Products and Resources Catalog

At the end of this presentation, participants were able to: Recognize the importance of understanding the historical context of the lives of older African Americans Recognize the importance of eliciting the older African American’s perspective of his/her mental and physical health challenges Elicit socio-cultural and spiritual beliefs that could influence an older African American’s health care choices and access to care Enhance knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of major mental health disorders when working with older African Americans   Presenter: Martha Crowler, PhD   This webinar was presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Mental Health Center GrandRounds series.

This webinar will explore the concept of healthy aging for people living with serious mental health conditions. While people aging in this group may experience health challenges, supporters can encourage and empower people to take actions toward healthy aging despite challenges. Objectives: Explore healthy aging for people aging with serious mental health conditions List methods to promote healthy aging Identify strategies to empower older adults to make informed decisions about resources for care and supports  

  ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This two-page document presents a summary of the Northwest MHTTC's accomplishments during our fifth year of operations, 2022 - 2023. Highlights include: Quantifying our reach through tallies of events offered, people trained, products created, and more The Mental Health Institute for Washington State Providers  Spotlight on Idaho ACT Start Up Crisis workforce support efforts in Year 5   ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Here is information on other reports from the Northwest MHTTC: Northwest MHTTC summaries of annual activities   Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

Recording of the event A Phenotype for Resilience Against Accelerated Aging in People with Serious Mental Illness, originally held on September 14, 2023.   Event presentation

  Older adults are accessing behavioral health and substance use services in increasing numbers. This trend is expected to increase. Event Description To view resources from this training, please click DOWNLOAD above Click here to watch the recording This increase is due to a number of factors, these include the aging of baby boomers who have been more open to addressing behavioral health issues in the past and are doing so now as older adults. Baby boomers comprise a generation that used substances in their youth and continue to do so and may now be encountering challenges related to their usage. The pandemic has also had a negative impact on older adults as the result of increased social isolation leading to increased mental health and substance use issues. A significant number of older adults seek assistance through primary care and contact with a variety of health care providers. The advent of integrated healthcare has presented the opportunity to offer older adults assistance with these issues within the context of the health care delivery system. A number of brief evidence-based approaches have been developed that can be delivered in health-related settings and the response to these approaches has been positive. This webinar will highlight common behavioral health and substance use disorders encountered by the older adult population and provide approaches that can be employed by healthcare and community-based professionals. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to: • Describe the aging process as it relates to the physical, emotional, and social areas of development • Identify and explain common behavioral health and substance use issues that older adults encounter during the aging process • Identify misconceptions of aging and stigma and how it impacts addressing behavioral health and substance use among older adults • Identify brief strategies that can be used to address behavioral health and substance use issues and can be employed by practitioners in healthcare and community-based agencies. Trainer Kenneth Flanagan Dr. Kenneth Flanagan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of North Dakota. He currently serves as a curriculum developer for the Mountain Plains Mental Health and Addiction Technology Transfer Centers.  Dr. Flanagan holds a license as a clinical social worker and provides counseling and behavioral management services with a clinical focus on depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and chronic pain. He received his MSW and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Dr. Flanagan has held a range of clinical and administrative positions in healthcare and community-based organizations.

  This important training discussed the mental health and wellness of adults as they continue to grow older.  To access resources used during this presentation, click DOWNLOAD above CLICK HERE to view the recording Event Description The number of older adults in the United States is increasing and with the aging of baby boomers this increase will continue. In addition, the aging baby boomers are changing the aging experience much like they have changed other life stages prior to their older adult years.  This webinar will provide a brief overview of the older adult population in terms of demographic characteristics, the impact of aging baby boomers, address some common misconceptions of aging and introduce the concept of healthy aging. Building upon this concept of healthy aging the webinar will provide participants strategies that can be implemented to promote mental health and wellness. Some issues related to healthy aging in rural communities will also highlighted.  Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  Describe the aging process as it relates to the physical, emotional, and social areas of development   Identify and explain healthy aging and social comorbidities that influence the aging process  Identify misconceptions of aging and barriers to healthy aging  Identify strategies that can be used to promote mental health and wellness in older adults who are seeking services from healthcare and community-based agencies.  Trainer Ken Flanagan Dr. Kenneth Flanagan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of North Dakota. He currently serves as a curriculum developer for the Mountain Plains Mental Health and Addiction Technology Transfer Centers.  Dr. Flanagan holds a license as a clinical social worker and provides counseling and behavioral management services with a clinical focus on depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and chronic pain. He received his MSW and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Dr. Flanagan has held a range of clinical and administrative positions in healthcare and community-based organizations.

Recording Slides (Click the Download button above) Supporting Recovery for People Aging with Serious Mental Health Conditions Session 3: Approaches to Expand Strengths and Support Challenges as People Age with Serious Mental Health Conditions March 30, 2023 Summary: People aging with serious mental health conditions (SMHC) experience age-related challenges, yet they also bring experience, problem-solving, and resilience to each day. This session will explore some of these strengths and challenges, discuss motivating strategies and build new resources and social supports. Learning Objectives: • Explore the strengths and challenges of people aging with serious mental health conditions (SMHC) • Identify specific strategies that can help engage and motivate people aging with SMHC • Discuss strategies to build resources and social supports

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

Recording of the event, ADHD in the Black Community: Unmet Needs from Childhood through Adulthood, originally held on October 27, 2022.   Slide Presentation

Our September newsletter offers upcoming events on Assertive Community Treatment, addressing provider burnout, and the 988 launch. We also include new resources on peer support, mental health in the criminal justice system, and older adult mental health.

Recording of the event Geriatric Mental Health in the Black Community, originally held on June 30, 2022.     Slide Presentation

Recording of the event titled Trauma-Informed Approaches: Returning Adult Citizens Part 1, originally held on May 3, 2022.   Slide Presentation

This report examines the benefits of digital technology use among older adults. Higher social technology use is associated with fewer chronic illnesses, higher subjective well-being, fewer depressive symptoms and better interpersonal relationships; all of which positively impact mental health.

  Access slide decks with the green download button above Recordings for each session posted below   Series Description Addressing Rural Co-Morbidities of Mental Health and Social Conditions   Individuals living in rural communities face unique challenges when attempting to access care for mental health concerns. The “three A’s” of rural treatment barriers often reference the difficulty of finding accessible, affordable, and acceptable care for persons in remote and rural settings. Co-morbid mental health and social conditions increase the complexity of treatment and make delivering evidence-based care challenging for mental health providers of all professions. This series will review practices that providers can utilize to support rural populations presenting with a variety of co-morbid conditions.   Part One: Employing Treatment and Environmental Interventions to Support Rural Populations Click here to watch the recording   Part Two: Supporting Rural Aging Populations Click here to watch the recording   Part Three: Using Faith Supports to Increase Mental Health in Rural Communities Click here to watch the recording   Trainer Ken Flanagan, PhD, LCSW

About the webinar: While some talk about stages of grief, the reality is that most of us do not move through grief in a step-by-step way. Grief researchers have identified tasks that we need to accomplish in the grieving process to lessen the pain of loss. Some of us move through those tasks without even knowing that’s what we’re doing – it just feels like time healing the wounds. Some may need to focus more attention on the tasks of grieving in order to let go of our suffering. In either case, having an active approach to grief can empower both older adults and those who serve them to manage this human experience. Differentiating normal grief from prolonged grief disorder and evidence-based treatments will also be discussed. Watch the recording of this webinar by clicking the "view resource" button above.  To access the slide deck and handout related to this session please click on the links below. Slide Deck  Tasks of Grieving Handout About the Presenter

Recording of the event LGBT Elders after COVID: Healing, Emerging, Connecting, originally held on May 11, 2021.   You may access the slides here.

Recording for the PTTC event "Engaging LGBT Elders in Prevention Programs," originally held on October 28, 2020.   You may access the original event page here.

View Presentation Slides Session Description: Part 2 begins by reviewing research on grief interventions.  Participants consider the goals and techniques of grief counseling in individual, family, and group settings.  Special emphasis is placed on techniques such as meaning-making and the use of ritual and an overview of expressive techniques, as well as techniques especially suited for children, adolescents, and older adults. Speaker Bio: Dr. Kenneth J. Doka is a Professor Emeritus, The College of New Rochelle and Senior Consultant to the Hospice Foundation of America.  Dr. Doka has extensive experience in the area of grief, is a prolific author and speaker, providing keynoted addresses internationally. Dr. Doka participates in the annual Hospice Foundation of America Teleconference and has appeared on CNN and Nightline.  In addition, he has served as a consultant to medical, nursing, funeral service, and hospice organizations as well as businesses and educational and social service agencies.  Dr. Doka was elected President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling in 1993.  In 1995, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the International Work Group on Dying, Death, and Bereavement and served as chair from 1997-1999.  The Association for Death Education and Counseling presented him with an Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Death Education in 1998 and Significant Contributions to the Field of Thanatology in 2014.  In 2000 Scott and White presented him an award for Outstanding Contributions to Thanatology and Hospice.  His Alma Mater Concordia College presented him with their first Distinguished Alumnus Award.  He is a recipient of the Caring Hands Award as well as the Dr. Robert Fulton CDEB Founder’s Award.  In 2006, Dr. Doka was grandfathered in as a Mental Health Counselor under NY State’s first licensure of counselors. Dr. Doka is an ordained Lutheran minister. http://www.drkendoka.com/  

Description: This readiness assessment tool is designed to help behavioral health systems improve service capacity for older adults with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Questions are organized across four key areas to review available resources and supports, assess current policies and practices, and highlight gaps and priorities for systemic improvements.

Session three Rural but Reachable: How to Build Grief Support by Creating Community This session addressed the unique qualities of our rural environments which lend people to create community surrounding the common denominator of grief. Attendees explored the ways in which they can start developing connections in their own communities to support those in grief and individuals experiencing loss. Finally, this session discussed the ways that COVID-19 has changed community and connections in rural settings and discussed ways to support others as grief and loss become a more common experience.   Slide deck Recording   Trainer Cynthia Drake                Three-part Series on Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness  Social isolation and loneliness are complex conditions that can have increased consequences for individuals living in rural and remote communities. The current COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the challenges faced by providers working in rural communities in identifying and responding to the needs of individuals who may be experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness. This series aims to provide an overview of the topic, and novel ways to support providers in responding to the needs of the individuals they serve.   Session one Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness: Rates, Importance, and Identifying Risk July 14, 2020 In this session, participants learned about loneliness and social isolation among older adults in rural and urban areas. Dr. Henning Smith reviewed existing data, what we know, how social isolation and loneliness are unique in rural areas, and how rural social isolation is a health and mortality risk factor. She discussed what has changed as a result of the current health pandemic, how to prepare rural providers to ask questions to determine isolation/loneliness, and what can be done for rural people who are experiencing isolation/loneliness.   Session One Resources   Trainer Carrie Henning-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW     Session two The Evolving Nature of Social Connections: Promoting Well-Being in Times of Crisis July 22, 2020 This session addressed programs designed to make connections between and among individuals and organizations to promote well-being in the aging population. Social Connect: Mindful Stress Management is a six-session program delivered virtually through a Zoom platform or telephonically. The program was revised during the early stages of the current pandemic to address the concern of increasing isolation among the elderly population. Social Connect draws on mind-body stress management strategies, in particular, Mindfulness-Based Stress Management. The session will provide the overview of the program, conceptual foundation, program elements, and lessons learned from the first pilot offerings. Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) is a non-profit organization designated by the Minnesota Board on Aging as the Area Agency on Aging for the 14 county Central Minnesota region. In partnership with public and private organizations, CMCOA helps older adults age successfully by building community capacity, advocating for aging issues, maximizing service effectiveness, and linking people with information.  Chisago Age Well is one of four Silos to Circles communities whose mission is to increase awareness of, access to, and satisfaction with, existing services and health resources in the community.    Session Two Resources   Trainers Natalie Matthewson, MA, LPC Rebecca Hostetler Darcy Rylander, BS, RYT, NBC-HWC Steve Hoover, PhD              Additional Resources Rural Mental Health Resources

Session two The Evolving Nature of Social Connections: Promoting Well-Being in Times of Crisis This session addressed programs designed to make connections between and among individuals and organizations to promote well-being in the aging population. Social Connect: Mindful Stress Management is a six-session program delivered virtually through a Zoom platform or telephonically. The program was revised during the early stages of the current pandemic to address the concern of increasing isolation among the elderly population. Social Connect draws on mind-body stress management strategies, in particular, Mindfulness-Based Stress Management. The session will provide the overview of the program, conceptual foundation, program elements, and lessons learned from the first pilot offerings. Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) is a non-profit organization designated by the Minnesota Board on Aging as the Area Agency on Aging for the 14 county Central Minnesota region. In partnership with public and private organizations, CMCOA helps older adults age successfully by building community capacity, advocating for aging issues, maximizing service effectiveness, and linking people with information.  Chisago Age Well is one of four Silos to Circles communities whose mission is to increase awareness of, access to, and satisfaction with, existing services and health resources in the community.    Slide deck Recording    Additional Resources Chisago Age Well Silos to Circles Your Juniper Services   Trainers Natalie Matthewson, MA, LPC Rebecca Hostetler Darcy Rylander, BS, RYT, NBC-HWC Steve Hoover, PhD       Three-part Series on Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness  Social isolation and loneliness are complex conditions that can have increased consequences for individuals living in rural and remote communities. The current COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the challenges faced by providers working in rural communities in identifying and responding to the needs of individuals who may be experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness. This series aims to provide an overview of the topic, and novel ways to support providers in responding to the needs of the individuals they serve.   Session one Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness: Rates, Importance, and Identifying Risk July 14, 2020 In this session, participants learned about loneliness and social isolation among older adults in rural and urban areas. Dr. Henning Smith reviewed existing data, what we know, how social isolation and loneliness are unique in rural areas, and how rural social isolation is a health and mortality risk factor. She discussed what has changed as a result of the current health pandemic, how to prepare rural providers to ask questions to determine isolation/loneliness, and what can be done for rural people who are experiencing isolation/loneliness.   Session One Resources   Trainer Carrie Henning-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW     Session three Rural but Reachable: How to Build Grief Support by Creating Community July 28, 2020 What are the unique qualities of our rural environments which lend to us creating community surrounding our common denominator of grief? Come explore in this engaging and interactive webinar where we will discuss how you can start the thread of connection in your own community to support those in grief. How has COVID-19 changed this and where are we now as we create new avenues of support for each other and grief becomes even more of our common experience and language?   Session Three Resources   Trainer Cynthia Drake                Additional Resources Rural Mental Health Resources

Session one Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness: Rates, Importance, and Identifying Risk In this session, participants learned about loneliness and social isolation among older adults in rural and urban areas. Dr. Henning Smith reviewed existing data, what we know, how social isolation and loneliness are unique in rural areas, and how rural social isolation is a health and mortality risk factor. She discussed what has changed as a result of the current health pandemic, how to prepare rural providers to ask questions to determine isolation/loneliness, and what can be done for rural people who are experiencing isolation/loneliness. Slide deck Recording   Additional Resources Rural Health Research Gateway Rural Health Information (RHI) Hub   Trainer Carrie Henning-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW     Three-part Series on Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness  Social isolation and loneliness are complex conditions that can have increased consequences for individuals living in rural and remote communities. The current COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the challenges faced by providers working in rural communities in identifying and responding to the needs of individuals who may be experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness. This series aims to provide an overview of the topic, and novel ways to support providers in responding to the needs of the individuals they serve.   Session two The Evolving Nature of Social Connections: Promoting Well-Being in Times of Crisis July 22, 2020 This session will address programs designed to make connections between and among individuals and organizations to promote well-being in the aging population. Social Connect: Mindful Stress Management is a six-session program delivered virtually through a Zoom platform or telephonically. The program was revised during the early stages of the current pandemic to address the concern of increasing isolation among the elderly population. Social Connect draws on mind-body stress management strategies, in particular, Mindfulness-Based Stress Management. The session will provide the overview of the program, conceptual foundation, program elements, and lessons learned from the first pilot offerings. Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) is a non-profit organization designated by the Minnesota Board on Aging as the Area Agency on Aging for the 14 county Central Minnesota region. In partnership with public and private organizations, CMCOA helps older adults age successfully by building community capacity, advocating for aging issues, maximizing service effectiveness, and linking people with information.  Chisago Age Well is one of four Silos to Circles communities whose mission is to increase awareness of, access to, and satisfaction with, existing services and health resources in the community.    Session Two Resources   Trainers Natalie Matthewson, MA, LPC Rebecca Hostetler Darcy Rylander, BS, RYT, NBC-HWC Steve Hoover, PhD     Session three Rural but Reachable: How to Build Grief Support by Creating Community July 28, 2020 What are the unique qualities of our rural environments which lend to us creating community surrounding our common denominator of grief? Come explore in this engaging and interactive webinar where we will discuss how you can start the thread of connection in your own community to support those in grief. How has COVID-19 changed this and where are we now as we create new avenues of support for each other and grief becomes even more of our common experience and language?   Session Three Resources   Trainer Cynthia Drake                  Additional Resources Rural Mental Health Resources  

Hispanos y latinos Mayores en los Estados Unidos con Condiciones de Salud Mental es una hoja informativa basada en el webinar facilitado por el Dr. Bernardo Ng, psiquiatra Latino y ex presidente de la American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry. La población de latinos mayores es heterogénea y está subrepresentada en la investigación, lo cual representa un desafío para los clínicos. Entre los trastornos de salud mental más frecuentes entre los latinos mayores se encuentra la depresión, la enfermedad de Alzheimer y otros trastornos neurocognitivos. Los proveedores de servicios de salud mental que atienden latinos mayores deben considerar el uso de traductores e intérpretes, o tener acceso a profesionales que hablan español para personas monolingües. Además, pueden aumentar la literacia en salud de sus clientes al desarrollar y diseminar materiales educativos en español u otros dialectos. A su vez, los clínicos interesados ​​en ofrecer servicios a los latinos mayores deben evaluar su propio nivel de sensibilidad cultural con respecto a las poblaciones hispanas y latinas.   Versión en inglés