Past Events

Event Description Clinical and psychological assessments are crucial diagnostic tools; however, it is the assessor, not the assessment, that diagnoses, and as such our tools are only as good as our understanding of science and theory. We will review important trauma theory and science and its implications for diagnosis; and considerations for taking a trauma-informed approach to psychological and clinical assessment will be discussed.  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. 

Each year the United States celebrates Pride Month which commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community (LGBTQ+) as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals. While this community still faces challenges, it is important for community behavioral health agencies to consider how they can better serve this community. In this webinar, participants will be introduced to key terms related to sexual orientation and gender identify and the spectrum it represents. The use of pronouns will be explored as well as ways to consider how to help clients have better visits. The overall goal for this webinar will be to introduce important topics related to the LGBTQ+ community.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Become familiar with language related to identity. 2. Raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. 3. Promote a more respectful and positive experience for your clients.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.    PRESENTER: Jaden List, MSW, LSW, OCPS Jaden holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and is a licensed social worker, as well as an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist. Currently, Jaden serves as a dedicated therapist at Affirming Pathways Psychotherapy, focusing on treating suicidality, trauma in children and teens, and individuals who identify as queer and/or practice ethical non-monogamy. In addition to their clinical work, Jaden is deeply committed to social justice advocacy. They have been actively involved with a racial justice group and regularly present at conferences on topics such as the experiences of transgender individuals seeking access to primary and emergency healthcare. Furthermore, Jaden is a disability advocate with specialized knowledge of access needs related to service dogs.   This training is provided by our valued partners at the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities.   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.

Calling all practicing Youth Peers across the country from diverse locations and organizations! We want to hear from you about a crucial tool for youth peer support specialists: the self-assessment tool. Join us in this important conversation and contribute to the growth and effectiveness of youth peer support practice. You will be provided a stipend for participation.   Facilitator: Rowan Willis-Powell (she/they) is an experienced systems transformation advocate with 10 years of experience using their living expertise to uplift the voices of youth peers, guide development of youth peer programs, educate the behavioral health community about supporting LGBTQIA individuals, and advocate for appropriate and equitable suicide prevention and intervention for youth. Rowan has 10 years of experience connecting and mentoring young adults with lived experience in behavioral health service settings to peer support career pathways and leadership opportunities on community, state, and national levels. Rowan has supported numerous organizations and groups with the process of developing or strengthening their youth serving programs and always strives to ensure that youth voice and youth engagement are at the focus of the work.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

The Northwest MHTTC team participated in the 2024 Washington Behavioral Healthcare Conference in Kennewick, WA, hosted by the Washington Council for Behavioral Health. CONFERENCE PRESENTATION The Re-Indigenization of Motivational Interviewing: Finding the Roots of Integrity Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a way of being with clients and relatives that facilitates the exploration of their experience and thoughts around behavior change, with the intention of helping them to make the best decisions for their life and health. MI has a spirit with foundations in Native/Indigenous cultures, which can be overlooked in traditional MI training. The Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) works with Dr. Lonnie Nelson at Partnerships for Native Health at WSU to offer training on Indigenized MI, developed specifically for Native serving organizations. Our session will describe our training efforts and highlight key differences between Indigenized MI training and westernized MI. We’ll recognize the legacies of colonialization in Native cultures & perceptions of “problematic” behaviors; discover the roots of Indigenous/Native foundations of MI; and describe the role of integrity & wholeness in Indigenized MI. Indigenized MI training has been delivered to both urban and reservation-based organizations over many years, and evaluations demonstrate that these specific MI trainings help them feel more prepared to serve Native communities. Join us to learn more! Presented by Christina Clayton, MSW, LICSW, SUDP, University of WA School of Social Work & School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry; Lonnie Nelson, PhD, Washington State University, Partnerships for Native Health & IREACH; Aaron Fast, Suquamish Tribe Wellness Center

“There is no health without mental health.”  – World Health Organization (WHO) The notion of integrated care in the field of healthcare has evolved over time. Historically, integrated care referred to the integration of mental health and addictions treatment, which is now called behavioral health. Today, integrated care refers to the integration of behavioral health and physical health. Integrated care is a best practice for supporting person-centered holistic healthcare due to the use of interprofessional collaboration with a focus on achieving the Quintuple Aim in healthcare. There is an expanding lens of integrated care beyond biomedicine that incorporates co-production of knowledge. This 90-minute virtual session will cover what constitutes integrated care, the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care, the collaborative care model, resource hubs, practice frameworks, and expanding perspectives on this evolving approach to care.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Participants will: Be able to define integrated care within the context of mainstream medicine Learn about the Collaborative Care Model as an integrated care best practice Understand integrated care practice frameworks and expanding care perspectives   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTER: Jean Balestrery, PhD Jean E. Balestrery holds a Joint PhD in Social Work and Anthropology from University of Michigan, a MA in Anthropology from University of Michigan, a MSW from University of Washington and a BA from Brown University. Dr. Balestrery is founder and CEO of Integrated Care Counsel, LLC, a Spirit of Eagles Hampton Faculty Fellow and a licensed independent behavioral health clinician. An interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner with more than twenty years of combined experience in research, training and practice, Dr. Balestrery has presented research nationally and internationally with a focus on holistic health and wellbeing across the life course. Dr. Balestrery is currently a National Association of Social Workers Committee Member for LGBTQ+ Issues, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant Reviewer and Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) Co-Production of Knowledge discussion participant.   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 SAMHSA's Region 3 Central East Mental Health Technology Transfer Center partnered with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) to develop Black and Latinx Perinatal PTSD: What Behavioral Health Providers Need to Know. This four-session virtual training series aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specifically in the context of Black and Latinx mothers. Session 1 will focus on the relationship between racial and culture-based inequality and adverse perinatal mental health outcomes of these mothers. The series will delve into challenges including traumatic birth experiences, mental health diagnoses, and stigma surrounding substance use disorder/opioid use disorder (SUD/OUD). Participants will gain knowledge and skills to support and provide culturally sensitive care to Black and Latinx mothers experiencing perinatal PTSD. Trainings will build on one another but can also stand alone, so participants can attend some or all of the trainings. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explore the specific challenges and experiences of Black and Latinx mothers in the perinatal period. Discuss the impact of racial and cultural factors on the development and manifestation of perinatal PTSD. Identify the barriers that Black and Latinx mothers face in seeking and receiving appropriate mental health care. PRESENTERS Tiffany Malone, M.A., is a seasoned senior program manager at Advocates for Human Potential (AHP), bringing two decades of experience to her role. She spearheads the Mentored Internship Program under the California Department of Health Care Services’ Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative. As the Deputy Director, Tiffany provides strategic planning, oversight, management, and invaluable training and technical assistance (TA) to behavioral health organizations across California, aiding in the expansion of the state’s behavioral health workforce. With expertise in various training formats and extensive management experience, Ms. Malone is adept at driving performance and fostering growth within her teams. Prior to her time at AHP, she provided behavioral support to families, specifically mothers with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She is deeply committed to advocating for Black maternal and infant health. Her dedication extends to her involvement with the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Village Fund, where she champions holistic wellness services for Black and Latinx mothers. She actively addresses systemic issues contributing to maternal mortality rates among Black and Latinx women in Los Angeles County. Ms. Malone holds a B.S. in health management from Howard University and an M.A. in teaching applied behavior analysis from National University. Additionally, she is certified as a Master Life Coach, Cognitive Behavior Life Coach, and 200-hour yoga instructor.   Linzi A. Jack, M.A., NBC-HWC, is a senior program associate with AHP and a Board-Certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach with more than 12 years of experience in the policy and organizational landscapes of behavioral health, homelessness, and substance use. She has a keen focus on advancing health equity by reducing the socioeconomic barriers that drive poor health outcomes for underserved communities. Ms. Jack provides dynamic thought leadership, logistical support, TA content development, and grantee support to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Program and the Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency Projects at AHP. She has an extensive background in implementing large-scale quality improvement programs for Federally Qualified Health Centers, including the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home Certification and the Centers for Disease. Control and Prevention Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers program. Ms. Jack holds a B.S. in psychology from Howard University and an M.A. in integrative health and wellness coaching from the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Learn how to drive positive change in your organization's culture in this 90-minute webinar. ABOUT THIS EVENT Four years after the onset of the pandemic, there continues to be upheaval throughout many different job sectors, including the behavioral health field. Leaders and Supervisors across sectors are often challenged by the task of forming and leading a cohesive team culture that is oriented around the goals of the organization. Turnover, hybrid and remote work, and burnout have contributed to a loss of cohesion within working groups. This webinar will present practical strategies from organizational psychology and best practices for workplace leaders when it comes to the facilitation of cultural change and development within their groups to get moving together in the same direction. Slides FACILITATOR Kira Mauseth, PhD Dr. Kira Mauseth is a practicing clinical psychologist who sees patients at Snohomish Psychology Associates in Everett and Edmonds, WA, is a Teaching Professor at Seattle University and formerly served as a co-lead for the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the WA State Department of Health throughout the COVID response. She also owns Astrum Health LLC and consults with organizations and educational groups about disaster preparedness and resilience building within local communities. Dr. Mauseth has provided training to community groups and professionals both regionally and abroad as the co-developer of the Health Support Team© program. Her work and research focus on disaster behavioral health, resilience, and recovery from trauma as well as small and large-scale critical incident response and preparation for organizations. She has worked abroad extensively with disaster survivors and refugees in Haiti, Jordan and Poland, and has trained first responders and health care workers throughout Puget Sound the United States, and currently serves in the adult mental health clinical seat on Washington State's Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC).  

WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2024 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. PT Part 1 of 2 in the "Honoring our Boundaries; Tending to Self in the Context of Serving Communities" Series (view series main page for full details)   It is often those who support the wellness of others who struggle most to create and protect conditions in their own lives that allow for optimal health. It is critical to understand boundaries and the significant role they play in establishing self-care practices that are re-fueling and re-energizing. By exploring how establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries strengthen our ability to support youth and our own wellness, our work becomes more sustainable as mental health professionals.    This summer, join the Pacific Southwest MHTTC to explore the ways in which upholding healthy emotional boundaries can be trauma-healing and help strengthen our impact as school mental health service providers.    We will expand our self-care toolbox to heighten awareness regarding personal limits and recognize when we've reached them by becoming better equipped to enforce working parameters that stave off burnout and encourage regulation and restoration.   Oriana Ides (she/hers), School Mental Health Training Specialist and Youth & Young Adult programming lead with the Pacific Southwest MHTTC, guides participants in investigating the many reasons one might find it difficult to hold boundaries.    Join us!  June 12, 26 from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. PT (that's June 13, and 27th from 7am-8:30am in CNMI)   Audience Supervisors, managers, directors, administrators, and leadership of school and mental health organizations, agencies, and agencies Human resources professionals and mental health and school mental health providers (e.g., therapists, social workers, peer support professionals) Technical assistance providers, coaches, and consultants who work in school mental health contexts Trauma-informed professionals And anyone else interested in boundary work!  Note: while the focus will be on the context of boundaries and school mental health provision, we invite anyone to join.    FAQs Do I have to go to each of the two sessions? No (though we encourage you to!). Each session will be sufficient on its own. Will there be homework? No, but we will offer podcasts to listen to or readings to sit with between sessions to enrich the learning. What is the style of these sessions? These sessions will include a portion of teaching about boundaries, discussion (full group and breakouts), and some journaling and personal reflection. They are meant to be introspective and interactive. Will these be recorded? No, to maintain confidentiality of each session. Are there CEs? No, Continuing Education credits are not offered for this program.    Facilitator   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.  

Please join us as we facilitate a Family Workforce event featuring the National Federation of Families and a panel of their New England affiliates. Gail Cormier, Project Director with the National Federation of Families, will talk about National offerings including Family Peer Support certification, Family workforce education and technical assistance, and their transition to lifespan support as well as general offerings. Representatives from New England affiliates will introduce their affiliates highlighting any unique offerings in their prospective states. This webinar will be an excellent opportunity for providers who work with families to learn about the offerings of the National Federation of Families and local affiliates as well as anyone who might be interested. There will be time for Q&A. All are welcome!

Event Description Join us in welcoming Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW, FT, Director of Caring Connections, as she presents a timely and informative overview of the Caring Connections program. Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program is based in the University of Utah College of Nursing and is a leading community resource for grief and bereavement support.  Caring Connections provides grief care and education for clinicians and students and contributes to the scientific evidence to support best practices. In this one-hour training, participants will also learn about the nuances and impacts of traumatic grief, particularly as it relates to loss by suicide or overdose. Traumatic deaths, such as suicide or death by overdose, are on the increase and have a far-reaching impact on immediate survivors and communities. An estimated 47,000 persons die by suicide in the United States annually. For every death by suicide, 135 persons—family members or friends—are impacted. While almost 42,000 people in the United States died from opioids in 2016, and that number continues to increase.   Unaddressed traumatic grief can negatively impact both individual and community mental health. Recognizing and working with the stigma and trauma attached to these deaths benefits everyone. Grief is highly individualized. This means that each person responds to grief differently according to:   How the family member or friend was lost  The grieving person’s personality  Social norms within the grieving person’s culture and family  Other stressors in the grieving person’s life  The grieving person’s history of coping with other losses  The target audience for this training includes first responders, behavioral health clinicians, social workers, addiction counselors, crisis workers, and those whose work brings them into contact with persons impacted by traumatic death.    Trainer Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW, FT 

As peer workers, we are committed to providing the best care possible, rooted in peer-centered values of choice, autonomy, and ethics. Join us for a 2-hour presentation and discussion on the ethics of peer support, with a special focus on the impact of perceived credibility on our work and support for peers.   Key Takeaways: A comprehensive understanding of perceived credibility and shared reality, and how those concepts impact the work of peer workers and the individuals they support. An understanding of the role of ethics in peer work. An understanding of how to discuss ethical concerns with peers, peer workers, and clinical coworkers.   Presenter: Rowan Willis-Powell (she/they) is an experienced systems transformation advocate with 10 years of experience using their living expertise to uplift the voices of youth peers, guide development of youth peer programs, educate the behavioral health community about supporting LGBTQIA individuals, and advocate for appropriate and equitable suicide prevention and intervention for youth. Rowan has 10 years of experience connecting and mentoring young adults with lived experience in behavioral health service settings to peer support career pathways and leadership opportunities on community, state, and national levels. Rowan has supported numerous organizations and groups with the process of developing or strengthening their youth serving programs and always strives to ensure that youth voice and youth engagement are at the focus of the work.   If you would like accommodations to participate in any of our events, please contact us at [email protected] ahead of the event date. For example, if you would like an ASL interpreter, please let us know 3 weeks ahead of the event date so we have sufficient time to secure the services.  

The South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) invites peer specialists from across Region 6 to apply for the Healing & Power in Peer Support training. Studies have shown that most people will experience trauma at least once in their lifetimes. In order to be effective, peer specialists should have an embodied understanding of trauma and healing. The Healing & Power in Peer Support training was developed to train peer supporters on the concepts of power and healing-centered practice, and how those concepts impact peer support. The Youth and Young Adult Peer Support training is available for anyone who works, or is interested in working, 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.). This three-day training provides participants with a foundation for how power shows up in peer support relationships, how Healing-Centered Engagement principles can foster healing relationships and “power with,” and how peer specialists can integrate healing-centered principles into their practice of supporting others and themselves. This is a highly experiential training, where participants will integrate practice with their own lived experience through structured reflection, group discussion, and interactive activities. The application deadline is May 22, 2024. Learning Objectives: At the end of this training, it is envisioned that participants will be able ​​to: Identify the basic principles of Healing-Centered Engagement; Employ radical acceptance and empathy to foster healing relationships; Define the concept of “meaning-making” and how storytelling plays a role in healing; Apply skills for holding space in relation to supporting self and others; Describe the different forms that power can take; Assess power dynamics within a peer support relationship to foster “power with” another person; and Understand how racism and oppression impact power dynamics both broadly and specifically to peer support.     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.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based collaborative conversational style used to help strengthen an individual's own motivation and commitment to change. In this interactive, skills-based workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn about and practice the spirit, relational skills, and technical skills of MI.   Note: Participants must complete Motivational Interviewing: Relational Skills (Level 1) to be eligible to attend Motivational Interviewing: Technical Skills (Level 2). Those who fully attend Level 1 will automatically receive an invitation to register to attend Level 2. More info can be found on our MI and SBIRT Training 2024 webpage.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define and summarize the processes of focusing and evoking Identify different strategies for focusing and how to apply them to client interactions Define and recognize change talk, sustain talk, and discordance Differentiate between client cues of readiness, ambivalence, and discordance Construct effective responses to different client cues Design a plan for advancing individual MI skills   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 9 NAADAC certified continuing education (CE) hours. CE certificates are sent via email within two weeks after the conclusion of the training.   TRAINER: Sue EckMaahs has practiced and trained Motivational Interviewing (MI) for over 30 years.  With a background in Sociology, she has provided MI implementation, training, and coaching services to thousands of professionals and over two hundred organizations, nationally & internationally.  Her audience spans mental health, substance abuse, public health & primary care, education, child protection/family reunification, workforce development, and re-entry/corrections.  On a personal note, she loves hiking with her partner Steve & dog, Cassie.     To ensure all participants get the most out of these interactive virtual trainings, we ask that everyone be prepared to do the following in every session: The Great Lakes A/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.

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 Describe systemic and environmental variables that contribute to mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth Identify anti-discrimination policies and inclusive practices that can be implemented in schools and other youth-serving settings Explore strategies to develop safe, welcoming, and LGBTQ+-affirming environments for youth PRESENTERS Sophia Arredondo (she/her/ella) is a TA Specialist with the American Institutes for Research (AIR). Her primary responsibilities include providing specialized direct assistance and training to U.S. Department of Education funded grantees for the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Office of Safe and Supportive Schools (OSSS) National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE). Ms. Arredondo has been in the education and education-adjacent space for over 15 years fostering safe and supportive learning environment initiatives for 2SLGBTQIA+ students at the local, state, and national level. a.t. furuya (they, them, theirs) is a community organizer and educator. They have been coaching, teaching, and advocating for youth for over two decades. a.t. has worked in local and national non profits in LGBTQ+ youth direct services such as housing, identity support, mental and physical health services navigation and education. They are the LGBTQI+ consultant for the San Diego Office of Education and Sweetwater Union High School District and have a master's degree in education. Bixby Marino-Kibbee (they/them) is a nonbinary, transmasculine, queer mental health clinician who has worked in the field of mental health and social services for the past 20 years.  Bixby has worked with individuals across the lifespan including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults and their families in a variety of settings including residential treatment, outpatient therapy, community-based wraparound care, and most recently within a large academic healthcare institution. 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 4-part webinar series on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers an exploration of DBT's core modules, designed to enhance the skills of students and new professionals. This series is designed to provide a foundational overview of DBT to cover the skills for mindfulness and how to help individuals stay present in the moment, regulate emotions and reduce emotional vulnerability, cope with crises and difficult situations without making them worse, and navigate interpersonal relationships effectively. Throughout the series, participants will gain valuable insights and practical techniques to support individuals in applying tools to their daily lives. Webinar objectives: Examine distress tolerance skills for navigating a crisis and intense emotions Review a case study and practical examples of using these skills with clients   Presenter: Crystal Socha, MS, LPC, CRC, NCC, ACS (she/her) is a PhD Candidate and Senior Training and Consultation Specialist at Rutgers School of Health Professions in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. Crystal's primary role includes providing in-person and remote training, consultation, and technical assistance to New Jersey agencies that provide Community Support Services. She has over 10 years of experience in the behavioral health field, delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-affirming care and supporting individuals in building a life worth living. Before joining Rutgers, she provided recovery-oriented services in supportive housing, intensive in-home and in-community settings, community mental health centers, integrated primary care, hospital systems, and private practices. She has received a 40-hour foundational training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by a Linehan Board Certified Clinician and utilizes a DBT informed approach within her work as a counselor.   Other sessions in this series: Session 1: Introduction to DBT & Strategies for Mindfulness Session 3: DBT Skills Training: Strategies for Emotion Regulation Session 4: DBT Skills Training: Strategies for Interpersonal Effectiveness

Today’s work environment requires collaborating with more than just the clients with whom you work. To provide effective support services, a team is needed to fully address the participant’s situation (housing, medical care, mental health, substance use, behaviors, etc.) and conflicting approaches can lead to confusion, which can cause services to be less effective. This can sometimes be described as conflict, and it delays progress. In this class, there will be discussion around what happens to us in situations where others may see things differently and utilize strategies to build a worker’s confidence. These strategies will also allow attendees to work toward congruence when those situations arise. Diverse teams have multiple perspectives. Workers will need to be able to use an equitable and trauma-informed approach when building a coalition. Whether working with property management to secure housing or grass roots organizing, identifying shared values is essential for inclusion and partnership. Knowledge and regular practice of these skills can help continually refine these relationships, and gain insight and understanding.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Review tools to discern one’s own feelings and intentions when in situations that involve various partners and perspectives Review tools to build understanding and empathy when engaging with various partners Review engagement strategies that align with collaboration and coalition building approaches Practice communication strategies in real life scenarios   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 2 continuing education (CE) hours certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.   PRESENTER: Warren Duncan, BS, has had various roles throughout his career working with households experiencing homelessness and multiple barriers to stable housing. He has worked as direct support staff on mobile teams in Permanent Supportive Housing program across the metro area, assisted in outreach efforts for program participants living on the streets and in shelter, provided outreach to property managers and landlords, connecting them to support services in metro and greater Minnesota communities. He has worked to provide support to a network of supportive housing programs and community organizing among County, State, and local community agencies in Southern and Central Minnesota. He is currently overseeing all programming as Program Director for a Minnesota Nonprofit. Warren enjoys facilitating workshops and has led a number of training sessions. Topics include Building Landlord Relationships, Housing First, Harm Reduction, Navigating Conflict, De-escalation, and Mindfulness. Warren grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Minnesota shortly after graduating from Iowa State University. He currently lives with his family in the Twin Cities western suburbs. He enjoys drawing, painting, and photography in his spare time. 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.

The application period is closed. Consultation calls are an integral component of long-term changes, staff training and skill development. Black Mental Wellness is collaborating with the Great Lakes Mental Health Technology Transfer Center to facilitate consultation calls for mental health providers who address racial stressors and/or trauma with youth in therapy/counseling. These consultation calls will be a safe space for mental health providers to address challenges in their current therapeutic practices or approaches, learn additional culturally responsive practices, and support providers in discussing racial stressors while building trust and connection with youth. The Great Lakes MHTTC will provide funding for up to 16 participants accepted into this learning community at no cost. Each consultation group will consist of 5-8 participants, who will meet for a total of 6 sessions over the months of June, July, and August. Target Audience: Mental health providers from HHS Region 5 who are currently and actively working with youth experiencing racial stress and trauma.   HOW TO APPLY  Click the “Register” button to complete the application. Application deadline is May 24, 2024. Please note: Due to the limited attendance capacity, applications submitted by providers working in HHS Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI) will be given priority. Please only apply if you can commit to fully attending all six virtual sessions. Applicants will be notified about the status of their application shortly after the application deadline.   TRAINING SCHEDULE All calls will be 12-1PM CT. Group 1 (Mondays): June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19 Group 2 (Wednesdays): June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21 *You will indicate in the application which group works best for you.  Note: All Consultation Calls will be held virtually on the Zoom platform. Please make sure you have the capacity to have cameras and microphones on and working to be an engaged participant in these calls.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   TRAINERS: Nicole L. Cammack, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in Maryland and Washington, DC. She is the President and CEO of Black Mental Wellness, Corp., and owns Healing Generations Psychological Services and Consultation Center, LLC., a private practice in Washington, DC.   Danielle R. Busby, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in Michigan and Texas and is an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch.   Jessica S. Henry, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Georgia and founder and CEO of Community Impact: Consultation & Psychological Services.   Dana L. Cunningham, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and program director at the National Center for School Mental Health in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 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.

55th Annual New England School of Addiction and Prevention Studies, Worcester State University, MA – June 10 – 13, 2024 – Hybrid – Face-To-Face and Virtual Options for Attendance The New England School of Addiction and Prevention Studies, commonly called Summer School, is an intensive 4-day learning experience to further knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of substance use disorder services. For over 55 years, participants from many disciplines have come together to form a unique, diverse learning community. This year will be our second hybrid year, with options to attend the program in person in Worcester or to attend the program virtually! We are delighted to return to Worcester State University for a face-to-face program. Due to the demand for intensive Summer School program online, we are happy to also offer a live virtual program. Select from many intensive courses from across the continuum of treatment, prevention, and recovery. Virtual courses will take place live by videoconference, allowing for course group work and interaction. In addition to courses: plenary sessions, community, and more! Options are available to attend the full program, or any number of days. Earn 26 Contact Hours during the week. Courses are designed for the extensive demands of today's professionals and organizations: Certification, licensing, and re-credentialing; Evidence-based practices; Addressing health disparities and equity issues; Behavioral healthcare and primary care integration; Recovery oriented care across the continuum; Addressing the opioid crisis, stimulants, and other current drug trends; And many other current and emerging topics! Join us for these New England MHTTC sponsored sessions:  “Ethics and Identity-Centered Trauma Response” plenary session with Ashley Stewart, PhD, MSSW, LSW, Director, Center on Health Equity, C4 Innovations on Monday, June 10 from 10-11:30 am “Equity in Action” course by Ashley Stewart, PhD, MSSW, LSW, Director, Center on Health Equity, C4 Innovations on Monday, June 10 from 2-5:15 pm New England summer programs have been developed to respond to specific needs in our regional workforce. Participants may attend offerings specifically for treatment, prevention, or recovery support, or select courses of interest to all. The Summer School provides wonderful combined learning opportunities for participants working in different areas of the behavioral health services continuum. Please join us for new knowledge, skills, virtual networking and continuing education contact hours in June! Partial New England State Scholarships are available from most New England states. The Summer School is appropriate for all who recognize the impact of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs on individuals, families, and communities. We hope to see you either in person or virtually at this year’s Summer School! Complete course information, registration, and scholarship information are posted on the site pages on the menu bar. Click here to register today! Please contact us with any questions at [email protected] or 207-621-2549. This event is hosted by AdCare Educational Institute of New England. New England MHTTC is proud to be a regional workforce development partner--visit us at our exhibit table!

Join us for an informative webinar focused on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Delve into crucial topics for understanding and addressing mental health challenges during the perinatal period. Our expert speaker will cover the prevalence, signs, and symptoms of common mental disorders experienced by birthing parents. Discover valuable insights into recognizing the signs of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder symptoms and exploring practical coping and management strategies. We'll discuss a range of resources available to expecting parents and their families, empowering them with actionable steps to navigate the perinatal journey with resilience and support. Don't miss this opportunity to gain knowledge and tools to enhance perinatal mental health outcomes. Register now to secure your spot!   Presenter: Marianela Rodriguez, PhD, PMH-C, is a mother, Certified Lactation Educator, and Clinical Psychologist certified in Perinatal Mental Health. For the past 15 years, she has worked exclusively in the perinatal mental health field. She is a PSI Volunteer Coordinator in Puerto Rico and an international trainer with the organization. She is a psychology consultant for the Puerto Rico Health Department, Mother, Child, and Adolescent Section (Title V) and a member of the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Board (FIMR). She provides supportive psychotherapy for PLWHIV at the Center for Maternal Infant Studies at the University of Puerto Rico. In 2020, she co-founded the first Center for Perinatal Mental Health in Puerto Rico, focusing on research, awareness, and service for this population.

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.

THURSDAY, June 6, 2024 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT Workshop 2 of 2 in the "Foundations in Perinatal Mental Health & Navigating Culturally Concordant Care" Series (view series main page for full details)   Registration Has Closed as This Event is Now at Capacity If you would like to sign up for the waitlist, please find instructions by clicking through the registration link. Assessment for perinatal mental health conditions can be implemented in a number of ways, but its efficacy largely depends on how screening is conducted (i.e., language, tools, approach, consistency, etc.). Ensuring that screening and care are culturally concordant and timely will increase the likelihood that individuals experiencing perinatal mental health conditions are not only identified but also receive adequate support to feel better. This 2-hour interactive workshop will coach community and school-based mental health providers on how to utilize validated screening tools as conversation starters regarding mental and emotional well-being with expectant or postpartum individuals and their families. The workshop will also explore approaches to offering supportive resources and referral intervention, in addition to centering cultural humility and trauma-informed care with birthing families.   ** Please note the following: Attendance of the first workshop on June 4th is a prerequisite to attending this workshop. Registration for this workshop is set to manual approval, as attendance of the June 4th workshop will be verified before providing the full sign-in information     Learning Objectives Identify and utilize the three most commonly utilized screening tools to identify signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the perinatal period; Name six referral options for mitigating risk factors and increasing support for perinatal mental health conditions; Demonstrate a foundational understanding of the importance of engaging cultural humility and trauma-informed approaches to perinatal mental health care.   Notes This event has limited space and is expected to reach capacity; there will be a waitlist. Waitlist registrants will be added in the order that their registration is received. For those signing up as a group within the same organization, we ask that groups be limited to teams of two. Registrants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Once registered, if your availability changes and you’re unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so we can open a space for those on our waitlist. This event series will be recorded. Recording, materials and resources will be made available to all registrants at the conclusion of the program. Up to four Continuing Education Hours (CEH) will be available at no cost through verified participation in both workshops.   Audience We invite community and general mental health professionals and teams of two providers within the same organization to participate. Examples include: social workers, psychiatrists, counselors, psychologists, clinicians, therapists, physicians and peer support specialists.   Facilitators   Anna King, PhD, LCSW, PMH-C Dr. Anna King (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker, researcher, and certified perinatal mental health specialist. She has over 10 years of experience in community mental health and has specialized training and experience supporting individuals and families across the reproductive spectrum. As the full-time Director of Training for Maternal Mental Health NOW, Anna oversees the development of training programs, including conferences and partnerships with healthcare institutions, and facilitates curriculum development to educate care providers on mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Before joining the MMH-NOW team, Anna served as a clinical social worker with outpatient oncology services and inpatient hospital units, including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), birthing center, and emergency department. She is a part-time psychotherapist with ARC Counseling and Wellness, offering anti-oppressive, body-oriented therapy as a student practitioner of Somatic Experiencing® and trained EMDR therapist. She earned her PhD in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology after conducting qualitative research on the intersection of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) trait and embodied social justice.   Karen Balumbu-Bennett, LCSW, PPSC, PMH-C Karen Balumbu-Bennett (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker, holds a pupil personnel services credential, and is a perinatal mental health specialist practicing psychotherapy in the greater Los Angeles area. She has experience providing therapy in community mental health settings, emergency outreach teams, and within secondary schools. In recent years, Karen has become dedicated to supporting people who are trying to conceive and those of the perinatal population. Karen specializes in supporting individuals struggling with perinatal trauma, loss, and fertility challenges and, in September of 2022, released her first book, which she categorizes as a ‘memoire meets guided journal’ titled, My Baby Journey – A Guided Journal to Support You Through the Peaks and Valleys of Trying to Conceive. She takes a client-centered approach and truly enjoys helping people live fuller lives. Karen is an advocate of self-care and is deliberate about participating in activities that bring her joy. She lives by the motto “balance over everything,” which is a reminder that when aspects of life are in the correct proportion, overall wellness is more achievable.

Communicating feedback to team members in a way that motivates them to improve can be a difficult challenge. Most people dread feedback and automatically think it will be negative. However, given effectively, feedback can help people grow, which is a key part of the supervisory function. This webinar addresses some practical tools to give effective feedback to your direct reports. This class is part of the Leadership Coffee Break Series. Be sure to check out other classes in the series: Coffee Break Series.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe strategies for dealing with high and low performers Outline feedback approaches that focus on building on strengths   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Registrants who fully attend this training will be eligible to receive 1 continuing education (CE) hour certified by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. CE certificates are provided by People Incorporated Training Institute.   PRESENTER: Russ Turner, MA, Director of the People Incorporated Training InstituteDuring 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.

The Northwest MHTTC is proud to collaborate with the University of Washington Integrated Care Training Program (UW ICTP) to present "Cultivating Integrated Care within the Behavioral Health Ecosystem," an in-person conference being held June 6-7, 2024, in Seattle, WA. ABOUT THIS EVENT Integrated care is a crucial component of the behavioral health ecosystem. Supporting our patients and care teams in integrated care requires critical innovations, rethinking approaches and strengthening systems. Join a community of partners to share ideas, learn about clinical and community-level innovations in integrated care, and help improve behavioral healthcare and health equity in the State of Washington and beyond. This conference is open to medical and behavioral health clinicians in integrated care settings, program and clinic administrators, policymakers, peer supports, and other staff supporting integrated care work. For more details and to register, please view the flyer and visit the 2024 Integrated Care Conference website.   Dates Thursday, June 6, 2024,1:00 PM - 6:45 PM PST Friday, June 7, 2024, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM PST Location DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel | 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188 The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is located near the light rail station with direct access to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Conference Breakout Threads Building Connections Across the Behavioral Health Ecosystem Integrated Care Skills Workshops Workforce Strategies in Integrated Care Pre-Conference Skills Sessions