Past Events

A common approach in learning any complex skill is to work with experts assisting in the development of competencies. Motivational Interviewing (MI) On-the-Spot offers an opportunity to enhance practitioners’ skills and confidence in the utilization and integration of MI into practice by providing access to subject matter experts to obtain immediate feedback during a one-hour, online, open forum. Bring your questions and join in on the dialogue to increase MI knowledge and change clinical practice approaches through the utilization of an MI style of communication.   To join Motivational Interviewing OtS use the Zoom login below on the scheduled time and day: Step 1: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84298416541 Step 2: Join by Telephone (ONLY if device doesn't have a microphone built in): Phone: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 842 9841 6541

The New England ATTC in partnership with Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services is providing targeted technical assistance in "Advanced Motivational Interviewing" on 12/4/23 from 9:00-4:30 (EST) with subject matter expert Robert Jope. This active, skill-building Motivational Interviewing (MI) workshop provides participants with an understanding of the benchmarks for competent MI practice, as well as opportunities to build skills toward those benchmarks in practice conversations. Participants will also learn to integrate Brief Action Planning into their use of MI, and will be offered the opportunity for ongoing training and coached practice to continue to develop their skills. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event. If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

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. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training meets the requirements 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 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.   Participants are required to attend the training in its entirety, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate to receive credit.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted technical assistance in “Motivational Interviewing – Advancing the Practice” on 11/30/23 and 12/1/23 Sara Schieffelin LICSW, Member of MINT. This training is for learners who have completed the Motivational Interviewing Fundamentals and who want to deepen their skill and understanding of motivational interviewing. When you are registering for this training please click the option to pay offline and make a note on the form that this training is covered by the New England ATTC.  

This webinar focuses on increasing knowledge among providers in the assessment and treatment of wounds as related to intravenous drug and xylazine use.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain opioid use disorder as a chronic illness. Increase level of comfort in the treatment and assessment of wound care as it relates to intravenous drug and Xylazine use. Share best practices for incorporating harm reduction philosophies and principles in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).     CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this webinar will receive a certificate of attendance. Certificates are disseminated via email to qualifying individuals within two weeks after the conclusion of the event or training.      TRAINERS:     Dr. Gastala is board certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine. She graduated from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Iowa. In her clinical role, she has developed and expanded MAR by mentoring new prescribers, precepting residents, and training clinicians within the Chicago and Illinois communities.  She has also focused on the development of a walk-in integrated behavioral health, addiction, and primary care program within her FQHC system. In January 2021, Dr Gastala joined the team at the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Division of IDHS as the medical director.       Michael Huyck is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the UIH Mile Square Health Center and adjunct clinical assistant professor with the University of Illinois College of Nursing. His clinical role at Mile Square is focused on integrative substance use disorder treatment and primary care. His clinical interests involve decreasing barriers to addiction care, piloting evidenced based interventions to address problems specific to populations with SUD, and training future nurses to care for those experiencing addiction. He provides a full range of SUD treatment including buprenorphine and methadone within his practice. His current projects include wound care and ultrasound guided phlebotomy for people who inject drugs.     The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC 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 New England ATTC, in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health Division of Substance Use Programs (DSU) is providing targeted technical assistance in “Contingency Management Approaches” on 11/28/23 with subject matter expert Carla Rash. Contingency management (CM) is an effective behavioral intervention that provides tangible reinforcement when target behaviors are completed and objectively verified. This workshop will review the three major CM targets - abstinence, attendance, and treatment-related activities, focusing on the decision points important to selecting among these targets, as well as the scientific evidence for each. Specifically: 1) different types of CM programs (i.e., voucher, prize); 2) the 3 major behavioral targets (abstinence, attendance, activities); 3) evidence base for each; 4) most common deviations from evidence-based protocols and how to avoid them; and 5) practical considerations such as funding CM programs and COVID-related adaptations. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

This is a closed event for staff at Argus Community. 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. CREDITS: This training meets the requirements for 2 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 2 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. Participants are required to attend the ENTIRE training, turn on their video cameras and actively participate in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

This is a closed event. Presently, opioid overdoses and the prevalence of opioid use disorders (OUD) continue to steadily increase. Barriers to accessing medications for opioid or alcohol use disorders (MOUD), the most effective treatment approach to address OUD include misunderstandings of how the medications work, what their goals are and often, the professional’s own uninformed view of MOUD.  This interactive training will review the impact of chronic opioid use, cognitive impairment, compulsivity factors, and physical dependence for OUD. Content will further explore myths associated with medications used to treat OUD and how MOUD works to address OUD related symptoms to provide one of many pathways to recovery. The content uses experiential activities along with Motivational Interviewing skills to help participants integrate a public health person-centered approach to effectively explain MOUD and link people to treatment and care.    Trainer: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T  

This is a closed event. Participants will increase awareness about sexual orientation, gender identity, and how personal biases impede care and ultimately identify how to develop an environment that is LGBT user effective. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW  

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based, conversation model for evoking and enhancing intrinsic motivation to change behaviors. In this video-conversation, participants will discuss the core components of this model and practice using the skills of Motivational Interviewing, particularly in the context of substance use behavior change(s). Prior knowledge of Motivational Interviewing is not required. This learning community is open to everyone engaging in conversations about behavior change - educational degrees or credentials are also not required. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training meets the requirements 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 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.   Participants are required to attend all three sessions in their entirety, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate to receive credit.

The New England ATTC, in partnership with The Providence Center is providing targeted technical assistance in Criminal Thinking and Antisocial Logic on 9/15/23 from 9:00 to 4:00 with subject matter expert Brenda Westberry. This training will introduce specific thinking patterns that underline criminal behavior patterns for justice involved clients. The use of evidenced based practices in assessment and treatment planning will be covered in addition to exploring how to deal specifically with these behaviors in criminal justice settings. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

Event Canceled. Coming Soon: Hybrid Service Delivery  

Need assistance applying and/or integrating the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria? Join On-the-Spot the 3rd Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. MT / 11:00 a.m. CT for a one-hour session with an ASAM professional who will answer and discuss questions related to: program development; 6-dimensional assessment and treatment planning; and continued service, transfer and discharge management.  Participants will have the opportunity to share case studies and receive guidance on how to use ASAM to make informed decisions with the client across the continuum of care. OtS is an open forum guided by the participants at each session. We look forward to meeting you and providing guidance on using ASAM. No registration required, join anytime within the hour.   Join ASAM Integration and Application OtS anytime during the scheduled day/time using the Zoom login below: Step 1: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/761231872 Step 2:  Join by Telephone (ONLY if device does not have a microphone built in) Dial: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 761 231 872

The New England ATTC in partnership with RICARES is providing a basic/universal TA session titled “Predictors of Retention and Drug Use Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Transferred to a Specialty “Second Chance” Methadone Program” on 11/16/23 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. One of the main barriers to treatment for people in recovery from substance use disorder is that many treatment programs require participants’ sobriety. The researchers in this study designed a “Second Change” methadone treatment program for people who had been discharged from other treatment programs. This “Second Chance” program focused more on keeping people in treatment versus keeping people substance-free. This study showed that people in methadone treatment who struggle to be abstinent from substances may be helped by treatment programs that prioritize keeping people in treatment over sobriety and that higher methadone doses can help people to stay in treatment and to not use opioids. Register now! Article link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9669697/

DESCRIPTION Housing is a critical social determinant of health that can complicate the treatment course for persons with substance use disorders. Dr. Denis Antoine has spent over a decade working in the addiction treatment space serving individuals who are unhoused. This talk will aim to review aspects of this population and will seek to review substance use disorder treatment models that have been tried in the past in addition to highlighting novel models that may be promising for the future.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe relevant epidemiologic findings regarding substance use disorders in unhoused populations. Examine established and novel models of care to address substance use disorders in unhoused and other underserved populations. Discuss factors to improve the sustainability of an academic-community collaboration focused on treating substance use disorders in unhoused populations PRESENTER  Denis Antoine II, M.D., is board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. He obtained his medical degree from Howard University, then completed his psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and went on to complete an NIH-sponsored addiction research fellowship at the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus. He serves as the director of the Cornerstone Clinic at Helping Up Mission, Addiction Treatment Services clinics at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, which house the Center for Addiction and Pregnancy track. These programs help underserved populations with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. He is a core faculty member of the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Program where he serves as medical monitor and co-investigator of several NIH-funded clinical trials for the advancement of substance use disorder treatment. Beyond clinical care and research, he is a core faculty member in the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, and is co-director of the Johns Hopkins Congregational Depression Awareness Program, which both aim to address health disparities in otherwise overlooked communities. He has been awarded the Francis J. Lentz Award by the National  Alliance for Mental Illness Metropolitan Baltimore chapter; received an “Extra Mile” Recognition from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) in the category of mental health and trauma informed care; and is the recipient of Johns Hopkins Medicine’s 2022 Levi Watkins Jr. Ideal Award.  

  ****SPECIAL NOTE**** This event is currently being postponed. You still have the ability to register for this event and will be notified of the new date the event will take place.    Description The webinar is to support the education and skill development for professionals who work with people with substance use disorders (SUD). We will explore how addiction treatment approaches continue to integrate our new understanding of addiction as a neurological- biological behavior chronic health condition into our bio-psycho-social-spiritual models of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Building on the existing knowledge of the addiction field, this webinar explores the most recent scientific understanding of addiction with evidence-based practices to support addiction treatment along a continuum of care. Objectives: Explore ways to change traditional treatment models and clinical approaches to adapt to the most current neuroscience and research to treat women with substance use disorders in more effective ways. Learn how understanding addiction as a chronic health condition can enhance the implementing and utilization of evidenced based interventions to address SUDs while supporting personal recovery and prevention. Utilize our understanding of the neuroscience of addiction as a way to address and remove treatment barriers and obstructions such as bias and discrimination towards people with substance use disorders. Presenter Nick Szubiak brings more than 20 years of experience in direct service, administration, and clinical experience to the healthcare field. He is the Principal of NSI Consulting, an organization that provides support to integrated healthcare environments. Nick is the former Assistant Vice-President of Addiction and Recovery at the National Council for Behavioral Health. He has provided technical assistance, consultation and training toward bi-directional integration of behavioral health and primary care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), SBIRT, measurement-based care, and population health management. His experience includes MAT implementation, FQHC integration models and partnerships, trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented systems of care, health homes, and developing high-functioning teams to provide integrated care to the communities they serve. His expertise also involves systems change management, leadership development, and supervisory skills. Nick is known for his heartfelt presentations and has sat on various expert panels, partnering with many organizations as a subject matter expert. Nick is an adjunct professor at the University of Hawaii, Myron B. Thomas School of Social Work. He earned his master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. I started NSI Strategies to focus on the work I love – integrated care. My own experience of working in and building integrated care settings and teams was the first-hand experience that sold me on the integrated care model. To me, this was the culmination of what I had been striving to achieve for the better part of 15 years: patients getting better, observing mission and vision-driven providers finally enjoying their work, and efficient and cost-saving healthcare. This experience fed a passion to build NSI Strategies as a partner to organizations striving to improve and build their levels of integrated care, to help them bring wellness and healing to the people they serve.     ****SPECIAL NOTE**** This event is currently being postponed. You still have the ability to register for this event and will be notified of the new date the event will take place. 

This webinar, sponsored by the Northwest and Pacific Southwest ATTCs and the Western States Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network, will provide an interactive learning experience for attendees to explore adolescent substance use and new paths for research. Presenter Niranjan Karnik, MD, PhD will review recent data trends related to the prevalence of substance use among teens, describe current treatment approaches, and talk about the pros and cons of social media and digital mental health interventions.  Niranjan S. Karnik, MD, PhD, is the director of the Great Lakes Node of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). His research focuses on data science, technology, and community-based interventions for vulnerable populations with psychiatric and substance use disorders.   Learning objectives At the conclusion of the webinar, participants will be able to: Identify at least two (2) recent data trends related to the prevalence of substance use among adolescent populations. Specify at least three (3) current treatment approaches for adolescent substance use. Describe at least two (2) potentials and two (2) pitfalls of social media and digital mental health interventions.   1.5 CME or CE credits available. See flyer for more information about available credit types.            

Join us every 2nd Monday of the month from 1-2pm PT to learn from other practicing professionals and receive consultation from a member of MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers). These monthly consultation sessions will be open to all workforce members within Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) without registration. We do ask that individuals joining these sessions have attended, at minimum, an Introduction to MI training (8-12 hours). Each session will provide a space for a brief didactic review of core MI concepts or techniques for approximately 10-15 minutes and the reminder of the hour will be reserved for consultation or general discussion. Connect to the Zoom call here (no registration required).  (Find complete Zoom details (phone numbers, e.g.) here.)

Although pain management is effective for older adults, adverse effects of medications along with age-related challenges can prompt misuse. Education and safety coaching can help older adults make sound lifestyle choices when using medications for chronic health conditions.  This interactive workshop will review current prevalence of medication misuse among older adults. Content will also include a discussion about pain management challenges and appropriate use of medications using a realistic case scenario. 

Virtual service delivery in the substance use and mental health treatment fields is here to stay, according to Meurer-Lynn (2023) and other notable researchers (Aafies- van Doom, et al., 2023; Shore, 2021; etc.) As such, how to blend in-person and virtual service delivery becomes an important question. Hybrid service delivery is a mixture of in-person sessions with videoconferencing sessions and may include phone check-ins. Hybrid service delivery models are known for providing flexibility, especially to clients with access issues, such as clients living in rural areas or those with transportation issues. The exact combination of virtual and in-person sessions ratio is determined by the clinician and patient (Aafies- van Doom, et al., 2023). Recently, many clinics have started to leverage in-person and virtual (video and phone) sessions and negotiate with clients a schedule that will increase engagement and positively impact attendance and adherence to treatment (SAMHSA, 2021). This two-part webinar series will: Provide an overview of substance use clinical services delivered via videoconferencing and telephone Describe and give examples of hybrid service delivery that is based upon the needs of the client, clinician, and provider Illustrate what clinicians and administrators need to consider when initiating hybrid delivery services, like reimbursement, privacy/security issues, staffing, and telephone policies

LGBTQIA people are much more than their sexual orientation and gender identity. This interactive webinar combines the perspectives and practices of both Cultural Humility and Motivational Interviewing, inviting participants to consider how these approaches, used in tandem, can enhance engagement and retention of LGBTQIA people. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training meets the requirements 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 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.   Participants are required to attend the training in its entirety, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate to receive credit.

Mid-America is facilitating Succession Planning training for the Iowa Behavioral Health Association on November 8. The purpose of the training is to give participants the tools they need to get started in leadership succession.   Participants will: Learn how the current workforce trends are driving the need for Succession Planning Identify different models of Succession Planning  Understand how succession planning is part of a talent management strategy Determine the next steps for your organization   This is a closed training. I you would like more information, please email Bree at [email protected]

A common approach in learning any complex skill is to work with experts assisting in the development of competencies. Motivational Interviewing (MI) On-the-Spot offers an opportunity to enhance practitioners’ skills and confidence in the utilization and integration of MI into practice by providing access to subject matter experts to obtain immediate feedback during a one-hour, online, open forum. Bring your questions and join in on the dialogue to increase MI knowledge and change clinical practice approaches through the utilization of an MI style of communication.   To join Motivational Interviewing OtS use the Zoom login below on the scheduled time and day: Step 1: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84298416541 Step 2: Join by Telephone (ONLY if device doesn't have a microphone built in): Phone: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 842 9841 6541

Join Mid-America ATTC for the FREE 2-part series, Substance Use Disorder and the LGBTQ+ Community: Assessing the Impact of Compounded Stigma and Treatment Considerations on October 30 and November 6 from 1 pm - 2:30 (CST).  Substance use is a complex issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community. Members of this community face unique challenges when seeking help for addiction. Stigma, shame, and a lack of family support can all make it difficult for LGBTQ individuals to access the resources they need to overcome substance use disorders. Additionally, growing anti-LBGTQ legislation can further exacerbate these issues, creating a hostile environment for individuals struggling with addiction.   Objectives: Educate Substance Use Disorder (SUD)  providers on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals with SUD Increase awareness of the compounded stigma and discrimination the LGBTQ+ community may experience Learn to provide effective and culturally competent treatment to the LGBTQ+ population     Presenter Information: Darla Belflower has worked in substance use disorder and behavioral health for over three decades. She started a training and consultation business in 2022. She is a member of The Missouri Behavioral Health Council’s Culture, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI) Committee. She is also Vice Chair of the Kansas City Recovery Coalition and is active in the Kansas City Recovery Community. Being in long-term recovery from a substance use disorder inspired her to write her memoir, I Am Not Anonymous. She has also authored two booklets and is writing a workbook on Substance Use Disorder and Trauma that will be released in the spring of 2025.  Ms. Belflower is a Clinically Licensed Social Worker in both Missouri and Kansas, a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Kansas, a Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Missouri, a Certified Peer Specialist, a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, a Certified Harm Reduction Specialist, and a trainer and educator of Narcan distribution.  Darla and her wife live in Kansas City, Missouri, and enjoy spending time with their daughter. She is passionate about teaching and training so that others may learn how to help those most vulnerable individuals she has enjoyed working with. CEUs are pending. Please email Bree at [email protected] for any questions.