Products and Resources Catalog

March 30, 2022 Creating a safe, engaging environment can make or break success in mental health and substance use disorder recovery. From helping to create a home (not just “housing”) to holding a safe space in a conversation, it starts with meeting people where they are through Person-Centered Planning. This workshop will help you set the stage for recovery-oriented transformation by establishing an environment where the condition of being human is priority number one and the evidence-based practice of Person-Centered Planning (PCP) is activated across the system of care. Part Two of this workshop will focus on the onboarding of new employees, training, and creating the infrastructure to ensure PCP is a daily practice.   to watch the recording, go to: https://youtu.be/1ieL-Le_7-c    

About this Resource:  Evidence-based practices have become the goal for supporting recovery for people with severe mental illness. But, we are not all working in environments that have the capacity to achieve full fidelity to these models.  In Part 5 of our this 6-part series Angela Rollins, PhD, reviews core aspects of Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment (IDDT), focusing on practical strategies and skills behavioral health providers can use now to make a difference in assisting clients meet substance use reduction goals. To learn more or register for other sessions in this series, please visit our Keeping It Practical: Core Skills for Evidence-Based Practices page or click here. 

  Adolescent substance use is a major public health problem that concerns parents, schools, clinicians, and policymakers. Hispanic/Latinx youth and other youth of color with substance use problems are at particular risk for disparate health outcomes and disrupted education.     At the end of this webinar the participant will be able to:    1. Identify school-based prevention programs that are evidence-based, are culturally responsive and trauma-informed  2. Consider the impact of school drug policies and practices on student outcomes, particularly for racial-ethnic minoritized students   3. List clinical signs and symptoms of substance impairment   4. Describe and implement best practices for referral and engaging adolescents who are using substances in treatment interventions  5. Describe and implement evidence-based clinical approaches for addressing adolescent substance use

March 14, 2022   To watch the recording, go to: https://youtu.be/MYooHlwQlxI   ARCO is part of Faces and Voices of Recovery – a fantastic recovery advocacy organization that does work at the national level.  https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/arco/arco-members-on-the-map/

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This document provides an overview of the core elements of a whole-person care framework and was developed in conjunction with the webinar "A Framework for Whole-Person Care in Behavioral Health" held on December 2, 2021. View the recorded webinar and other related resources here.     Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

Alcohol is STILL a Drug: An Exploratory Webinar Series (February 1, 2022) Recording     The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.   DESCRIPTION  Alcohol is STILL a drug.  The opioid crisis, increase in stimulant misuse, and marijuana legalization dominate the news— yet alcohol remains the number one substance causing health, social, legal and financial problems throughout the US.  While this series will focus on the hopefulness of recovery from alcohol use disorder, we’ll also take a deep dive into what we know about the full impact of alcohol overuse and the ways it affects every person in the US.   February 2022 Session: LGBTQ+ Youth and Alcohol Use Despite gains in LGBTQ+ civil rights laws, queer youth continue to experience disparities in health, safety, and SUD issues. This virtual presentation will present what you need to know as a provider about queer youth and alcohol.     SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES These are the overall learning objectives for the full 10-session series:  Summarize the current impacts of problematic alcohol use in various/special populations, including pregnant women, youth, rural, and minority populations.  Assess and prioritize alcohol reduction efforts in targeted settings.  Describe the current efforts to curb problematic alcohol use, including best practices in providing treatment.    SPEAKER   De’An Roper, PhD, LCSW-S  pronouns she, her, hers    De’An Roper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Social Work at University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to her academic career, Dr. Roper worked in various systems of care for more than two decades. Her early experience was shaped by working in the LGBTQ+ community during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Later her direct practice included working in criminal justice environments developing treatment programs for people diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. Dr. Roper’s areas of practice expertise include program development, LGBTQ+ cultural competence, service team development and, she provides advanced clinical supervision. Her research interests include, sexual and gender minority health disparities, health risk behaviors, substance abuse, mental health and criminal justice systems. 

Alcohol is STILL a Drug: An Exploratory Webinar Series (December 7, 2021) Recording   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.     DESCRIPTION  Alcohol is STILL a drug.  The opioid crisis, increase in stimulant misuse, and marijuana legalization dominate the news— yet alcohol remains the number one substance causing health, social, legal and financial problems throughout the US. While this series will focus on the hopefulness of recovery from alcohol use disorder, we’ll also take a deep dive into what we know about the full impact of alcohol overuse and the ways it affects every person in the US.   The December 7, 2021 session will focus on Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment. In this workshop, Joe Rosenfeld will briefly discuss the constant nature of alcohol as an epidemic and the early (pre-1950’s) efforts at treatment and recovery. Then present the emergence of the current Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment system and identify an array of evidence supported practices currently in use.   In the process, Joe will “slay” a long-held treatment practice. But you’ll have to watch to learn which one.   SPEAKER Dr. Joseph Rosenfeld, Psy.D., CRADC., HS-BCP Dr. Rosenfeld is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Certified Reciprocal Alcoholism and Other Drug Counselor, and Human Services - Board Certified Professional.  He is a Professor in the Addiction Counselor Training Program within the Human Services Department at Elgin Community College.   SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES These are the overall learning objectives for the full 10-session series:  Summarize the current impacts of problematic alcohol use in various/special populations, including pregnant women, youth, rural, and minority populations.  Assess and prioritize alcohol reduction efforts in targeted settings.  Describe the current efforts to curb problematic alcohol use, including best practices in providing treatment. 

click on "view resource" to access the webinar recording. powerpoint slides coming soon!

The annual Red Ribbon Week is a week-long campaign to support and promote a drug-free life. This week is a great opportunity to raise awareness and promote strength and resilience in your students and community. The National American Indian and Alaska Native MHTTC has designed the following resources for you to use: Red Ribbon Week Flyer: Celebrate Native style with the individual and school-wide activities provided in this Red Ribbon Week Flyer! Red Ribbon Week Pledge Poster: Have students take a pledge to stay drug free! Personalize the poster below with your school's name by opening the PDF and typing directly into the shaded box.

    The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.   Register to join us on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Central (11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern). Each session will feature a new expert presenter.    DESCRIPTION  Alcohol is STILL a drug.  The opioid crisis, increase in stimulant misuse, and marijuana legalization dominate the news— yet alcohol remains the number one substance causing health, social, legal and financial problems throughout the US.  While this series will focus on the hopefulness of recovery from alcohol use disorder, we’ll also take a deep dive into what we know about the full impact of alcohol overuse and the ways it affects every person in the US.   PRESENTER Ruby Warrington Ruby Warrington is creator of the term Sober Curious. Author of the 2018 book of the same title, her work has spearheaded a global movement to reevaluate our relationship to alcohol. Other works include Material Girl, Mystical World (2017), The Numinous Astro Deck (June 2019), and The Sober Curious Reset (Dec 2020). With 20+ years’ experience as a lifestyle journalist and editor, Ruby is also the founder of self-publishing imprint Numinous Books, and is known as a true thought leader in the “Now Age” wellness space.  

  The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.   Register to join us on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Central (11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern). Each session will feature a new expert presenter.    DESCRIPTION  Alcohol is STILL a drug.  The opioid crisis, increase in stimulant misuse, and marijuana legalization dominate the news— yet alcohol remains the number one substance causing health, social, legal and financial problems throughout the US.  While this series will focus on the hopefulness of recovery from alcohol use disorder, we’ll also take a deep dive into what we know about the full impact of alcohol overuse and the ways it affects every person in the US. Kris Kelly, a peer recovery expert, will launch the series by highlighting September as National Recovery Month and specific resources related to recovery from alcohol use disorder.   PRESENTER Kris Kelly, BS Kris Kelly is a project manager for the Great Lakes Addiction, Mental Health, and Prevention Technology Transfer Centers, a woman in long-term recovery, and subject matter expert on peer-based recovery support services. Kris is also leads the Recovery Community Organization Capacity Building core area for the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence. She has worked with state and local government, recovery community organizations, treatment courts, withdrawal management/detoxification, and clinical treatment developing best practices for integrating recovery supports into systems and services. As a former executive director and director of programs of a Minnesota-based recovery community organization, Kelly is a leader in the peer support movement in Minnesota. Kelly has presented at state and national conferences on topics ranging from supervision in peer-based recovery support services and integrating peer support services into behavioral health organizations to recovery-oriented systems of care.

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This 75-minute webinar addresses opioids, overdose and and Naloxone administration. Topics include: What are opioids and opiates? How do these substances work and affect us? "Fentanyl 101" How to recognize and respond to opioid and stimulant overdoses How to administer naloxone The economics of opioids Reflecting on how the current crisis with opioids developed And more! RESOURCES Presentation slides Highlights & Key Concepts Document   Additional Resources The Opioid Crisis and the Black/African American Population: An Urgent Issue; a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Words Matter - Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction and Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction from the National Institute on Drug Abuse International Overdose Awareness Day Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution - Washington State Department of Health Overdose Prevention resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Overdose Prevention - the National Harm Reduction Coalition Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network Supporting Recovery from Opioid Use: A Peer’s Guide to Person-Centered Care from the Northwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) steps from the Red Cross Naloxone How to use Naloxone for a Drug Overdose from the Washington State Department of Health Opioid Overdose Basics: Responding to Opioid Overdose from the National Harm Reduction Coalition Where to find naloxone in Washington State Washington State Department of Health Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone Harm Reduction Resources Principles of Harm Reduction from the National Harm Reduction Coalition Harm Reduction 101: a recorded webinar from the Northwest MHTTC North America Syringe Exchange Network   FACILITATOR Sean Hemmerle Sean Hemmerle is the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Consultant at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). He facilitates statewide naloxone distribution to organizations that work with people at risk of experiencing or witnessing overdoses. Before joining DOH in 2019, Sean worked as a Community Health Outreach Worker for the Tacoma Needle Exchange. Sean received a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Social Welfare in 2017 from The Evergreen State College- Olympia.   

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This 90-minute webinar on harm reduction is presented by the Northwest MHTTC in partnership with the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon and Outside In. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides FACILITATOR Haven Wheelock Haven Wheelock has been advocating for the health and safety of people who use drugs since 2002. Currently she is the Drug Users Health Services Program Coordinator at Outside In in Portland Oregon. She provides in direct service with people who use drugs and has also been involved in creating policy that improves the health in Oregon. She completed a MPH as a Fellow at Johns Hopkins as part of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative focusing on Overdose and Addiction Policy. She was also a Chief Petitioner for ballot measure 110, which was a first in the nation initiative to decriminalize drugs in the state of Oregon.  

Recording of the event Opiate Use Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment in African Americans, originally held on May 27, 2021.   Presentation slides.

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance will demonstrate ways in which family peer support empowers families to support their loved one’s desire to live independently. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn to engage their loved ones in conversations about housing and independent living; Learn to support their loved ones with finding housing and housing supports; Learn to help their loved ones be successful with independent living.   Speakers:   Dr. Lilchandra Jai Sookram has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. At the Nebraska State Hospital, he provided psychological services to persons with serious mental illness and to their family members, and he directed clinical services including psychology, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, education and return-to-work programs. He is the former director of mental health services in Kansas and clinical director of a juvenile correctional facility. Currently he is manager of family and peer services at Community Alliance. Bill Baerentzen, Ph.D., CRC, LMHP, is serious mental illness program director for the Mid-America MHTTC. Much of his outreach involves promoting evidence-based practices to help people with serious mental illness (SMI) live meaningful inclusive lives. Dr. Baerentzen has worked as director of a 250-bed emergency overnight shelter; supervisor of therapists in a treatment program for persons with co-occurring disorders; and as faculty in a rehabilitation counseling program. Aileen Brady is the chief operating officer at Community Alliance, a behavioral health care organization serving Omaha and surrounding communities. Community Alliance provides an integrated health care approach with a broad range of programs for adult men and women with co-occurring mental illness and substance use conditions. Aileen earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and her master's degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska, Omaha.   Learn more about Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce at https://bit.ly/FPS_2020  

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance will demonstrate ways in which family peer support empowers families to support their loved one’s desire to live independently. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn to engage their loved ones in conversations about housing and independent living; Learn to support their loved ones with finding housing and housing supports; Learn to help their loved ones be successful with independent living.   Speakers:   Dr. Lilchandra Jai Sookram has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. At the Nebraska State Hospital, he provided psychological services to persons with serious mental illness and to their family members, and he directed clinical services including psychology, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, education and return-to-work programs. He is the former director of mental health services in Kansas and clinical director of a juvenile correctional facility. Currently he is manager of family and peer services at Community Alliance. Bill Baerentzen, Ph.D., CRC, LMHP, is serious mental illness program director for the Mid-America MHTTC. Much of his outreach involves promoting evidence-based practices to help people with serious mental illness (SMI) live meaningful inclusive lives. Dr. Baerentzen has worked as director of a 250-bed emergency overnight shelter; supervisor of therapists in a treatment program for persons with co-occurring disorders; and as faculty in a rehabilitation counseling program. Aileen Brady is the chief operating officer at Community Alliance, a behavioral health care organization serving Omaha and surrounding communities. Community Alliance provides an integrated health care approach with a broad range of programs for adult men and women with co-occurring mental illness and substance use conditions. Aileen earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and her master's degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska, Omaha.   Learn more about Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce at https://bit.ly/FPS_2020  

  Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders – An Overview of Skills and Best Practices (5-Part Series) Access slide decks with the green download link above Session descriptions and recordings below   Only 7.4% of individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders receive treatment for both disorders and approximately 55% are receiving no treatment at all (Priester, et al 2016). Access, availability, and affordability to behavioral health treatment is even more difficult when residing in rural areas. This series offers strategies and interventions to address the challenges faced by providers working in rural and remote communities and explore skills and practices that can help support interventions for this population. This series builds on the previous work of the Mountain Plains MHTTC and Mountain Plains ATTC developed product "Depression, Alcohol and Farm Stress: Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders in Rural America."   Session One: Mental Health and Substance Use Prevalence in Populations and Key Barriers   Co-occurring disorders (individuals with both mental health concerns and substance use disorders) have a large societal impact on people living in rural communities where access to resources may be limited. This session will provide a review of key prevalence rates of mental health and substance use disorders with particular attention given to understanding the barriers to care that exist in rural communities. View Recording   Session Two: Case Management Practices for Supporting Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment   Effectively accessing care and leveraging case management services ensures positive outcomes for patients experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This session will explore crucial case management skills that minimize duplication of services, support access to care, and ensure a client-centered approach is maintained throughout interventions. View Recording   Session Three: Contingency Management with Serious Mental Illness   Contingency management is an evidence-based treatment approach focused on the principles of behavior management and cognitive-behavioral therapy that provides incentives for meeting treatment goals. This session will describe how contingency management can be utilized when working with individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders to improve treatment outcomes. View Recording   Session Four: Clinical Supervision Practices for Mental Health and Substance Use Providers   Clinical supervision is critical in achieving a well-functioning clinical community. This training will focus on assessment and treatment planning (looking at the client/patient holistically) when conducting supervision sessions. In addition, this session will address the importance of expanding counselors/therapists’ clinical capacity with patients who present with complex diagnoses utilizing clinical supervision strategies. View Recording   Session Five: Providing Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in an Integrated Care Setting   Integrated physical, mental health, and substance use care is effective in supporting the needs of individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This session will describe effective integrated care models that promote long-term interventions for individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders. View Recording

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance will demonstrate ways in which family peer support empowers families to support their loved one’s desire to work. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn to engage their loved ones in conversations about employment and help them become motivated to work; Learn to support their loved ones with job development and seek referral for vocational rehabilitation and supported employment; Learn to help their loved ones thrive and find independence at work.   Speakers:   Dr. Lilchandra Jai Sookram has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. At the Nebraska State Hospital, he provided psychological services to persons with serious mental illness and to their family members, and he directed clinical services including psychology, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, education and return-to-work programs. He is the former director of mental health services in Kansas and clinical director of a juvenile correctional facility. Currently he is manager of family and peer services at Community Alliance. Bill Baerentzen, Ph.D., CRC, LMHP, is serious mental illness program director for the Mid-America MHTTC. Much of his outreach involves promoting evidence-based practices to help people with serious mental illness (SMI) live meaningful inclusive lives. Dr. Baerentzen has worked as director of a 250-bed emergency overnight shelter; supervisor of therapists in a treatment program for persons with co-occurring disorders; and as faculty in a rehabilitation counseling program. Cecilia Losee is a financial planner who specializes in working with special needs families. Her own disability and that of her adult daughter give her a unique perspective into what it takes to plan for the future. With over 10 years in the industry she uses many different tools, such as special needs trusts, to ensure the protection of government benefits while maximizing the amount left to take care of your loved ones.     Learn more about Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce at https://bit.ly/FPS_2020  

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance will demonstrate ways in which family peer support empowers families to support their loved one’s desire to work. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn to engage their loved ones in conversations about employment and help them become motivated to work; Learn to support their loved ones with job development and seek referral for vocational rehabilitation and supported employment; Learn to help their loved ones thrive and find independence at work.   Speakers:   Dr. Lilchandra Jai Sookram has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. At the Nebraska State Hospital, he provided psychological services to persons with serious mental illness and to their family members, and he directed clinical services including psychology, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, education and return-to-work programs. He is the former director of mental health services in Kansas and clinical director of a juvenile correctional facility. Currently he is manager of family and peer services at Community Alliance. Bill Baerentzen, Ph.D., CRC, LMHP, is serious mental illness program director for the Mid-America MHTTC. Much of his outreach involves promoting evidence-based practices to help people with serious mental illness (SMI) live meaningful inclusive lives. Dr. Baerentzen has worked as director of a 250-bed emergency overnight shelter; supervisor of therapists in a treatment program for persons with co-occurring disorders; and as faculty in a rehabilitation counseling program. Cecilia Losee is a financial planner who specializes in working with special needs families. Her own disability and that of her adult daughter give her a unique perspective into what it takes to plan for the future. With over 10 years in the industry she uses many different tools, such as special needs trusts, to ensure the protection of government benefits while maximizing the amount left to take care of your loved ones.     Learn more about Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce at https://bit.ly/FPS_2020  

Behavioral health practitioners and organizations are often required to determine whether a particular intervention meets the needs of their clients, staff, and/or funders. The Best and Promising Practice (BPP) Fact Sheet Library, developed by the MHTTC Network, is designed to provide the mental health workforce with information about a wide array of evidence-based and promising approaches. Each fact sheet in the library summarizes a specific behavioral health practice, its evidence base, and steps for successful implementation.  In this sheet, we provide an overview of the principles and practice of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. 

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance will demonstrate ways in which family peer support empowers families to support their loved one’s path towards recovery. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn to support their loved one’s autonomy; Learn to establish a focus on recovery with other members of the mental health team; Learn to prepare the mental health team to engage in recovery-oriented dialogue.   Speakers:   Dr. Lilchandra Jai Sookram has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. At the Nebraska State Hospital, he provided psychological services to persons with serious mental illness and to their family members, and he directed clinical services including psychology, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, education and return-to-work programs. He is the former director of mental health services in Kansas and clinical director of a juvenile correctional facility. Currently he is manager of family and peer services at Community Alliance. Bill Baerentzen, Ph.D., CRC, LMHP, is serious mental illness program director for the Mid-America MHTTC. Much of his outreach involves promoting evidence-based practices to help people with serious mental illness (SMI) live meaningful inclusive lives. Dr. Baerentzen has worked as director of a 250-bed emergency overnight shelter; supervisor of therapists in a treatment program for persons with co-occurring disorders; and as faculty in a rehabilitation counseling program.   Jon Thomsen is a certified peer support and wellness specialist and is the supervisor for two peer support programs with Community Alliance. Jon is a certified facilitator in WRAP and RentWise, has previously facilitated support groups such as NAMI Connections, and has recently established Safe Harbor’s first support group Spiritual Recovery. Jon is involved in Crisis Intervention Training for the Omaha Police Department as well as the training of peer support specialists in the state of Nebraska. His primary goals are to support individuals who struggle with their personal well-being, to share the knowledge he has gained in his own recovery, and to walk with people while they explore their authentic self. Mark Thomsen, MD, is an assistant professor of psychiatry at both the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Creighton University, splitting time between the outpatient psychiatry clinic at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine and the inpatient psychiatric hospital Lasting Hope Recovery Center — a 64-bed facility in Omaha. Dr. Thomsen is co-director of the ASPIRE clinic, a specialty outpatient clinic providing care for patients with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder and primary psychotic disorders. Dr. Thomsen has experienced the impact of family peer support from both the provider and the family perspective, and looks forward to helping promote and expand peer support services. Learn more about Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce at https://bit.ly/FPS_2020  

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance will demonstrate ways in which family peer support empowers families to support their loved one’s path towards recovery. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn to support their loved one’s autonomy; Learn to establish a focus on recovery with other members of the mental health team; Learn to prepare the mental health team to engage in recovery-oriented dialogue.   Speakers:   Dr. Lilchandra Jai Sookram has been in the mental health field for over 40 years. At the Nebraska State Hospital, he provided psychological services to persons with serious mental illness and to their family members, and he directed clinical services including psychology, nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, education and return-to-work programs. He is the former director of mental health services in Kansas and clinical director of a juvenile correctional facility. Currently he is manager of family and peer services at Community Alliance. Bill Baerentzen, Ph.D., CRC, LMHP, is serious mental illness program director for the Mid-America MHTTC. Much of his outreach involves promoting evidence-based practices to help people with serious mental illness (SMI) live meaningful inclusive lives. Dr. Baerentzen has worked as director of a 250-bed emergency overnight shelter; supervisor of therapists in a treatment program for persons with co-occurring disorders; and as faculty in a rehabilitation counseling program.   Jon Thomsen is a certified peer support and wellness specialist and is the supervisor for two peer support programs with Community Alliance. Jon is a certified facilitator in WRAP and RentWise, has previously facilitated support groups such as NAMI Connections, and has recently established Safe Harbor’s first support group Spiritual Recovery. Jon is involved in Crisis Intervention Training for the Omaha Police Department as well as the training of peer support specialists in the state of Nebraska. His primary goals are to support individuals who struggle with their personal well-being, to share the knowledge he has gained in his own recovery, and to walk with people while they explore their authentic self. Mark Thomsen, MD, is an assistant professor of psychiatry at both the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Creighton University, splitting time between the outpatient psychiatry clinic at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine and the inpatient psychiatric hospital Lasting Hope Recovery Center — a 64-bed facility in Omaha. Dr. Thomsen is co-director of the ASPIRE clinic, a specialty outpatient clinic providing care for patients with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder and primary psychotic disorders. Dr. Thomsen has experienced the impact of family peer support from both the provider and the family perspective, and looks forward to helping promote and expand peer support services. Learn more about Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce at https://bit.ly/FPS_2020  

Recording of the event Alcohol, Amphetamine and Cocaine Use Disorders: Update in African Americans During COVID-19, originally held on February 11, 2021.   Slide Presentation

Recording of the event African Americans and Cough Syrup with Codeine Abuse, originally held on February 4, 2021.   Slide Presentation