Past Events

  Learn more: Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education    

The South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC), invites Region 6 Peer Specialists and Family Partners to participate in our monthly networking meetings. These no-cost, virtual meetings offer you the opportunity to collaborate with other Peer Specialists and Family Partners in a supportive, mentoring environment. The goal is to provide a space for resource sharing, support around ways to be most effective when working with clients, options for self-care strategies, and more! This event takes place on the first Friday of each month from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. CT. About the Facilitator:  Alicia Adkins (she/they) is a dynamic force dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through resilience, diversity, and empathy as a peer support specialist. As a Queer, neurodiverse individual, Alicia draws from a rich tapestry of experiences, including overcoming human trafficking, mental health, and substance use, while navigating the complexities of disability within their family. Serving as a beacon of strength and compassion, Alicia is deeply committed to fostering growth and inclusivity in both personal and professional spheres. With a diverse skill set encompassing project management, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and mentorship, Alicia has become a catalyst for change, inspiring others to embrace their unique journeys. As a survivor and advocate for mental health recovery, Alicia understands the importance of representation and empowerment. In addition to their roles as a peer support specialist and disability justice advocate, Alicia is a creator and facilitator of workshops focused on mentorship and personal development. Driven by an unwavering commitment to empathy and authenticity, Alicia continues to break barriers and challenge norms, creating spaces where individuals from all walks of life can thrive and belong.

  Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be experienced by anyone but are more likely by people with mental health concerns. People who work with or care for vulnerable populations will likely encounter individuals talking about suicide and suicidal ideation, and it is important to project calm and poise at these times.   This class provides person-centered strategies to engage with people from diverse backgrounds to discuss suicide. Being able to engage with various populations about this topic allows for a more inclusive and equitable environment for accurate assessment. Talking about suicide with another person can be so difficult that most people default to avoiding the subject. Normalizing the topic and being able to use respectful language when engaging with someone expressing thoughts of suicide is necessary for providing comprehensive support services in our communities. This class aims to improve comfort and skill levels with this difficult and emotional topic by exploring and practicing assessment protocols and conversation dynamics.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify common signs of suicidal thoughts in adults, adolescents, and children Approach a conversation about suicide in a calm, focused manner Introduce the 4-point protocol questions Explain how suicide risk assessment tools work and when mental health professionals use them     CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 2 continuing education (CE) hour certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work and the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.     PRESENTER:   Russ Turner, MA, Director of the People Incorporated Training Institute During Russ’s 16-year tenure, he has written and taught thousands of hours of person-centered curriculum to help people become more effective helpers, communicators, and leaders. His audience includes workers and leaders across a wide range of organizations from human services, healthcare, and libraries, to law enforcement and corrections. He trains trainers, works with management, and has consulted and coached on training projects across multiple sectors of the economy. He has worked as an educator for three decades in a variety of countries and settings including Japan, the Czech Republic, and the UK. His teaching philosophy is that adults learn best when they are challenged, the material is applicable to work situations, and sessions are interactive and engaging.     This training is provided by our valued partners at the People Incorporated Training Institute.   The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  DESCRIPTION This webinar will help mental health providers (and trainees) better understand the early stages of psychosis, including best practices for screening and referral. The onset of early-stage psychosis experiences generally occurs between the ages of 15-25, making adolescence and young adulthood critical periods for intervention. The duration of untreated psychosis (i.e., the time from onset of symptoms to treatment), however, is still close to one year for most people. Thankfully, there is emerging evidence that with early identification and treatment, we can change the trajectory of psychosis and optimize the likelihood of recovery. Practical tools and resources related to screening and referral will be provided during this event.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define psychosis and early-stage psychosis List two common screening tools for early-stage psychosis experiences, as well as important cultural considerations Identify specialized referral sources for early-stage psychosis Cite newly published research in this area (e.g., barriers to care, stigma reduction)   PRESENTER Joseph S. DeLuca, PhD is a clinical psychologist with expertise in youth mental health (adolescents and young adults), the early stages of psychosis, and stigma. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Fairfield University, and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.               View past webinars 

Aprenda a reconocer las señales de advertencia de una crisis de suicidio en esta capacitación para la prevención del suicidio. SOBRE ESTA CAPACITACIÓN  Así como las personas capacitadas en RCP y la maniobra de Heimlich ayudan a salvar miles de vidas cada año, las personas capacitadas en QPR aprenden a reconocer las señales de advertencia de una crisis de suicidio y cómo preguntar, persuadir y referir a alguien para que los ayude. QPR significa preguntar, persuadir y referir: 3 pasos simples que cualquiera puede aprender para ayudar a salvar una vida del suicidio. QPR salva vidas al proporcionar capacitación innovadora, práctica y comprobada para la prevención del suicidio. QPR capacita a la gente común para reconocer las señales de advertencia de una crisis suicida y luego cuestionar, persuadir y referir a alguien para pedir ayuda. Aprenda más: QPR Gatekeeper training (in inglés)   ELEGIBILIDAD  Adultos mayores de 18 años que trabajan en el campo de la salud mental en los estados de Alaska, Oregon, Idaho & Washington Cada individuo debe tener acceso a la computadora/cámara web/audio para participar Las plazas están limitadas a 30 ¿Preguntas? Mande un correo electrónico a: [email protected].   RECURSOS  National Institute of Mental Health Center for Disease Control - Suicide Data and Statistics CDC WISQARS Data Mental Health America 2023 State of Mental Health Report Mental Health America "Alla Data" 2023 with filter function Mental Health Technical Transfer Center 988 and Crisis Resources Native and Strong Lifeline: The Nation’s First 988 Crisis Line for Indigenous People Mental health resources in Spanish    PRESENTADORA  Maricela Rios, MAPM Maricela Rios, MAPM, (ella/ella) está apasionada y emocionada de apoyar a su comunidad de  Idaho desmantelando el estigma negativo en torno a la salud mental y abogando por la accesibilidad a los espacios al aire libre. Su deseo de apoyar a su comunidad surge de su historia personal de ser testigo del impacto positivo de curar el trauma generacional. Es cofundadora de Peques Nature Club, un club al aire libre biligüe, dirigido por niños y culturalmente relevante para niños y cuidadores. Recientemente lanzó su negocio de entrenamiento que se enfoca en priorizar la comunidad y el autocuidado para las mamás que están abrumadas y agotadas. Aporta su entusiasmo, compasión y esperanza a los espacios a los que sirve.  

Session learning objectives: Provide an overview of the prevalence of mental health challenges among youth before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Examine specific groups of youth that may be more vulnerable to mental health challenges post-pandemic. Explore pandemic-related changes in behavior patterns and coping mechanisms adopted by youth, including the role of technology. Describe ways in which schools can identify students who experience persistent challenges and implement school-based programs to best support these youth.  

  Session: Classroom WISE: Tools for Supporting Student Mental Health in the Classroom  Presenters: Hannah West, PhD, BCBA, Erika Franta, PhD, and Jessica Christensen, MEd, Mid-America MHTTC, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE; Rayann Silva, MEd, and Kelcey Schmitz, MSEd, University of Washington, Northwest MHTTC, Seattle, WA   Learn more: Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders (MSLBD)    

This 2-hour webinar will discuss how addressing white trauma can lead to racial healing, with the hope of undoing systemic/structural racism. ABOUT THIS EVENT White Trauma: Creating space for white people’s vulnerability with the hopes of undoing the perpetuation of structural/systemic racism. Racism, at its most basic level, is a lens though which people interpret, naturalize, and reproduce inequality. We all struggle to truly see one another due to the conditioning and trauma that has been imposed upon us, which becomes the breeding ground for implicit bias and racial disconnection. This is one of the factors that makes it so difficult for us, as mental health professionals, to have real conversations about things that matter; things that heal. Racism is not a “white” issue it is a systematic/structural issue designed to keep in place white cultural dominance. This system has caused harm to us all.  All of us have biases and they go where we go--in our homes, workspace, schools, community etc. It is critical for space to be created for white people to be able to acknowledge and address their own trauma, without shame or guilt, so true racial healing and mental health healing can begin. If the trauma in white bodies is not healed, then it will be passed on to the next generation and continue the cycle. What is in us will come out, unintentionally or intentionally, because The Body Keeps the Score.   Learning Objectives: Detect implicit bias and race-related trauma to begin working toward racial & mental health healing Have a greater understanding of how implicit biases works and its impact Create space for white bodies to heal Maintain openness and move forward FACILITATOR Sherronda Jamerson, MA, SUDP Sherronda Jamerson obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2012 from City University College in Seattle, WA, and became certified as a Chemical Dependency Professional in 2007. Her experiences include developing, implementing, and presenting EDI trainings to associations of healthcare professionals, healthcare providers, schools, and community-based organizations. She has also presented at state and national behavioral health conferences on the topics of DEI and Healthcare Equity. She presents with confidence and passion.    

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2024 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. PT   Session 1 of 4 in the "Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices" Series (view series main page for full details)   Trauma-Informed Care Meets Healing-Centered Care February 28, 2024: Part 1, Opening Session   According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, trauma-informed counseling incorporates three key elements:   1. Realizes trauma’s prevalence 2. Recognizes how a traumatic event impacts a person involved with the system, organization, or program 3. Responds by putting knowledge into practice   Healing-centered care allows us to dig deeper. Join YYA co-leads Oriana Ides as she lays the groundwork and explores how healing-centered care may be integrated to the practices of YYA-serving organizations.     Program Goals  Counter the impacts of vicarious trauma and burn out by creating a safe and responsive learning community for the YYA workforce to be heard and seen in their efforts to support the holistic needs of their clientele.  Build an understanding of healing centered engagement and approaches to youth development and case management that strengthens service provision for transition-aged youth. Expand our organizational and individual capacity to support young adult holistic wellness, critical consciousness development, and collective healing.   Priming Materials The Future of Healing: Shifting From Trauma Informed Care to Healing Centered Engagement Social Justice Education Needs Trauma Informed Care, Now More Than Ever: A Response to "The Future of Healing: Shifting from Trauma Informed Care to Healing Centered Engagement    Audience All community-based organizations, institutions, and mental health professionals, including peer support specialists, therapists, psychologists, counselors, and others who support the mental health and wellness of transition-aged youth.   Facilitator & Faculty    Oriana Ides, MA, APCC, PPS (she/hers) Oriana Ides is a School Mental Health Training Specialist at CARS (the Center for Applied Research Solutions) and approaches healing the wounds of trauma and oppression as core elements of social justice. She has worked with young people across the life course from elementary school to college, and has served as teacher-leader, school counselor, classroom educator and program director. She is committed to generating equity within school structures and policies by focusing on evidence-based mental health techniques and institutional design.  

This webinar will provide tips for working with families of individuals with psychosis in outpatient community settings. Questions that will be addressed include:   How can I develop a good working relationship with families in order to support care even though I don’t have a lot of experience working with families and I have a large caseload? How can I manage confidentiality? How can I help families develop a better understanding of their relative and their symptoms and treatment? What are some important considerations for providing culturally responsive care when working with families? What can I learn to feel more equipped to support families entering care in the context of a recent onset of psychotic symptoms?   Presenter: Julie M. McCarthy, PhD, is a clinician-scientist in the Division of Psychotic Disorders at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Her research aims to identify neurobiological and psychosocial treatment targets and develop/evaluate treatments for individuals and families experiencing co-occurring psychotic and substance use disorders.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].  

At the end of this presentation, participants will:  Recognize the importance of understanding the historical context of the lives of older African Americans Recognize the importance of eliciting the older African American’s perspective of his/her mental and physical health challenges Elicit socio-cultural and spiritual beliefs that could influence an older African American’s health care choices and access to care Enhance knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of major mental health disorders when working with older African Americans   Presenter: Martha Crowler, PhD   This webinar will be presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Mental Health Center GrandRounds series.    If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].      

  Event Description This workshop will provide participants with an overview of eating disorders (ED), including eating disorder definitions, medical complications associated with ED, eating disorder statistics and prevalence, athletes and eating disorders, causes according to the biopsychosocial model,  signs/symptoms/red flags that school workers need to be aware of, communicating with students and their families about a suspected ED, and an overview of treatment that works (Family Based Treatment). The workshop will also emphasize the schools’ involvement in ED treatment and crucial points to keep in mind when developing education plans for students in ED treatment.   Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to explain: 1. the difference between Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder, including warning signs 2. each element of the Biopsychosocial model that is used to understand EDs 3. how to communicate with students and their families about a suspected ED 4. a variety of school accommodations to consider when a student returns from ED treatment Trainer Wendy Price, PsyD, NCSP   Dr. Price completed her doctorate in School Psychology at William James College, following a year-long clinical internship at Walden Behavioral Care (a residential eating disorders clinic). For the past 20 years, Dr. Price has worked as a school psychologist at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, in Whitman, MA. In her role, Dr. Price is involved in a number of activities, including assessment, counseling, consultation, supervision of school psychology interns, and mentoring of staff. She is also a Crisis Team and Student/Teacher Assistance Team member. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at UMASS Boston. Dr. Price has traveled around the country, presenting to associations and school districts on positive psychology, eating disorders, and self-injurious behaviors. Dr. Price has been involved in leadership at both the state and national level, and was the NASP President in 2020-2021.

This event is being offered to a specific cohort and is not accepting applications. ABOUT THIS EVENT The Northwest MHTTC is offering this training in collaboration with Partnerships for Native Health at Washington State University, The NATIVE Project, and Portland Area Indian Health Service. Learning Objectives Understand the fundamental aspects of the way of being with relatives/clients using Motivational Interviewing (MI). Learn to recognize change talk and sustain talk and how to respond to each in a good way. Utilize open-ended questions to develop discrepancy between ideal self and current behaviors in a way that encourages movement toward integrity.   Day 1: 9:00am - 4:30pm Introduction to the Spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI) Why MI for Native Communities Introduction to the Tools of MI Skill-building Exercises Day 2: 9:00am - 4:30pm Review & Discussion of Day 1 Skill‐building Exercises Deeper into Change Talk Rolling with Resistance Avoiding Traps Real-world application   FACILITATOR Lonnie Nelson, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, Partnerships for Native Health, Eastern band Cherokee (AniKituwah) Dr. Lonnie Nelson (descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center. In 2012, he returned to the field of Native health disparities through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Career Development Award (K12) at the University of Washington School of Public Health. Dr. Nelson joined the Washington State University College of Nursing in 2015. His work aims to address health disparities experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities through multiple avenues. His current research interests focus on the elimination of health disparities in urban dwelling and other Native populations through the application of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions and other patient centered approaches to changing health behaviors, such as indigenized motivational interviewing and harm reduction treatments. Outside of work, he enjoys making and using traditional Native archery gear and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter, Amelia.

United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. and New England MHTTC would like to invite you and your staff to attend "Reclaiming Native Psychological Brilliance: Wise Practices," a Tribal Behavioral Health ECHO webinar series. Native Psychological Brilliance refers to the intelligence, strengths, balance, innate resources, and resilience of Native people.    The topic for February's session is "Native Crisis Response (Part Two) – Escalation and De-escalation and Native Implications."   This no-cost telehealth series will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 11:00 am Pacific/12:00 pm Mountain/1:00 pm Central/2:00 pm Eastern. Each session will be one hour in length and will provide an opportunity for participants to:  Gain skills on strength-based approaches in partnership with Native People to enhance Native behavioral health Discuss ways that Native brilliance is demonstrated and supports behavioral health Learn about Native brilliance examples to share with behavioral health and other health care staff, as well as with local Tribal Nation citizens   The concept of Native psychological brilliance will be celebrated through Native music video and Native spoken word performances as part of each session. Who should attend? Tribal health directors, clinic staff, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, Tribal Epidemiology Center staff, and anyone supporting Tribal communities through the health or behavioral health sector are welcome to join. Continuing education credits will be provided.   If you need accommodations to join this event, please contact us.

About this Event:  Join us for the final part of our 4-part series "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): From Introduction to Applied Practice." Throughout the series the instructor introduces participants to the tenets of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and guides them from the introductory stage to applied practice with different mental health conditions and scenarios. Participants will learn and practice strategies from each tenet of ACT ranging from brief interventions to more in-depth processes. Case examples will be used throughout, and participants will have the opportunity to ask the instructor questions as well as practice different strategies and processes with guided prompts. Session 4: Open Up: Acceptance and Defusion in ACT  The final session will focus on Acceptance and Defusion in the ACT framework. Rationale, underlying processes, and strategies for practice will be discussed. Opportunities for experiential practice will be introduced. To register for other sessions in this series, please click here! 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. HT / 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. MT / 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. CT / 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET Session 2 of 8 in the "Provider Plática Learning Collaborative" Series / Sesión 2 de la Serie "Colaboración de Aprendizaje para una Plática entre Profesionales" (view series main page for full details / consultar la página principal de la serie para ver toda la información) Provider Plática Learning Collaborative: Supporting the Training Needs of Practitioners of Spanish Language Mental Health Services Colaboración de Aprendizaje para una Plática entre Profesionales: Respaldando las Necesidades de Capacitación de los Profesionales que Prestan Servicios de Salud Mental en Español February 27: Session 2 / 27 de febrero: Sesión 2   Welcome to Session 2 in this series! / ¡Bienvenidos a la Sesión 2 de esta serie! Collaboratively held by the National Training & Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) and the Pacific Southwest MHTTC this Provider Platica program is a monthly collaborative space for peer learning and resourcing. This session and all that follow are an open, bilingual space for members of the mental health workforce to share common challenges and experiences when providing services to Spanish-speaking communities with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) as well as high-quality resources and innovative solutions. All levels of Spanish language proficiency and comfort are welcome. Este programa de Plática entre Profesionales, llevado a cabo colaborativamente por el Centro Nacional de Capacitación y Asistencia Técnica (NTTAC por sus siglas en inglés) y el Centro de Transferencia de Tecnología de Salud Mental del Sudoeste del Pacífico (MHTTC por sus siglas en inglés), es un espacio mensual de colaboración para el aprendizaje entre pares y la facilitación de recursos. Esta y todas las demás sesiones son un espacio abierto y bilingüe donde los miembros de la fuerza laboral de salud mental podrán compartir desafíos y experiencias en común a la hora de prestar servicios a las comunidades de habla hispana con un Dominio Limitado del Inglés (LEP por sus siglas en inglés), así como recursos de alta calidad y soluciones innovadoras. Son bienvenidas las personas con cualquier nivel de dominio del español y comodidad con el mismo.   Audience / Audiencia Mental health professionals across the country and U.S. territories, including clinicians, peer counselors and others who provide services to Spanish-speaking individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). We welcome providers in a wide range of professional settings, including clinical, community and government agencies, education, private practice, and more. Profesionales de la salud mental de todo Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluidos médicos clínicos, consejeros entre pares y otras personas que prestan servicios a hablantes de español con un Dominio Limitado del Inglés (LEP por sus siglas en inglés). Les damos la bienvenida a profesionales provenientes de una amplia variedad de entornos, que incluye instituciones clínicas, comunitarias, gubernamentales, educativas, consultorios privados y demás.   About the Facilitators / Conozcan a las Facilitadoras Lisa Teyechea (she/her) is highly skilled and experienced in technical assistance, training, and project developer in areas of public health, prevention, and behavioral health. Other skills include evaluation and grant writing. More than 20 years designing and implementing systems of care and programming at agency and community levels, while approaching work with a trauma-informed lens. Lisa Teyechea (ella) está altamente capacitada y posee una enorme experiencia en asistencia técnica, capacitación y desarrollo de proyectos en las áreas de salud pública, prevención y salud conductual. Entre otras habilidades suyas se incluyen la evaluación y redacción de solicitudes de subvenciones. Posee más de 20 años de experiencia diseñando e implementando sistemas de atención y programas a nivel institucional y comunitario, abordando su labor desde una perspectiva informada sobre el trauma.     Kristi Silva (she/her) has over 15 years’ experience providing culturally responsive training and technical assistance – especially for Latine and Native American communities – at the local, state, and national level. In addition to subject matter expertise in health equity and policy, Ms. Silva is an experienced researcher and evaluator, with specialization in community-developed best practices requiring an adapted evaluation methodology. She has worked in partnership with communities impacted by pan-generational trauma to develop strengths-based policies and practices that are sustainable and rooted in a social justice framework. As a professional who now serves communities like the one she comes from, Ms. Silva brings an essential lens of lived experience to the work. Kristi Silva (ella) tiene más de 15 años de experiencia brindando capacitación y asistencia técnica culturalmente receptiva —especialmente a comunidades latinas e indígenas norteamericanas— a nivel local, estatal y nacional. Además de ser experta en asuntos de equidad y políticas de salud, la Srta. Silva es una evaluadora e investigadora experimentada, especializada en mejores prácticas desarrolladas por la comunidad que requieran una metodología de evaluación adaptada. Ha trabajado junto con comunidades impactadas por el trauma pangeneracional para desarrollar prácticas y políticas basadas en las fortalezas que sean sostenibles y se fundamenten en un marco de justicia social. Como una profesional que ahora atiende a comunidades similares a aquellas de donde proviene, la Srta. Silva lleva a cabo su trabajo con una perspectiva fundamental de experiencias de vida.     (view series main page for full details / consultar la página principal de la serie para ver toda la información)  

  Event Description As part of our ongoing efforts to support the mental health needs of college students, we are proud to present a workshop focused on understanding how to effectively support young people as they move from high school into young adulthood. This workshop will provide information about anxiety in children, adolescents, and emerging adults. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of psychosocial developmental milestones (e.g., independence, emotion regulation, identity formation) and the ways in which anxiety, stress, and sociocultural factors can interfere with the successful transition to young adulthood. Practical strategies for assessment and tools to support youth independence and college or workforce readiness will be reviewed. Dr. Lauren Hoffman will lead this training.  She is a clinical psychologist in New York City, who previously worked at the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD).  She has an extensive background and a passion for working with children and young adults. Please note:  This Workshop Wednesday training was moved due to scheduling conflicts.  This training will be recorded for later viewing. Trainer Lauren Hoffman, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Hoffman is a New York City-based licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and related challenges, including perfectionism, stress, sleep issues, and school or work problems. I have expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP), as well as mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques. I work with children, teens, and adults, with a particular emphasis on young adults navigating developmental transitions and challenges. Dr. Hoffman received her B.A. with honors in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. Dr. Hoffman completed her predoctoral clinical internship at NYU Child Study Center/Bellevue Hospital Center and her postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Hoffman has advanced training and expertise in evidence-based treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP), and Behavioral Activation. She regularly integrates mindfulness, acceptance techniques, and values-based approaches into her practice. For more information, click here.

  This event is closed to select participants. Learn more about this series: First Episode Psychosis Webinar Series & Learning Community    

Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) is an evidence-based intervention focused on managing the distress that results from exposure to trauma. It is designed to be implemented by teachers or school counselors with small groups of students. In January we trained a cohort of 20. There are 4 following TA Calls to go in depth with case consultation and problem-solving. This SSET training is specifically for non-licensed educators, school counselors, or nurses. This is a closed training.

The South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) invites peer specialists from across Region 6 to apply for the Youth and Young Adult Peer Specialist training. In order to attend the YAYAPS TOT, participants must have successfully completed the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training through the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.     Youth and Young Adult Peer Support is a three-day training that provides participants with a foundation for youth experience with mental health and substance use challenges, the unique issues for youth navigating recovery and youth-serving systems, and best practices and tools for peer specialists looking to support youth. The training will also encourage participants to consider how to use their own lived experience when supporting youth through structured reflection, group discussion, and interactive activities.     The Training of Trainers Event for the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support will prepare people to co-facilitate this training in their community. The virtual YAYAPS TOT is four days long, during which experienced facilitators will introduce the terms and concepts in the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training, review the structure and expectations for facilitating the training, and discuss common challenges or questions that come up when facilitating the training.     Learning Objectives: At the end of this training, it is envisioned that participants will be able to: Identify the core learning objectives and main ideas for the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training; and Conduct the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training according to best practices and expectations for instructors.     Facilitators   Jessi Davis (she/they) is an experienced Program Coordinator and Peer Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the Peer Support, Mental Health, and Substance Use Recovery industries. Jessi is known for work surrounding Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training, technical assistance, and leadership. Currently working at the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, Jessi works to provide support, technical assistance, and training to the Peer Workforce throughout the 5 states and all tribal communities within Region 6. They have spent much of their career focused on promoting access to quality Peer Specialist services across the lifespan.               Darcy Kues (she/her) is a Project Manager with the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and the Addiction Research Institute, where she writes curricula focused on peer support and recovery services. She has over 7 years of experience in curriculum development, grant writing, and program coordination for peer support services and recovery-oriented behavioral health. Darcy has developed trainings on reentry peer support, youth and young adult peer support, trauma responsiveness, peer support supervision, LGBTQ affirming services, and more. She is committed to building a world where recovery and lived experience are centered at every level of decision-making.

  This training is now full. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact Meredith O'Brien ([email protected]).   Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders in young people. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to a young person who may be developing a mental health or substance use issue and help connect them to the appropriate care.   Attendees will complete a 2-hour self-paced class (pre-work) and then participate in a 4.5-hour instructor-led class using video conferencing via Zoom.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Participants of this course will learn methods to help adolescents with a mental health or addiction challenge.     CONTINUING EDUCATION: Participants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 5 continuing education (CE) hours. Continuing education  certificates are managed and distributed by the hosting agency, the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH).     TRAINER: Natalie Maggiore, Prevention Specialist for IABH, works with the COO/VP of Programs to develop, implement and evaluate the Association’s youth leadership conference - the Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute. Natalie works with the Prevention Program Director to assist CGTI and Operation Snowball Action Teams throughout the year as they create and implement Action Plans to better their schools and communities. Natalie holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and continues to pursue expanding mental health education and awareness through that avenue. She is also a certified instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA).        The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.  

  Event Description This presentation will provide an overview of the Multicultural Orientation (MCO) model and its pillars: Cultural Humility, Cultural Comfort, and Cultural Opportunities. The research demonstrating the strong relationship between MCO and both psychotherapeutic and supervisory processes and outcomes will be discussed. Finally, recommendations for working toward strengthening one’s MCO will be provided. Trainer Melanie Wilcox, PhD, ABPP Dr. Melanie Wilcox is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and Department of Psychiatry at Augusta University. She is also a licensed psychologist and board certified in counseling psychology and works part-time in private practice providing both therapy and assessment via telehealth. Her clinical areas of expertise include culturally responsive and trauma-informed care as well as substance abuse and addiction. Her research focuses on culturally response and antiracist psychotherapy and training, racial and socioeconomic inequity in higher education, and racial and social justice more broadly. She is in her final year as a member of the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs, which she chaired in 2020, and is currently President Elect-Elect of APA Division 17, the Society of Counseling Psychology.

Join Us to Learn Realistic, Achievable Habits that Strengthen Our Mind and Improve Wellbeing SMART offers an innovative, modern, uplifting, and highly scalable approach to enhance individual resilience. Developed by Dr. Amit Sood at the Mayo Clinic, SMART is offered as a four-module structured program. SMART has been tested and found efficacious in over 30 clinical trials for decreasing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and burnout, and increasing resilience, wellbeing, mindfulness, happiness, and positive health behaviors. This is a closed training for staff members at Community Healthcore.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of how harm risk (suicidality and self-injury) can present in young people experiencing early psychosis. We will then review a selection of psychotherapy strategies that can be helpful in targeting these concerns, highlighting functional analysis, distress tolerance skills, and the CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality). We will discuss these strategies in the context of disguised client examples, and encourage suggestions and case consultation from the audience. Presenter: Michelle L. West, PhD, Director, Program for Early Assessment, Care, & Study (PEACS), Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado – School of Medicine (CUSOM). Dr. West is a clinical psychologist who specializes in assessment, treatment, and research for young people showing possible early risk for psychotic spectrum illnesses.   This webinar will be presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Mental Health Center GrandRounds series.    If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].