Products and Resources Catalog

E-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.  March 2021 issue features include the Counselor's Corner, a state spotlight on Indiana, and a calendar of events covering March 16-31, 2021. 

Recording for the event Policy Recommendations and Promising Practices for Addressing Youth Vaping, originally held on December 15, 2020.   Slide Presentation

Recording of the PTTC event The Extent and Risk Factors for Youth Vaping, originally held on December 2, 2020.   Slide Presentation

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 the definition of recovery; Learn to motivate their loved one to engage in recovery and rehabilitation oriented activities; Learn develop and implement a recovery plan for their loved one.   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. James and Barbara Kirkpatrick were blessed with four children, two daughters and two sons. The Kirkpatricks' youngest son had problems with drugs for several years, and while rehabilitation centers like Valley of Hope and drug court work for some, they weren't the answer for Robert. Barbara Kirkpatrick signed her family up for Dr. Jai Sookram's class at Community Alliance, and all of the pieces to the puzzle started to fall into place. James Kirkpatrick believes that a lot of prayers and meetings with Dr. Jai saved Robert's life. 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 path towards recovery. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn the definition of recovery; Learn to motivate their loved one to engage in recovery and rehabilitation oriented activities; Learn develop and implement a recovery plan for their loved one.   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. James and Barbara Kirkpatrick were blessed with four children, two daughters and two sons. The Kirkpatricks' youngest son had problems with drugs for several years, and while rehabilitation centers like Valley of Hope and drug court work for some, they weren't the answer for Robert. Barbara Kirkpatrick signed her family up for Dr. Jai Sookram's class at Community Alliance, and all of the pieces to the puzzle started to fall into place. James Kirkpatrick believes that a lot of prayers and meetings with Dr. Jai saved Robert's life. 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  

  The pandemic has brought challenges and disruption to substance use disorder services along with opportunities. The presentation will examine these new opportunities and “how to get there.” Learning Objectives Participants will: Recognize some of the opportunities that have resulted from the pandemic. Explore the role of resilience in responding to service needs during the pandemic, and as a path to opportunities.   Speaker   Sheila Weix, MSN, RN, CARN During her tenure as a leader in SUD treatment, Sheila Weix has been involved with emergencies related to the HIV epidemic, 9/11, and the 2008 economic collapse. She is currently applying this experience in an outpatient treatment service that includes medication-assisted treatment in rural Wisconsin during the COVID19 pandemic.     IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Video: Substance Use Disorder Services in the Days of a Pandemic (Part 1) Video: Substance Use Disorder Services in the Days of a Pandemic (Part 2)  

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance will demonstrate ways in which family peer support empowers families in their roles on the mental health team. In particular, participants will learn how recipients of family peer support: Learn self-regulation; Learn to partner with the mental health team to develop a crisis plan; and Learn to partner with the mental health team to develop a recovery plan.   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.   Rita and Stuart have been married for 30 years and were blessed with twins. Stuart has worked in the advertising field for over 30 years. Rita was a stay-at-home parent for most of her life. Rita and Stuart noticed behavioral changes in their daughter in her early 20s. Although she was seen by professionals in the mental health community, she severed ties from the professionals and her family. Stuart and Rita attended Dr. Jai’s family-to-family class to develop an understanding of their family’s challenges, and have since gained insights into their lives.   Learn more about Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce at https://bit.ly/FPS_2020  

Monthly electronic newsletter for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.  The December 2020 issue of the Great Lakes Current includes a spotlight on Wisconsin, a new article in The Counselor's Corner, and links to the new COVID-19 Provider Well-being Supplement and the Spotlight on Stigma podcast series. 

Monthly electronic newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. November 2020 issues features Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, and new resources including Stigma Basics, Counselor's Corner, and Telehealth Services for Mental Health infographic.  

In this presentation, Mid-America MHTTC specialists and partners with Omaha-based Community Alliance review the outcomes and benefits of family peer support. Participants will learn how family peer support can: Improve the subjective experiences (well-being) of family members; Ease the objective realities (life roles) many family members experience; and Help families balance and establish family and caregiver roles.   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. Joe and Nancy Pawloski have been married for 46 years and were blessed with two sons. Joe was in real estate for 43 years, and Nancy taught elementary school for over 30 years. When the Pawloskis’ son Tim was in his 20s, he began to have issues with alcoholism and drug abuse, and by his 30s, he struggled with mental illness. After a stay at Lasting Hope, the Pawloskis were directed to Dr. Jai Sookram. The Pawloskis attended Dr. Jai’s family-to-family class and learned more about the issues facing their own family. Now, drawing from their own experiences with their son, the Pawloskis help others who are facing similar challenges.   Learn more about the webinar series Family Peer Support: An Emerging Workforce.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is pleased to announce the release of Screening and Follow-Up for Unhealthy Alcohol Use: Quality Improvement Change Package for Health Plans, a toolkit to help health plans address unhealthy alcohol use among their members and improve reporting of the HEDIS alcohol measure using electronic clinical data.  This Change Package was developed with funding from SAMHSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the National Committee for Quality Assurance. This Change Package is rich with evidence-based practices, successful strategies, and resources from a three-year Learning Collaborative involving five health plans.  This toolkit specifically includes guidance for reporting the HEDIS alcohol measure using Electronic Clinical Data Systems (ECDS), examples of effective quality improvement tools, and strategies for improving measure performance from health plan innovators in ECDS reporting.

Session four Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities: Assessment, Ethics, and Preventing Compassion Fatigue   This webinar continued the conversation about co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in farming and rural communities begun by Dr. Rebecca Roller and Dr. Maridee Shogren. In this follow up session Dr. Roller and Dr. Shogren provided additional information for using assessment tools to screen for co-occurring disorders in farming and rural populations, examined the unique ethical considerations created by providing care in small communities, and touched on ways to identify and prevent provider compassion fatigue. Participant questions from the session on Approaching and Treating Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities were used to help guide this presentation. Slide deck Recording   Trainers Maridee Shogren, CNM, DNP Rebecca Roller, PsyD, LMFT                      Four-part Series Addressing Mental Health Care in Farming and Rural Communities  COVID-19 is taking a tremendous toll on farming communities across the U.S., which already faced financial hardships before the pandemic. Now, the agricultural community is grappling with greater levels of uncertainty of what will happen to their livelihood in the coming months and years. The pandemic creates a new set of challenges.    Session one Improving Mental Health Care by Understanding the Culture of Farming and Rural Communities June 25, 2020 This webinar addressed the mental health crisis and unique stressors caused by COVID-19 within farming and rural/frontier communities. Presenters spoke to the ways health practitioners and community leaders should address stigma, stressors, mental risk factors, and provide treatment resources in these communities. Participants learned about improving mental health engagement and the unique aspects of providing services within these communities while also getting a "boots-on-the-ground" perspective on mental health care for farmers.   View Resources from Session One   Trainers Monica Kramer McConkey, LPC Kristi Phillips, PsyD   Session two Approaching and Treating Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities July 2, 2020 This webinar discussed co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in farming and rural communities. Speakers outlined the prevalence of mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders, linking research to real-world impact of these disorders. Presenters also touched on the impact of COVID-19 within these communities. Participants learned how primary care providers can screen and identify signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders as well as potential options for treatment plans.   View Resources from Session Two   Trainers Maridee Shogren, CNM, DNP Rebecca Roller, PsyD, LMFT   Session three Providing Mental Health Telehealth Services in Farming and Rural Communities July 9, 2020 This webinar addressed how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected access to care, specifically mental health services. Presenters discussed how access to care is critical for farming and rural and frontier communities and highlighted the unique barriers these communities face. Presenters also provided information about telehealth service and resources, and how best practices developed prior and during the pandemic may provide longer-term solutions to mental health care access for farmers and rural communities. Participants gained a deeper understanding of how telehealth services work and how these services are implemented in real-world settings.   View Resources from Session Three   Trainers Holly J. Roberts, PhD Deborah C. Baker, JD Stephen Gillaspy, PhD   Additional Resources Farm Stress and Mental Health Rural Mental Health Resources

Session two Approaching and Treating Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities This webinar discussed co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in farming and rural communities. Speakers outlined the prevalence of mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders, linking research to real-world impact of these disorders. Presenters also touched on the impact of COVID-19 within these communities. Participants learned how primary care providers can screen and identify signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders as well as potential options for treatment plans.   Slide deck Recording Co-Occurring Disorders Resource Guide   Trainers Maridee Shogren, CNM, DNP Rebecca Roller, PsyD, LMFT                      Four-part Series Addressing Mental Health Care in Farming and Rural Communities  COVID-19 is taking a tremendous toll on farming communities across the U.S., which already faced financial hardships before the pandemic. Now, the agricultural community is grappling with greater levels of uncertainty of what will happen to their livelihood in the coming months and years. The pandemic creates a new set of challenges.    Session one  Improving Mental Health Care by Understanding the Culture of Farming and Rural Communities June 25, 2020 This webinar addressed the mental health crisis and unique stressors caused by COVID-19 within farming and rural/frontier communities. Presenters spoke to the ways health practitioners and community leaders should address stigma, stressors, mental risk factors, and provide treatment resources in these communities. Participants learned about improving mental health engagement and the unique aspects of providing services within these communities while also getting a "boots-on-the-ground" perspective on mental health care for farmers.   View Resources from Session One   Trainers Monica Kramer McConkey, LPC Kristi Phillips, PsyD   Session three  Providing Mental Health Telehealth Services in Farming and Rural Communities July 9, 2020 This webinar addressed how the COVID-19 pandemic affects access to care, specifically mental health services. Presenters discussed how access to care is critical for farming and rural and frontier communities and highlighted the unique barriers these communities face. Presenters also provided information about telehealth service and resources, and how best practices developed prior and during the pandemic may provide longer-term solutions to mental health care access for farmers and rural communities.    View Resources from Session Three   Trainers Holly J. Roberts, PhD Deborah C. Baker, JD Stephen Gillaspy, PhD   Session four Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities: Assessment, Ethics, and Preventing Compassion Fatigue July 16, 2020 This webinar continued the conversation about co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in farming and rural communities begun by Dr. Rebecca Roller and Dr. Maridee Shogren. In this follow up session Dr. Roller and Dr. Shogren provided additional information for using assessment tools to screen for co-occurring disorders in farming and rural populations, examined the unique ethical considerations created by providing care in small communities, and touched on ways to identify and prevent provider compassion fatigue. Participant questions from the session on Approaching and Treating Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Farming and Rural Communities were used to help guide this presentation.   View Resources from Session Four   Trainers Maridee Shogren, CNM, DNP Rebecca Roller, PsyD, LMFT   Additional Resources Farm Stress and Mental Health Rural Mental Health Resources  

/*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*--> In collaboration with the Opioid Response Network and the New England Region 1 Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, CCSME offered this two-part series to address the relationships between infant and adolescent trauma, and the risk and potential for a substance use disorder outcome. Participants in this webinar learned how to name brain systems impacted by exposure to adverse childhood experiences, how to describe three social, emotional, and behavioral impacts of exposure to ACEs during adolescence, and how to identify stigma in self and in others. To download a copy of this presentation, click here. Presenters: Dr. Hilary Hodgdon and Dr. Jeffrey Goldsmith 

In collaboration with the Opioid Response Network and the New England Region 1 Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, CCSME offered this two-part series to address the relationships between infant and adolescent trauma, and the risk and potential for a substance use disorder outcome. Participants in this webinar learned about the various ways addiction impacts the maternal and infant brain, how to identify prevention strategies, how to describe the significance of attachment parenting to promote infant resilience, and discussed the risk of inherited genetics. To access a copy of this presentation, click here Presenter (s):  Katie Volk and Dr. Jeffrey Goldsmith

Week 3 Training #6: Telehealth and Substance Use Disorders View the video here Access slides here Presenter:  Mark Duncan, MD, Assitant Professor, UW Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Co-Medical Director UW PACC, Telepsychiatry Rotation, and Advanced Collaborative Care - Addictions Medical Education Learning Objectives Briefly review what the evidence says about telehealth SUD treatment Outline a telehealth SUD visit Develop understanding around special considerations for SUD treatment Highlight changes in SUD treatment due to the Pandemic Describe supplemental digital programs

The National American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Technology Transfer Center would like to share with you Volume 2, Issue 1 of our newsletter, Mental Health in our Native American Communities for Summer 2020: Caring for Our Relations: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Indian Country. Please take a few moments to explore this issue.

Recording of the webinar titled Approaches for Person-led Crisis Response Planning, originally held on April 15, 2020.   Slide Presentation

Co-hosted by the Pacific Southwest Prevention and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (TTCs). Original Webinar Date: 05/14/2020 Substance misuse and its relationship to suicide among youth and young adults continues to be of concern to public health practitioners. This recorded panel discussion highlights real world intersections of substance misuse prevention and mental health best practices to reduce risk of suicide among youth and young adults. Panelists offer expertise and perspective on how to impact populations who are at risk for substance misuse and suicide. This recorded session examines shared risk and protective factors for vulnerable populations, outlines college campus programs for behavioral health, and explores a state systems approach to advancing the capacity of the mental and behavioral health workforce to prevent substance misuse and suicide risk. The discussion focuses on effectively supporting youth and young adult populations.   Viewers will be able to: Identify opportunities to effectively link mental and behavioral health supports to prevent and respond to risks of substance misuse and suicide. Identify prevention programs that integrate knowledge, skill, and abilities to benefit vulnerable youth and young adults. Locate real world examples of successful practices, programs, and policies for reducing youth and young adults’ risk of substance misuse and suicide.

Supporting Mental Health and Substance Use Providers during the crisis created by COVID-19 is imperative. This webinar focuses on how providers are coping and how to best support this critical segment of the workforce. Participants will learn how hopelessness, fatigue, stress, trauma, and social distancing are impacting the well-being of mental health and substance use practitioners. Presenters will highlight the need to practice self-compassion, holistic wellness, and self-care as essential strategies to deal with compassion fatigue, burnout. Supportive strategies and techniques to increase connection are discussed. This product was created in collaboration with the New England ATTC.

The Pacific Southwest MHTTC curated a series of topical resource sheets to help you find high-quality tools and information on caring for yourself, your families, and the communities you serve. Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are common. This resource sheet provides tools for substance use treatment and recovery providers, individuals in recovery, and family and friends. Click the "View Resource" link above to download, or view all available resource sheet topics.

​   Week 3 Training #6: Telehealth and Substance Use Disorders Access slides here View Q&A here Presenter:  Mark Duncan, MD, Assitant Professor, UW Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Co-Medical Director UW PACC, Telepsychiatry Rotation, and Advanced Collaborative Care - Addictions Medical Education Learning Objectives Briefly review what the evidence says about telehealth SUD treatment Outline a telehealth SUD visit Develop understanding around special considerations for SUD treatment Highlight changes in SUD treatment due to the Pandemic Describe supplemental digital programs

Recording of the webinar titled "What Peer Support Specialists Need to Know about Telehealth in the Current Crisis - Part 1," originally held on April 6, 2020.   Download the slides

  In the debut presentation of Telehealth Learning and Consultation (TLC) Tuesdays, Drs. Holly Roberts, William Higgins and JK Costello discuss the basics of telehealth and answer audience questions.   Download the slides.