Past Events

Grounded in national and regional EPINET data on discharge in early psychosis services, this presentation will focus on social and cultural vectors underlying the 'hard' problem of disengagement and present alternative approaches for addressing distrust, and strengthening clinical relationships by centering lived experiences of psychosis, socioeconomic disadvantage, racism, and cultural difference.   Presenter: Nev Jones PhD is a patient-alumna of specialized early psychosis services and currently assistant professor in the School of Social Work and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.  As a program developer, evaluator and researcher, her work has sought to amplify the perspectives of those most impacted by the public mental health system, foreground the role of social and structural determinants, and support transformative change.    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].        

Medicaid is a leading source of financing for school mental health services and programs.  As Medicaid policies change, there may be greater opportunities for mental health providers to bill Medicaid for more services in schools.  In this two-part webinar event, Dr. Adam Wilk (SE MHTTC Policy Lead) will describe key policies that govern Medicaid funding for school mental health services, and how they can be changed to increase school mental health funding.  He will provide examples of states that have pursued specific reforms, and he will also highlight important resources that can help school mental health leaders to identify what steps may be most appropriate to take in their home state.  This series is designed for school mental health leaders who are interested in learning 1) about the fundamentals of Medicaid financing of school mental health services and 2) about options for changing Medicaid policy to better support school mental health systems and services. In this session (Part II) will focus on policies concerning which providers can bill Medicaid for services and whether Medicaid can be billed for services provided in school settings. Part I on Nov. 8 focused on policies related to who is eligible for Medicaid coverage and what services Medicaid covers. You do not need to have participated in Part I to attend and learn from Part II. Learning Objectives: Characterize the four requirements that must be met for billing Medicaid for school mental health services. Discuss the Medicaid policies that can affect which providers can bill Medicaid for services and whether services provided at schools can be billed to Medicaid. Describe how state Medicaid policies on eligible providers and covered settings can be reformed in support of school mental health.

This Learning Collaborative follow-up meeting will bring together key leaders in Skagit County, WA in Region 10 who attended the July and September 2023 Cross TTC Stigma Training sessions. Offered in partnership with the Northwest ATTC, Northwest PTTC, and Skagit County Public Health.    ABOUT THIS EVENT People in Skagit County who struggle with mental health or substance use disorders often confront stigma that prevents them from accessing appropriate treatment. The stigma is held in place by a range of systemic factors, including a lack of cross-discipline understanding and collaboration. In July, we convened a Leadership Collaborative to learn more about stigma, discuss effective strategies and take action at a system level. In September's follow-up meeting, we discussed participants' individual change projects and interest in the various ideas for reducing stigma system change initiatives that were raised during our July meeting. Our December meeting will address: Putting System Change into Practice Updates from Workgroup Leads Next Steps   RESOURCES  Resources from our July meeting System change initiative ideas Slides for September 20, 2023 FACILITATORS Denna Vandersloot, M.Ed Denna Vandersloot is the Co-Director of the Northwest ATTC. She has over 20 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, trainer, and system change specialist in the field of addictions. Her areas of expertise include: Motivational Interviewing, Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment, Co-occurring Disorder Treatment, NIATx, and Recovery Oriented System of Care. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and a nationally registered SBIRT trainer. Christina Clayton, MSW, LICSW, SUDP Christina Clayton is the Co-Director of the Northwest MHTTC and has been working in the behavioral health field since 1993 working with people and programs addressing severe mental health issues, substance use, co-occurring issues, chronic homelessness, integrated care, outreach, physical health, trauma and diversity/equity/inclusion topics. Christina has education and licenses/credentials in clinical social work, mental health and substance use.  She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Field Instructor for the University of Washington School of Social Work (MSW ’97). Kevin Haggerty, MSW, PhD Kevin Haggerty specializes in prevention programs at the community, school and family level. He is the Director of the Social Development Research Group. Dr. Haggerty serves as the Project PI/ Director for the Northwest PTTC. He is a Professor at the University of Washington (UW) School of Social Work. For more than 30 years, he has focused on developing innovative ways to organize the scientific knowledge base for prevention so that parents, communities and schools can better identify, assess and prioritize customized approaches that meet their needs.  He has an extensive research background in the intersection of biological and environmental risks for drug abuse in emerging adults and is an expert on substance abuse and delinquency prevention. Additionally, Dr. Haggerty is an investigator of the Community Youth Development Study, which tests the effectiveness of the Communities That Care program. Michelle Frye-Spray, MS, CPS Michelle Frye-Spray is the Project Co-Director/Coordinator at the Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). She leverages her knowledge of prevention science with over 25 years of prevention-related experiences to design and deliver engaging and impactful training and technical assistance. Her skills include coaching prevention practitioners to integrate prevention science into practices and interventions worth sustaining. Michelle has delivered prevention services in primary to post-secondary educational settings, facilitated the development of coalitions in rural/frontier communities, and trained state, local and tribal prevention practitioners in prevention science. Michelle is Workforce Development Project Manager at the University of Reno, CASAT, where she manages the Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center services. Louise Parker, PhD Louise Parker is the Special Projects Advisor for the Northwest PTTC. Her research focuses on the delivery of evidence-based prevention programs in real-world settings. Dr. Parker is particularly interested in the cultural adaptation of interventions to increase reach and relevance for diverse communities. Her work in the prevention field is broad, with her most recent research activities focusing on childhood obesity prevention through the creation and implementation of family interventions in community settings. This research has advanced the prevention field’s understanding of effective research-practitioner and interdisciplinary partnerships Dr. Parker is also the developer and trainer for a cultural competency program called Navigating Difference and has used this expertise to inform the successful recruitment and retention of culturally diverse families in community-based prevention programs. Chris Kelleher Chris Kelleher is a Portland, Oregon, consultant who works at the intersection of strategy, management, and language. He has held positions with Kaiser Permanente, Oregon Health and Science University, and the University of North Carolina. His client engagements focus on achieving meaningful progress by increasing coherence in thought and action. A frequent collaborator with ReThink Health, he is dedicated to developing cases and practices that drive equitable system change.    

SERIES DESCRIPTION The Central East MHTTC in collaboration with the National Center for School Mental Health is pleased to offer a school mental health webinar series with a focus on advancing high quality, sustainable school mental health from a multi-tiered system of support, trauma sensitive, and culturally responsive and equitable lens. To familiarize yourself with the foundations of school mental health, please review the school mental health guidance document.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify approaches to help youth recognize and utilize their strengths  Identify strategies to engage youth in a holistic manner Access local and national resources to promote youth mental health     PRESENTERS Jaleel K. Abdul-Adil, PhD Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology & Co-Director of the Urban Youth Trauma Center, University of Illinois at Chicago; Founder, Young Warriors/Hip-Hop H.E.A.L.S.! Tyde-Courtney Edwards Founding Director, Ballet After Dark   AUDIENCE Educators, Administrators, Health and Behavioral Health Care Professionals, Central East (Region 3) Project AWARE Grantees, Policymakers and Advocates, and Child-Serving Agency Staff  

This learning community is closed to select participants.  To learn more about this series, visit the homepage: Implementing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in Kansas  

This event will discuss the New England MHTTC's work assisting organizations with racial equity and efforts to make web-based content reflective of the mission & values of the organization. With intersectionality in mind, Ashley Stewart, Director of the Center for Health Equity will inform attendees about the methods used to ensure inclusivity, cultural awareness, and attunement via a web auditing process.   The second part of the webinar series on December 12, 2023 will cover: Assessment of the general tone and essence of a website related to engagement around equity, inclusion, and diversity. In addition to the use of intentional terminology, there is the need to assess how the terms are used, the stories they tell, the messages they imply, the depth or superficiality of the use of narrative or terms, and the broader impact on community engagement.   Learn more about this series.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].  

DESCRIPTION Ideally, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are a joyous time of the year. However, for some individuals it can be stressful and anxiety provoking. This webinar will help the audience to understand how stress and anxiety can affect us in our everyday lives. In addition, the presenter will  explain ways of dealing with this stress, especially during the holidays.   PRESENTER Dr. James Lee, Jr. is an adult psychiatrist in Greenville, SC. He currently serves as Medical Director of Adult Services at Springbrook Behavioral Health in Travelers Rest, SC. Dr. Lee is a graduate of Morehouse College. He received his MD from Meharry Medical College and later completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Carolina/ Palmetto Health in Columbia, SC. He later completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. Prior to his most recent move to Greenville, he served the Rock Hill, SC community as the President/ CEO of Ascension Behavioral Healthcare for over 10 years. He is also a founding member and Secretary/Treasurer of Global Health Psychiatry, LLC, a collection of six African American psychiatrists from across the country, who have come together to educate others on the importance of addressing mental health in our communities. To date, along with Global Health Psychiatry, he has co-authored three publications, Mind Matters- A Resource Guide to Psychiatry for Black Communities, How Amari Learned to Love School Again: A Story About ADHD; and Bree’s Journey to Joy: A Story about Childhood Grief and Depression.   HOST Annelle Primm MD, MPH is the Senior Medical Director of the Steve Fund, an organization focused on the mental health of young people of color. She is also a member of the Black Psychiatrists of America Council of Elders.           AUDIENCE Anyone that finds themselves stressed during the holidays, especially within the African American community This webinar is part of the Health Equity Webinar Series, an ongoing collaboration between the Central East MHTTC and the Black Psychiatrists of America to increase education and awareness surrounding mental health in the Black community.  View past webinars in the series 

  Event Description Learn about the COMET™ conversation. Join our panelists, Maret Felzien, Kristen Curcija, MPH, and Dr. Jack Westfall, as they present an insightful mental health model designed for rural and agricultural communities that teaches communities how to address difficult issues before they become mental health crises. Developed by the High Plains Research Network, COMET™ (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) is a community training that teaches community members how to support a friend or neighbor in a vulnerable space by helping them shift their mental health trajectory back to a place of wellness and away from the path of a mental health crisis. The COMET™ model aligns with rural cultural values of neighbor helping neighbor and communities being their own best resource. The holidays can be stressful, and this conversation reminds us how we can identify those stress points within our community and how we all can be supportive in a natural way to engage a friend, a neighbor, or an acquaintance when you are concerned about their well-being. Trainers Maret Felzien Maret is a native to northeastern Colorado and recently retired from a long career working to support underserved and underprepared students at the local 2-year college. Currently she assists with the daily operations of the family dry-land farm and cattle ranch. She became involved with community engagement and primary care practice- and community-based research  20 years ago working with High Plains Research Network (HPRN) and its Community Advisory Council. This group informs, advises, and co-creates health research to strengthen primary care across rural eastern Colorado. The research conducted in these rural communities has been fun, meaningful, and successful, and most importantly, has shown positive impact on the health of the communities. Her community engagement work and advocacy has grown from this experience to include work at the state and national level; additionally, she continually collaborates on research teams and with projects as a patient/community voice or leader, an advocate, and even sometimes as a co-investigator in research and primary care advocacy.   Kristen Curcija Kristen Curcija, MPH, is a Research Services Senior Professional at the University of Colorado Department of Family Medicine and has been with the department for over 7 years. Her work focuses on practice-based and public health research, particularly in rural regions. She supports the High Plains Research Network and its Community Advisory Council. Originally from a small town in central Illinois, Kristen enjoys learning about the unique experiences of rural clinics and communities in eastern Colorado because the stories resonate with things she is familiar with. Her research experience and interests include diabetes, loneliness, drug and alcohol screening, treatment for opioid use disorder, and improving mental health in rural communities. Kristen has experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, management, and analysis through survey administration and key informant interviews.  She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Benedictine University and a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Kansas State University.   Jack Westfall Jack Westfall is a family doctor in Colorado. He completed his MD and MPH at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, an internship in hospital medicine in Wichita, Kansas, and his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Colorado Rose Family Medicine Program. After joining the faculty at the University of Colorado Department of Family Medicine, Dr Westfall started the High Plains Research Network, a geographic community and practice-based research network in rural and frontier Colorado. He practiced family medicine in several rural communities including Limon, Ft Morgan, and his hometown of Yuma, Colorado. He added Medication Assisted Treatment to his clinical care in 2016.The work of the HPRN and its participatory, Community Advisory Council has included funding from the CDC, NIH, AHRQ, and numerous state and local foundations. After retiring from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, he worked for several years as the Director for Whole Person Care at Santa Clara County Health and Hospitals in San Jose, California. He served for several years as the Director of the Robert Graham Center for policy research in primary care and family medicine in Washington DC. He continues to consult and collaborate on primary care practice-based research, community-based participatory research,  integrated primary care and behavioral health, and the interface between primary care, public, and community health.

This is an application, and not all people who apply will be able to get in due to class size. 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. The Youth and Young Adults Peer Support training was developed to train peer supporters on the topics of youth voice and issues specific to youth navigating mental health or substance use challenges. The Youth and Young Adults Peer Support training is available for anyone who works, or is interested in working, as a peer specialist. This three-day training 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. There is no age requirement for participating in this training. Applicants will be informed of acceptance before December 4, 2023. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested folks to apply early since space in the training may fill up quickly. Not all applicants will be accepted as we have limited seats available.     The Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training is appropriate for anyone working or volunteering (or interested in working or volunteering) as a peer specialist. The only prerequisite to attendance is that participants must have previous formal training in peer support practice (e.g., their state’s Peer Specialist certification training, Intentional Peer Support, etc.). Priority consideration will be given to people who are interested in attending the YAYAPS Training of Trainers so that they may facilitate the Youth and Young Adult Peer Support Training in their communities. Learning Objectives At the end of this training, it is envisioned that participants will be able ​​to:  Define the term “youth”  Identify and practice effective ways of meeting youth and young people “where they are”  Build authentic connections with young people based on lived experience, regardless of differences in age or other experiences  Identify stigmatizing language used to describe young people and effectively reframe such language through the lens of peer values  Understand how resistance or other actions may be forms of self-advocacy, communication, or responses to trauma  Identify common responses to trauma that young people experience  Support young people in exploring different ways to heal from trauma  Utilize foundational knowledge of power and privilege to support youth experiencing oppression  Assist young people in learning to advocate for themselves within the settings that young people must navigate  Set and hold boundaries with persons served and coworkers  Identify challenges and ethical boundaries for supporting family members of a young person      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 3-part series provides a detailed understanding of trauma and the various types trauma individuals experience. Sessions will explore the impact of secondary/vicarous trauma on corrections staff by examining the various ways exposure to traumatic events impacts the individual, the work they do, and the individuals they engage with on a daily basis. This series also explores what is needed to establish a trauma-informed organization, the impact of stigma and bias, and finishes with the interplay of two groups of trauma survivors - corrections staff, inmates, and/or parole/probation supervisees - and strategies to mitigate or reduce trauma activation potential among staff and those they supervise for more successful overall outcomes.   Session 1 will discuss mass incarceration and a “lay of the land” overview for justice-involved people of color. The subcultures of incarceration, urban and historical trauma and its relation to Trauma-Informed Corrections Care,  and the impact on recidivism and recovery for reentering citizens will also be discussed. Presenters: Steven Samra, MPA, C4 Innovations, and Daryl McGraw, MA, C4 Innovations.   Learn More about this series.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].

This learning community is closed to select participants.  To learn more about this series, visit the homepage: Implementing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in Kansas  

The South Southwest MHTTC hosted the Educator Wellness and Trauma-Informed Classrooms Master Training event for Texas Education Service Centers (ESC).  This optional learning community is a space to share new resources, research, and tools to support the implementation of this training in Texas. We will provide a space to share what is working, any challenges experienced, and brainstorm ways that the South Southwest MHTTC can support the leaders implementing this training. This group meets the first Thursday of every month from 9:00 - 10:00 am CT.

The Embracing Authenticity: A Guide to Authenticity and Cultural Awareness at Work webinar series will provide guidance and support for the use and implementation of the accompanying workbook, which is intended to be used as a guide for deeper levels of processing and to support healthier conversations in the workplace around identity and wellness. This resource can be used as a tool to address the unique experiences of work-related stress compounded with being a person of color and also as a resource for folks seeking to be more accountable for reducing harm and creating a more equitable work environment. This comprehensive guide is designed to support you in cultivating authenticity, promoting inclusion, and prioritizing wellness in the workplace. Whether you're an organizational leader, a colleague, or an individual who has experienced marginalization, this workbook provides practical insights, exercises, and resources to make meaningful progress.   Presenters:  Ashley Stewart, PhD, MSSW, LSW, Director of the Center for Health Equity, C4 Innovations Ronitia Hodges, Senior Project Manager, C4 Innovations   Learn more about this series.    If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].

  This contemporary suicide prevention training program is a comprehensive and cutting-edge initiative designed to clinically equip mental health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to confidently and effectively prevent suicide in today's diverse and rapidly dynamic world. This training program is rooted in evidence-based practices and incorporates the latest research, technology, and a holistic and humanistic approach is offered to address this critical public health issue.      LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Increase confidence and competence in discussing uncomfortable topics such as suicide  Identify contemporary suicide risk factors, protective factors, and preventive interventions  Create a suicide risk containment plan  Identify points to address in the case of a completed suicide      CONTINUING EDUCATION: Those who fully participate in this training will be eligible to receive 2 CE hours certified by ICB/IDFPR. CE certificates will be distributed by the hosting agency (IABH).     PRESENTER: Shannon Dunn, PhD, LCSW (IL, CA, AZ, IL, IN, AL), CRADC has been on the USC School of Social Work Clinical Teaching faculty since 2003. She has more than 40 years of clinical experience working with people who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and severe addictions. Dr. Dunn has worked in all levels of mental health treatment settings, including state psychiatric hospitals, acute inpatient facilities, residential treatment programs, intensive outpatient programs and private practice, where she helped people struggling with depression, anxiety, personality disorders and addiction. She also has more than 10 years of experience in emergency psychiatric settings in Chicago and downtown Los Angeles. She has 23 years of experience teaching foundational and advanced mental health clinical courses in the in Master of Social Work programs in Los Angeles and Chicago and law and ethics for mental health providers in USC’s MFT program. She received her Bachelor of Science from The University of Evansville (1988) and both her MSW (1993) and PhD (2002) in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. Dr. Dunn enjoys practicing and teaching principles of the Recovery Model and strengths-based social work. She uses a variety of evidence-based practices in her clinical work including DBT, EMDR, CBT, Interpersonal Theory, Expressive Art Therapy, Problem-solving Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. She is an LGBTQ+ and trauma-informed ally. She is sensitive to a variety of cultures from which people identify. She works closely with Psychiatrists and other providers to ensure comprehensive care for her clients. Her courses are guided by learner-centered teaching methods coupled with multimedia technology, expert guest speakers and field trips. In 2008, Dr. Dunn received the USC School of Social Work’s Jane Addams Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Dunn is a international, national, and local speaker about mental health micro, mezzo, and macro topics.     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.

Learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis in this suicide prevention training. ABOUT THIS EVENT QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. This 2-hour session is meant for anyone interested in an overview of suicide awareness and intervention, and to practice asking loved ones and friends difficult questions.   Learn more about QPR Gatekeeper training and how to receive training on your own if we are not able to accept your application.   ELIGIBILITY, EXPECTATIONS & APPLICATION Members of the behavioral health/mental health workforce who are based in the states of Alaska, Oregon, Idaho & Washington (HHS Region 10) are eligible to participate Each individual must have access to computer/web camera/audio to participate Seats are very limited  Questions: please contact the Northwest MHTTC at [email protected].   RESOURCES 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   FACILITATOR Anna Guida, MPA Anna Guida (she/her), MPA, has worked in the public health and environmental health space for the last 8 years and has held QPR Instructor certification since 2018. Anna is passionate about education as a tool for empowerment and progress. She believes focusing on the entire person in the pursuit of wellness, specifically mental well-being, is integral to long term healing and growth. Outside of work, Anna enjoys attending concerts, cooking for friends and family, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her dog Smokey.   

This event will discuss the New England MHTTC's work assisting organizations with racial equity and efforts to make web-based content reflective of the mission & values of the organization. With intersectionality in mind, Ashley Stewart, Director of the Center for Health Equity will inform attendees about the methods used to ensure inclusivity, cultural awareness, and attunement via a web auditing process. The first part of the webinar series on December 5, 2023 will cover: The inclusion of language addressing, responding to, and advocating around equity-related topics. C4 equity audits also assess for all forms of identity-based oppression, including, but not limited to, sexism, ageism, ableism, heterosexism, and linguistic and religious-based oppression.   Learn more about this series.     If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].  

This learning community is closed to select participants.  To learn more about this series, visit the homepage: Implementing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in Kansas  

The 2023 Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health is December 5-7 in New Orleans, LA. Register today! Each year, the Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, family members, advocates, and other partners in the school mental health field to share the latest research and best practices. The conference emphasizes a shared school-family-community agenda to bring mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to students and families as part of a multi-tiered system of supports. This conference is hosted by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH). SMART Center and Northwest MHTTC staff and faculty are presenting in multiple sessions as well as showcasing posters at the conference. Additional details and session descriptions can be found in the conference agenda here >   Want more information and school mental health resources?  Visit the Northwest MHTTC's School Mental Health page and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

This 90-minute virtual consultation call with ACT teams and ACT stakeholders consists of a mini-didactic training on a topic of relevance and interest to ACT teams, plus opportunities to pose consultation questions and learn from other ACT teams and their shared experiences within ACT. ABOUT THIS EVENT Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a multidisciplinary, team-based model that provides intensive community-based and outreach-oriented services to people who experience the most severe and persistent mental illness. The vast majority also have a co-occurring substance use disorder and many experience comorbid medical illnesses as well as homelessness. This is a vulnerable population and their providers – ACT teams – are at elevated risk themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Northwest MHTTC is partnering with the Institute for Best Practices at the University of North Carolina to host and facilitate regular meetings for ACT teams.    Our December meeting topic will be Building Engagement and Understanding through the ACT Comprehensive Assessment with Maria Monroe-DeVita, PhD This didactic training will focus on the following learning objectives: To understand the case for assessment as a foundational tool for engagement To learn more about the structure and process of the Washington State version of the ACT Comprehensive Assessment To apply what you learn in that assessment toward a more integrated, team-based understanding of the people you serve In the future, to better align treatment because of that more holistic understanding of the individual   Goals of the meetings are to: connect with one another share strategies and resources for adapting team practices and communications    facilitate connection to the most up-to-date resources    Resources ACT Comprehensive Assessment Comprehensive Assessment Guide for WA State Robert's Case Study   For more information or questions, contact: Maria Monroe-DeVita, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine and Director of the Washington State Center of Excellence in First Episode Psychosis or Lorna Moser, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Director of the Institute for Best Practice, Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SERIES FACILITATORS Lorna Moser, PhD Dr. Lorna Moser is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and the Director of the Institute for Best Practice, Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health.     Maria Monroe-DeVita, PhD Dr. Monroe-DeVita is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Director, Washington State Center of Excellence in First Episode Psychosis.    

This is Session 1 of our Mindful Monday series, which focuses on a wide range of evidence-based practices from different disciplines.  Event Description Self-Compassion HEAL acronym December 4th, 2023 This is a 30-minute training and will run every other week through December 4th, 2023.     Each month will have a specific theme/focus with exercises from that discipline. At the beginning of each session, participants will spend a few minutes grounding and learning about the practice for that day and then spend approximately 15-20 minutes in experiential practice, leaving a few minutes in the end for reflection and discussion.   Trainer Christina Ruggiero, RP

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:  Jessi Davis (she/they) is an experienced Program Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the Peer Support, Mental Health, and Substance Use Recovery fields. Jessi is known for work surrounding Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training, technical assistance, and leadership. Their qualifications include Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Peer Recovery Support Specialist – Transitional Aged Youth, and Digital Peer Support certifications. 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 Youth and Young Adult Peer Support and is currently the President of the National Association of Peer Supporters.

The Embracing Authenticity: A Guide to Authenticity and Cultural Awareness at Work webinar series will provide guidance and support for the use and implementation of the accompanying workbook, which is intended to be used as a guide for deeper levels of processing and to support healthier conversations in the workplace around identity and wellness. This resource can be used as a tool to address the unique experiences of work-related stress compounded with being a person of color and also as a resource for folks seeking to be more accountable for reducing harm and creating a more equitable work environment. This comprehensive guide is designed to support you in cultivating authenticity, promoting inclusion, and prioritizing wellness in the workplace. Whether you're an organizational leader, a colleague, or an individual who has experienced marginalization, this workbook provides practical insights, exercises, and resources to make meaningful progress.   Presenters:  Ashley Stewart, PhD, MSSW, LSW, Director of the Center for Health Equity, C4 Innovations Ronitia Hodges, Senior Project Manager, C4 Innovations   Learn more about this series.    If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected].

This event is part of the UW SMART Center's 2024 Virtual Speaker Series. Learn more and register for upcoming events in the series here. Please Note: Certificate of Attendance and Washington state clock hours will be available for attendees of the live session. Comprehensive Universal Screening: A Statewide Approach  When: Wednesday, November 29th @ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. AKT | 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. PT | 12 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. MT Description: Enhance your screening system by hearing from experts from the field. A new version of the Washington OSPI Model School District Screening Plan for recognition, initial screening, and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students will be discussed and shared. A Washington School District will provide examples of universal Social Emotional Behavioral screening efforts, policies, and systems. Objectives: Review systematic screening, including a brief intro on what it is and why it’s important. Review systematic screening through the implementation cascade, including state-level supports and resources to share with your organizations. Learn from an exemplar district and reflect on key steps to help install systematic screening tools   About the Presenter: Rayann Silva, M.Ed. Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator and Training Unit Coordinator  Rayann Silva, MEd, Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator and Training Unit Coordinator  supports program development, and training and technical assistance for the SAMHSA funded School Mental Health supplement that is part of the Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center covering the Region 10 states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. In addition, she supports the Technical Assistance Core (TACore) at the UW SMART Center providing systems-change training and technical assistance to state, local agencies, and districts across the Northwest. Rayann may be one of the newest additions to the UW Smart Center, but her professional career spans across many years, roles, and agencies. While Rayann began her professional journey as an ABA Therapist for children with Autism, she eventually grew an interest in prevention and became a teacher. In her previous role, she served as a district administrator in Tacoma Public Schools leading the development and implementation of district-wide social emotional learning for in and out of school time. She has also supported district MTSS implementation through professional development, coaching, and program evaluation across many districts across Washington State.   Mari Meador, M.Ed. Implementation Coach Mari Meador, M.Ed., is an implementation coach at the University of Washington. She works in collaboration with Schools to support implementation efforts of proactive systems of support. Mari joins us from the University of Washington Tacoma where she worked in collaboration with Tacoma Public Schools to support implementation efforts of the Tacoma Whole Child Initiative. Mari has served as a PBIS State Facilitator and Assistant Coordinator for the Northwest PBIS Network providing training and technical assistance, coaching, and ongoing supports to build local and district capacity to implement, sustain, and scale PBIS, and she began her career as a school support counselor and school-based mental health associate. Her professional interests include systems change, culturally responsive positive behavior support and social emotional learning, and fidelity of implementation. Her research interests include equitable and inclusive school discipline practices, implementation science, and effective teaming practices in schools.   Kristi Greenaway Cirignano Whole Child Coordinator, Tacoma Public Schools  Kristi started her career as a middle school science teacher, and still thinks middle school students are the best, and loves learning about earth science. She also served as a dean of students at the middle school level before starting with Tacoma Whole Child Initiative 7 years ago.           Want more information and school mental health resources? Visit the Northwest MHTTC's School Mental Health page and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates about events, trainings, and resources available to the Northwest region.

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 November's session is “Listening to You” where we will get your input as we plan for the 2024 series.    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.