Products and Resources Catalog

This webinar will start defining the basic concepts that comprehend the LGBTQ+ community. These concepts will set the tone to understand how minority groups become vulnerable populations in Latinx communities. Our main objective is to promote sensible, empathic, and effective treatment strategies for the provision of mental health services.   Slides are available here.

  This online session provides to mental health providers information about a tailored CBT for Latinx youths. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for depressed Latinx youths as well as White youths with depression and suicidal behaviors. However, evidence-based treatments for ethnic minority and gender and sexually diverse youth, including Latinx teens with suicidal behaviors, is limited. A culturally centered CBT treatment protocol for suicidality (Socio-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicidal Behavior-SCBT-SB) was developed in Puerto Rico to address the specific needs of Latinx teens and their families. The SCBT-SB addresses central issues in adolescent identity formation (e.g. ethnicity and sexual orientation) along with family interactions and communication. Further modifications were done to expand the SCBT-SB applicability to Latinx families in the USA. The feasibility of this modified version of the SCBT-SB was tested in the USA by conducting a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) of the SCBT versus treatment-as-usual (TAU) in a real-world setting with positive results. A randomized clinical trial is underway, funded by the National Institute on Minority and Health Disparities (NIMHD), to test the efficacy and effectiveness of the SCBT-SB. The rationale for developing a culturally centered CBT protocol, the change model, and its main components will be presented.  Slides are available here.

This previously recorded webinar aims to increase participants’ understanding of the diversity of gender expression, gender identity, and biological sex. We will strive to expand attendees’ knowledge beyond the gender binary by providing an overview of community experiences, identity markers and meanings, research related to the construct of gender minority stress, and potential differences in journeys for binary transgender and non-binary transgender persons. We will also touch on current events and how transgender community members are being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The coming out process is a unique and individualized process, preferably driven by the client. Often times, many individuals that identify as a sexual or gender minority face the coming out process multiple times. This webinar will highlight the impact of coming out and how to best support someone through this process.   View presentation slides and transcript

The Coming Out Process: Presentation Slides and Transcript   The coming out process is a unique and individualized process, preferably driven by the client. Often times, many individuals that identify as a sexual or gender minority face the coming out process multiple times. This webinar will highlight the impact of coming out and how to best support someone through this process.

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. This resource sheet focuses specifically on supporting racially and ethnically diverse populations; older adults; LGBTQIA+ communities; people living with HIV; people with disabilities; immigrant and undocumented communities; and college students and young adults. Click the "View Resource" link above to download, or view all available resource sheet topics.

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. This resource sheet focuses on phone numbers for crisis hotlines, warmlines, and informational/referral helplines, including lines for specific populations (e.g., first responders, older adults, caregivers). It also includes links to online support groups. Click the "View Resource" link above to download, or view all available resource sheet topics.

Currently, gender has moved from the traditional male-female binary.  Therefore, it is important to understand all aspects of gender, including gender expression and gender identity.   This webinar will discuss strengths and challenges related to gender diversity in behavioral health as a way to help overcome the disparities and improve effective services.     This webinar covers the following objectives: Review key terms to ground the discussion on gender and gender identity Highlight health disparities that impact the lives of gender diverse individuals. Apply the Minority Stress Model to working with gender diverse individuals. Explore different strategies to promote effective behavioral healthcare services   Gender Identity: Working with Gender Diverse Individuals Webinar Recording Gender Identity: Working with Gender Diverse Individuals Powerpoint Slides

Sexual identity is just one, individualized and personally meaningful, aspect of an individual’s sexual orientation; however, is often scrutinized and misunderstood.  Individuals that identify as a sexual minority experience many barriers and healthcare obstacles, often a result of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.  This webinar will focus on the unique needs of individuals who identify as sexual minorities to enhance services and promote more effective care.    This webinar covers the following objectives: Distinguish between sexual (affectional) and gender identity Explain the importance of the minority stress model Discuss the increase in mental health needs of sexual minorities Illustrate the reasons for underutilization of services Discuss multiple factors to consider when working with sexual (affectional) diverse individuals Describe the positive psychology framework and apply this framework to working with sexual minorities Highlight guidelines for behavioral healthcare workers when working with sexual (affectional) diverse individuals   Sexual (Affectional) Identity Webinar Recording

This webinar provides a foundation regarding the importance of using appropriate terminology and language when working with everyone, including affectional and gender diverse individuals, as well as why language evolves. Additionally, we will begin to understand the current language to use when working with members of affectional and gender diverse populations.   Learning Objectives: Describe the reasons why using appropriate language is important. Recognize how language naturally evolves. Highlight and define appropriate language when working with affectional and gender diverse individuals.  Identify general guidelines for behavioral healthcare workers.      View session recording  

Participants will become familiar with the history, strengths, and challenges related to gender diversity in the behavioral health field, gain an understanding of the research addressing disparities in behavioral health care regarding gender diverse individuals, and focus on improving services for gender diverse individuals. Gender diverse refers to those who vary in gender identity or expression based on the wide spectrum of gender that exists outside of the rigid gender binaries of male and female.  Review key aspects from Part 1 Highlight how a sense of community may lead to increase resilience Explore different aspects of gender affirming services Identify the WPATH and many additional resources to help support behavioral healthcare services for gender diverse individuals Illustrate and apply the Indivisible Self – Wellness model to the case of Gabriel   View session recording Article with referenced case study   Dr. Anthony Zazzarino, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPRP is a full-time faculty member at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. He currently provides instruction for professional education courses for New Jersey’s Supported Housing agencies implementing Community Support Services (CSS), the Master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling, and the Doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Zazzarino is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP). He completed his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University where he focused on improving the lives of sexual minorities with serious mental illnesses and enhancing individual’s knowledge of multicultural competence. Dr. Zazzarino is actively presenting at local, state, and national conferences related to psychiatric rehabilitation methods, counseling services, and supervision practices. In addition to his work at Rutgers, Dr. Zazzarino is a suicide prevention trainer for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, facilitates group therapy for adolescents and adults at an intensive outpatient program, provides outpatient counseling services at his private practice, and provides clinical supervision for counselors who need supervised clinical hours in New Jersey.

Participants will become familiar with the history, strengths, and challenges related to gender diversity in the behavioral health field, gain an understanding of the research addressing disparities in behavioral health care regarding gender-diverse individuals, and focus on improving services for gender-diverse individuals. Gender diversity refers to those who vary in gender identity or expression based on the wide spectrum of gender that exists outside of the rigid gender binaries of male and female.  Describe the many facets of gender. Define key terms associated with gender-diverse individuals. Illustrate the importance of using specific gender pronouns. Highlight health disparities that impact the lives of gender-diverse individuals. Apply the Minority Stress Model to working with gender-diverse individuals.   View session recording   Dr. Anthony Zazzarino, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPRP is a full-time faculty member at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. He currently provides instruction for professional education courses for New Jersey’s Supported Housing agencies implementing Community Support Services (CSS), the Master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling, and the Doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Zazzarino is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP). He completed his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University where he focused on improving the lives of sexual minorities with serious mental illnesses and enhancing individual’s knowledge of multicultural competence. Dr. Zazzarino is actively presenting at local, state, and national conferences related to psychiatric rehabilitation methods, counseling services, and supervision practices. In addition to his work at Rutgers, Dr. Zazzarino is a suicide prevention trainer for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, facilitates group therapy for adolescents and adults at an intensive outpatient program, provides outpatient counseling services at his private practice, and provides clinical supervision for counselors who need supervised clinical hours in New Jersey. 

On July 31st, we held a webinar on "Affirming Gender Identity in Clinical Practice". Megan Graham discussed the distinction between sex and gender, and provided a better understanding of the range of gender identities that exist. She also reviewed strategies for providing an open and affirming stance for clients and families to talk about their gender identity, and to help clients to advocate for their needs.

Dr. Anthony Zazzarino, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPRP is a full-time faculty member at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. He currently provides instruction for professional education courses for New Jersey’s Supported Housing agencies implementing Community Support Services (CSS), the Master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling, and the Doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Zazzarino is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP). He completed his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University where he focused on improving the lives of sexual minorities with serious mental illnesses and enhancing individual’s knowledge of multicultural competence. Dr. Zazzarino is actively presenting at local, state, and national conferences related to psychiatric rehabilitation methods, counseling services, and supervision practices. In addition to his work at Rutgers, Dr. Zazzarino is a suicide prevention trainer for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, facilitates group therapy for adolescents and adults at an intensive outpatient program, provides outpatient counseling services at his private practice, and provides clinical supervision for counselors who need supervised clinical hours in New Jersey.    Webinar Description and Objectives: Participants will become familiar with the unique needs facing individuals who identify as a sexual minority, enhance awareness of increased rates of mental health symptoms, substance use, and suicidality within this population, and explore effective services for sexual minority individuals. A sexual minority is an individual who identifies with a sexual identity other than heterosexuality.    Define the term sexual minority Identify different sexual orientations Distinguish between sexual and gender identity Explain the importance of the minority stress model Discuss the increase in mental health needs of sexual minorities Illustrate the reasons for an underutilization of services   Access webinar slides. Access webinar recording. 

Participants will become familiar with the unique needs facing individuals who identify as a sexual minority, enhance awareness of increased rates of mental health symptoms, substance use, and suicidality within this population, and explore effective services for sexual minority individuals. A sexual minority is an individual who identifies with a sexual identity other than heterosexuality.  Identify additional factors that may contribute to increased mental health needs Discuss risk factors and warning signs of suicide Describe the positive psychology framework and apply this framework to working with sexual minorities   View session recording   Dr. Anthony Zazzarino, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPRP is a full-time faculty member at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. He currently provides instruction for professional education courses for New Jersey’s Supported Housing agencies implementing Community Support Services (CSS), the Master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling, and the Doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Zazzarino is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP). He completed his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University where he focused on improving the lives of sexual minorities with serious mental illnesses and enhancing individual’s knowledge of multicultural competence. Dr. Zazzarino is actively presenting at local, state, and national conferences related to psychiatric rehabilitation methods, counseling services, and supervision practices. In addition to his work at Rutgers, Dr. Zazzarino is a suicide prevention trainer for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, facilitates group therapy for adolescents and adults at an intensive outpatient program, provides outpatient counseling services at his private practice, and provides clinical supervision for counselors who need supervised clinical hours in New Jersey.