Past Events

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted TA in “Foundational Motivational Interviewing” on 4/10/24 and 4/11/24 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. MI is a client-centered, evidence-based method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. This two-day training will introduce how to use MI with patients with substance use and mental health diagnoses. Participants will have extensive opportunities to practice integrating MI techniques into a range of therapeutic interventions. Register now!!

DESCRIPTION This event will explore the the neuroscience of addiction, the impact of policy and historical treatment approaches, and an exploration of the dynamics of stigma and discrimination as primary barriers to addiction care. This webinar will set a base of shared understanding that will facilitate the introduction and implementation of other evidenced based practices in the areas of trauma informed care (TIC), recovery oriented systems of care (ROSC), and harm reduction. LEARNING OBJECTIVES  Develop ways to enhance traditional treatment models and clinical approaches to adapt to the most current neuroscience and research to treat substance use disorders in more effective ways. Explain how understanding addiction as a chronic health condition can enhance the implementation and the utilization of evidenced based interventions such as trauma informed care (TIC) and recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC). Develop effective client centered strategies to address SUDs while supporting personal recovery and prevention. Define and understand the neuroscience of addiction to address and remove treatment barriers and obstructions such as bias and discrimination towards people with substance use disorders and improve outcomes.   INTENDED AUDIENCE  Professionals in the Behavior Health field PRESENTER                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Nicholas Szubiak, MSW, LCSW Nick 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.            For immediate questions, contact [email protected]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Description: Most trainings on Motivational Interviewing (MI) convey the "concept" of "Change Talk" as essential to the practice and stop there. This interactive Learning Community Conversation will review the "types" of Change Talk and provide opportunities to practice identifying this truly essential part of the language of ambivalence; along with it's often vilified counterpart, Sustain Talk. A prior working knowledge of MI is helpful if you choose to join this conversation. 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. Participants are required to attend the ENTIRE training, turn on their video cameras and actively participate in order to receive a Certificate of Completion. 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 Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services is providing intensive technical assistance in "Basic Motivational Interviewing" on 4/9/24 from 9:00-4:00 (EST) with subject matter expert Robert Jope. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, evidence-based, goal-oriented method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence with the individual. This active, skill-building workshop provides participants with knowledge of the spirit, micro skills, and strategies of the model, and provides opportunities to practice the approach. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA, please contact [email protected]]

Are you looking to discuss how you apply Motivational Interviewing to your work or enhance your MI Skills in general? 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 remainder of the hour will be reserved for consultation or general discussion. Register here!

Description: This brief, interactive learning community conversation is for those participants who are new to the evidence based practice of Motivational Interviewing (MI). Individuals beginning their MI exploration will receive a foundational overview of this often misunderstood method of communication. Although brief, participants will conclude this introduction ready for their next step in what can grow into a fulfilling MI adventure. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training meets the requirements for one renewal hour (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and one initial hour (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.

Description: 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. 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. NOTE: As of January 1, 2018, CASACs are required to complete a continuing, six-hour requirement for OASAS-approved ethics training. This training meets two of the six hours required for CASAC renewal. Participants are required to attend the ENTIRE training, turn on their video cameras and actively participate in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted TA in “Foundational Motivational Interviewing” on 4/5/24 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. MI is a client-centered, evidence-based method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. This two-day training will introduce how to use MI with patients with substance use and mental health diagnoses. Participants will have extensive opportunities to practice integrating MI techniques into a range of therapeutic interventions. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

The Coaching Clinic® trains individuals in the skills necessary to coach within the organization. The model can be implemented to promote innovation, accelerate results, improve communication, and team effectiveness.

Description: The effects of trauma and toxic stress can be noted in the family system when a member is actively using substances. The impact and stigma of substance use can create barriers for family members and providers to recognize and discuss life stressors including risky substance use. Eliciting unique and intimate details of these challenges from clients/patients is key to meeting behavioral health needs, and just as important when supporting family members at risk. This presentation will review co-occurring toxic stress and trauma in the context of family wellness and how providers can create a safe space to approach sensitive topics. The content will further inform on family engagement techniques that highlight person-centered, trauma-informed strategies using recovery-oriented language to build trust and rapport. This is a closed event for staff at Greenwich House, NYC.  

This 6-hour stimulant training developed by the ATTC Network will provide an overview of the impact of stimulant drugs and current treatment options. The training will include information on the effects of stimulants on the brain and body and a range of data on national and regional trends related to stimulant use.   TRAINING SCHEDULE: Sessions will take place on April 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM CT / 11:30 AM–1:00 PM ET. NOTE: Participants must attend all sessions in this series to receive NAADAC continuing education hours.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand national and regional trends in stimulant use Understand the impact of stimulants use on the brain and body Understand current best practices in treatment for stimulant use disorders Understand stimulant use in specific communities (e.g., rural communities & communities of color)   CONTINUING EDUCATION: Participants who fully attend this training series will receive a certificate for 6 NAADAC continuing education (CE) hours. NAADAC CE certificates will be emailed to eligible participants within two weeks after the conclusion of the training series.   TRAINER Mat Roosa, LCSW-R Mat Roosa was a founding member of NIATx and has been a NIATx coach for a wide range of projects. He works as a consultant in the areas of quality improvement, organizational development, and evidence-based practices implementation. His experience includes direct clinical practice in mental health and substance use services, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and human service agency administration.     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.

Many of the people we interact with are actively experiencing high levels of distress. This may be due to health conditions, poverty, family challenges, or other life stressors. The Creating Calm training series will focus on attendees’ experiences and provide concrete tools for engaging with clients in distress.   TRAINING SCHEDULE: April 3, 10 and 24 from 9am to 10am Central/10am to 11am Eastern Please note that we are skipping the week of April 17.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Participants will: Develop greater empathy and understanding related to distress Gain insight into their own reactions to distressed people Gain knowledge about the roots of particular kinds of distress Learn tools for responding to distress that will improve engagement Clarify risk and safety boundaries   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.   TRAINER Mat Roosa, LCSW-R Mat Roosa was a founding member of NIATx and has been a NIATx coach for a wide range of projects. He works as a consultant in the areas of quality improvement, organizational development, and evidence-based practices implementation. His experience includes direct clinical practice in mental health and substance use services, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and human service agency administration.     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 Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is providing targeted technical assistance in "Working with Street Gangs in New England and Building Health Equity" on 4/2/24 from 9:00-12:00 with subject matter expert Haner Hernandez. Participants learn about the structural determinants of health and other factors that contribute to becoming gang members and maintaining gang affiliation including Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and Mental Health.  The training also focuses on strategies and techniques for working with potential and current gang members on ending gang participation/affiliation, connecting them to behavioral health, training and employment, and other social services. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [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

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted TA in “Foundational Motivational Interviewing” on 4/1/24 and 4/16/24 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. MI is a client-centered, evidence-based method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. This two-day training will introduce how to use MI with patients with substance use and mental health diagnoses. Participants will have extensive opportunities to practice integrating MI techniques into a range of therapeutic interventions. Register now!!

Community Perceptions of Opioid Overdoses: Brains, Bias, and Best Practices training offers a multifaceted approach to addressing substance use disorders and enhancing community response by first responders. Participants will gain invaluable insights as a peer recovery support specialist shares their lived experience of drug use, overdose, and navigating the care continuum. The training includes: a peer recovery support specialist sharing their lived experience of drug use, overdose, and navigating the care continuum; the effect of substances on the brain; and the role stigma and biases play in delaying the recovery process. Participants will also learn how to recognize overdose symptoms, administer Naloxone effectively, and potentially save lives within the community. This is a closed training for the American Medical Response in Independence, MO

While men’s addiction and mental health treatment has been quite successful, there is great room for improvement. This new framework, developed by Mr. Griffin and colleagues, integrates the latest thinking on addiction and recovery, relational cultural theory, male psychological development, and trauma. Current treatment models and theories fail to adequately consider the relational needs of men; often omit a clear understanding of the impact of the socialization process on men; fall short of adequately addressing the impact of abuse and trauma that is so strongly linked with addiction and the life of the male addict; and often ignore any social context and/or the consequences of political, social, and economic power.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand the core theories of this new framework of treatment for men. Have an understanding of how the four core areas of: Self, Relationships, Sexuality, and Spirituality impact a man’s recovery and key issues within each core area. Understand trauma as a defining and organizing experience that forms a recovering person’s sense of self and others.     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.     TRAINER:   Dan Griffin, MA, is an internationally recognized author, thought leader, and expert on men’s relationships and masculinity. Dan has dedicated his life and work to exploring and redefining what it means to be a man in the 21st century. He is committed to helping men be better men by understanding the impact of the Man Rules on their lives. Dan also helps men find the success in their personal lives they are striving for in their professional ones. Griffin’s books and curricula are all focused on helping men and dads live their best lives. Dan served as a senior fellow at The Meadows, world-renowned experts treating addictive disorders and trauma, from 2015 to 2017. Dan earned a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Kansas. For his graduate work, Dan completed the first qualitative study centered on the social construction of masculinity in the culture of Alcoholics Anonymous. Dan is in long-term recovery and lives with his family in Los Angeles   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.

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. Learning objectives: Participants will be able to understand the psychological mechanisms behind humor and its therapeutic effects. Participants will be able to describe how to use humor to establish rapport, foster connection, and create a safe therapeutic environment. Participants will be able to identify potential challenges and risks associated with using humor in therapy. About the presenter:  Mallori DeSalle, MA, LMHC, NCC, CMHC, CHP is a licensed mental health counselor, nationally certified counselor, and a certified humor professional. As a speaker and trainer, she has sparked curiosity in both the young and young-at-heart. Her passion for creating a lasting impact led her to the public health field and for the past 15 years she has worked at Prevention Insights, a center within the School of Public Health at Indiana University, Bloomington.  Mallori works with people all over the world and even served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and in 2021 became a TEDx speaker. When she isn’t laughing, listening, or learning, she is eating oreos or taking pictures of her kids. Her credentials don’t impress her family, but occasionally her corny jokes do make them laugh.  

  Harm reduction is any action that reduces risk and increases personal and public safety. Harm reduction approaches have proven to prevent death, injury, disease, overdose, prevent substance misuse or disorder and most of us practice harm reduction techniques daily. Join us for a 90-minute webinar exploring the fundamentals, history, and foundational principles of harm reduction. Gain insights into the advancement and significance of harm reduction in public health and learn from real-world examples demonstrating the potential of harm reduction initiatives. Discover practical strategies and interventions that can be integrated into existing organizational frameworks, without imposing additional financial burdens. Whether you're new to harm reduction or seeking to deepen your understanding, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable ideas for advancing harm reduction efforts within your community or organization.   Objectives: Understand the history and evolution of Harm Reduction Draw connections between how principles of Harm Reduction have a role to play in medical, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment programs Recognize the role Harm Reduction plays in maintaining the dignity and autonomy of individuals   Bio: Jan Eliassen is the director of Harm Reduction Programs at Fargo Cass Public Health. She has been actively involved in addressing the needs of at-risk individuals in the community for over two decades. Her work focuses on harm reduction, low barrier services, and ending long term homelessness.  

Ethics for Providers in the Recovery World Wednesday March 27, 2024     9:00am - 12:00pm CT A virtual training session on ethical behavior for behavioral health professionals in the recovery world. This session will explore the importance of ethical conduct in the modern workplace and address common obstacles encountered. Through interactive discussions and real-life scenarios, participants will gain practical insights into maintaining ethical standards in their professional roles. 3 CEU'S will be available to LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LADC, CPRSS, CPS, and CM's. Facilitator: Dr. Durand Crosby, Senior Deputy Commissioner at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services This event is hosted by Oklahoma Behavioral Health Association, a partner with the SSW ATTC. All Non- OBHA members residing or working in HHS Region 6 (TX, OK, NM, LA, or AR) are eligible to attend at no cost.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing intensive technical assistance in MITI Coding and Coaching on 3/27/2024 and 3/29/2024 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. The Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) Version 4.2.1 behavioral coding system measures how effectively a clinician is using Motivational Interviewing (MI). The workshop provides a unique value offering intensive practice in coding coupled with specific application to coaching and feedback delivery. Participants will engage in learning through well-paced, immersive and highly interactive discussions, while having multiple opportunities to develop coaching plans for a variety of scenarios and practice delivering coding and coaching feedback. Register now!!

This is a three-part videoconference via Zoom: March 25, 27, and 29 According to the American Psychological Association, one way to define cultural competence, is the ability to understand, appreciate and effectively interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own. Cultural humility is foundational to this goal and is a lifelong process that can help increase provider self-awareness and promote person-centered approaches to effect equity in client/patient outcomes. This interactive training invites learners to reflect on their cultural identities, history, and experiences that influence and often cultivate both providers and client/patient perspectives. Further, the content will bring the concepts of cultural humility and cultural competence together as essential components for culturally responsive care in meeting the needs of racial, ethnic, and other marginalized communities. This training will be facilitated in three virtual (Zoom) sessions on March 25, 27, and 29, from 9:30am-1:30pm (12 hours), including self-study training assignments (3 hours), to total 15 hours of training. Participants must fully attend all of the sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion. Trainers: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T and Dr. Delores Blackwell, LCSW Credits: This training meets the requirements for 15 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 15 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, complete the assignments, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate to receive credit.

Description: Data sources estimate that between 25 to 75% of people who survive different forms of abuse and/or a violent trauma develop issues related to substance use. Despite the prevalence of trauma, it often goes undetected particularly in people already dealing with life challenges and at high risk of substance use, misuse, and mental health problems. This interactive training will review variations of trauma and potential impacts on the mind, and how self-regulation techniques can help address traumatic reactions. The content will further discuss practice specific opportunities for integration of trauma-informed care principles and during various points of client interactions. Providers will learn how trauma-informed care provides a preventive approach to engagement and supports person-centered care.  

The New England ATTC in partnership with RICARES is providing a basic/universal TA session titled “State-level homelessness and drug overdose mortality: Evidence from US panel data” on 3/21/24 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Although we in recovery science understand well that not having access to steady, safe, and secure housing is a risk factor for drug overdose for a given individual, less is known about the relationship between homelessness and overdose mortality (the rate of death resulting from drug overdose) at the state level. In this study, researchers looked at data on housing, population, substance use, overdose, unemployment, and other variables from 2007–2020 for all US states and Washington DC. The result was that overdose mortality was found to be positively associated with homelessness at the state level in other words, the more homelessness there is in a state, the higher the state’s overdose mortality rate is likely to be. However, they found that this association becomes weaker when fentanyl is widely available in a given state. Researchers concluded that, given this association, policies, and programs to prevent and reduce homelessness should be considered critical elements of overdose prevention efforts. Article link: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871623011481?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-2&rr=85fb4e876ef442b5