Products and Resources Catalog

Despite impacting tens of thousands of people each year, there are still many misconceptions surrounding suicide. It is of utmost importance that we begin to breakdown these misunderstandings by providing up-to-date information and education. The South Southwest MHTTC has put together four posts for social media that offer a unique "fast fact." Please feel free to share these posts across your social networks.

Issues stemming from race and other cultural matters are broad and varied. Individuals and organizations will find that they are quite knowledgeable and proficient in some aspects of cultural competence, and yet, may neglect asking crucial questions in another area. For instance, we may be acutely aware of making focus group (or other) accommodations for the hearing impaired community, but may not have a cache of options to make public health programs accessible to non-native English speakers. When you begin to consider your approach to engagement with diverse communities, you can gauge how and why mainstream strategies have a lower effectiveness and work from a more culturally responsive foundation. Ultimately, the more your work stems from relevant aspects of racial and cultural identity, the greater your chances for effective outcomes and increased, sustainable engagement from a broader, more diverse community. In assessing your agency/organization's capacity for cultural responsiveness, it is useful to have a tool that is focused on core ways to interpret the wide range of behaviors and attitudes that are expressed in the policies and practices of an organization. Our Process of Gaining Cultural Competence represents a continuum into which we can place behaviors, attitudes, policies, and practices. This is intended to be a dynamic tool, since there is always room for growth and development in individuals, organizations, and institutionalized policies and practices.

At the New England MHTTC, we believe that agencies and organizations can benefit from applying a racial equity lens to their structure and activities. “A racial equity lens is a set of questions we ask ourselves when we are planning, developing or evaluating a policy, program or decision. It helps us assess if we are taking in the perspectives of the racially diverse people and communities we intend to serve, and whether our policies and programs are resulting in equitable or inequitable outcomes. An equity lens helps us see where challenges and opportunities exist, so that we can make intentional steps to ensure more equitable outcomes for all individuals and communities.” Asking meaningful questions is key. In order to compile the questions for consideration below, the TTC Network conducted a review of approximately 50 organizational and community assessment tools and resources available from the website, Racial Equity Tools. We pulled and synthesized questions from these materials, as well as direct resources from the New England MHTTC, to determine questions most applicable for our work. By providing this resource, we are not signifying that this is a complete list of questions to consider in order to achieve racial equity. We aim to spur thinking and action among the agencies, organizations, and collaborators in our community and we acknowledge that this is just one step in a longer, more integrated and comprehensive process.

Compassionate Listening is... A personal practice – to cultivate inner strength, self awareness, self regulation and wisdom. A skill set – to enhance interpersonal relations and navigate challenging conversation. A process – to bring individuals or groups together to bridge their differences and transform conflict A healing gift – to offer a compassionate listening session to a person who feels marginalized or in pain.   These principles, adapted with permission from the Compassionate Listening Project,, guide the engagements of the New England MHTTC's Racial Equity and Advancing Cultural Humility (REACH) for Organizational Change Learning Collaborative. We encourage you to use these principles as you engage in frank and honest conversations in the workplace. The principles are designed to keep the dialogue grounded so that you can focus your energy on cultivating compassion and respect for others; serving as a witness to another's truth; and listening and speaking from the heart.  

Asking a loved one about suicide is never an easy conversation. However, the act of talking about suicide can save a life and provide an opportunity for a struggling friend or family member to share their feelings and get support. We have put together a brief guide to facilitate a conversation with someone about suicide and compiled some useful resources. We hope that you feel empowered to check in on your loved ones and to share this resource with others this Suicide Prevention month.

Counselors have the privilege of working with individuals and families from various backgrounds; intersecting identities; and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions. Deliberately incorporating culturally responsive care in mental health settings can help ensure that individuals have access to treatment that meets their needs. This guide was created by WAFCA with funding from the Great Lakes MHTTC and is based on material presented by Dr. Patricia Arredondo on February 17, 2022, for WAFCA-CE. WAFCA serves as the Wisconsin partner for the Great Lakes MHTTC. 

The one-hour Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance virtual series provides an opportunity for participants to: Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health, and Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health, and Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music videos and Native spoken word performances as part of each session of the Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance series.   July's topic was "Native Crisis Response: Tribal 988 Successes and Challenges."   Watch a recording of this 7/25/23 session here. 

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The August 2023 issue honors International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31), opioid overdose prevention training on HealtheKnowledge, and the newest NIATx in New Places series blog post written by Lynn Madden, PhD, MPA.  And as always, you will find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!  

Individuals recovering from a first episode of psychosis are prone to high rates of comorbid medical disorders due to a combination of lifestyle, medication, and self-management factors. This presentation provides practical guidance regarding strategies for promoting a healthier lifestyle and integrated training in mental health and physical illness self-management. Principles of effective supports to improve physical health in persons with FEP, as well as multi-episode clients, are illustrated with clinical vignettes.   Presenter: Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D. is Professor of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, researcher at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University, and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. His research interests are on the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions for persons with serious mental illnesses.   This webinar was co-hosted by the Massachusetts Psychosis Network for Early Treatment (MAPNET).   View a recording of this 7/28/23 session here. 

The one-hour Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance virtual series provides an opportunity for participants to: Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health, and Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health, and Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music videos and Native spoken word performances as part of each session of the Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance series.   June's topic was "Healing Family Trauma Connected with Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol."   View a recording of this 6/27/23 session here. 

Ronitia Hodges and Ashley Stewart discuss the importance and benefits of fostering an authentic and inclusive environment in the workplace. This podcast episode is sponsored by the New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC).  

2023 marked a significant expansion of behavioral health resources for individuals, families, and providers in Massachusetts. Beginning this year, Massachusetts implemented key components of its Behavioral Health Roadmap at the same time the Massachusetts Psychosis Access & Triage Hub (M-PATH) began providing services. Combined, Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), DMH’s Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL), and M-PATH have vastly expanded access to behavioral health services across the Commonwealth. This is an overview detailing the who-what-when-where-why-and-how (to access) these critical new resources.   Presenters: Dr. Margaret Guyer, PhD, Michael Stepansky, MPP   This webinar was co-hosted by the Massachusetts Psychosis Network for Early Treatment (MAPNET, www.mapnet.online)   View a recording of this 6/30/23 event here. 

  The Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC are dedicated to integrating cultural responsiveness into all our training and technical assistance offerings. We aim to help develop workforce competencies to provide equitable and inclusive care to all. Download this guide to learn more about our growing inventory of evidence-based trainings designed to improve the delivery of culturally-responsive prevention, treatment, and recovery approaches!   If you have questions about the culturally-responsive trainings we currently offer or suggestions for additional culturally-responsive trainings that would support the behavioral health workforces in our region, please contact:  Alfredo Cerrato, Senior Cultural & Workforce Development Officer ([email protected])

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The July 2023 issue honors National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and World Hepatitis Day (July 28) by sharing events and resources on these topics. This issue also features newly released episodes from the Checking-In Podcast that focus on PTSD treatment providers' self-care and a new HealtheKnowledge course developed by the Great Lakes ATTC: NIATx Change Leader Academy: Rapid-Cycle Change for Teams.    As always, you will find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!  

The New England MHTTC is one of 10 regional Centers funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Our mission is to support the dissemination of evidence-based mental health practices across Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 1, which includes the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Our team is led by the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health, in partnership with the Harvard Department of Psychiatry, and C4 Innovations. Our activities are guided by a robust advisory team consisting of people with lived experience, direct care practitioners, family advocates, and organizational and state leaders. Collectively, these partnerships support our efforts to address mental health priorities across the lifespan in a manner that is responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.   This report describes our work in Year 4 from August 15, 2021 thru August 14, 2022

In today's diverse and evolving world, understanding and addressing the needs of all students, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ), is essential. Despite strides toward equality and acceptance, many LGBTQ youth face unique challenges in school settings. These challenges can include stigmatization, peer rejection, and violence. The 2019 National School Climate Survey by GLSEN found that nearly 70% of LGBTQ students experienced verbal harassment at school because of their sexual orientation and over half because of their gender expression. Educators, parents, and advocates have the opportunity to create a supportive, inclusive, and affirming environment for LGBTQ students to support their well-being, confidence, and academic success. Because of the many challenges faced by LGBTQ youth, many rely on their schools to be safe and affirming places. LGBTQ students who are supported at home or at school, and those whose gender identities are affirmed and respected, have significantly lower rates of mental health symptoms and suicide. Inclusive policies and practices designed to support our LGBTQ students enrich our school culture, and foster empathy, understanding, and respect among all our students.   This product is part of the Mental Health Matters Lead with Equity series. Check out other products in this series:   Equitable School Practices to Support Youth Mental Health   Supporting Diverse Educators

Dina Coughlan shares her experience as a mental health advocate with host Ashley Stewart, and they discuss how to support mental wellness in the workplace. This podcast episode is sponsored by the New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC).

Cedric Woods shares strategies for reaching and engaging Native youth with host Ashley Stewart. This podcast episode is sponsored by the New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC).  

July is recognized as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) mental health awareness month. To commemorate this month, we have compiled a list of resources for BIPOC individuals, practitioners, and allies. 

Asian American and Pacific Islander populations (AAPI) are an integral part of the American diaspora and represent a wide range of diversity. There are approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages, with connections to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries. Learn key facts about the mental health experiences within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Consider ways you can promote recovery and resilience through culturally relevant practices that meet the needs of diverse populations. This product is part of the Mental Health Matters Lead with Equity series. Check out other products in this series:   Equitable School Practices to Support Youth Mental Health   Supporting LGBTQ Students in Schools   Supporting Diverse Educators

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The June 2023 issue honors National Pride Month, National PTSD Awareness Month, and Men's Health Month by sharing events and resources on these topics. As always, you will find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!  

View the presentation slides:      This session will provide a history and overview of the CCBHC model at the national level. The presenter will speak to the requirements of the CCBHC model and highlight partnerships, innovative practices, and early outcomes of the model.   Learning Objectives: Describe the National model for a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) including the types of mental health and substance use services. Discuss CCBHC requirements involving staffing, accessibility and scope of services, care coordination, and organization authority. Identify ways the health care team can engage and develop valuable partnerships and innovative activities to help improve community mental health centers.   Presented By: Renee Boak, MPH   Renee Boak serves as a consultant for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and specializes in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) implementation for clinics. She provides consulting on the integration of mental health and substance use disorder treatment, implementation of primary care clinics in a community mental health setting, population health management and sustainability. Boak has experience implementing a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Expansion grant as well applying for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) look-a-like status. Working with CCBHC programs has given her opportunities to engage in innovative practices, such as development of a pilot program to support individuals who are managing diabetes in a community mental health setting and has allowed her to engage in sustainability work through alternative payment methodologies. Prior to joining the National Council, Boak worked for an organization in Oregon that participated in the two-year demonstration period and was a recipient of a CCBHC Expansion grant.    

  The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The April-May 2023 issue honors National Mental Health Awareness Month, National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, National Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, and National Prevention Week by sharing events and resources on these topics. This issue also features an upcoming in-person conference and an exciting, new intensive technical assistance training series sponsored by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.    As always, you will find links to all the upcoming events and trainings for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC in The Great Lakes Current.     

  Do you have an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability in your practice?   What is the difference between a 504 plan and an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?  How do I best support these individuals and their families?  Often providers are unaware of the benefits of 504 plans.  Please join us to learn more about what a 504 plan is and how you can be an important resource for these individuals and families. Learning Objectives: Explain what a 504 Plan is and why it is important Discuss who is eligible for a 504 Plan Identify the role of the physician, the individual and the school Recognize ways to support individuals and families when eligible for a 504 Plan   Presented by: Graciela Sharif and Kristin Flott As a Peruvian immigrant, introduced to Middle Eastern culture through marriage, and mother of a child with developmental disabilities, Graciela Sharif knows about the obstacles that individuals with disabilities and their families face in many aspects of their lives. Inspired by her oldest son who was born with Down syndrome, Graciela's purpose is to create equal access to education, health care and community services for all individuals with disabilities and their families. As a Parent Resource Coordinator, she provides education, information and support to new and existing families, so they can be active participants in the development of their children’s education and health care services.   Kristin Flott is the parent of a son with ASD and a daughter with SHCN.  She has been working in the field of disabilities for over 15 years, not including several years of non-profit, community engagement and management experience.  Since entering the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities, she has been dedicated to advocating and improving outcomes for children with disabilities and their families.  She currently serves as the LEND Director of Campus and Community Collaboration, the LEND Family Discipline Director and the LEND Pipeline Coordinator. In her role, she coordinates with campus and community partners to develop collaborative training projects and experiences as well as provide direct support to LEND trainees through networking, mentoring and participation in interdisciplinary clinics.     Learn more about this series: Tele-Behavioral Health Consultation (TBHC) Primary Care Webinar Series