Products and Resources Catalog

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 is a recording of, “Interrupting Bullying & Fostering Belonging for the Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Workforce,” on October 25, 2023. Our Pacific Southwest Region’s national specialty area is the mental health of youth and young adults of transitional age; as such, on our second day of our three-part series, we examined rising practices and policies, informed by research and the field, that can expand the way we approach anti-bullying and foster belonging for youth and young adults (18-24 year olds). Panelists highlighted bullying and belonging within the context of LGBTQ+, BIPOC populations, youth leadership and peer support roles. The session also uplifted young adult perspectives with lived experience in the foster care system and the Navajo Nation, and a focus on cyberbullying within Latinx youth communities. Our Region 9's Technical Assistance and Training Specialist, Oriana Ides moderated this panel of special guests including, Ajahrain (Ajah) Yellowhair; Arc Telos Saint Amour, Executive Director of Youth MOVE National; and Dr. Guadelupe (Lupita) Espinoza, Professor in Child and Adolescent Studies at California State University, Fullerton.  This session was designed for peer support professionals, young adult advocates, psychologists, counselors, community mental health workers, social workers, pre-service graduate students and whoever else is interested.

Additional Resources: Privilege Grouping.pdf Providing Culturally Responsive Care and Addressing Cross-Cultural Barriers in Early Psychosis.pdf Presented by: Marla Smith, MS, LMHP, LMHC Marla Smith has been an integral part of the Mid-America Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) since November 2020. Her primary role involves coordinating behavioral health training, particularly focusing on individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses. As a licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Nebraska and Iowa, Marla brings extensive experience, having worked directly with clients of all ages for nearly 20 years. Her approach emphasizes the importance of connection, meeting individuals where they are, and using respectful, trauma-informed communication to support positive change. Marla holds a Master's degree in Youth and Family Services from Bellevue University. Outside of work, she cherishes family time and indulges in crafting as a favorite pastime.  Learn more about this series: First Episode Psychosis Webinar Series & Learning Community

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

Recording of the event The Impact of Cannabis Use on Mental Health, originally held on September 21, 2023.   Slide presentation

  Series Description This three-part series focuses on understanding the cognitive impairments associated with mental illness and the impact on participation and performance in everyday life. The series will provide an overview of cognitive impairment and its influence on participation, the evaluation process and intervention approaches.     October 3  Session 1:  Cognitive Impairment and Influence on Performance  The purpose of session 1 is to provide an overview of the types of cognitive impairments associated with DSM-5 diagnoses and the impact of these impairments on participation and performance in daily life.   To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Click here to watch the recording   October 10 Session 2:  Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment The purpose of session 2 is to provide an understanding of reason for referral for evaluation and the purpose of the evaluation process.   To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Click here to watch the recording   October 24 Session 3:  Interventions for Cognitive Impairment The purpose of session 3 is to provide an understanding of types of intervention approaches including compensation, environmental modification or remediation.   To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Click here to watch the recording   Trainers Jessa Hulteng, PhD, OTR/L Jessa Hulteng is an assistant professor in occupational therapy at the University of North Dakota. She teaches courses related to mental functions and interventions to promote occupational performance. Jessa has advanced knowledge in neurorehabilitation and functional cognition.   Taylor LaVoi, MOT, OTR/L Taylor LaVoi is an occupational therapist currently working at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota on the inpatient psychiatric unit. Their background is in neurorehabilitation with experience in various settings including: acute hospitalization, outpatient, skilled nursing rehabilitation, and orthopedic care. Taylor takes pride in the opportunity to serve on the ethics committee at Sanford in Fargo. They’re grateful for the privilege to serve members of the community through occupational therapy services.   Sarah Nielsen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Sarah Nielsen is professor and chair at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND, in the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences.  Sarah has over 20 years of experience working with children, youth and young adults with mental health issues in communities and schools. Her clinical practice included developing and implementing trauma-informed approaches and cognition in mental health care.

  To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Event Description The purpose of this session is to provide the participant with increased awareness and knowledge about transgender and gender diversity, in general; gaining insight into specific school experiences of transgender and gender diverse students; and considering strategies participants can employ to support transgender and gender diverse students in their work in education and other settings. Learning will be supported through direct instruction and videos to support webinar content. Learning Objectives: To enhance participant's awareness of gender identity and gender diversity matters in schools from multiple perspectives. To enrich the participant's knowledge base or to assist the participant in beginning to construct a knowledge base regarding gender diversity. To highlight strategies participants can employ to support transgender, and gender diverse students.   Trainer Todd A. Savage, Ph.D., NCSP Todd A. Savage, Ph.D., NCSP is a professor in the school psychology program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF); he is also a past president of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Dr. Savage's scholarly research interests include culturally responsive practice; social justice matters; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) issues in education; and school safety and crisis prevention, preparedness, and intervention.

The fourth October issue of our newsletter features the 2023 Grief Sensitivity Virtual Learning Institute, four upcoming Northwest MHTTC webinars, TTC Network events, our latest podcast episodes, other events of interest and resources.

  To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Event Description This session is designed for all adults working with larger groups (like a whole staff or classroom) to be able to understand the importance of meeting scripts in dispelling rumors and myths after a crisis, how to triage out those in need of more interventions from a larger group, and Stabilization if needed (techniques will also be covered). Trainer Leslie Baunach, MA/CAS, NCSP Leslie Baunach, NCSP, was a school psychologist with Oahu Central School District for over 10 years. She is currently the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Delegate for the state of Hawaii and a Delegate Representative for the West Region on the NASP Board of Directors. Leslie has previously served on the Hawaii Association of School Psychologists (HASP) board of directors as Treasurer and President, and has headed up the legislative platform for nine years, currently serving as the HASP legislative co-chair. Leslie serves as the Executive Director of the School Psychology Support Network, which supports school psychologists nationally. Leslie became a NASP PREPaRE trainer in 2015 and has conducted PREPaRE workshops for the Hawaii DOE, HASP, Northern Marianas Islands schools, and Punahou School in Honolulu.

About the Session: This 60-minute session provides a brief overview of what early psychosis is, including signs and symptoms, how symptoms occur on a continuum, treatment options, the promise of early intervention and common barriers to care, and how school providers can recognize and respond to early signs. Session slides can be accessed by clicking the DOWNLOAD button above The video recording can be accessed below Resources of interest shared during the session can be accessed here Intended Audience: This introductory-level learning series is geared toward the following school personnel from middle and high schools: School mental health providers, such as school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals (those hired by the school and those who work for a community organization and come into the school to provide school mental health services) School nurses/school health aides, and other primary care partners working in schools School educators, administrators, school resource officers, and mental health peer leaders Please note: This is session 1 of a 3-part Introductory Series, Early Psychosis 101: Basics for Supporting Students. Learn more about the speakers for this session and access information about the other sessions in the series here.

  Students are reporting overall mental health decline, including increases in anxiety and persistent sadness. Aligning school-based mental health supports within existing structures and building skills of educators can increase access to evidence-based interventions. This session will highlight: best practices in school-based mental health; specific function-based interventions at the classroom, group, and individual levels; and access to free resources from the Mid-America MHTTC.   Presented by: Hannah West, PhD, BCBA, is a regional trainer for the Mid-America MHTTC and behavioral health provider at Sunflower Pediatric Behavioral Health in Shawnee, Kansas. Dr. West is passionate about assisting schools and districts at the systems level through consultation and coaching to match student academic, behavioral and mental health needs with resources available through the development of multi-tiered systems of support. As a trainer for the National Association of School Psychologists’ (NASP) PREPaRE curriculum, she is also passionate about working with schools to implement best-practice prevention, intervention, and postvention supports related to school crises. Dr. West received her doctorate in school psychology from Oklahoma State University. Her doctoral training and research focused on child and adolescent assessment and treatment, as well as working within the systems and environments they live to match resources to needs.   Jessica Christensen, M.Ed, holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and a master’s in Education. With over a decade of middle school teaching experience, she moved from the classroom to the non-profit sector. Following the conclusion of Please Pass the Love in May 2023, she transitioned from Please Pass the Love to a full-time role at MHTTC. Jessica offers valuable insights to enhance mental well-being in education, empowering educators, and guiding districts to strengthen their mental health frameworks.     Learn more about our School Mental Health program.     

  To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Click here to watch the recording Event Description In this workshop, we'll explore innovative strategies to engage and connect with conservative men in our communities. Discover effective approaches to make mental health services more appealing and accessible to men, while respecting their values and preferences. Gain valuable insights and guidance on fostering a safe and supportive environment where men can open up and receive the help they need. Together, we will redefine strength in the context of men's mental health, ensuring that every member of our rural communities receives the care and support they deserve. Join us in this important mission to make a lasting impact on men's mental wellness in rural settings. Trainer Andrew Jordan Thayer, PhD, LP Dr. Jordan Thayer brings a perspective on men's mental health that is deeply rooted in a life journey that's taken him across the United States. Raised in the heart of Wyoming, he understands the values and principles that resonate with traditional American men, as well as the benefit of studying and learning from the values and principles of other conceptualizations of masculinity to improve the lives of men, particularly young men, and teens, across the country. With a background in human psychology, Jordan believes in the usefulness and importance of mental health organizations and practices in transforming lives. As a former teacher and now a Licensed Psychologist, he has dedicated his career to challenging ingrained beliefs and behavior patterns, and he has done this work in various rural communities across the country. Throughout his journey, Jordan has supported children, families, and educators in overcoming challenges, including anxiety and depression. He has established and directed school-based mental health clinics, worked in pediatric and general hospital settings, and currently runs a private practice specializing in supporting teenagers, adults, and young professionals. He is also a co-founder of Benessere Consulting Group and Thayer Organizational & Psychological Services, consultancies that work in collaboration with Continua Consulting Group. Driven by his expertise in psychology, education, and consultation, Jordan is committed to helping teens, young adults, and particularly men across the country.

The third October issue of our newsletter spotlights Prevention Month resources, features four upcoming Northwest MHTTC webinars, ATTC & MHTTC events, other events of interest and resources.

  ABOUT THIS EPISODE Join us as we speak to Dr. Kira Mauseth about disaster behavioral health and considerations for personal and professional preparedness. GUEST Kira Mauseth, PhD Dr. Kira Mauseth is a practicing clinical psychologist who sees patients at Snohomish Psychology Associates in Everett and Edmonds, WA, is a Teaching Professor at Seattle University and formerly served as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health throughout the COVID response. She also owns Astrum Health LLC, and consults with organizations and educational groups about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities. Dr. Mauseth has provided training to community groups and professionals both regionally and abroad as the co-developer of the Health Support Team© program. Her work and research focus on disaster behavioral health, resilience, and recovery from trauma as well as small and large-scale critical incident response and preparation for organizations. She has worked abroad extensively with disaster survivors and refugees in Haiti, Jordan and Poland, and has trained first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States, and currently serves in the adult mental health clinical seat on Washington State’s Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC).   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: "International Ties: Disaster Behavioral Health with a Global Lens" 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

The South Southwest MHTTC collaborated with the Texas Association of Community Health Centers to host the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) Series: Knowledge & Strategies for Health and Hope Session 4 on October 10, 2023. This session focused on TIC and Care for Individuals with Chronic Diseases.     Trauma Informed Care is an evidence-based framework particularly suited to collaboratively identify risk factors to care, such as medication access and use, therapeutic engagement, and non-medical resource needs and navigation.   View Recording

This clinical brief is intended to introduce mental health providers to the current understanding of culturally responsive care in early psychosis by providing an overview of culturally responsive tools and models for early psychosis (EP) care and highlighting the need for the continued development of a culturally responsive care (CRC) model within EP care.

Positionality refers to the social positions we hold in our society that influence how we interact with the world. As mental health providers, researchers, and advocates, our social positions influence our approach to our work, and reflection on positionality can allow us to identify our limitations and advance equity. The Positionality Project at the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) aims to provide resources for the mental health workforce in Region 6 to understand and integrate positionality into their work. This brochure includes foundational information for mental health providers, researchers, and advocates to understand positionality. It provides a metaphor to understand positionality, explores how positionality can be used in mental health, provides a hypothetical example of applying positionality, and shares guiding questions for developing a positionality statement, which is one method for reflecting on positionality. A glossary of terms is provided at the end of the brochure. We hope that the brochure provides an introduction to this critical topic and inspires further learning.

This is a recording of Workshop 4 in the Back to School Series, entitled, “Trauma Informed Suicide Prevention for Administrators,” on September 13, 2023. In the penultimate workshop session, CARS own Training and Technical Assistance Specialists, and former school site and district administrators, Tina Rocha and Angela Castellanos discussed how to build an understanding of suicide prevention policy, the prevalence and impact of traumatic stress and its relation to suicide, and resources available to schools. This session was designed for system leaders, prevention specialists, educators, administrators, school site leadership, district and state administrative leadership, and anyone interested in growing their knowledge, skills, and approaches to suicide prevention in their practice.

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This 90-minute webinar will explore the global experience of behavioral health priorities during large-scale disasters or critical incidents including impact, rescue, and disillusionment phases based on examples from response work all over the world and in the US. We will address considerations for personal and professional preparedness, and must-haves for effective and efficient recovery practices at home and at work, and how disaster behavioral health differs from traditional clinical work here and abroad. We will also address cultural commonalities as well as distinctions that make this area of work very relevant on World Mental Health Day.   ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides   FACILITATOR Kira Mauseth, PhD Dr. Kira Mauseth is a practicing clinical psychologist who sees patients at Snohomish Psychology Associates in Everett and Edmonds, WA, is a Teaching Professor at Seattle University and formerly served as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health throughout the COVID response. She also owns Astrum Health LLC, and consults with organizations and educational groups about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities. Dr. Mauseth has provided training to community groups and professionals both regionally and abroad as the co-developer of the Health Support Team© program. Her work and research focus on disaster behavioral health, resilience, and recovery from trauma as well as small and large-scale critical incident response and preparation for organizations. She has worked abroad extensively with disaster survivors and refugees in Haiti, Jordan and Poland, and has trained first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States, and currently serves in the adult mental health clinical seat on Washington State’s Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC). Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

Attendees will learn evidence-based, individual and family therapy practices for LGBTQIA+ youth. This session will highlight creating an inclusive therapeutic context and recognizing intersectional identities of individual students. Presented by: Leah Love, MSSA, LISW, LCSW Leah Love (she/her) has a passion for helping others and creating a safe space for individuals to navigate through life’s barriers. Leah is an independently practicing social worker with an undergraduate degree in Applied Science and a postgraduate degree in Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA). Leah Love, MSSA, LISW, LCSW has a hybrid role with Vita Health as Clinical Development Lead and Clinician. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Ohio. She has worked in the social service field for over 10 years in both clinical and administrative roles. Leah has a passion for assisting others reach their goals, needs and fundamental happiness by intentionally creating a safe environment to work through life’s barriers. She practices from an array of theoretical perspectives utilizing various applicable interventions. Her expertise is in working with youth identifying in the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about this series: Supporting the Mental Well-being of LGBTQIA+ Youth in Schools  

From wildfires to school shootings, we need to be prepared to support the mental health of students, staff and families in our school communities when disaster strikes. This concise resource is a critical tool in building your response plans.   Access The Disaster Behavioral Health: Response and Recovery Considerations Document Here >    Want more information and school mental health resources?  Visit the Northwest MHTTC's School Mental Health page and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

About this Resource:  In this on-demand recording, panelists describe how the Pathways Housing First program works to end homelessness for individuals with mental illness, addiction, and other health challenges. National experts provide case studies to illustrate how Housing First is successfully implemented to address homelessness through City (Milwaukee County Housing Services), State (Georgia Housing Voucher Program), and Federal (VA Homeless Programs Office) programs.

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  ABOUT THIS EPISODE Hear about how 206 South co-founder Adrianna Kara was able to translate a tumultuous childhood and high ACE score into building a community center where she mentors youth, and travels the country teaching weightlifting. GUEST Adrianna Kara, MBA Adrianna Kara has been in the fitness industry since 2012. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Seattle University, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Adrianna has coached and developed programming for a variety of individuals, including elementary age, high school students, Masters athletes, adaptive athletes, athletes on the spectrum, and tactical athletes. She runs 206 South, a Seattle-based non-profit organization with her co-founder, Zach Filer. She began her own journey in Kettlebell Sport in 2016. She holds a Master of Sport in the 20kg Long Cycle, and 844 reps in the 16kg Marathon (60 min) Long Cycle, which set an unofficial World Record. She teaches courses to other coaches around the country through Power Monkey Fitness and Conjugate Tactical.   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: "Physical Activity to Improve Mental Health in Adolescents" 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