including working on the pilot study for the Rapid HIV Test Kit (then a 20-minute test). A big portion of their professional career was spent at Seattle Counseling Service, a behavioral health agency for the LGBTQ community. From 2003 to 2019, Aleks started as Database Manager, Health Educator, Program Coordinator to Chemical Dependency Counselor and Addictions Program Supervisor. This was the safe space where their yearning for higher education was cultivated so they could serve their community further. As a graduate of the University of Washington’s School of Social Work - Masters Program, Aleks developed their skills as a mental health clinician and social justice advocate. Aleks’ perspectives where shifted and allowed them to have a wider lens for diversity, inclusion and equity. Aleks was inspired to start a private practice to address the special needs of the LGBTQI2+ and BBIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous and People of Color), particularly Queer and Trans Asian and Pacific Islander people dealing with unique and special issues that intersect with race/culture and gender/sexuality like coming out, spiritual conflicts, cultural dissonance, gender transition, social navigation at work and other environments, interpersonal relationships from intimacy to friendships, understanding relationships with non-LGBTQI2+ partner(s), and so on. Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

On September 10th, Suzan Mullane, MSEd., Research Associate and Trustee, Center for Educational Improvement, discussed how research has shown that children with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders and their families face personal, financial, and neighborhood challenges more often than families of children without these disorders. These challenges may make it harder for some parents to give their child the resources they need to thrive. The type of community that families live in, urban versus rural, may increase these challenges. She also addressed better access to mental health care for children and parents in rural areas. To download the slides, click here.