Products and Resources Catalog

Family members of people living with serious mental illnesses go through stages of recovery following the diagnosis of their relative. In this webinar, we will identify the recovery stages of family members and identify strategies for mental health providers to support the recovery of family members.  

Young people who have experienced psychosis and their families may have unanswered questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. With walk-in vaccine appointments now available across Massachusetts, this panel of early psychosis peer specialists and local vaccine experts are here to share their experiences.   This presentation and open conversation focused on the COVID-19 vaccine, equity, and mental health. You can read more at www.mapnet.online/covid19-vaccine.   Panelists Mary LaSalvia, MD; Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Victoria Shokunbi, RN, MSN; Nurse Educator, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Robert Walker, CPS; Office of Recovery and Empowerment, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Joshua Cairns, CPS; Recovery Counselor, Prevention & Recovery in Early Psychosis (PREP) Program Tammie Badura, CPS; Certified Peer Specialist, Prevention & Recovery in Early Psychosis (PREP) Program

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE “Person and Family-Centered Planning” is not just a catchy new phrase in the mental health world for families. During this webinar we will highlight the importance of family members having active participation, and an active role, in the design of their mental health crisis plan. Together we will focus on how the family and youth perspective, lived experience, and culture can guide efficacious holistic crisis planning within all 12 life domains. Learning Objectives Understand mental health crisis planning from the Family Perspective. Distinguish crisis stabilization versus crisis planning. Navigate the paradigm shift from system led crisis planning to consumer led crisis planning. Discuss crisis planning from a holistic view and how all life domains are incorporated. Navigate strategies that assist in creating effective family crisis plans.   FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SERIES. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our facilitators always make reference to great resources during sessions.  Find their lists below.  Presentation Slides FACILITATOR Shawna Canaga is a Family Support Specialist and the statewide Peer Delivered Services Trainer for Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN). OFSN is a family run organization that promotes mental, behavioral, and emotional wellness for families and youth through education, support, and advocacy. Shawna comes to this position with over a decade of experience supporting youth and families, and with lived experience as a mother of an adult child with complex mental health needs. Throughout both of these journeys Shawna has cultivated a passion for supporting family-driven and person-centered care within the youth and family serving systems.     Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE Wraparound is a planning process to help youth and their families realize their hopes and dreams. This training will orient you to the Family Partner role within the Wraparound process. We will go over the four phases of Wraparound and how the Family Partner supports the family and team members through the Wraparound process and activities associated with Wraparound planning. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SERIES. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Our facilitators always make reference to great resources during sessions.  Find their lists below.  Presentation Slides View a copy of the presentation slides. OFSN Technical Briefs Technical assistance briefs from OFSN in English and Spanish.  Role of the Family Partner handout  /  El Rol de un Compañero Familiar Best Practices for Retaining Family Support Specialists (Family Partners)  /Mejores Prácticas para Apoyar a Familias en el Proceso de Revisión de Servicios Comprehensivos (Wraparound) Family Partner Role in Wraparound Crisis and Safety Planning  /  El Rol del Compañero Familiar en Wraparound y la Planificación de Crisis y Seguridad Resources referenced during the presentation: Brené Brown on Empathy This animated short shows the difference between empathy and sympathy. Family Partners rely on empathy to build connection with families. Introduction to Wraparound This video provides an introduction to the Wraparound principles, phases, and activities. Oregon Family Support Network Homepage At OFSN, families and youth work together to promote mental, behavioral and emotional wellness for other families and youth. The Five Love Languages Family Partners connect with family members by understanding how each person feels seen, heard, valued, and supported. FACILITATOR Candace Arnold is a Family Support Specialist and the statewide Peer Coach and System of Care Trainer for Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN). OFSN is a family-run organization that promotes mental, behavioral, and emotional wellness for families and youth through education, support, and advocacy. Candace comes to this position with experience supporting youth and families, and with lived experience as a mother of 3 children, all with varying levels of complex mental and behavioral health needs. Being a wife and mother who has needed to learn to navigate youth and family support services, she knows, understands, and deeply respects the role of peers.   Terms of use and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) disclosure statement

Through this webinar, participants will understand how we all can learn a common language between mental health and school communities, recognize why student’s mental health is important to consider in the school settings, and the importance that mental health providers understand how to engage the Hispanic and Latino community. Learning objectives: 1. Devise communication and negotiation tools to promote positive interaction between social workers and school staff. 2. List steps to successfully navigate a multi-tiered system of support in schools. 3. Describe how effective collaboration across integrated systems of care can lead to improved mental health supports for students and educators alike. 4. Outline best practices in school mental health collaboration and work alongside school staff to improve school climate and learning environment.

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  

  The Great Lakes MHTTC offers this event for school mental health personnel and behavioral health professionals in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is estimated that 6.4 million children in the United States ages 4-19 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Without early identification, treatment and support, children with ADHD can have significant impairments in school, home, and other aspects of life including interpersonal and social skills. For children from racial and ethnic minority groups with ADHD, barriers to ADHD diagnosis and treatment can place them at greater risk of poor health and educational outcomes than their white peers. Teachers play a critical role in understanding these disparities and the impact of ADHD on learning and academic performance of all children.   Learning Objectives: 1. Describe ADHD symptoms, causes, and how ADHD affects children in the classroom. 2. Explain racial and ethnic disparities in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD in children. 3. Outline best-practice classroom strategies to support the success of all students. 4. Highlight the importance of school-home collaboration to foster ongoing communication and support for children and their families   Presenter:  Tandra Rutledge is the Director of Business Development at Riveredge Hospital, a free-standing psychiatric facility in Illinois. Tandra is a mental health advocate and suicide prevention educator. She promotes wellness and resilience through a social justice and racial equity lens. Tandra serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and is a member of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance. She is an AMSR trainer (Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk), a certified suicide prevention educator for the QPR Institute, an adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, and a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor with the Chicago Police Department. 

  The Great Lakes MHTTC offers this event for school mental health personnel and behavioral health professionals in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is estimated that 6.4 million children in the United States ages 4-19 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Without early identification, treatment and support, children with ADHD can have significant impairments in school, home, and other aspects of life including interpersonal and social skills. For children from racial and ethnic minority groups with ADHD, barriers to ADHD diagnosis and treatment can place them at greater risk of poor health and educational outcomes than their white peers. Teachers play a critical role in understanding these disparities and the impact of ADHD on learning and academic performance of all children.   Note: You may access What Teachers Should Know about ADHD: Supporting Diverse Students & Families (Part 2) here.   Learning Objectives: 1. Describe ADHD symptoms, causes, and how ADHD affects children in the classroom. 2. Explain racial and ethnic disparities in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD in children. 3. Outline best-practice classroom strategies to support the success of all students. 4. Highlight the importance of school-home collaboration to foster ongoing communication and support for children and their families.   Presenter:  Tandra Rutledge is the Director of Business Development at Riveredge Hospital, a free-standing psychiatric facility in Illinois. Tandra is a mental health advocate and suicide prevention educator. She promotes wellness and resilience through a social justice and racial equity lens. Tandra serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and is a member of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance. She is an AMSR trainer (Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk), a certified suicide prevention educator for the QPR Institute, an adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, and a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor with the Chicago Police Department.  

  This webinar will review stressors that have been intensified due to the 2020 events. The webinar will al so identify stress management tools that can be used for school aged children and those who provide services to them in a school-based setting. Special considerations for Hispanic and Latino youth mental health will also be discussed. Learning objectives: 1. Discuss how 2020 stressors impact youth and family mental health. 2. Learn stress management tools that can be utilized in a school setting. 3. Identify basic cultural considerations for Hispanic and Latino youth and families.

  Casework practices in connecting UAC to culturally relevant community resources including formal and informal mental health supports and school. The presentation will cover barriers and facilitators to community participation and making referrals that lead to positive engagement for UC and their families. We will address the benefits of community collaborations and building networks as well as strategies to reduce barriers including stigma and cultural preconceptions, with the goal of increasing service utilization. As education is one of the primary needs and also one of the main locations of connection to US-born people, we will specifically address school enrollment, orientation to US school systems, and ongoing well-being in the classroom.   Learning objectives: 1. Participants will understand barriers to community participation, school enrollment, and school well-being. 2. Participants will discuss strategies for improving barriers to community participation for immigrant children. 3. Participants will learn best practices in creating welcoming schools for immigrant children.

  Casework practices in connecting UAC to culturally relevant community resources including formal and informal mental health supports and school. The presentation will cover barriers and facilitators to community participation and making referrals that lead to positive engagement for UC and their families. We will address the benefits of community collaborations and building networks as well as strategies to reduce barriers including stigma and cultural preconceptions, with the goal of increasing service utilization. As education is one of the primary needs and also one of the main locations of connection to US-born people, we will specifically address school enrollment, orientation to US school systems, and ongoing well-being in the classroom.   Learning objectives: 1. Participants will understand barriers to community participation, school enrollment, and school well-being. 2. Participants will discuss strategies for improving barriers to community participation for immigrant children. 3. Participants will learn best practices in creating welcoming schools for immigrant children.

  The Great Lakes MHTTC School-Based Mental Health supplement offers this training for parents, school-based mental health professionals, and other behavioral health professionals in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI.   “My child has ADHD. Now what?”  Many parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have asked themselves that question. ADHD is one of the most common neurological disorders in childhood. Children with ADHD often have difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and can be overly active. For parents of children with ADHD, it can become frustrating to cope with some of the behaviors associated with their child’s ADHD, but there are ways to make life (and parenting) easier.  Along with behaviors such as hyperactivity and procrastination, there are positive aspects that often accompany ADHD including creativity, empathy, and passion. Learn the common dos and don’ts of parenting a child with ADHD and practical strategies to help your child tap into their “superpowers.”     Learning Objectives Identify common behavior challenges associated with ADHD Learn strategies to support positive behavior and build on your child’s strengths   Speaker:  Tandra Rutledge is the Director of Business Development at Riveredge Hospital, a free-standing psychiatric facility in Illinois. Tandra is a mental health advocate and suicide prevention educator. She promotes wellness and resilience through a social justice and racial equity lens. Tandra serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and is a member of the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance. She is an AMSR trainer (Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk), a certified suicide prevention educator for the QPR Institute, an adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, and a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor with the Chicago Police Department.

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This module covers skills for dealing with grief, loss and bereavement related to COVID-related losses. This is the recording of a live event which offered a small group training setting with breakout rooms and a facilitated learning environment. This module is part of our Disaster Response and Behavioral Health series with Dr. Kira Mauseth. Learn more about the series here. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group Impact Reference Guide​ Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families: Supporting Children and Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic​  Coping during COVID-19: A guide for emergency and health care professionals​   COVID-19 Guidance for Building Resilience in the Workplace Behavioral Health Resources Webpage​, Washington State Department of Health    Mental and Emotional Well-being Resources​ Washington State Coronavirus Response Infographic Library​ Washington Listens hotline: 1-833-681-0211 FACILITATOR Dr. Kira Mauseth Dr. Kira Mauseth is a practicing clinical psychologist who sees patients at Snohomish Psychology Associates, teaches as a Senior Instructor at Seattle University and serves as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health. Her work and research interests focus on resilience, trauma and disaster behavioral health. She has worked extensively in Haiti with earthquake survivors, in Jordan with Syrian refugees and with first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States. Dr. Mauseth also conducts trainings with organizations and educational groups about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities.      

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This module covers skills for dealing with grief, loss and bereavement related to COVID-related losses. This is the recording of a live event which offered a small group training setting with breakout rooms and a facilitated learning environment. This module is part of our Disaster Response and Behavioral Health series with Dr. Kira Mauseth. Learn more about the series here. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group Impact Reference Guide​ Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families: Supporting Children and Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic​  Coping during COVID-19: A guide for emergency and health care professionals​   COVID-19 Guidance for Building Resilience in the Workplace Behavioral Health Resources Webpage​, Washington State Department of Health    Mental and Emotional Well-being Resources​ Washington State Coronavirus Response Infographic Library​ Washington Listens hotline: 1-833-681-0211 FACILITATOR Dr. Kira Mauseth Dr. Kira Mauseth is a practicing clinical psychologist who sees patients at Snohomish Psychology Associates, teaches as a Senior Instructor at Seattle University and serves as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health. Her work and research interests focus on resilience, trauma and disaster behavioral health. She has worked extensively in Haiti with earthquake survivors, in Jordan with Syrian refugees and with first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States. Dr. Mauseth also conducts trainings with organizations and educational groups about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities.      

This Family Compassionate Conversation focused on the importance of fostering connection through community building and as a buffer against compassion fatigue. A conversation to gain expertise around positive wellness practices, to learn more about sharing these tools with others in your circle, and to experience a brief mindfulness practice you can share with anyone in your life.    

Since 2000, the migration rate of Ecuadorian, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan have increased over two-folds in the United States. Recognizing their cultural values and the socio-historical, and political context that led them to immigrate to the United States allows clinicians to better understand traumatic events endured by these populations and their impact on mental health. This factsheet aims to create awareness of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Central American Hispanic and indigenous populations among mental health service providers.

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This skills module addresses the topic of "Family / Work Demands and Responsibilities: Addressing the Personal Impacts of the Pandemic on the Family System." This is the recording of a live event which offered a small group training setting with breakout rooms and a facilitated learning environment. This module is part of our Disaster Response and Behavioral Health series with Dr. Kira Mauseth. Find out more about our Disaster Response and Behavioral Health series here. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group Impact Reference Guide​ Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families: Supporting Children and Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic​  Coping during COVID-19: A guide for emergency and health care professionals​   COVID-19 Guidance for Building Resilience in the Workplace Behavioral Health Resources Webpage​, Washington State Department of Health    Mental and Emotional Well-being Resources​ Washington State Coronavirus Response Infographic Library​ Washington Listens hotline: 1-833-681-0211     FACILITATOR Dr. Kira Mauseth Dr. Kira Mauseth is a practicing clinical psychologist who sees patients at Snohomish Psychology Associates, teaches as a Senior Instructor at Seattle University and serves as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health. Her work and research interests focus on resilience, trauma and disaster behavioral health. She has worked extensively in Haiti with earthquake survivors, in Jordan with Syrian refugees and with first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States. Dr. Mauseth also conducts trainings with organizations and educational groups about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities.

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE This skills module addresses the topic of "Family / Work Demands and Responsibilities: Addressing the Personal Impacts of the Pandemic on the Family System." This is the recording of a live event which offered a small group training setting with breakout rooms and a facilitated learning environment. This module is part of our Disaster Response and Behavioral Health series with Dr. Kira Mauseth. Find out more about our Disaster Response and Behavioral Health series here. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Presentation slides COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group Impact Reference Guide​ Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families: Supporting Children and Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic​  Coping during COVID-19: A guide for emergency and health care professionals​   COVID-19 Guidance for Building Resilience in the Workplace Behavioral Health Resources Webpage​, Washington State Department of Health    Mental and Emotional Well-being Resources​ Washington State Coronavirus Response Infographic Library​ Washington Listens hotline: 1-833-681-0211     FACILITATOR Dr. Kira Mauseth Dr. Kira Mauseth is a practicing clinical psychologist who sees patients at Snohomish Psychology Associates, teaches as a Senior Instructor at Seattle University and serves as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health. Her work and research interests focus on resilience, trauma and disaster behavioral health. She has worked extensively in Haiti with earthquake survivors, in Jordan with Syrian refugees and with first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States. Dr. Mauseth also conducts trainings with organizations and educational groups about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities.

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 Family Psychoeducation.

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