Note: This course is for Alaska State tribal organizations, pre-professionals, chemical dependency counselors and others who provide care for Indigenous communities. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a transformative, evidence-based approach that empowers individuals to navigate change by tapping into their intrinsic motivation. This free 2-day online workshop provides participants with essential skills to facilitate meaningful conversations, grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for autonomy. Whether you're new to MI or seeking to enhance your expertise, this interactive training will provide you with the skills to foster change, strengthen connections, and harness the transformative potential of neuroplasticity. Day 1: Outline MI Foundations 1. Define Motivational Interviewing. 2. Demonstrate the four key skills of Motivational Interviewing. 3. Describe methods to build rapport using the spirit of MI. Day 2: Intermediate Techniques and Integrating MI Through a Cultural Lens 4. Identify and strengthen change talk. 5. Identify and soften sustain talk and resistance. 6. Describe the neurobiological processes involved in behavioral change. 7. Apply MI through a cultural lens. 8. Develop strategies for addressing cultural differences in MI conversations. This workshop meets the 16-hour MI requirements for CDC certification in the state of Alaska and is approved for 12 NAADAC CEs.

Description: "Change talk" is the solid GOLD motor that builds motivation for behavior change when practicing motivational interviewing (MI); without it the change-train is going nowhere and you're not practicing MI. During this learning community conversation (LCC), we will review how to evoke change talk and how to employ it, once it's spoken by the client/patient. *Please note* After registering, tickets are not needed for this event. The Zoom link will be included in the confirmation email. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training has been approved for two renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and two initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses are granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offer reciprocity - please check with your accrediting agency. Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc., Training Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0694. Participants are required to attend the ENTIRE training, turn on their video cameras and actively participate in order to receive a certificate of completion.

DESCRIPTION The purpose of this seminar is to raise awareness, enhance clinical competency, and promote evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders (SUD) in older adults. Given the growing aging population and the often-overlooked nature of SUD in later life, this session aims to equip healthcare professionals, mental health clinicians, geriatric care providers, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools to identify, assess, and treat substance misuse in older adults effectively. This webinar will help participants integrate tailored, multidisciplinary approaches into their practice. Ultimately, the goal is to improve health outcomes, and change policies that enhance care for older adults struggling with substance use disorders. LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Recognize the prevalence and trends of substance use disorder among older adults. 2. Identify the physiological, psychological, and social risk factors unique to aging. 3. Explain the multifaceted health impacts of substance misuse in later life. *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. Contact Hours (Certificate of Attendance): up to 1.25 for attending the entire session. If you are having issues accessing the room/application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you. PRESENTER Mardoche Sidor, MD, serves as the Medical Director for a distinguished non-profit organization based in New York City, dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals grappling with serious mental illness compounded by other health factors. With an array of board certifications in general adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry, Dr. Sidor exemplifies a steadfast commitment to excellence and a profound grasp of the intricate dynamics of mental health across all stages of life. His training in community and public psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and psychotherapeutic modalities further enriches his clinical expertise.  

This is a recording of the webinar presented on March 19, 2025 with Kate Speck, PhD, MAC, LADC. The 90-minute ethics webinar will equip behavioral health professionals with an understanding of ethical principles for application in their professional roles. Emphasizing the significance of ethical values in human service practice, this presentation will explore topics relevant to professionals in addiction, gambling, mental health, case management, social work, vocational rehabilitation, and justice fields, particularly serving in rural areas. Discussion of ethical responsibility, recognizing personal core values underpinning ethical practice, examining an ethical decision-making model, and understanding the context of therapy will be addressed.

The Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in Faith Communities flyer highlights the benefits of TIC for faith communities, provides an overview of key training topics, and outlines how to schedule a training for your congregation.

This is a recording of the webinar presented on March 25, 2025 with Mark Disselkoen, LCSW, LCADC. When considering the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) there are several considerations related to privacy and ethical practices in SUD treatment. We will explore issues related to confidentiality, such as the use of AI to assist in clinical documentation. State and federal regulations will be reviewed to understand how AI can be utilized in a legal and ethical way when creating progress notes and other clinical documentation about the interaction between the client and the counselor. This training will explore the potential strengths to enhance clinical practice using AI, as well as discuss the limitations and ethical concerns when using AI. Principles will be provided to help navigate the use of AI in clinical practice.