Past Events

The New England ATTC, in partnership with the Community Care Alliance of Rhode Island, is hosting a four-part targeted TA series in "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders"  with subject matter expert Taylor D'Addario.  This interactive, experiential series will provide participants the opportunity to learn, practice, and receive feedback on the delivery of core DBT skills such as distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and emotion regulation.  [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA, please contact [email protected]]

  Please Note: This training is focused on changes to the DSM-5-TR that address substance use disorders (SUD).   DESCRIPTION: Participants will receive a 2-hour review of the changes specific to substance use disorders (SUD) that were made to the DSM-5-TR. This training will cover new clinical conditions, new diagnoses, and updated language that supports health equity and culturally appropriate service delivery. We will also discuss new coding procedures and what resources are available to help clinicians transition from using the DSM-5 to the DSM-5-TR. This training is for all levels but is especially important for providers who are new to diagnosing and/or those who haven’t yet reviewed the DSM-5-TR. **Please bring your new DSM 5-TR or your quick guide to the training.**     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe general changes to the DSM-5-TR including substance use diagnosis. Discuss new clinical conditions and how to use the decision tree. Identify updated inclusive language in the DSM-5-TR and how it supports health equity.     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: Jennifer Haywood, LISW-S, LICDC-CS Jennifer has been training helping professionals since 1998. Her specialties include diagnosis, motivational interviewing, addictions focus topics, drug free workplace trainings, ethics, and supervision. Jennifer goes to agencies state-wide to train staff in treatment models in order to help their clients and trained all the behavioral health and medical social workers at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Motivational Interviewing in 2011/2012. Currently, Jennifer is teaching at OSU in the MSW and BSSW programs, focusing on the addictions minor the university is offering, clinical diagnosing and motivational interviewing. Jennifer has a private practice in Worthington, Ohio where she specializes in treating addicts and alcoholics, families of addicts and alcoholics, depression, anxiety, post-partum women, womens' issues, adolescent issues (14+ only), and relationship struggles. Jennifer's 24 years of experience in the addictions field allow her to assess, diagnose and treat clients with the expertise needed.  Jennifer is currently open for new clients and can guide anyone with questions about the right "fit" when choosing one of the clinicians she supervises.     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.

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

This is a closed event for EAPA. This interactive learning community conversation normalizes the presence of heightened affect (feelings) as a part of human interactions in the health service environment and provides the opportunity to review ways of being and methods of communication that preemptively & responsively decrease conflict and promote collaboration.

1-2:30 ET . 12-1:30 CT . 11-12:30 MT . 10-11:30 PT . 9-10:30 AKT

  The New England ATTC, in partnership with the City of Melrose Health and Human Services Department is providing targeted TA in De-escalation Techniques on 2/1/23 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm with subject matter expert Michele Paliotta. This workshop will provide practical de-escalation techniques using trauma informed care for those interfacing with people in substance use, mental health or another crisis. Concrete and easy to use techniques will be identified and the importance of self-care as a de-escalation tool will also be highlighted. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event. If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

This training is a closed event for a program involved in the iTAMI project. 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.

The New England ATTC, at the request of our regional partner the New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC), is providing an in-service for all key personnel titled, “Cultural Intelligence: Understanding and Incorporating CLAS Standards into Practice” on 1/30/23 with subject matter expert Haner Hernandez. This in-service is designed to highlight and explore the needs of treatment professionals working with culturally diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.  Participants will learn about health disparities, cultural intelligence, CLAS standards, and proven strategies for improving engagement and outcomes. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event. If you are interested in similar TA, please contact [email protected]]

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.   Credits: This training meets the requirements for 3 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 3 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 session, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate in order to receive a certificate of completion.

This FREE intensive MI Learning Series is designed for all levels of behavioral health practitioners. Participants will receive five days of interactive virtual trainings. This virtual three-part Motivational Interviewing (MI) basic to intermediate training opportunity provides social service, medical and behavioral health professionals with evidence-based methods for creating a person-centered approach to service delivery. MI is especially useful for partnering with patients and clients to enhance motivation and promote healthy behavior changes. In this 20-hour live virtual series, we will cover the foundational practices of Motivational Interviewing. Through the use of presentations, videos, highly interactive exercises and demonstrations, the trainers will guide participants in learning the technique, style and spirit of MI. Participants will be given many opportunities to observe, practice, receive feedback and interact with trainers and peers. Dates of the training: January 30 & 31 | 9am-1pm PST February 14 & 15 | 9am-1pm PST March 16 | 9am-1pm PT 20 NAADAC CE credits will be available upon completion of this series (you must attend all sessions to receive CE credit). For more information, check out our flyer!  

Description: Part I: Introduction and General Conference Considerations Part II: History of Marijuana: Cannabis sativa/Cannabis indica Part III: Cannabis Neurobiology Part IV: The Myths of Marijuana Myth Myth 1-Marijuana does no harm to those who use it Myth 2- Marijuana does not cause a substance use disorder (Addiction) Myth 3- Stopping the use of Cannabis sativa by regular users does not result in withdrawal Part V: Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas are situations in which a difficult decision has to be made based on competing values, with no clear solution. These dilemmas are an expected part of working in behavioral healthcare, especially for providers practicing in rural communities. Ethics On-the-Spot is a monthly one-hour opportunity to discuss your dilemmas with a veteran ethics professor Dr. Cindy Juntunen. We invite you to submit your ethical dilemmas using the form below or we welcome you to join us on the last Thursday of the month to ask your questions live.   To join Ethics 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/89981959769 Step 2: Join by Telephone (ONLY if device does not have a microphone built in): Phone: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)  Meeting ID: 899-8195-9769  

This 3-hour virtual training for Idaho workforce members is an examination of how Recovery Mentors, Recovery Coaches, and Peer support specialists may talk to the people they serve using the language of harm reduction. This interactive training aims to support those in the recovery field who utilize their own lived experience but may be seeking additional support to aid the peers/ community members they support through a lens of harm reduction by providing opportunities for learning, discussion, and practice of related skills. Those who participate in this training can expect to: Learn trauma informed language for harm reduction Explore harm reduction practices for opioids as well as other substance such as methamphetamine, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and cocaine Learn and discuss the importance of leading from a place of compassion and advocacy in these conversations. Certificate of attendance available to all those who complete the session. About the trainer: Sean Mahoney is a peer support specialist, recovery mentor, program manager and peer supervisor for the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon. Sean has been sober since 2009 and also works as a writer, facilitator and advocate. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his cat Larry.  

Mainstream media perpetuates many problematic narratives about drug use and addiction that increase stigma, discrimination, and bad policy. One way to address these shortcomings is to increase the coverage of evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. To do this, we need bridges between subject matter experts and the media. However, many experts are not trained to interact with journalists in today’s media environment. Thus, this workshop is designed to offer customized training to support interactions between addiction workforce members and the media. Topics covered include preparing for interviews and how to pitch ideas/op-eds to the media. A few learning objectives: Identify stigma in the media Describe how to reduce stigma in media coverage Tangible tips you can use to improve your interactions and reporting in general About the presenters: Ashton Marra is the co-director of Reporting on Addiction, a collaborative project of nonprofit media outlet 100 Days in Appalachia and the Opioid Policy Institute. 100 Days in Appalachia is a 2021 national Edward R. Murrow award-winning publication and as its executive editor, she oversees the work of a team of editors, contributors and reporters across Appalachia to create content by Appalachians for Appalachians. Ashton is also a teaching assistant professor in the West Virginia University Reed College of Media, where she teaches news writing, video storytelling and community-focused journalism. She’s spent more than a decade working as a professional journalist for both public media and commercial news outlets, on local, statewide and national platforms, including NPR and ABC News. Jonathan JK Stoltman is Co-Director of Reporting on Addiction and Director of the Opioid Policy Institute. In 2019, they completed their PhD in Lifespan Developmental Psychology from West Virginia University and has worked as a researcher focusing on opioid addiction treatment and recovery since 2013. Jonathan’s academic work has appeared in leading journals and national conferences. Their current work focuses on addiction stigma, the media, and digital approaches to addiction treatment.   

Non-fatal and fatal overdoses are traumatic events that have been increasing over the past 20 years and disproportionately impacting rural communities in the United States (Winstanley, 2020). The human suffering caused by the opioid epidemic and ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic contribute to increased symptoms of compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress) among treatment and peer recovery support providers (Berry, 2021). These symptoms can impact the physical and mental well-being of providers and diminish the quality of care they deliver. This 2-part webinar series will take a deeper dive into compassion fatigue to focus on grief/loss, collective trauma, peer and professional worker loss; and self-care. Webinar Series Objectives Participants will: Learn the nature, scope of overdose death Distinguish the unique sequela of overdose grief and risks for complicated grief Learn basic self-care recovery maintenance in the presence of suffering Learn team support to address suffering   PRESENTER: Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW,FT, FGSA, APHSW-C is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, and the director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program at the University of Utah College of Nursing. She teaches Interdisciplinary Approaches to Palliative Care for graduate students in Pharmacy, Social Work and Nursing. Dr. Supiano’s research is in clinical interventions in complicated grief, prevention of adverse grief outcomes, suicide survivorship, overdose grief and prison hospice. She has been a practicing clinical social worker and psychotherapist for over 40 years. Her clinical practice has included care of older adults with depression and multiple chronic health concerns, end-of-life care, and bereavement care. Dr. Supiano is a Fellow in the Gerontological Society of America, and a Fellow of Thanatology.

The New England ATTC in partnership with Gateway Healthcare is hosting the SAMHSA’s National Outcome Measures Service Tool: Collecting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Race/Ethnicity Demographic Information in a Culturally Humble and Sensitive Approach virtual training on 1/25/23 from 9:00-10:30 with subject matter expert David Zelaya. This training aims to provide an introductory overview regarding the ever growing and evolving language regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and race/ethnicity. Specifically, the training will help to contextualize the demographic questions being utilized in SAMHSA's NOMS tool. Further, participants will be introduced to the concepts of reflexivity, cultural humility, and cultural competency in efforts to collect the data in a sensitive and respectful way. The training will include experiential activities, dedicated space for reflection, in addition to a question and answer portion with the trainer. In line with the mission of the New England ATTC, this training will help to increase the cultural competency (i.e., awareness, knowledge, and skills) of the behavioral health workforce providing substance use and addiction services. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services is providing a targeted TA workshop titled, "From Behind the Wall & Beyond: Working with Men in the Criminal Justice System" on 1/25/23 with subject matter expert Michele Paliotta. This workshop will discuss factors contributing to male socialization and trauma. Participants will then learn concrete strategies to work with men involved in the criminal justice system who seek behavioral health treatment. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event. If you are interested in similar TA, please contact [email protected]]

Enhanced Professional Learning (EPL) Series: Motivational Interviewing Groups- Moving Together Toward Change Every Tuesday, January 24 - March 7, 2023 from 4:00 - 5:30pm Central This FREE training series is available to any Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health, and Recovery Service providers located in HHS Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas). If you are outside of Region 6, you will be placed on a waitlist.  Description: Motivational interviewing is an empathic, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that elicits change in health, mental health, and addictive behaviors.  Originally an alternative to addiction approaches that relied on an expert, authoritarian stance in counseling, MI has evolved into a mainstream, evidence-based, and highly-used method for eliciting change that helps people live better and healthier across a wide variety of settings, clinical problems, and populations. MI was developed as an individual approach, focusing on dyadic interactions between the person and the counselor.  However, adapting MI for use with a group of people requires reconceptualizing its core practices to harness the power of group support, cohesion and momentum.  Group leadership requires skills beyond those in dyadic counseling. Managing “conversational traffic” and facilitating open sharing among people with different experiences, goals, styles, and beliefs are essential skills for group leaders.  Effective leaders must be well-prepared to address unexpected situations and maintain therapeutic bonds with individual group members while facilitating a conversation among the whole group.   This six-session experiential training provides information on adapting MI to groups across a variety of formats, and is highly experiential, leading participants through group practice exercises across the four phases of MI groups.  This series will incorporate evidence-based practices with the MI modality.  Participants will become part of a group, and some will have opportunities to lead the group.  Incorporating Motivational Interviewing group skills developed by the trainers, this series guides participants in successful group leadership, refocusing groups away from rehashing problems and toward inspiring positive change. Commitments: In order to be eligible and register for the MI-IP Series, applicants are required to complete the 4-hour, free, self-paced, online course Tour of MI: An Interprofessional Road Map for Behavior Change and submit an electronic copy of your certificate of completion during the registration process. TOUR OF MI CEUs: Participants can take the Tour of MI course and receive a FREE Certificate of Completion.  CEUs are offered at an additional price of $20.00. Access to appropriate technology to utilize Zoom videoconferencing platform (internet connection, webcam, laptop/tablet, speakers and microphone) Attend a one-hour online Orientation on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm CT Commit to 6-weeks of online training for 1.5 hours weekly from January 31 – March 7, 2023 from 4-5:30pm Central Complete weekly self-study learning activities Continuing Education: The series has been approved for a total of 16 contact hours (15 hours content instruction and one hour technology session) through the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) ACEP No. 6492. No credit will be awarded for non-attendance or partial attendance.    For questions, please email the Workwise Staff at [email protected] .    This training was developed in response to a need identified in Region 6 to provide the community with detailed and intensive training on motivating clients in group settings. This EPL is open to anyone interest, but we will make priority to our Region 6 states (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX).

Session 1: Overview of Substance use and Substance Use Disorders (1/24) Session 2: Prevention (2/7) Session 3: Treating Substance Use Disorders (2/14) Session 4: Case Illustrations (2/21) Session 5: Reflections Upon Important Substance Use Topics – Q/A (2/28)

The New England ATTC, in partnership with The Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island is providing a targeted TA workshop titled, "Social Determinants of Health: Their Impacts on Disparities, Discriminatory Practices and the Need to Develop and Deliver Services Grounded in Equity" on 1/24/23 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with subject matter expert Haner Hernandez. This training will introduce participants to how the social determinants of health have contributed to disparities and marginalization in the US and how institutionalized forms of racism, discrimination and disparities impact individuals, families and entire communities.  The training will also describe strategies and techniques grounded in social justice that build healthy Social Determinants of Health, which in turn build and sustain equity. Training participants will be able to): define disparities and provide at least 3 examples of disparities in the US; explain how disparities impact health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities; describe the Social Determinants of Health and their role in health outcomes; and describe health equity and their individual and collective roles in building healthy and responsive Social Determinants of Health that contribute to sustainable health equity.

In partnership with CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, the New England ATTC is providing a targeted TA workshop titled, “De-escalation, Management of Aggressive Behavior, and Patient Engagement Strategies- A Trauma-Informed Approach” on 1/23/23 with subject matter expert Sarah Baker. This interactive and experiential workshop offers an overview of the impact of trauma on the recovery process from a social, biological, psychological, and spiritual perspective and will provide clinicians with the skills needed to respond to aggressive behavior and apply de-escalation strategies using a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes patient safety and engagement. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event. If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

The uptake in the use of telehealth for SUD treatment and recovery services since the start of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) has been swift and has transformed how services are delivered. Many experts predict that SUD treatment and recovery services will use a hybrid service delivery method (some services in-person and some online). Join the online consultation session every third Friday of the month to discuss/share virtual service delivery tips and practices for practitioners and peers focusing on telehealth and digital recovery support services. The facilitator, Maryellen Evers, is a person with lived experience and a provider of clinical services via telehealth. Guest speakers and national experts focused on digital recovery support may also present during the sessions.   To join Virtual Recovery Services OtS use the Zoom login below on the scheduled time and day: Step 1: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/99479731969 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: 994 7973 1969

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

This is a closed event Description: This interactive learning community conversation explores the philosophy and the transition to supporting 'harm reduction' during behavior change conversations. It's important for workers to contemplate their understanding and relationship to this process given the positive outcomes associated with harm reduction.