Products and Resources Catalog

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The August 2024 issue features content celebrating National Wellness Month and the Mental Health Workforce Recruitment video project created by the Great Lakes MHTTC's regional partners. You will also find links to upcoming trainings and new products from all three centers. Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter, and thank you for reading!  

Explore the slides and video from the Workplace Well-Being: A Guidebook for Cultivating a Culture of Collective Care launch event held on November 13, 2024. The guidebook provides actionable strategies for building a supportive and compassionate workplace environment. It serves as both a comprehensive resource and a reflective journal, designed to help leaders identify and address the effects of stress and trauma, while nurturing a resilient, trauma-informed culture. During the launch event, participants were introduced to the guidebook's core concepts and learned practical approaches for integrating its tools into their organizations to enhance well-being and foster a stronger, more caring workplace culture.

This skill-focused Learning Community conversation defines and demonstrates a way of engaging that considers the worker-task of providing information and/or feedback to people receiving services. This method of collaborative conversation can prevent disconnection, pushback and increase engagement. This training was 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

Professional boundaries set the parameters of effective and appropriate interaction between professionals and the people they serve. Boundaries protect clients and patients as well as providers. This interactive course will discuss professionalism and ethics, dual relationships, and how to build a safe working environment. This training was 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

This interactive learning community conversation focuses on the development of groups and the use of groups as a method of intervention. Emphasis will be placed on group work vs. case work in a group, and the skills necessary to facilitate groups. Prior group facilitation experience is a plus and is not required. This training was approved for three renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and three 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

This interactive learning community conversation explores the strategy of developing discrepancy. The intentional use of this strategy sparks contemplation, supports forward movement and stops circular conversations about behavior change.  Participants will reframe their frustration-in-moment as an opportunity for insight that can inform and reshape their next steps in the conversation. Demonstrations, practice opportunities and feedback will be used to illustrate the practical application of this effective engagement/conversation strategy. This training was 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

Presenters: Bill O’Connell, EdD and Ursula Heflick The mental and behavioral health workforce shortage has hindered access to care in the United States, resulting in long waitlists for persons who need behavioral health care. Bachelor level practitioners are one solution to increasing available mental and behavioral health treatment across a variety of settings. A Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) will provide brief treatment for depression using behavioral activation, anxiety using CBT and engage in harm reduction for substance use issues.  This webinar highlights an innovative effort in Washington State to initiate a bachelor’s-level BHSS curriculum leading to credentialing to expand the mental health workforce and improve access to care. Download the slides | View recording

The opioid epidemic has resulted in significant increases in HIV, HCV, and syphilis among people who inject drugs. The intent of this Guide is to build the capacity of Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), with an emphasis on publicly funded OTPs, to integrate infectious disease prevention, screening, and treatment services. Integrating infectious disease services at OTPs has the potential to both (i) enhance prevention, screening, and treatment by addressing key gaps in patient care, and (ii) support patients’ recovery journeys by improving their overall well-being. This Guide provides insights, examples, and strategies to support OTPs in integrating infectious disease services into behavioral health programming.

Difficult moments don’t have to grow into "incidents" that can threaten client engagement and retention. This workshop is designed to equip participants with basic concepts and preparatory actions that can be used to de-escalate a wide range of interactions. This training was approved for three renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and three 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

Behavioral health and health care settings offer a spectrum of programs including substance use, mental health, and medical and recovery services. Professionals providing these supports use an array of competencies to empathize and assist persons with substance use and other psychosocial problems. Always focused on helping others, professionals can experience challenges in practicing self-care for themselves. This interactive workshop provides an opportunity for providers to review wellness practices and experience the benefits of intentional, micro-structured, self-care interventions. This training was 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

Professional boundaries set the parameters of effective and appropriate interaction between professionals and the people they serve. Boundaries protect clients and patients as well as providers. This interactive course will discuss professionalism and ethics, dual relationships, and how to build a safe working environment. This training was 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

This two-part interactive learning community conversation focuses on the development of groups and the use of groups as a method of intervention. Emphasis was placed on group work vs. case work in a group, and the skills necessary to facilitate groups. Prior group facilitation experience is a plus and was not required. This two-part training was approved for six renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and six 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity

This two-part interactive learning community conversation focuses on the development of groups and the use of groups as a method of intervention. Emphasis was placed on group work vs. case work in a group, and the skills necessary to facilitate groups. Prior group facilitation experience is a plus and was not required. This training was approved for six renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and six 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 were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

Successful individuals in every profession attribute important aspects of their success to a their participation in a mentoring relationship. World leaders, Noble Prize winners, astronauts, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, artists, non-profit advocates, and many of us in helping professions will attest to having benefited from mentorship. In this interactive webinar, Jamelia R. Hand, CADC, CODP and Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, will share developing research as well as their individual experiences on beneficial impacts of mentoring relationship. Their engaging discussion will delve into the concept of mentorship, focusing on its critical role in enhancing leadership qualities and clinical skills within the behavioral health sector. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of mentorship, its benefits, and practical strategies for nurturing these relationships to foster professional and personal growth.   PRESENTED BY: Jamelia Hand, MHS, CADC, CODP, is a seasoned opioid addiction consultant, speaker, trainer, and author within the SUD/OUD healthcare sector. Ms. Hand maximizes her extensive executive experience to deliver compelling keynote speeches, engaging workshops, and dynamic training sessions that motivate and inspire action in addiction and mental health treatment, service delivery, overdose prevention, and staff motivation. Her expertise is highlighted in national publications, and she has held significant roles such as Deputy Director in Illinois, VP of Reentry, and leadership positions in global addiction medication and technology companies, enhancing access to quality care nationwide. For more information, visit vantageclinicalconsulting.com.     Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is the Illinois State Project Manager for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. Mark has worked for 40 years as a social worker, educator, and part of the SUD workforce. He is founder of the Online Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery and co-founder of Serenity Academy of Chicago, the only recovery-oriented high school in Illinois. Mark is also an international speaker, trainer, and consultant in the behavioral health field whose work has reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and the British Islands. Recently, Mark Sanders was named as the 2021 recipient of the NAADAC Enlightenment Award in recognition of his outstanding work and contributions to NAADAC, the field of SUD services, and SUD professionals. He is also the recipient of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health’s 2021 Lawrence Goodman Friend of the Field award in honor of the many years of dedicated service Mark has provided to communities throughout his home state of Illinois.  

The New England ATTC held a Regional Advisory Board Meeting on 6/7/24 to share highlights over the reporting period and identify emergent areas of needs. Priority topics included advancing harm reduction throughout New England. The meeting minutes are available for download.

Talking To Change: A Motivational Interviewing Podcast, hosted by Glenn Hinds and Sebastian Kaplan, is a series of conversations exploring Motivational Interviewing (MI) and its influence on supporting individuals and groups as they make positive health and lifestyle changes. Episode 76: MI for Burnout & Compassion Fatigue, with Debra Collins, MA, LMFT In this episode, hosts Glenn Hinds and Sebastian Kaplan talk with Debra Collins, MA, LMFT about how to use motivational interviewing as a way to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue. Debra talks about how the MI spirit “helps the helper” as well as how to use the “ask-offer-ask” framework in this context. She also provides examples of ways we can all take better care of ourselves and talks about being a “provider.” At the end of the episode, the group talks about how creativity intersects with wellness.

Discover the vital role peer supports play in fostering resilience, empathy, and sustainable pathways to recovery. Join us on a journey to understand the power of human connection and how peer supports are shaping a more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive future for individuals and communities alike. Learning objectives Comprehensive Understanding: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of peer supports in mental health, addiction recovery, and community well-being. Human Connection in Recovery: Recognize the transformative power of human connection in the context of recovery, and how peer supports play a pivotal role in facilitating meaningful connections. Practical Applications: Understand practical applications of peer support methodologies, including effective communication, active listening, and collaboration within the peer support framework. About the presenter: Dr. Mo (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is an award-winning lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. She has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is a TEDx speaker, prevention specialist and peer specialist. She is the CEO of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer specialist. Dr. Mo is the Executive Director of Midwest Street Medicine. She is a co-author of, The Alcohol Reset. She does research on college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos as healing and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery and her mission is to empower individuals to learn and navigate their paths to recovery and well-being. View slides | Watch recording

Product Developed by the Contingency Management Task Force (CM Task Force) The Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network Coordinating Office (ATTC NCO) convened the Contingency Management Task Force (CM Task Force) in April 2023 at the request of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of this Contingency Management (CM) Task Force was to define the key components of CM that will facilitate consistent evidence-based training and implementation, and to scale CM in a manner that is meaningful, permissible, and scientific. The insights gathered will help SAMHSA’s [Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Centers] to offer technical guidance, resources, partnerships, and infrastructure to support the expansion of CM to stakeholders in the field of addiction and recovery. This initial meeting is crucial in developing a shared vocabulary and an evidence based approach to CM education and training platforms, with the goal of incorporating metrics to measure effectiveness. Key information and components for facilitating CM TTA found in this report, include: 1. Key areas of considerations relating to implementation guidance (Section 2) 2. Recommendations pertaining to the development and rollout of implementation guidance (Section 3) 3. Proposed chapter titles and topics to be used in the possible development of a Contingency Management Implementation Guidance Document (Section 4) 4. Publicly available resources (Section 5) 5. Selected references (Section 6)

Over the last six months the ATTC Network Workforce Development, Recruitment, and Retention Workgroup collaborated to create a report titled Strategic Response to Behavioral Workforce Shortages, focusing primarily on barriers to recruitment and retention in the field of behavioral health. This report highlighted three areas of focus: recruitment of new employees to the field, competitive pay, and portability of licenses and certifications. In addition to the brief-style report, the workgroup created three shorter one-pager versions to be printed and used for tabling events. The report highlights identified barriers under each focus, recommended responses to address these barriers, real-world examples of organizations and states that have attempted to remedy these barriers, and action steps for addressing the barriers looking ahead. The intended use for this report is to provide concrete steps for ATTC regional offices to inform future initiatives, as well as initiating conversations at the national level to address the behavioral health workforce shortage.

Humor has long been recognized as a powerful tool in therapy, capable of breaking down barriers, fostering rapport, and promoting healing. This interactive session presented by Mallori DeSalle, MA, LMHC, NCC, CMHC, CHP, delves into the art and science of using therapeutic humor to support clients in their therapeutic journey. Participants will explore the multifaceted benefits of humor in therapy, including its ability to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and facilitate emotional processing. Through case studies, role-playing exercises, and group discussions, attendees will learn practical strategies for incorporating humor into their therapeutic practice in a safe and ethical manner. Whether you're a seasoned therapist looking to refresh your approach or a new practitioner eager to expand your therapeutic toolkit, this session offers valuable insights and practical techniques for harnessing the power of humor to support your clients on their path to healing and growth. Join us and discover how humor can be a transformative force in the therapeutic process. Download slides | View recording

The Central East ATTC is committed to fostering a positive and affirming environment that acknowledges LGBTQ identities and realities. Though nearly every care provider expresses the intention of creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ clients, good intentions alone are not enough to maintain a practice free of prejudice, repair poor office forms and protocols, minimize microaggressions, and eradicate disrespect for the lived experiences of sexual and gender minority community members. When a member of any marginalized group enters your setting, they are scanning for potential threats, hazards, and disappointments with their care as a reflexive gesture of self-protection. This factsheet provides an overview of indicators for creating safety and engagement techniques that can help build trust and reassurance for your LGBTQ clients. Download this factsheet to learn more.   To download the factsheet in English, please use the download attachment 1 on the right side of the page. This factsheet is now available in Spanish. Translation services by the National Hispanic and Latino Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. Traducido por: To download the full version of the Spanish factsheet, use the Download Attachment 2 button on the right side of the page.  

The audio recording from the webinar, “Peer Support: Why Your Program Needs It” (described above) is also available for download.

The South Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center (SSW ATTC) collaborates with Faith Partners, Inc. a non-profit 501©3, which was founded in 1995 by religious leaders seeking ways to mobilize faith communities’ resources to address alcohol and drug issues in their communities. Faith Partners provides the leadership, training, educational materials and consultation to initiate, develop and sustain a faith communities’ efforts to address drugs and alcohol and its impact on their members. Faith Partners provides an individualized plan to start an effective team effort to address the needs of the whole faith community. As part of the process of building capacity and identifying the unique needs and goals of each faith community around the development of their ministry, Faith Partners utilizes community surveys at several points in time. Following is a practical guide developed by the South Southwest ATTC with best practices for engaging the entire faith community in the survey process.

  Leading and Facilitating High Performing Teams in Behavioral Health Settings   ON-DEMAND COURSE   Course Description This 5-module on-demand course focuses on the development of practice competencies for facilitating and leading a variety of meeting formats, activities, and processes to support the deliberative and inclusive actions of organizational teams. These competencies focus on activities for: conducting efficient and effective meetings, developing team comrade and trust, generating information, generating and evaluating ideas, making decisions, and developing action plans. This course is designed to provide you with a set of tools and practices that will enhance your leadership and facilitation effectiveness within various behavioral health settings. In these settings, behavioral health providers may be part of one or more ongoing or ad hoc work-place clinical teams or committees (discharge committee; high utilizer committee) and organizational work-place meetings (shift change, staff meetings). In today’s post-COVID world, many organizational teams operate both virtually and in-person.   TO VIEW AND COMPLETE MODULES 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5  PLEASE VISIT: https://psattcelearn.org/courses/leading-and-facilitating-high-performance-teams/   Structure of the Course This on-demand course is divided into five (5) modules. Each module will take one (1) hour to complete and learners can receive one (1) continuing education (CE) credit/contact hour for completing each module. Each module will require you to view 2-3 brief video lectures, read brief articles or other informational documents, and complete 1 application activity. The five (5) modules consist of: