Products and Resources Catalog

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

  To view resources from this training, please click DOWNLOAD Event Description This session is designed for providers (usually mental health) who are working with a student/child/person in crisis. Learn how to connect, listen, stabilize, ground, and refer out when/if needed. 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.

To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Click here to watch the recording Event Description Research consistently finds that a comprehensive approach to violence prevention offers the greatest potential for preventing violence. This presentation describes the current violence problem, defines the key components of a comprehensive approach to violence prevention, and provides ways to implement this approach in schools and communities. Trainer Beverly Kingston, Ph.D. Beverly Kingston, Ph.D., is director and senior research associate at the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research focuses on addressing the root causes of violence by creating the conditions that support healthy human development throughout the life course. She has led several multi-million-dollar school and community initiatives and research studies funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute of Justice, among others, that focus on implementing a comprehensive public health approach to violence prevention. She has published articles on using comprehensive public health models to address youth violence, school safety, neighborhood social factors, and health and the built environment.

  To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Click here to watch the recording Event Description This presentation will focus on advances in culturally responsive clinical supervision. Fundamental concepts and definitions in cultural responsiveness more broadly such as privilege, oppression, and intersectionality, as well as common points of misunderstanding, will be reviewed. Multicultural Orientation and structural approaches will be briefly introduced as they apply to clinical supervision, and the research on culturally responsive clinical supervision will be discussed. Trainer Melanie Wilcox, Ph.D., ABPP Dr. Melanie Wilcox is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and Department of Psychiatry at Augusta University. She is also a licensed psychologist and board certified in counseling psychology and works part-time in private practice providing both therapy and assessment via telehealth. Her clinical areas of expertise include culturally responsive and trauma-informed care as well as substance abuse and addiction. Her research focuses on culturally response and antiracist psychotherapy and training, racial and socioeconomic inequity in higher education, and racial and social justice more broadly. She is in her final year as a member of the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs, which she chaired in 2020, and is currently President Elect-Elect of APA Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology.

  ABOUT THIS EPISODE Hear from Breann Vandenberg, a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor from a rural community in Oregon who works in agriculture. Breann shares her first exposure to MHFA, her experience starting MHFA in her area, how it combats stigma and why this training is so effective. GUEST Breann Vandenberg, MS Breann Vandenberg works with the Oregon State University Extension Service based in Lake County, OR. She is an alumnus of the University of Idaho and holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Animal Science-Physiology. Breann has worked in all facets of animal agriculture and pharmaceutical research, as well as youth programming while providing leadership for the 4-H Youth Development Program in Lake County. In response to community need, in 2020 Breann jumped aboard the Coast to Forest team with Oregon State University, focusing efforts in Mental Health response, building awareness and improving community capacity, and reducing stigma to Mental Health and Substance Use challenge. In addition to her family’s beef operation and county 4-H appointment, she delivers trainings such as Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, Question Persuade Refer, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to Pacific Northwest communities.   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 Learn more about Mental Health First Aid & upcoming trainings with Oregon State University 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

About this Resource:  Behavioral health is undergoing a significant change with a focus on measurement-based care that treats to defined targets like other medical conditions. In this recording, Dr. Lori Raney discusses how primary care and specialty behavioral health practices can lead this change by moving beyond simply screening and follow-up plans to identify targets and then using validated measurement tools to assess treatment response and adjust treatment according to outcomes. She provides examples including the PHQ9 for depression, GAD7 for anxiety, and Vanderbilt for ADHD. She advocates for advancing this approach for the treatment of behavioral health conditions as a central tool for enhancing and informing population health and providing better metrics on behavioral health need and improvement.

The second October issue of our newsletter spotlights Indigenous Peoples' Day & World Mental Health Day, features three upcoming Northwest MHTTC webinars, MHTTC & PTTC network events, other events of interest and resources.

  To view resources from this training, please click DOWNLOAD Event Description This session is designed for anyone working with kids/others in crisis. Topics covered include self-care basics and suggestions, burnout signs to look for in coworkers, and examines the overall importance of support systems during a crisis. There will also be time to collaborate in small groups to prepare a self-care plan and share ideas that have worked well, with each other. 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.

Up to one-third of individuals experiencing early psychosis use cannabis and one in four meet criteria for a cannabis use disorder. Cannabis use is associated with multiple devastating outcomes, including relapse, rehospitalization, increased psychotic symptoms, reduced treatment engagement and medication adherence. Cannabis is considered the most preventable cause of psychosis relapse. This presentation will disentangle some of the myths and facts of cannabis such as, “Is cannabis addictive?” and provide contextual information for how cannabis has changed since legalization of a retail market. The rationale and importance of addressing cannabis use in psychosis treatment informed by the current science will be reviewed. Best practices for cannabis assessment and consequences will be briefly described including the challenges posed by retail cannabis markets and products. Motivational enhancement therapy for cannabis misuse, an evidence-based practice, will be presented. Presented by: Denise Walker is a Research Professor at the University of Washington, Director of the Innovative Programs Research Group and is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of New Mexico, completed her predoctoral internship at Yale University and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington.  A main area of her research expertise is on the development and evaluation of interventions for cannabis use disorders for both adults and adolescents, utilizing brief interventions (Motivational Enhancement Therapy, MET), longer courses of treatment (MET+CBT), and aftercare. She has been involved in the development and evaluation of the Teen Marijuana Check-Up (TMCU), a school-based intervention to elicit self-referral by heavy using adolescents.  The TMCU has been the focus of five clinical trials and is identified as an “Evidence Based” intervention on the NREPP.  For the past three years, Dr. Walker has been applying her work to psychosis populations and is currently the PI of two grants focused on the adaptation of MET to address cannabis use among young adults with psychosis. Learn more about this series: First Episode Psychosis Webinar Series & Learning Community

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The October 2023 issue honors National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, World Mental Health Day (October 10), and the newest installment of the NIATx in New Places blog series on the ATTC/NIATx Service Improvement Blog! As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!  

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE 206 South is a Seattle-based non-profit organization that provides weightlifting and martial arts training to youth and adults. 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. Learning Objectives:  Review Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and outcomes for youth with high ACEs Understand the benefits of a trauma-informed approach to coaching & teaching Learn the key objectives of program design for adolescents to maximize buy-in   ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides Word cloud responses   FACILITATOR 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.   Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

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 integrate positionality into their work. This slide deck is available for download to share education about positionality with your audience. Please feel free to use or remove slides as appropriate for your audience. Please clearly note any changes you make to slides as your own work versus that of the South Southwest MHTTC. Included in the slide deck are slides that cover: what positionality is, a metaphor explaining positionality, myths and facts about positionality, why positionality is important, an example of how a researcher may apply positionality, a model for applying positionality, and guiding questions for developing your own positionality statement. Terms to know are provided at the end of the slide deck. We hope that this slide deck allows you to share the benefits of positionality with your audience!

In this series, participants will learn about implementing and evaluating new or existing programs at their agency. In this third session, the evaluation stage will be covered. View session recording

About this Resource:  Two-track programs focusing their energy on either substance use or other mental health challenges have continued to be the norm in many treatment settings despite the evidence showing improved outcomes for people who are dually diagnosed that receive specialized treatment. In this webinar recording, panelists explore why we should work to change this standard, and how peer support can be deployed to better support people in dual recovery.

About this Resource: This is the Spanish language version of our previously published fact sheet titled "Faith, Spirituality, and Peer Support." It is meant to accompany a webinar presented by Dr. Monty Burkes. 

The October issue of our newsletter spotlights Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 1-7, features two upcoming Northwest MHTTC webinars, MHTTC & ATTC network events, other events of interest and resources. October is also National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Disability Employment Awareness Month, and more. Upcoming weekly newsletters will feature additional resources and ways to get involved.

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

The Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and the UW SMART Center presented the 2024 Virtual Speaker Series to the school mental health workforce. The six-session series features discussions on ways to create a positive school climate for students and staff. Through this series, we spotlight evidenced-based strategies to address universal screening, staff retention, and bullying and its intersection with youth mental health and violence. Please feel free to share the series flyer with your colleagues!   Learn more and register for upcoming events in the series here.    Check out the history of this series! SMART Center 2023 Speaker Series SMART Center 2022 Speaker Series SMART Center 2021 Speaker Series   Learn more about the UW SMART Center 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.

To view resources from this session, click DOWNLOAD Click here to watch the recording Event Description Suicide continues to be one of the leading causes of death for transition aged youth (15-24 years old). Increases in suicide rates for students aged 5 to 15 also have been observed over the last several years. Suicide Awareness is the first step in preventing youth suicide and supporting youth at risk of suicide.   This webinar will focus on the following learning objectives: 1. Increase awareness of the myths and stigma behind suicide 2. Identify common risk and protective factors for youth at risk of suicide. 3. Identify warning signs for youth at risk of suicide. Trainer Rachel Navarro, Ph.D., LP

Attendees will learn evidence-based, small group practices for LGTBQIA+ youth. Attendees will understand core components for small group therapy and identify components that can be modified to be inclusive of LGBTQIA+ youth. Attendees will also hear about a small group intervention that was specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ youth. Presented by: Shelley Craig, PhD Shelley L. Craig joined the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work in 2009 as an Assistant Professor. She served as an Associate Dean, Academic from 2016-2019. She is currently a full Professor and holds a Canada Research Chair in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. Dr. Craig’s program of research focuses on cultivating resilience in marginalized populations through innovative, community-based interventions. Her primary specializations are: (1) understanding the needs of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY), particularly the role of information and communication technologies on their mental health and wellbeing (2) developing of tailored interventions to address the mental health disparities of SGMY (3) exploring the skills and interventions used by health social workers to impact the social determinants of health (3) developing competent social work practitioners through effective social work education. Dr. Craig has developed and tested the first evidence-informed interventions for sexual and gender minority youth mental health including Strengths-First (a resilience-focused case management program for youth at risk); ASSET (an empowering group model delivered in schools), AFFIRM (an affirmative cognitive-behavioural group intervention) and AFFIRMative Caregiver (an affirmative group intervention for parents and caregivers of SGMY). She has created INQYR, The International Partnership for Queer Youth Resilience, which consists of fifty international scholars, four regional research networks and twelve students as part of the International Student Training Network. Dr. Craig has also directed a community research plan in Miami-Dade County and subsequently established a comprehensive system of care for SGMY and their families. In addition to many other research activities, she has conducted extensive research on HIV prevention interventions with juvenile detainees, newcomers and immigrants and sex workers. She is a PI on an international study of LGBTQ students in social work programs. Dr. Craig is grateful to have been funded by SSHRC, CIHR, PHAC, Lesbian Health Foundation as well as other donors. During her extensive practice history, Dr Craig has served as: Founder and Executive Director of the Alliance for LGBTQ Youth, Executive Director of ALSO for Out Youth; Medical social worker in the emergency care center of a community hospital; and Director of a domestic violence shelter as well as many other positions. She has been grateful to be the recipient multiple awards including the Ontario Association of Social Work (OASW) Inspirational Social Work Leader (2015). Learn more about this series: Supporting the Mental Well-being of LGBTQIA+ Youth in Schools   Co-sponsored by:  

A presentation for Rutgers Health faculty, clinical health care providers, and educators about the use of 988 call-line for people in emotional distress. This is being offered to support the Rutgers Health Suicide Prevention month and Suicide Prevention Committee at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. OBJECTIVE 1: Provide overview of 988 Call-Line 2: Identify situations with patients, colleagues or students when 988 may be helpful 3: Differentiate 988 from 911 4: Offer resources for people in emotional crisis. View session recording.