Products and Resources Catalog

The following manual provides clinicians from differing backgrounds and disciplines with information on Hispanic and Latinx youth experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP). The main objectives include: Providing an overview of the current literature regarding early psychosis specific to Hispanic and Latinx youth and differences with the rest of the United States population. Discussing clinician growth and awareness in their ability to assess and explore cultural/ ethnic identity, engage clients and families, and build rapport. Reviewing current evidence-based psychosocial and pharmacological interventions for FEP and applicability to this unique population.

The goal of this guide is to increase the awareness and abilities of mental health care providers in their use of cultural elements by promoting the use of culturally appropriate formulations when treating Latinos with mental health disorders. Current research findings inform this guide on the impact of cultural factors on the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders and therapeutic relationships.   Download the PowerPoint slide here. 

La violencia de pareja íntima (VPI) es un problema de salud pública grave y prevenible que afecta a millones de personas (CDC, 2019). El término “violencia de pareja” describe el daño físico, sexual o psicológico por parte de una pareja o cónyuge actual o anterior. Este tipo de violencia puede darse entre parejas heterosexuales o del mismo sexo. Los datos indican que las latinas experimentan tasas similares de violencia de pareja íntima (VPI) en comparación con las mujeres que no son latinas. Aproximadamente 1 de cada 3 latinas (34.4 %) experimentará VPI a lo largo de su vida y 1 de cada 12 latinas (8.6%) ha experimentado VPI en los últimos 12 meses, incluyendo violencia física y sexual, así como acoso. Este producto ofrece una guía para abordar consideraciones socioculturales y recomendaciones clínicas al evaluar y brindar servicios de salud mental a latinas que experimentaron IPV.

This resource contains a compendium of the Youth Gang curriculum that can help understand the Hispanic and Latino youth gang involvement and the context and implications for the mental health repercussions. This desk reference will include a quick look at the following topics: Mental Impacts of Gang Involvement Trauma and Stress Substance and Abuse and other Mental Effects Common Reasons for Gang Joining Geographic and Environmental Factors Push and Pull Factors Hispanic and Latino Identity Cultural Considerations when working with Latino Youth and Families Cultural Inclusive Approach Main Takeaways 

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of individuals (CDC, 2019). Intimate partner violence describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples. Data indicate that Latinas experience similar rates of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) compared to non-Latinas. About 1 in 3 Latinas (34.4 %) will experience IPV during her lifetime, and 1 in 12 Latinas (8.6%) has experienced IPV in the previous 12 months, including physical and sexual violence and stalking. This product offers guidelines for addressing sociocultural considerations and clinical recommendations while assessing and providing mental health services to Latinas that experienced IPV. 

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the New England MHTTC amplified the work of community-based organizations (CBOs) and nonprofits in New England supporting mental health and advancing substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery in Hispanic/Latino communities. In a "Round-Robin-style" of presentation, CBOs and local nonprofits throughout the New England region showcased their goals, growth, outcomes, and visions for the future in their efforts to support the behavioral health needs of underserved populations. Celebrate innovation! Review the video recording of our Diversity and Inclusion Project Showcase and the presentation. Show Hosts: Taylor Bryan Turner, Assistant Regional Administrator, SAMHSA Region 1 and Maria E. Restrepo-Toro, MS, Co-Director, New England MHTTC Featured Organizations: Brazilian Women's Group (MA), Gandara Center (MA), Hispanic Health Council (CT), Maine Mobile Health Program, Inc. (ME), and Progreso Latino (RI) Original Air Date: October 12, 2022

View Session Recording Webinar Description: This webinar will support the implementation of a recovery-oriented system of care that aligns with Hispanic and Latino/é cultural values. The goal of mental health services is to cultivate an environment in which individuals with lived experiences of mental health concerns feel comfortable seeking care, engaging in treatment, and supported on their journey towards recovery. Understanding the various barriers to recovery-oriented reform (individual, cultural, and structural), developing recovery-oriented competencies, and communicating recovery-oriented messages within Hispanic and Latino/é communities can enhance a recovery-oriented system of care.   Presenters: Oscar F. Rojas Perez, Darice Orobitg, Katty Rivera, Caribel Sanbria Velez, Graziela Reis, Maria E. Restrepo-Toro, and Kristine Irizarry   Intended Audience: Mental health practitioners, peer providers, individuals with lived experience, and family members.   Learning Objectives: Understand structural challenges to supporting mental health recovery in Hispanic and Latino/é communities. Recognize recovery-oriented staff competencies to enhance and promote recovery with Hispanic and Latino/é individuals. Identify strategies on how to integrate Hispanic and Latino/é cultural elements and values with principles of recovery. Learn from a peer leader about the impact of peer support mental health services in supporting recovery among Hispanic and Latino/é communities.   This interactive webinar is a collaboration among the following Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers: New England, Northeast & Caribbean, and National Hispanic and Latino.   *Latiné (pronounced la·ˈ​ti·​ne) is a gender-neutral form of the word Latino, created by LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in Spanish speaking countries. The objective of the term Latiné is to remove gender from the Spanish word Latino, by replacing it with the gender-neutral Spanish letter é.

Download presentation slides Webinar Description: This webinar will support the implementation of a recovery-oriented system of care that aligns with Hispanic and Latino/é cultural values. The goal of mental health services is to cultivate an environment in which individuals with lived experiences of mental health concerns feel comfortable seeking care, engaging in treatment, and supported on their journey towards recovery. Understanding the various barriers to recovery-oriented reform (individual, cultural, and structural), developing recovery-oriented competencies, and communicating recovery-oriented messages within Hispanic and Latino/é communities can enhance a recovery-oriented system of care.   Presenters: Oscar F. Rojas Perez, Darice Orobitg, Katty Rivera, Caribel Sanbria Velez, Graziela Reis, Maria E. Restrepo-Toro, and Kristine Irizarry   Intended Audience: Mental health practitioners, peer providers, individuals with lived experience, and family members.   Learning Objectives: Understand structural challenges to supporting mental health recovery in Hispanic and Latino/é communities. Recognize recovery-oriented staff competencies to enhance and promote recovery with Hispanic and Latino/é individuals. Identify strategies on how to integrate Hispanic and Latino/é cultural elements and values with principles of recovery. Learn from a peer leader about the impact of peer support mental health services in supporting recovery among Hispanic and Latino/é communities.   This interactive webinar is a collaboration among the following Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers: New England, Northeast & Caribbean, and National Hispanic and Latino.   *Latiné (pronounced la·ˈ​ti·​ne) is a gender-neutral form of the word Latino, created by LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in Spanish speaking countries. The objective of the term Latiné is to remove gender from the Spanish word Latino, by replacing it with the gender-neutral Spanish letter é. Other related resources: Walking in Recovery Cards (English) Caminando en Recuperación (Español) Trajetória de Recovery (Portuguese)

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The October 2022 issue closes out our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (observed Sept.15-Oct.15) with new episodes of the Checking In Podcast. This issue also features information and resources that support National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month. You will also find links to all the upcoming events and trainings for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. 

  Host: Isa Velez Echevarria, PsyD Featured Guest: Adriana Alejandre, LMFT, Founder of Latinx Therapy and Host of Latinx Therapy Podcast   ****Este podcast es en Español.****   We invite you to check in with Isa Velez and Adriana Alejandre as they celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, discuss the importance of providing culturally appropriate services for Hispanic/Latinx communities, and share with listeners a variety of projects and resources specific to supporting behavioral health for Hispanic/Latinx populations.  (Listening time: 18 min., 22 sec.)      Adriana Alejandre, LMFT Adriana Alejandre is a trauma psychotherapist and speaker from Los Angeles, California. She specializes in serving adults who struggle with PTSD and severe traumas at her own private practice. In recent years, she has also offered her services as part of disaster relief efforts for those traumatized and distressed by Hurricane Harvey and the Las Vegas shooting. Adriana is the founder of Latinx Therapy, a national directory of Latinx Therapists and global, bilingual podcast that provides education to combat the stigma of mental health on the ground, and in the digital spaces. Adriana’s expertise has been featured in LA Times, Telemundo, USA Today, the New York Times and Buzzfeed, among many others. In 2019, she won Hispanizice’s TECLA award for Best Social Good Content award, and in 2020 she was one of five Latinx influencers chosen for the #YoSoy Instagram and Hispanic Heritage Foundation award. Adriana’s mission is to create spaces to spark dialogue about mental health struggles and strengths in the Latinx community.   Latinx Therapy Podcast Latinx Therapy Website, Service Provider Directory, & Other Resources

  Host: Isa Velez Echevarria, PsyD Featured Guest: Adriana Alejandre, LMFT, Founder of Latinx Therapy and Host of Latinx Therapy Podcast   ****This podcast was recorded in English.****   We invite you to check in with Isa Velez and Adriana Alejandre as they celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, discuss the importance of providing culturally appropriate services for Hispanic/Latinx communities, and share with listeners a variety of projects and resources specific to supporting behavioral health for Hispanic/Latinx populations.  (Listening time: 20 min., 49 sec.)      Adriana Alejandre, LMFT Adriana Alejandre is a trauma psychotherapist and speaker from Los Angeles, California. She specializes in serving adults who struggle with PTSD and severe traumas at her own private practice. In recent years, she has also offered her services as part of disaster relief efforts for those traumatized and distressed by Hurricane Harvey and the Las Vegas shooting. Adriana is the founder of Latinx Therapy, a national directory of Latinx Therapists and global, bilingual podcast that provides education to combat the stigma of mental health on the ground, and in the digital spaces. Adriana’s expertise has been featured in LA Times, Telemundo, USA Today, the New York Times and Buzzfeed, among many others. In 2019, she won Hispanizice’s TECLA award for Best Social Good Content award, and in 2020 she was one of five Latinx influencers chosen for the #YoSoy Instagram and Hispanic Heritage Foundation award. Adriana’s mission is to create spaces to spark dialogue about mental health struggles and strengths in the Latinx community.   Latinx Therapy Podcast Latinx Therapy Website, Service Provider Directory, & Other Resources

  Host: Isa Velez Echevarria, PsyD Featured Guest: Maureen Dee, MSW, MBA   ****This podcast was recorded in English.****   We invite you to check in with Isa Velez and Maureen Dee as they celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, discuss the importance of providing culturally appropriate services for Hispanic/Latinx communities, and share with listeners a variety of projects and resources specific to supporting behavioral health for Hispanic/Latinx populations.  (Listening time: 41 min., 37 sec.)      Maureen Dee, MSW, MBA Maureen Dee retired in 2019 from her position of Executive Director of Treatment, Prevention and Recovery Programs at Catholic Charities Corporation, in the Diocese of Cleveland.  Since graduating from CWRU/MSASS in 1978 (Master’s in Social Work), she went to work at Catholic Counseling Center in Cleveland, as a bilingual social worker. She subsequently earned an MBA from Cleveland State in 1985. Maureen was born and raised in Uruguay, South America, and is committed to serving the Hispanic Community. Starting with her course of study at MSASS, she specialized in program planning and alcohol treatment. She started various programs for juvenile justice-involved adolescents who presented with a concern about their use of alcohol and/or other drugs. She developed an expertise in the delivery of alcohol and other drug treatment and prevention at Catholic Charities and managed all of Catholic Charities’ behavioral health programs in Cuyahoga County, including 4 Matt Talbot residential treatment centers.  She worked in Cleveland’s Catholic Social Services system for 41 years. Maureen facilitated the start of the first Hispanic Urban Minority Alcohol and Drug Abuse Outpatient Program in Ohio (the Hispanic UMADAOP) which was housed temporarily under Catholic Charities and then became its own 501 C 3 organization under Miguel Prieto.  She helped start Hispanic Alliance, Inc., a consortium of Hispanic-serving organizations to promote collaboration and enhance funding for the needs in the Hispanic community. She was also instrumental in securing the zoning and funding to establish Hispanic UMADAOP’s Casa ALMA residential treatment center for latinos, also the first in Ohio.  She has served on various Ohio State and Cuyahoga County strategic and planning committees, including the Ohio Recovery Council under Governor Richard Celeste which was instrumental in forming the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS); was appointed to serve on the Ohio Chemical Dependency Credentialing Board for 8 years (now the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board); was instrumental in developing the adolescent criteria for determining placement in treatment levels of care (a precursor to the ASAM criteria); was on the Cuyahoga County Service Coordination Team under the Families and Children First Council which coordinated child placements for the Department of Children and Family Services and the Juvenile Court; and was on many other committees and collaborations with the intent of advancing alcohol, other drug addiction and mental health treatment and prevention services for special populations, in particular adolescents and minorities. Maureen currently serves on the Hispanic Roundtable and on the governing boards of LATINA, Inc., the MetroHealth System and the Brittingham Memorial Medical Library at MetroHealth, and is also on the Board of Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center, which serves the HIV/AIDS population.  Maureen is a member of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences’ Visiting Committee at Case Western Reserve University. She is a mentor for Master’s students in their Leadership Fellows Program and she is also a mentor for College Now first time college-bound Hispanic students transitioning from the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD).  

PURPOSE This book guides mental health providers working with Latinx communities from México, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Specifically, it presents unique and specific experiences of Mexican, Guatemalan, Salvadoran, and Honduran communities in the country of origin and the United States and their possible impact on the mental health among these communities. A focus on the intersecting role of oppression, historical trauma, oppressive policies, and current stressors (COVID-19) is explored in the context of mental health considerations. The book serves to better inform providers and clinical educators on how historical contexts can provide unique insights into the mental health experience of Latinx communities.   STATEMENT OF NEED Latinx communities represent the largest minority group in the United States. The latest data from the US Census indicates that there are currently 60.6 million Latinxs in the US, representing 18.5% of the total US population (US Census, 2020). Latinx communities have historically been oppressed due to colonialization, modern-day oppression, and racist political agendas (both in their country of origin and the United States). Latinxs experience multiple stressors affecting their mental health and experience barriers to culturally responsive treatment.   CONTENT OF THE BOOK The book includes a unique look at the intersection of historical contexts and mental health challenges experienced among Latinx communities from México, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The book also provides useful resources and recommendations for mental health providers and clinical educators to better serve Latinx populations. The chapters on identified countries address specific historical events of the country, migration patterns, indigenous communities, settlement patterns in the U.S., demographics, cultural values, mental health, and substance use-related issues.   BENEFITS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIANS Improve culturally responsive practices Increase engagement among Latinx populations receiving mental health services Increase wellness among Latinxs receiving mental health services Improve the therapeutic alliance with Latinx populations Recognize the intersection of historical contexts with mental health experiences Include historical contexts in conceptualizations to inform presenting concerns and interventions    

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans in the United States. While Hispanics have made and continue to make significant contributions to society, health inequities persist. This year, join the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) and the Great Lakes MHTTC in our learning challenge as we seek to gain a better understanding of the Hispanic heritage, culture, barriers to behavioral health care, and how to address the systemic inequities faced by this growing population.   Connect with us on Facebook and share your most impactful and motivating takeaways from participating in the challenge!   This educational resource was created by OACBHA in partnership with the Great Lakes MHTTC. 

About this Resource:  The Southeast MHTTC Newsletter highlights upcoming events and recently released products as well as shares information on available resources from SAMHSA and the MHTTC network.  The September 2022 issue recognizes National Suicide Prevention Month, Recovery Month, and National Hispanic Heritage Month, highlights our upcoming events and recent products, and provides resources available through the MHTTC Network and SAMHSA to connect individuals to needed treatment and support. 

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The September 2022 issue celebrates National Recovery Month and the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month (observed Sept.15-Oct.15). This issue also features new products, such as the Alcohol Is Still a Drug webinar series flipbook and the MHTTC Network's Cultural Inclusiveness and Equity WISE companion training series. Don't miss SAMHSA Assistant Secretary, Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon's video address in honor of National Recovery Month. You will also find links to all the upcoming events and trainings for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. 

July 28, 2022 During Minority Mental Health Month, join our efforts to amplify the work of community-based organizations (CBOs) in Connecticut and New Hampshire supporting mental health and advancing substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery! In a "Round-Robin-style" of presentation, CBOs and local nonprofits in Connecticut and New Hampshire will showcase their goals, growth, outcomes, and visions for the future in their efforts to support the behavioral health needs of underserved populations.   Presenter(s): Taylor Bryan Turner, Assistant Regional Administrator, SAMHSA Region 1 Maria Restrepo-Toro, Co-Director, New England MHTTC Susan Stearns, Executive Director, NAMI NH Liz Taylor, Executive Director, NAMI CT  

  The Latinx LGBT+ Community: The consequences of intersectionality The material in this curriculum underscores the critical need to understand how intersections between culture, ethnic minority status, gender identity, and sexual orientation influence the psychological health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Latinx populations.   Celebrating diversity and our identities throughout the year to strengthen mental health

La Comunidad LGBT+ Latinx: Las consecuencias de la interseccionalidad El material de este libro subraya la necesidad crítica de comprender cómo las intersecciones entre cultura, estatus de minoría étnica, identidad de género y la orientación sexual influyen sobre la salud psicológica y el bienestar de las poblaciones LGBTQ+ Latinx.   Celebrando la diversidad y nuestras identidades a través de año para fortalecer la salud mental

Stress is a common factor in our society that affects and impacts us daily. On many occasions, this is the cause of various physical and mental health conditions, which creates difficulty in our daily lives. For marginalized communities, the stress factor increases. For decades, the LGBT+1 community has been a population marginalized and stigmatized by the State. Adding to this issue, being part of an ethnic minority increases the stress factor. The Minority Stress Model describes the excessive stress to which individuals of stigmatized social categories are exposed due to their social position, which is often that of a minority. Rodríguez-Seijas and colleagues (2019) estimate that about 25% of people in the Latinx sexual identity/orientation minority sector in the past year have met the criteria for a diagnosis of major depression and 37% a diagnosis of alcohol use. Compared to heterosexual Latinxs, you see a difference between 11% and 13%, respectively. This is a worrying figure because it reflects the social disparities the community goes through.    

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This document discusses cultural needs and treatment adaptations that can best serve the Hispanic and Latinx populations and was developed in conjunction with the "Increasing Cultural Connection with Hispanic and Latinx Clients: Incorporating Strategies to Effectively Engage Hispanic and Latinx Clients" webinar held on June 8, 2022. View the recorded webinar and other related resources here.     Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

June 27, 2022 A  Federação para Crianças Portadoras de Necessidades Especiais em parceria com o New England MHTTC convidam a comunidade Brasileira e Portuguesa residente no estado de Massachusetts-U.S para participar de uma série de conversa sobre Trauma, Abuso e Violência Sexual e Violência Emocional e Psicológica. Esta série visa informar, orientar e proporcionar oportunidade para juntos aprendermos sobre os efeitos das vivências traumáticas, o impacto na vida das pessoas e o processo de recovery.   Objetivos:  Identificar experiências traumáticas e as consequências na saúde mental, no bem-estar e no processo de recovery. Compreender como o estigma e outras barreiras culturais podem impactar na busca por tratamento ou apoio para lidar com situações traumáticas. Entenda como a família, os amigos e a comunidade podem ajudar no processo de recovery.  

  ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This is the second of three webinars on the topic of Increasing Cultural Connection with Hispanic and Latinx Clients. This webinar discusses cultural needs and treatment adaptations that can best serve the Hispanic and Latinx populations. Culture has proven to be the foundation of the working relationship with all populations. A positive cultural connection has been proven to increase the success of clinical interventions and prevent early termination. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to gain awareness of the cultural needs and treatment adaptations that can best serve the Hispanic and Latinx populations. In addition to identifying cultural needs, this workshop will also provide options for cultural assessment in the client-clinician-supervisor relationship and within the organization. Lastly, this presentation will provide guidance as to specific cultural adaptations that clinicians can make to their evidence-based practices to increase the success of treatment. Participants in this workshop will be able to: Identify specific cultural needs of the Hispanic and Latinx clients Assess the cultural dynamic of the client-clinician-supervisor relationship Assess the organizational environment to identify cultural adaptation needs Incorporate strategies to effectively engage and intervene with Hispanic and Latinx clients ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides  Highlights & Key Concepts Document CLC Assessment Tool: Based on the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (CLAS Standards), from SAMHSA National CLAS Standards – Think Cultural Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services   FACILITATOR Michelle Evans, DSW, LCSW, CADC  Dr. Michelle Evans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider and Evaluator. She has worked in primarily with the Latinx population throughout her career as a child welfare specialist and forensic evaluator and treatment provider. She is currently the Hospital Administrator for Elgin Mental Health Center in Elgin, Illinois, a state forensic psychiatric hospital. She is in private practice at Nickerson & Associates, PC as a bilingual therapist where she treats adults and adolescents with mental health issues, substance abuse issues and sex addictions. She also teaches on these topics at Aurora University and University of Chicago. Previously, she was the Assistant Dean for Health Professions and Public Service at Waubonsee Community College, and she has held other positions within private psychiatric hospitals. Throughout her career, she has worked to increase equity, justice and cultural awareness in these institutions. Michelle Evans earned a Doctor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois. Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

  ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This is the third of three webinars on the topic of Increasing Cultural Connection with Hispanic and Latinx Clients. This webinar discusses cultural needs and treatment adaptations that can best serve the Hispanic and Latinx populations. Culture has proven to be the foundation of the working relationship with all populations. A positive cultural connection has been proven to increase the success of clinical interventions and prevent early termination. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to gain awareness of the cultural needs and treatment adaptations that can best serve the Hispanic and Latinx populations. In addition to identifying cultural needs, this workshop will also provide options for cultural assessment in the client-clinician-supervisor relationship and within the organization. Lastly, this presentation will provide guidance as to specific cultural adaptations that clinicians can make to their evidence-based practices to increase the success of treatment. Participants in this workshop will be able to: Identify specific cultural needs of the Hispanic and Latinx clients Assess the cultural dynamic of the client-clinician-supervisor relationship Assess the organizational environment to identify cultural adaptation needs Incorporate strategies to effectively engage and intervene with Hispanic and Latinx clients   ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides Highlights & Key Concepts Document   Psychiatry.org - DSM-5 Assessment Measures: see the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI)    FACILITATOR Michelle Evans, DSW, LCSW, CADC Dr. Michelle Evans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider and Evaluator. She has worked in primarily with the Latinx population throughout her career as a child welfare specialist and forensic evaluator and treatment provider. She is currently the Hospital Administrator for Elgin Mental Health Center in Elgin, Illinois, a state forensic psychiatric hospital. She is in private practice at Nickerson & Associates, PC as a bilingual therapist where she treats adults and adolescents with mental health issues, substance abuse issues and sex addictions. She also teaches on these topics at Aurora University and University of Chicago. Previously, she was the Assistant Dean for Health Professions and Public Service at Waubonsee Community College, and she has held other positions within private psychiatric hospitals. Throughout her career, she has worked to increase equity, justice and cultural awareness in these institutions. Michelle Evans earned a Doctor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois. Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement