Past Events

During The Storm   Leadership during chaos requires mental health providers to reflect and learn about existing challenges, find solutions collaboratively with other professionals and team members, and determine new solutions.  The unpredictability and severity of the challenges influences the strategies that mental health providers, organizations, and systems must put in place.  In this workshop, we will apply new strategies and adaptive leadership principles to continue to “weather the storm,” and lead effectively, while addressing our own well-being. This webinar is part two of three in the series titled, "Weathering the Storm: Adaptive Leadership for Resilient Mental Health Organizations in the Pacific Southwest." Please see a description of the series below and additionally, you can view the full schedule on the main event page.   Innovative Leadership Strategies for Mental Health Professionals Leading mental health organizations, programs and initiatives can prove challenging in the best of times. Meeting the needs of clients in the diverse Pacific Southwest, while effectively navigating the field’s evolving best practices, policies, and funding requires innovative, resilient, and adaptable leadership at all levels. COVID-19’s impact on both our personal and professional lives exacerbates the need for these skills.  The Adaptive Leadership Framework facilitates evolution and growth in response to change and challenge. Join us as we explore the principles of Adaptive Leadership, and how you can apply the framework to lead more effectively. During this three-part series, participants will: Learn the principles of Adaptive Leadership and how to implement them in mental health work Identify strategies for engaging others to initiate, make, and sustain change Apply Adaptive Leadership principles to “weather the storm,” lead effectively, and prioritize well-being during challenging times.

Stress is a common factor in our society that affects and impacts us daily. For marginalized communities, the stress factor increases. For decades, the LGBT+ community has been a marginalized and stigmatized by the State. For Latinxs being part of an ethnic minority increases the stress factor. This webinar will discuss the Minority Stress Model as it describes the excessive stress to which individuals of stigmatized social categories are exposed as a result of their social position, and its impact on mental health. Furthermore, the presenter will address how Latinx cultural values can shape the coping mechanisms used to manage these stressors. The presentation will discuss the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Model as a recommended approach to work with Latinx LGBTQ+ communities with mental health challenges. This model works mainly with the acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity / expression of the person served and requires that mental health professionals have the knowledge and sensitivity necessary to work with the community.   Learning Objectives: At the end of the webinar participants will: 1. Identify stressors among LGBTQ+ Latinx communities 2. Describe the Minority Stress Model and mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ Latinx 3. Discuss the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Model as a recommended approach for Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals and communities   Who should attend? This webinar is designed for mental health providers including psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and graduate level students in the mental health field who are interested in learning about the vulnerabilities and uniqueness of this period.   About the presenter: Miguel Vázquez, PhD- Dr. Miguel Vázquez has a Masters in Research in Clinical Psychology from the Barcelona Autonomous University, and a Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Carlos Albizu University in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has researched topics such as sexual and gender diversity, suicide, psychotic disorders, youth risky behaviors, and substance abuse. He has presented in congresses and symposiums in Puerto Rico, United States, Mexico, Spain, Las Bahamas, Colombia, South Africa, and Peru. He has published social responsibility essays for local newspapers and magazines, and is the principal editor of the text book, LGBT 101: An introductory look at the community, being the first of its kind in the island, and author of LGBT+ Health: A therapeutic manual to work with the communities. He works as psychologist and investigator at Centro Ararat and has his private office. He has been awarded Alumni of the Year 2015 from the Carlos Albizu University, and Psychologist of the Year, 2015 from the Puerto Rico Psychology Association. He is the developer and coordinator of the 1st LGBT Intervention Certification, education created to sensibilize and educate professionals on LGBT health.     Please read the following before registering:  The National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center use GoToWebinar as our online event system.  Audio for the event is accessible via the internet. To receive audio, attendees must join the event by using computers equipped with speakers or dial in via telephone.  After registration, a confirmation email will be generated with instructions for joining the event. To avoid problems with log-in, please use the confirmation email to join the event.  

Monthly Open Consultation Calls on Adult Peer Workforce Topics for Region 10 providers Facilitated by Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, these are open monthly consultation calls for Region 10 (Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho) supporting the Adult Peer workforce. These calls are intended for peer support specialists, supervisors of peers, and administrators of peer-delivered services and programs. MHAAO Consultation Calls & Webinars You may join any or all of these calls. While we use a recurring Zoom link, you are welcome to choose the sessions that work for your schedule and interests. Topics in future calls will include: increasing familiarity with peer-delivered services developing job descriptions designing peer programs hiring for peer positions documentation supervision workforce training and professional development and more!   June 16 Topic: Creating a Culture of Feedback Facilitators: Adrienne Scavera is the Training and Outreach Department Director for Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO), one of Oregon's oldest and largest peer-run organizations. In her role as a department director, Adrienne works to support the peer workforce from initial entry and training to systems-level advocacy. Currently, Adrienne serves on several committees and boards, including the Oregon Health Authority’s Training Evaluation and Metrics Program Scoring Committee and the state Traditional Health Worker Commission. In her work, Adrienne prioritizes the experience of individuals as the experts on their own lives. Over the years, she has worked in research, direct service, program development, management, training, and with non-profits, educational institutions, and peer-run organizations. She enjoys writing about herself in third person, well-organized spaces, and friendly animals. Want more information? Visit the Northwest MHTTC's Resource Library and Websites by Topic  and sign up for our monthly newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

The Great Lakes MHTTC and PTTC offer this training for behavioral health professionals in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI. All 45 minutes sessions will be from 12:30-1:15 PM CST. You will need to register for each session you want to attend. The Great Lakes MHTTC and PTTC will host a series of interactive calls for people who want to broaden and enhance their use of Motivational Interviewing skills in their role of leader or supervisor. This learning opportunity provides supervisors with a no-cost, easy to access opportunity to continue to build their practice skills towards fidelity. All sessions will be geared towards multiple levels of learning.  Supervisors may choose to attend all sessions or select from the menu of options. Dates and topics are listed below. Learning Objectives: Observe and practice fundamental skills: Listening, open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarization Describe Motivational Interviewing: purpose, benefits and limitations Prepare to apply the spirit of Motivational Interviewing to supervision interactions   Dates and Topics:  1/20/21: Motivational interviewing and supervision: The evidence base REGISTER 2/17/21: REALLY listening to understand REGISTER 3/17/21: The spirit of MI in supervision REGISTER 4/21/21: Let your employee know you’re working hard to understand them REGISTER 5/19/21: Guiding others towards change with your open mind REGISTER 6/16/21: Taming your inner cheerleader- Increasing confidence and importance to change in your staff REGISTER JULY: NO SESSION 8/18/21: Encouraging change while handling being stuck with care REGISTER 9/15/21: A big clue that you and the employee aren’t on the same page REGISTER 10/20/21: Growing and supporting change in your employee REGISTER 11/17/21: Planning for change REGISTER DECEMBER: NO SESSION

Interactional and Dynamic Relationships - Workshop Wednesday Session June 16, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm MST | 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST Registration is free and required. This session is available to individuals residing in HHS Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY). Certificates of Attendance will be available.   This training will examine the interactional nature of relationships and how mirror neurons, the group of brain cells that activate when we see someone doing something, contribute to our interpretation and reactions to intentional and unintentional messages from our shared environment. Some common examples of how mirror neurons work in our daily lives include:   Mirror neurons are responsible for yawning when we see someone else yawn. These neurons also act when we see someone sad or crying, and in turn, feel sad.  The same thing happens with smiling or laughing. The way laughter can be contagious.   Debra Brownlee, Ph.D., will explore how our human design predisposes us to impact and be impacted by others and how we understand and misunderstand the actions of others. As we move closer to post-pandemic life, achieving a better understanding of the messages we send and receive from our environment can help us to support one another more fully.   After attending this session, participants can expect to:   Understand what mirror neurons are and how they influence our shared environments, particularly our relationships.  Recognize how the signals we may be sending can result in unintentional misunderstandings in our work and personal relationships. Learn strategies designed to support ourselves and others as we transition into post-pandemic life.     Trainer Debra Brownlee, PhD

Understanding the Impact of a Public Health Crisis on Physical and Behavioral Healthcare Providers; HHS Region 8 Building Resilience among Providers during a Global Health Pandemic (4-Part Series)   Providing physical or behavioral healthcare to others during the global health pandemic can lead to increased levels of stress, fear, anxiety, burnout, frustration, and other strong emotions. It is imperative that physical and behavioral healthcare providers recognize personal signs of mental fatigue, are given supports in their organization to ensure continued productivity and quality care, and are provided with tools to learn how to cope and build resilience. Providers residing in rural areas often face additional challenges unique to their setting. This training series has been developed to encourage self-care and to assist in building resilience among physical and behavioral healthcare providers amidst the global health pandemic.   Access the free toolkit: Building Resilience Among Physical and Behavioral Healthcare Providers During a Global Health Pandemic   Register Registration is free and required. Register for any/all sessions of this series by using the purple "REGISTER" button at the top of the page. The series is available for individuals residing in Heath and Human Services (HHS) Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY).   Session One Understanding the Impact of a Public Health Crisis on Medical and Behavioral Healthcare Providers; HHS Region 8 June 16, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST   This session will outline common terms, introduce compassion fatigue, and discuss the impact of moral injury and traumatic stress. Speakers will also present a toolkit that has been developed to assist providers and their organizations in building resiliency.   Trainers: Andrew J. McLean, MD, MPH & Shawnda Schroeder PhD, MA   Session Two Home Life, Clinical Care, and Work Relationships: Causes of Stress and Resiliency Building for Providers; HHS Region 8 June 23, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST   Presenters will discuss home life stressors, challenges of managing work relationships during a time of crisis, and the current issues facing providers as they work to provide quality care during a public health emergency. This session will also offer specific solutions and key resources for fostering resilience and balancing demands of home life, clinical care, and professional relationships during a pandemic.   Trainers: Robin Landwehr, DBH, LPCC, NCC & Per Ostmo, BA   Session Three Preventing and Responding to Grief, Loss, and Secondary Traumatic Stress among Providers; HHS Region 8 June 30, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST   Providers are experiencing loss of normalcy, loss of routine, and other ambiguous loss. Many may also be dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one, or the loss of numerous patients. Compounding this sense of loss and grief, providers commonly carry their patients’ stories with them. It is important that providers connect with their patients. If providers feel nothing, then they cannot connect as strongly and may not be able to optimize patient care. However, this connection, especially during a pandemic, can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS). This session will address signs and symptoms of grief and loss among providers that have been present during the pandemic, and will describe secondary traumatic stress. Presenters will also offer ways to prevent and respond to these experiences at both an organizational and individual level.   Trainers: Robin Landwehr, DBH, LPCC, NCC & Shawnda Schroeder PhD, MA   Session Four Promoting Resiliency at an Organizational Level; HHS Region 8 July 7, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST   Research indicates that, although efforts to promote resilience at an individual level are important, addressing characteristics of the external environment are at least as important. Absence of organizational and leadership support for provider distress during COVID-19 may adversely impact organizational resilience, patient safety, and staff retention. Providers cannot sustain their own well-being without the support of their leadership. Targets for improvement at the organizational level include ensuring:   Organizational efficiency through identifying inefficient workplace processes. A transformational work culture. Correction of any negative leadership behaviors.   Trainers: Andrew J. McLean, MD, MPH & Per Ostmo, BA

​Identify diversity ​in racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, and academic/professional backgrounds, including different opinions, religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientations, heritage, and life experience; and learn skills from an inclusion and equity perspective. The Northwest MHTTC is excited to collaborate with Aleks Martin, MSW, LSWAIC, SUDP, to deliver a webinar and podcast series as part of our support for provider well-being. Find out more about the series here. Presenter Aleks Martin (S/he pronouns, but they is ok) has been in the health and social service field for over 20 years. Aleks was drawn to the LGBTQI2+ community in their mid-twenties working for a national HIV-prevention study with youth called, Young Asian Men’s Study (YAMS). This exposed them to the great work of HIV workers from other organizations and how community-based programs are critical in reaching out to the most vulnerable populations. During this time, they worked as a Disease Intervention Specialist with Public Health - Seattle & King County for 7 years, including working on the pilot study for the Rapid HIV Test Kit (then a 20-minute test). A big portion of their professional career was spent at Seattle Counseling Service, a behavioral health agency for the LGBTQ community. From 2003 to 2019, Aleks started as Database Manager, Health Educator, Program Coordinator to Chemical Dependency Counselor and Addictions Program Supervisor. This was the safe space where their yearning for higher education was cultivated so they could serve their community further. As a graduate of the University of Washington’s School of Social Work - Masters Program, Aleks developed their skills as a mental health clinician and social justice advocate. Aleks’ perspectives where shifted and allowed them to have a wider lens for diversity, inclusion and equity. Aleks was inspired to start a private practice to address the special needs of the LGBTQI2+ and BBIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous and People of Color), particularly Queer and Trans Asian and Pacific Islander people dealing with unique and special issues that intersect with race/culture and gender/sexuality like coming out, spiritual conflicts, cultural dissonance, gender transition, social navigation at work and other environments, interpersonal relationships from intimacy to friendships, understanding relationships with non-LGBTQI2+ partner(s), and so on. Want more information? Visit the Northwest MHTTC's Resource Library and Websites by Topic  and sign up for our monthly newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

We all aspire to high levels of happiness, yet this is a goal that evades many of us. What should we know if we too aim to become a happy—or a happier—person? In this workshop, Dr. Pelin Kesebir will answer this question, relying on the latest findings from well-being research. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will have a better sense of where well-being lies and how it can be cultivated through small, daily activities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand that well-being is a skill that can be developed Learn about the different causes and correlates of well-being Receive a better sense of what a healthy sense of self involves Learn about the importance of healthy social relationships to well-being.   Presenter Dr. Pelin Kesebir received her doctoral degree in Social Psychology and Personality Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009. She is a fellow at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Kesebir studies happiness and character strengths, and the different ways in which we can cultivate well-being. She is originally from Istanbul, Turkey.

Topics: * Neurobiology of Yoga in Mental Health Disorders * Yogic Understanding of Stress and Approach towards its Management * Orientation to important Yoga techniques for Stress Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic Bios: Dr. B N Gangadhar, MD (Psychiatry), D.Sc. (Yoga), is currently the President of Ethics & Medical Registration Board, National Medical Commission, Government of India. He was formerly Senior Professor of Psychiatry and Director of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India. Dr. Gangadhar developed novel strategies to treat severe psychiatric disorders including depression and schizophrenia using noninvasive brain manipulative procedures including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). He also pioneered the integration of yoga as therapy for treating mental and neurological disorders. He established an advanced center for research in Yoga at NIMHANS IN 2007 which culminated in the establishment of a full Department of Integrative Medicine in 2019, the first such department in a National Institute in India. Dr. Hemant Bhargav, MD (Yoga and Rehabilitation), PhD (Yoga), is a conventional medicine doctor with MD and PhD in Yoga therapy. He is currently working as Assistant Professor of Yoga, Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India. He has 10 years of experience as a Clinical Yoga Expert, particularly in the field of mental health and neurosciences. He has published more than 30 research publications in these areas.

This interactive workshop will host state and local educational agencies from Project AWARE grantees in the region to discuss strategies for financing school mental health systems and participate in group activities to plan for sustaining core components of AWARE accomplishments at the state and local level. This workshop is limited to invited participants.

Description: The Rest of Us is a narrative feature film about student resilience in the face of a mental health crisis on a college campus. Set against the backdrop of 9/11, the film captures the tectonic shifts that have occurred in the past 20 years and how they have impacted youth mental health. This three-part webinar series uses the film as the basis for sparking important conversations about addressing inequity in mental health, encouraging connectivity, and raising awareness about suicide prevention, with a particular focus on the needs of students of color. Part 2 will examine how loneliness and social isolation are growing issues with serious health concerns, and review strategies for addressing these challenges. Download the series flyer here.   Moderator: Hediya Sizar, MBA Producer of The Rest of Us; Senior Manager of Special Projects, New York University’s (NYU’s) Global Programs & University Life   Presenters: Linda G. Mills, JD, LCSW, PhD Director of The Rest of Us; Lisa Ellen Goldberg Professor, Executive Director of NYU’s Center on Violence and Recovery Luis Ramirez, LCSW NYU Associate Director of Clinical Services   Learning Objectives: Understand how loneliness and isolation impacts college students of color Understand how peer support can help individuals connect to their communities and establish relationships Identify how campuses can cultivate a connection and wellbeing that is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages   Who Should Attend? Middle school - college age students, parents, educators, administrators, faculty, behavioral health providers   Certificates of attendance will be available to viewers of 50% (30 minutes) or more of the live webinar (via email within 30 business days post-event). CEUs are not offered for this session. The webinar slide presentation and recording will be posted to the website.   The Rest of Us Part 1: Resilience and Self Care June 1, 2021 / 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT   Recording The Rest of Us Part 2: Combating Loneliness June 14, 2021 / 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT   Recording The Rest of Us Part 3: Communication and Technology, Then and Now June 30, 2021 / 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT  REGISTER

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.   Presenters: Valerie Ferri, MSW, MPH, LSW is the Director of Workforce Development at the Family Training and Advocacy Center for Mental Illness (FTAC) and has worked in outpatient, inpatient, and administrative roles within the Philadelphia public behavioral health system for 20 years. She oversees various programs at FTAC that champion the importance of family within behavioral healthcare and works collaboratively with local universities, behavioral health organizations and family members to educate the workforce and support providers in their efforts to become more family inclusive.  Michelle Zechner, PhD, MSW, LSW, CPRP, an Assistant Professor at Rutgers, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, has focused her career on the promotion of health and wellness for people with mental health conditions, their families and the staff who support them for over 25 years. She has worked in a variety of settings including: academia, outpatient mental health programs, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, family advocacy and training services.  She conducts research, teaches and mentors students, and consults with state psychiatric hospitals on supporting people with mental illness and their families. Her research interests include health promotion for people with mental health conditions and their families, aging well with disabilities, preparing mental health and health professionals to work with people with mental health conditions and their families, multi-dimensional wellness,  and motivation for physical activity. She has co-authored peer-reviewed and technical publications on health and wellness promotion. She is a sought after trainer and has given presentations locally and nationally on topics ranging from wellness and recovery, family support, and supporting self-care for families and mental health staff.  

Expect the Unexpected: Preparing for Crises in Schools is a webinar series geared toward education professionals, administrators, and stakeholders who are working together to create a school climate that aims to prevent crisis events. However, we know that not all crises can be prevented. How does your school respond to crisis events and encourage student and educator resilience? In this webinar, attendees will learn how to assess their current crisis planning documents, identify areas for growth, and progress monitor changes made to readiness and response efforts throughout the school year.

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. Join us for a presentation and open conversation on the COVID-19 vaccine, equity, and mental health. Is there a topic you want to know more about? Questions can be submitted in advance using this form: https://forms.gle/tWTZMdDdNkoeMrRa6. 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

The UT at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social and National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center is hosting a 3-part webinar series Addressing our bias when working with the LGBTQ+ Community. This webinars series is a basic level educational event for school mental health providers, teachers, school personnel, and school administrators.   LGBTQ communities face health disparities linked to stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. LGBTQ individuals have higher rates of psychiatric disorders, substance use, violence, and suicide and may encounter lack of acceptance by their family members and the society which affects their mental health and personal safety. This webinar series will be served to explore how bias impact our worldview and the work with the LGBTQ population, to identify health disparities among LGTBQ population, and to explore interventions to create a safe space and minimize the impact of implicit bias.   Learning Objectives: Understanding implicit bias concepts and implications. Reflect on our social identities and worldview. Recognize how bias impacts daily life when interacting with social identities. Apply strategies to minimize the impact of biases.   Who should attend? This is a basic level workshop designed for mental health providers, school mental health providers, and school administrators.   About the presenter: Jesús Ortega, LMSW –Director, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Dell Medical School at UT Austin- is originally from Venezuela. Jesús has worked for economic, social and environmental justice almost all his professional life. Mr. Ortega moved his organizing and advocacy efforts working with marginalized immigrants communities of color from NY to Texas over 15 years ago. Mr. Ortega, hold the position of Executive Director at Out Youth, an LGBTQ youth organization in Austin. Jesús later started working with the Austin Stress Clinic’s Batters Intervention Program, as a facilitator of psycho-educational interventions for violence prevention. Mr. Ortega as the Assistant Director at the ASC concentrated on studying the efficacy of BIPPs interventions and developed innovated curriculum that focused on deconstructing masculinity and its impact on violence against women. This work took Mr. Ortega to Recife Brazil, where he spent half a year working with and evaluating a violence prevention program for youth at the PAPAI Institute. Jesús, previous to his new position at DMS, hold the position of Deputy Director at The Alamo Area Resource Center, a not-for-profit organization working with people living with HIV/AIDS and medical services to the LGBT community in San Antonio. He also worked as adjunct faculty of UTSA College of Public Policy in the Department of social work where he teaches cultural competency and global social work. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UTSA, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the City University of New York. He is also a graduate of Columbia University School of Business on Non-profit Management.    

The Great Lakes MHTTC Provider Well-Being Supplement offers these trainings to behavioral health providers in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI. This series is offered in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders. Microlearnings are 15-minute “TED-Talk” style workshops—join by phone or Zoom!  Microlearnings are intended to reach a large audience with a low time commitment. Topics focus on aspects of individual and organizational health and wellbeing. All are welcome! Dates: (note all times are 11:00–11:15am CT/12:00–12:15pm ET) Jun 11: The Power of Intentional Joy Jun 25: Always Choose Joy: Making Joy a Habit There is no need to register.  Use the phone number or link below to join all or any you can. Call in # +1 646-876-9923 Zoom: Meeting ID: 335-268-657 Passcode: 754991

Please join us for our K12 webinar: From Longhouse to Schoolhouse: AI/AN School Communities Coming Together in Partnership to Learn, Collaborate, and Share Experiences and Knowledge 2:00-3:30 CST on June 10th

Description: Attention Deficit Disorder (or ADD) is a major contributor to limited educational achievement, underemployment, and drug abuse. The recognition that it is a major problem for adults has improved the quality of life for many and improved access to treatment. This webinar will review impairments associated with ADD in adults, diagnosing and treating it in this population, distinguishing the condition from other behavioral disorders, and how it differs between adults and children. Download Flyer   Presenter: William B. Lawson, M.D., Ph.D., D.L.F.A.P.A. is Founder and Director of the Institute to Reduce Disparities LLC, Director of Psychiatric Research for the Emerson Clinical Research Institute and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is emeritus professor of psychiatry, at the Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, and emeritus professor and formerly chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Howard University School of Medicine. He received a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire and M.D. from the Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago, did his residency at Stanford University and a fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health. He has held faculty positions at the University of Illinois, Urbana, University of California, Irvine, Vanderbilt University, University of Arkansas, and Howard University. He has held numerous senior positions and received national recognition including past President of the DC Chapter of Mental Health America, Past President of the Washington Psychiatric Society, past Chair of the Section of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences of the National Medical Association, and past president of the Black Psychiatrists of America. He has received several honors, including the American Psychiatric Foundation Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Exemplary Psychiatrist Award. He has over 200 publications, and is the former editor in chief of the Journal of the National Medical Association.    Learning Objectives: •    Describe the impact of ADD in adults •    Specify the difference between the presentation in adults and children •    Differentiate ADD, Bipolar disorder, and antisocial personality disorder •    Detail the different treatment options including alternatives to stimulants   Who Should Attend? Mental health professionals, behavioral health professionals, the general public, personnel managers, teachers   Certificates of attendance will be available to viewers of 50% (30 minutes) or more of the live webinar (via email within 30 business days post-event). CEUs are not offered for this session. The webinar slide presentation and recording will be posted to the website.

About the Session: In this second 90-minute session of the Culturally Responsive Evidence-Based and Community-Defined Practices for Mental Health Series, we will: Discuss how Familia Adelante (FA) is being implemented with various cultural groups across the Network/in different regions. Highlight additional culturally responsive “FA practices” being utilized across the Network/in different regions. Share lessons learned during the implementation of FA (i.e., Balancing FA and the cultural needs of the people served). MATERIALS TO REVIEW PRIOR TO THE SESSION: Familia Adelante Brochure Familia Adelante Program Overview Familia Adelante Factsheet Certificate of Completion: This session will be recorded and available on the series landing page here within a week of each live event. CEUs are not available for these sessions; however, certificates of completion for each learning session are available to viewers of 50% (45 minutes) or more of the live session. Questions? Contact Jessica Gonzalez, MHTTC School Mental Health Coordinator, at [email protected]. Session Facilitators and Panelists: Isa I.  Vélez  Echevarría, PsyD is a clinical psychologist. She obtained a certification as Interpersonal Psychotherapy Clinician, was trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Therapy. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Community Services Institute in Boston, MA., where she provided home-based and school-based psychotherapy for communities of color. She is currently working as a Training and Content Specialist for the National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC, at the Universidad Central del Caribe, in Bayamon, PR.     Richard Cervantes, PhD is Research Director of Behavioral Assessment, Inc. He served as Research Psychologist at the UCLA Spanish Speaking Mental Health Research Center, and held a full-time faculty appointment in the USC School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Cervantes was the Principal Investigator for the NIH funded study, “Development of the Hispanic Stress Inventory-2” and PI on the recently completed study “Familia Adelante: A multi risk Prevention Program for Hispanic Youth”. Dr. Cervantes is also a leader in evaluation science with special expertise in cultural competency and cross-cultural instrument development.     Ari Acosta (she/ella) is the bilingual Behavioral Health Equity Specialist for the South Southwest MHTTC, housed at the University of Texas at Austin, where her work entails the coordination of training and technical assistance to behavioral health, health, and social services providers on culturally and linguistically appropriate services, addressing behavioral health disparities, and promoting health equity to diverse communities. She has a background in Social and Clinical Psychology and three masters degrees (Women and Gender Studies, Sexuality Counseling and Women’s Human Rights) plus eight years of experience as an Assistant Professor and Human Rights Specialist in Venezuela, where she’s originally from. Ari has provided many trainings and presentations around Identity, Culture and Mental Health as well as technical assistance on how to apply the CLAS Standards and promoting equitable mental health services in Texas. Darice Orobitg, PhD is a clinical psychologist. Dr. Orobitg worked at the PR Rape Crisis Center where, she was a therapist for children, adolescent, and adult survivors of sexual violence. At the PRRCC she was also a clinical supervisor and coordinator of clinical services. Darice is currently the Training and Content Consultant for the National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.         Adriana Avila-DiBello joined the AAMA family in 2006, with over 25 years working in the HIV and Communicable Diseases field and training as a Disease Intervention Specialist/Public Health Investigator. Mrs. DiBello has current oversight of the Minorities Action Program (MAP) and is committed to prevention education and maintaining a productive climate through motivating, mobilizing, and coaching employees and community to meet high performance standards in life.    

 Presented by: MHTTC Cultural Responsiveness Working Group (CRWG) and the National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center   The CRWG aims to disseminate culturally appropriate information and provide technical assistance for the mental health field to improve access to culturally responsive mental health services. The CRWG recognizes the importance of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) in the work across the MHTTC Network, as well as acknowledging and promoting culturally inclusive mental health practices that exist in the mental health field. The CRWG is presenting a 6-part series: Culturally Responsive Evidence-Based and Community-Defined Practices for Mental Health. This series is intended to: Engage constituents in an interactive conversation about culturally inclusive mental health practices, including Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) and Community-Defined Practices Explore strengths and barriers of Community-Defined Practices and elevate them as Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards Identify ways to increase promotion of EBPs and Community-Defined Practices in technical assistance and trainings offered by the MHTTC Network During this second session Dr. Cervantes will share and discuss how Familia Adelante (FA) is being implemented with various cultural groups across the Network/in different regions and highlight additional culturally responsive “FA practices” being utilized across the Network/in different regions. Also, the presenters will share lessons learned during the implementation of FA (i.e., Balancing FA and the cultural needs of the people served).   Who should attend? This is an intermediate-level training. This presentation will be targeted for clinicians from across disciplines behavioral health / mental health providers to and anyone interested in engaging in a conversation about cultural adaptations for EBPs and Community-Defined Practices.    About  the speakers:        Moderator: Darice Orobitg, PhD  Trainer and Content Consultant  She/her  Darice Orobitg is a clinical psychologist. Dr. Orobitg worked at the PR Rape Crisis Center where, she was a therapist for children, adolescent, and adult survivors of sexual violence. At the PRRCC she was also a clinical supervisor and coordinator of clinical services. Darice is currently the Training and Content Consultant for the National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.         Moderator: Isa I. Vélez Echevarría, PsyD  Trainer and Content Specialist   She/her ​   ​Dr. Isa Vélez is a clinical psychologist. She obtained a certification as Interpersonal Psychotherapy Clinician, was trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Therapy. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Community Services Institute in Boston, MA., where she provided home-based and school-based psychotherapy for communities of color. She is currently working as a Training and Content Specialist for the National Hispanic and Latino MHTTC, at the Universidad Central del Caribe, in Bayamon, PR. ​      Moderator: Ari Acosta, Psy & MSc. WGS  Behavioral Health Equity Specialist  She/her  Ari Acosta is a bilingual mental health specialist currently working as a Behavioral Health Equity Specialist for the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at the University of Texas in Austin. She provides trainings and technical assistance to behavioral health agencies around Cultural Humility, Equity and the CLAS Standards. Ari has a Licensure in Psychology and two masters’ degrees: Sexology Counseling and Women & Gender Studies. She was a former professor and clinical psychologist in Venezuela; with more than eight years of experience in the field. Also served as a National Board member of Amnesty International Venezuelan section, providing presentations internationally around Human Rights Education.      Speaker: Richard Cervantes, PhD  Dr. Richard Cervantes is Research Director of Behavioral Assessment, Inc. He served as Research Psychologist at the UCLA Spanish Speaking Mental Health Research Center, and held a full-time faculty appointment in the USC School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Cervantes was the Principal Investigator for the NIH funded study, “Development of the Hispanic Stress Inventory-2” and PI on the recently completed study “Familia Adelante: A multi risk Prevention Program for Hispanic Youth”. Dr. Cervantes is also a leader in evaluation science with special expertise in cultural competency and cross-cultural instrument development.       Speaker: Adriana Avila-DiBello  Adriana Avila-DiBello joined the AAMA family in 2006, with over 25 years working in the HIV and Communicable Diseases field and training as a Disease Intervention Specialist/Public Health Investigator. Mrs. DiBello has current oversight of the Minorities Action Program (MAP) and is committed to prevention education and maintaining a productive climate through motivating, mobilizing, and coaching employees and community to meet high performance standards in life.

The First Episode Psychosis (FEP) monthly mentoring call hosted by the South Southwest MHTTC provides technical assistance and an open discussion platform for mental health workers offering services for FEP and clinical high risk populations. For more information on how to join us for this call, please email us at [email protected].

The Great Lakes MHTTC in partnership with WAFCA offers this training for behavioral health professsioals in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI. This training is offered in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders. This presentation will cover an immense amount of ground from foundational knowledge about early brain development and infant mental health to effective interventions and how to advocate for their expansion throughout our state. The workshop will explore the benefits of supporting parents and young children for communities and society as a whole, and practice tips for supporting parents and caregivers to optimize brain development and foster infant mental health. A local program, LENA Start, will be highlighted and participants will learn how this community public/private partnership in Marathon County was implemented as a part of local efforts to support parents in their efforts to build their babies’ brains. Information about the impact of accessible, affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood education on early brain development and infant mental health, particularly for children from low SES backgrounds, will be covered, along with a real-life example from The Playing Field. Finally, research and other resources to help agencies advocate for investments in programs like The Playing Field and LENA Start, including ROI information, will be shared.   CE Information WAFCA will provide 4 continuing education hours to those who complete the webinar; those who exit early are eligible for partial credit. Certificates are issued within 30 days. Presenters Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD is a pediatrician working in the public interest. He blends the roles of physician, occasional children's librarian, educator, public health professional and child health advocate. With graduate degrees in public health, children’s librarianship, physician assistant studies, and medicine, he brings a unique combination of interests and experience together. An associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, he has practiced primary care pediatrics in a variety of settings with special interest in underserved populations. With a graduate degree in children’s librarianship, he has the right skill set to be the founding medical director of Reach Out and Read Wisconsin and the founder and director of the Pediatric Early Literacy Projects at the University of Wisconsin.         Corina Norrbom, MD has been Health Policy Fellow at the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service since 2013. She is a family physician and Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin where she co-directs the Physician in the Community course. Dr. Norrbom is passionate about addressing the many factors beyond medical care that affect the health of individuals and their communities, and she has been and continues to be involved in many local and statewide projects that address social determinants of health. As a champion of the importance of early childhood development, she organized Baby Business: The Dollars and Sense of Investing in Working Parents (2016), which brought people from diverse backgrounds and professions together to build awareness about the return on investment for optimizing early childhood development and how this impacts present and future workforce. The follow-up Baby Business 2: Strengthening Today’s Workforce, Preparing Tomorrow’s (2017) furthered discussions around the role of employers and community action. She brought LENA Start to Marathon County with the help of an amazing group of partners and supporters and serves as Program Director.   Abbi Kruse is the founder and Executive Director of The Playing Field in Madison, Wisconsin. The Playing Field is a unique, early childhood program aimed at minimizing the disparities in early education opportunities. The organization is committed to eliminating the barriers faced by low-income families in accessing high quality care. In addition to this role, Abbi travels across the country to train teachers and school administrators on Conscious Discipline and the importance of social emotional development. She is passionate about offering educators the skills needed to support children- particularly those who have been impacted by early adversity or trauma. Abbi's professional roles have included kindergarten teacher, program director, instructional coach, and professional development director.   Rob Grunewald, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis              

The work that PACT Teams do can be stressful and overwhelming at times. This can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction. Having tools at your disposal to help both yourself, your team members, and the people you serve can make a difference in your well-being. These two consultation calls are offered as part of our Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Overview. Target audience: This is an intermediate level workshop designed for PACT team members of all levels. Dates: Wednesday, June 9, 3-4 pm Pacific  Wednesday, July 14, 3-4 pm Pacific   Note: This training is for ACT teams in Region 10 only, who will receive a separate invitation to register for this two-part training and consultation series. For more information, contact Michelle McDonald-Lopez at [email protected]. Presenter Michelle McDonald-Lopez is a licensed mental health counselor and has been working in the field for the past 12 years. She has provided licensure supervision and has worked in outpatient, inpatient, and in jail settings over the course of her career, mainly with those experiencing psychotic disorders, serious mental illnesses, and anxiety disorders. Most of her clinical work has involved use of cognitive behavioral therapies, and mindfulness. Between 2012-March 2020 she was a Team Leader of a PACT team and has served as a fidelity co-reviewer for several PACT teams across Washington state. Currently she works for the University of Washington and trains team leads and new team members in ACT basics, comprehensive assessment, and CBT-informed care, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).  

We are so pleased that after a short pause, our Region 9 is happy to welcome Region 6 for our School Mental Health Wellness Wednesdays. For the remaining program year, we offer three 60-minute virtual sessions for the school mental health workforce to connect, reflect, and support each other. The Wellness Wednesdays are led by Pacific Southwest MHTTC School Mental Health staff (Oriana Ides) and and South Southwest MHTTC Resilience-Oriented, Healing-Centered staff (Nadia K. Maynard). Please note that Wellness Wednesdays are not a sequence; you can join some or all. Wednesday, June 9 SESSION TWO: Our individual and collective identities impact our work Why might we over identify with our work as helping professionals, and how might that support or impede our overall wellness? AUDIENCE For state and local education agency education and behavioral health leaders, community-based organization staff, teachers, school site leaders, district administration, principals, school-based mental health staff, student support service providers, and anyone else who would like to join.   Other Wellness Wednesday Sessions Please register here for the April 14 session and register here for the August 11 session.