Products and Resources Catalog

The Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) recognizes the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 situation and has developed a webpage to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states across our region. Note, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stands ready to assist in any manner possible and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.   COVID-19 Mental Health Resources The COVID-19 Mental Health resources page houses dozens of reputable resources and evidenced-based models for addressing mental health during a pandemic. The webpages is continually being updated and is currently organized by the following topics: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Resources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources Housing Resources School-Based Resources Resources for Caregivers and Parents Additional Resources   If you have questions about this website or products you thing would be valuable on this page, please contact Shawnda Schroeder at [email protected].  

Psychosocial Impacts of Disasters: Assisting Community Leaders (with annotations for pandemics) This recording and accompanying slide set presentation is a resource to assist community leaders, mental health, and health care providers in responding to the psychosocial impacts created by disasters. This presentation includes additional notations for adapting and responding to pandemics and the unique mental health challenges presented by this type of disaster. Dr. Andrew J. McLean, MD, MPH, provides a review of best practices for responding to the psychosocial effects of disasters. In 2011, Dr. McLean received the American Psychiatric Association Bruno Lima Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Psychiatry and brings this notable experience to the session. Recording Slide deck   Key Learning Objectives Understand the phases of disaster and how it pertains to mental health. Review the importance of risk communication and its ability to mitigate mental health problems during disaster. Review protective and risk factors of individuals and communities in the phases of disaster.   Trainer Information Dr. Andrew J. McLean, MD, MPH is Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He also serves as a technical trainer for the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.  

Executive Summary: Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Needs among Probation and Parole Officers This is an executive summary of the larger report: Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Needs: Findings, Implications, and Summary of a Survey of Probation and Parole Officers in Region 8.   The Mountain Plains Mental Health and Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) team, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and state probation and parole offices, conducted an electronic survey in November and December 2019. The survey was distributed electronically to probation and parole officers in all six states located in the United States Department of Health & Human Services Region 8 in order to identify specific mental health training needs. Results will assist the Mountain Plains MHTTC staff to better serve correctional officers and stakeholders throughout the region. Additionally, the survey results will inform the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. This work includes expanding collaborations with entities serving probation and parole staff to address the training needs described. Authors Shawnda Schroeder Thomasine Heitkamp Desirae Martinefski

Criminal Justice Mental Health Resources Justice-involved individuals diagnosed with mental illness are often incarcerated instead of accessing community-based mental healthcare. As a result, they are overrepresented in jails and prisons throughout the U.S. A high prevalence of mental illness and substance use exist among jail inmates, and they reenter society without the necessary supports following incarceration. This occurs for a myriad of reasons, including the lack of community services to better ensure successful reintegration, and the lack of support to meet basic needs for food, housing, and transportation. The outcome is additional arrests and incarcerations. The Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) team is dedicated to addressing mental health among those who are involved with the criminal justice system. In response, the team conducted a needs assessment of training and technical assistance in December 2019 among probation and parole officers in Region 8. In response to the findings of that survey, the Mountain Plains MHTTC team has begun identifying existing resources and technical assistance available to those working with justice-involved individuals. Criminal Justice Mental Health Resources The Criminal Justice resources page houses dozens of reputable resources and evidenced-based models for those working with justice-involved individuals. If you have questions about this website or products you thing would be valuable on this page, please contact Shawnda Schroeder at [email protected]. 

  Farming and Faith Supports: Cultivating Spiritual Resilience in Challenging Times Resources Access slides using the download button above Recording   Corey Smith, PhD, moderated a panel of experts focused on the role of pastoral care in supporting farmers in crisis. Sean Brotherson, PhD, Monica McConkey, LPC, and Bishop William Tesch acted as panelists for this presentation. Panel members provided data and an overview of farm stress and the role faith communities play in supporting farmers. This data and policy was followed by an in-depth look at how agricultural workers engage with faith communities and the long-term benefits and improvements faith-based organizations provide. The session closed with information on resources available to farmers that are specific to faith communities.   Panelists Corey Smith, PhD Sean Brotherson, PhD Monica McConkey, LPC Bishop William Tesch

Findings, Implications, and Summary of a Survey of Probation and Parole Officers in Region 8 The Mountain Plains Mental Health and Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) team, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and state probation and parole offices, conducted an electronic survey in November and December 2019. The survey was distributed electronically to probation and parole officers in all six states located in the United States Department of Health & Human Services Region 8 in order to identify specific mental health training needs. Results will assist the Mountain Plains MHTTC staff to better serve correctional officers and stakeholders throughout the region. Additionally, the survey results will inform the development of new products, training materials, and technical assistance requests. This work includes expanding collaborations with entities serving probation and parole staff to address the training needs described.   Full Report   The full report includes an overall assessment, a presentation of training needs among rural and urban probation and parole officers, varied training needs between probation and parole, and state specific reports.   One-Page State Summaries Colorado Probation and Parole: Mental Health Training Needs Montana Probation and Parole: Mental Health Training Needs North Dakota Probation and Parole: Mental Health Training Needs South Dakota Probation and Parole: Mental Health Training Needs Utah Probation and Parole: Mental Health Training Needs Wyoming Probation and Parole: Mental Health Training Needs Authors Shawnda Schroeder Thomasine Heitkamp Desirae Martinefski Additional Resources Addressing Mental Health for Justice-Involved Individuals A host of resources currently exist to serve the mental health training and technical assistance needs of both probation and parole staff, as well as other professionals who work with justice-involved individuals.   Resources Funded or Provided under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration funds and supports over a dozen programs and initiatives that can assist those who work with justice-involved individuals who also have a mental health and/or substance use disorder. These resources, toolkits, trainings, and webpages promote early intervention and treatment as healthier alternatives to detainment, help identify treatment resources, locate housing assistance, and address integrated care, among other topics.   Additional Resources Not Funded by SAMHSA Several organizations, associations, and governmental agencies have begun to address the mental health and substance use disorder needs among individuals involved in the criminal justice system. These resources include technical assistance manuals, diversion interventions, best practices, data reports, and a list of resources that provide a wealth of information about state, federal, and organizational resources for probation and parole officials.

  Crisis results from impediments to life goals that people believe they cannot overcome through customary choices and behaviors were presented. Specifically, for individuals with behavioral health disorders because crisis situations may place them at greater risk. This two-part interactive webinar series highlighted a variety of crisis situations, including but not limited to aggressive outbursts, disruptive behaviors, suicidal ideation, and homicidal ideation. Strategies for assessment and intervention, and the roles of different providers (e.g., doctors, psychologists, nurses, educators, social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals) were examined and then these de-escalation skills were put into practice. Finally, there was a discussion on the importance of de-briefing post de-escalation events along with specifics regarding the implementation of putting these de-escalation techniques into practice. Session one Crisis Care: Assessment, De-escalation, and Prevention December 17, 2019 Slide deck Recording Session two Crisis Care: Practicing Interventions January 28, 2020 Slide deck

Compassion Fatigue: Farm Stress and the Mental Health Provider January 6, 2020 Robin Landwehr, LPCC, discussed burnout prevention strategies for mental health providers working with farm and ranch populations. This session focused on the unique challenges and stressors faced by the individuals who work to support persons experiencing farm stress. Robin also discussed ways for providers to increase compassion satisfaction, minimize compassion fatigue, and prevent the onset of burnout related to mental health work. Slide deck Recording  

Educators are often the first line of support in addressing mental health needs for students. They recognize the impact a student's mental health has on learning and achievement and realize that there's a great deal that can be done to help students in the school setting. In response, the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) has developed training, technical assistance, and resources to support school- based mental health. The MHTTC team continues to develop online resource guides and toolkits as well as curricula and self-paced trainings to assist school professionals in understanding and implementing core concepts of best practices in school mental health. School-Based Mental Health Resources The School-Based Mental Health resources page houses dozens of reputable resources and evidenced-based models for educators and parents. The webpages is continually being updated and is currently organized by the following topics:   COVID-19 For Families Mental Health and Equity Military Children and Family Rural School Mental Health School Mental Health School Safety Social Emotional Learning Suicide Prevention Teacher and School Staff Wellness Trauma Responsive Practices   If you have questions about this website, contact Shawnda Schroeder at [email protected]. If you have products you think would be valuable on this page, please send them to Stefanie Winfield at [email protected].  

Farm Stress and Mental Health Resources The Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center team is dedicated to addressing rural mental health. However, they also recognize that the agricultural community encounters unique challenges related to the accessibility, availability, and acceptability of mental health services. In response, specific trainings and resources have been developed to address mental health and suicide among agricultural workers and their families. For clarity, unless otherwise specified, “farm” and “farmer” refer to ranchers, farmers, farm managers/owners, and agricultural workers. Farm Stress and Mental Health Resources The Rural Mental Health & Farm Stress resources page houses several resources that provide summaries of agricultural mental health concerns, up-to-date data visualizations, and toolkits for addressing barriers to mental health services for farmers, farm managers/owners, ranchers, agricultural workers and their families. If you have questions about this website or products you thing would be valuable on this page, please contact Shawnda Schroeder at [email protected]. 

Hands-on Tools and Strategies to Assist Providers Working with Farmers December 16, 2019 Meg Moynihan, from Eyes on the Horizon Consulting, and Monica McConkey, from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provided an overview on the tools and strategies they utilize every day to address the mental health needs of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. This session highlighted specific examples of resources available to support farmers experiencing stress and mental health challenges, as well as a discussion on the best practices for providers working with this population. Slide deck Recording  

Helping Teachers Support Student Mental Health: Recommendations for Strengthening K-12 Teacher Preparation Curricula This whitepaper describes the work and recommendations of a work group developed to discuss mental health and wellness training needs in teacher preparation. The Higher Education Teacher Preparation work group discussed the need to increase mental health awareness and skills in training programs for emerging teachers. This paper provides recommendations that higher education institutions and decision makers should consider in an effort to help teachers feel more prepared to address mental health in the classroom. Authors Liza Tupa Stefanie Winfield

  The Economics of Farm Stress December 9, 2019 Dr. David Flynn, Professor of Economics, provided an overview of the economic landscape that affects farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in the United States. This session highlighted the challenges faced by producers in adapting to uncertain commodities pricing, the long and short term impacts of tariffs, and the financial pressures caused by uncertain crop yields and changing weather. Slide deck Recording     Trainer Dr. David Flynn

Introduction to Farm Stress: Mental Health Needs Among Diverse Farm Populations   November 25, 2019 Dr. Shawnda Schroeder and Thomasine Heitkamp, Director of the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center presented alongside Matt Perdue with North Dakota Farmers Union. In this first of multiple sessions addressing agricultural mental health, presenters described the definition of farm stress, contributing factors, the impact of farm stress on the family, and how farming demographics and associated stress may vary by U.S. region. This session introduced resources that currently exist for farmers addressing stress and suicide risk, as well as presented ongoing gaps and barriers to utilizing mental health services among agricultural communities. Slide deck Recording     Trainers Dr. Shawnda Schroeder Professor Thomasine Heitkamp

Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Illness November 21, 2019 This webinar provided an overview of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and discussed some of the most prevalent IDDs, their associated behavioral challenges, and mental health concerns. It also provided information on how to distinguish between behaviors associated with IDD and co-occurring mental illness, helpful interventions, and how to increase provider comfort in working with people with IDD. Slide deck Recording

Building Capacity of Rural School Personnel to Address Mental Health Needs of Students through Communities of Practice (CoP) November 7, 2019 Sarah Nielsen, Susan Bazyk, Tanja Brown, and Thomasine Heitkamp described a Communities of Practice (CoP) Model pilot project targeting implementation of a multi-tiered approach to address school mental health in six rural schools across three states.  Presenters described:  Unique features of rural schools. CoP practice approach utilized. Strengths and weaknesses of the CoP process.  Strengths and barriers to implementing a multi-tiered approach in rural settings.   Slide deck  

Best Practices in School Mental Health November 7, 2019 Stefanie Winfield and Sarah Younggren presented on the use of Mental Health Colorado’s School Mental Health Toolkit as a framework. This discussion included “Top 10 Best Practices in School Mental Health,” and provided guidelines and suggestions to implement best practices and advocacy/ communication strategies for promoting and effecting positive change in school mental health. Slide deck

This brief provides an overview and the lessons learned from a program implemented through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s Behavioral Health Program (WICHE BHP). This initiative focused on developing rural psychology internship opportunities in an effort to grow the rural workforce. These internships have proven effective for behavioral health workforce development and may apply to other health disciplines as well. Authors Dennis Mohatt Liza Tupa Shawnda Schroeder

September 13, 2019 The Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, in partnership with the University of North Dakota Department of Occupational Therapy, hosted a half-day training symposium on suicide prevention for students and faculty of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The training opened with a presentation of commonly used suicide assessment tools, how to have a conversation with patients regarding suicidal thoughts, and best practices for using a multi-disciplinary approach to supporting patients with active suicidal thoughts. A moderated panel discussion on suicide prevention with special populations followed. Slide deck Recording

Correcting Behaviors: Trauma-Informed Care and Practices Webinar Series This session was part three in a three-part webinar series on Trauma-Informed Care and Practices. In this session, participants learned more about sensory strategies. Dr. Tami DeCoteau, a national expert on trauma-informed care, offered insight to providers and educators interested in gaining a deeper understanding of trauma, including content on historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The science of trauma-informed care compels us to look more deeply into the human physiological process and understand how DNA provides evidence of intergenerational trauma. Recent research has shown that emotional trauma often affects the human nervous system long-term. Study of epigenetic DNA demonstrates that the substance use disorder need for self-regulation via alcohol or drugs is actually a physiological process and not a moral choice. Recording   Trauma-Informed Care and Practices Webinar Series Session one: Regulatory Strategies Session two: Sensory Strategies 

August 28, 2019 Dr. Jay Shore, M.D., M.P.H., hosted this webinar to review best practices in using videoconferencing platforms to deliver telemental health services to individuals. This session provided an overview of the guidelines developed to support the implementation of telemental health services. American Psychiatric Association and American Telemedicine Association best practice guidelines are reviewed in detail. This training session concludes with a review of best practices and skills to use when performing a telemental health visit.  Slide deck Recording   Learning Objectives Be familiar with the recent APA and ATA best practices in telemental health. Understand how to incorporate best practices in telemental health when working with patients.  

Rural Mental Health Disparities and Workforce Implications April 25, 2019 This webinar was part one in a series addressing rural mental health. As the first in the series, this webinar provided a basic introduction to rural mental health. Presenters discusses the definition of rural, rural demographics, and data on rural mental health and mental health disparities. Speakers also presented rural issues of access, acceptability, and availability of rural mental healthcare services. Several resources will be shared for participants to find additional data, policy briefs, funding opportunities, best practices, and toolkits specifically addressing rural mental health. Slide deck Recording  

Sensory Strategies: Trauma-Informed Care and Practices Webinar Series This session was part two in a three-part webinar series on Trauma-Informed Care and Practices. In this session, participants learned more about sensory strategies. Dr. Tami DeCoteau, a national expert on trauma-informed care, offered insight to providers and educators interested in gaining a deeper understanding of trauma, including content on historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The science of trauma-informed care compels us to look more deeply into the human physiological process and understand how DNA provides evidence of intergenerational trauma. Recent research has shown that emotional trauma often affects the human nervous system long-term. Study of epigenetic DNA demonstrates that the substance use disorder need for self-regulation via alcohol or drugs is actually a physiological process and not a moral choice. Recording   Trauma-Informed Care and Practices Webinar Series Session one: Regulatory Strategies Session three: Correcting Behaviors

      Hard copies of the toolkit are also available. If you'd prefer a hard copy, please reach out to us at [email protected]. This guide provides resources specific to addressing the unique mental health training and technical assistance needs of schools serving rural and remote communities. School administrators, faculty, and support staff are facing increasing pressure to respond to a host of unmet mental health needs of students in K-12 and higher education. In response, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a resource to assist states and schools in addressing mental health and substance use disorders. Underscoring the purpose of the document was a recognition that schools, communities, and families often lack “comprehensive treatment and services for children and youth.” That is particularly true in rural communities. Authors Thomasine Heitkamp Sarah Nielsen Shawnda Schroeder