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 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

The 4th Edition of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) hardcopy and digital versions are now available for purchase. Treatment providers and program evaluators use patient placement criteria to ensure that clients receive the appropriate level of care based on person-centered needs. This 2-hour overview webinar will highlight changes in the 4th Edition. The content will explore the updated ASAM 6-dimensions and the revised and updated Continuum of Care. Level of care updates will be provided and how level of care will be determined utilizing the new criteria. Important Note: The ASAM 4th Edition was developed only for adults, adolescent and criminal justice versions will be available later this year.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted TA in “Foundational Motivational Interviewing” on 3/19/24 and 3/28/24 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 New England ATTC, in partnership with The Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of Rhode Island is providing a targeted technical assistance workshop titled “Anger Management in Treatment with Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Clients” on 3/18/24 and 3/25/24 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm with subject matter expert Myra Paull. Participants will learn about recognizing the distinction between anger and rage experienced by their clients/consumers and how Stages of Change and pertinent interventions can be used in treatment that are related to the client’s awareness of the anger issues and readiness/willingness to change behaviors. Participants will learn about managing high-risk situations related to clients who are experiencing anger vs. rage. Conflict resolution strategies will be shared to use in the workplace in addition to engagement and intervention strategies that support their work with “difficult” clients.  Participants will also learn about strategies that will support safety for themselves and for their clients in the workplace.

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 (hybrid) 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. Join the online consultation session every third Friday of the month to ask questions and discuss/share hybrid service delivery tips for practitioners. Examples of topics that can be discussed are: how to determine the right combination/ratio of virtual and in-person sessions; leveraging in-person and virtual (video and phone) sessions; negotiating a schedule with clients that will increase engagement, attendance, and adherence to treatment; what clinicians and administrators need to consider when initiating hybrid delivery services (e.g., reimbursement, privacy/security issues, staffing, telephone policies). To join Hybrid Service 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 Continuing education hours are not provided. 

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

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 is a three-part videoconference via Zoom: March 14, 18, and 22 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.

Mid-America ATTC consultants are providing a 2-hour CLAS training for Johnson County Mental Health Center in Kansas on January 30, February 28, and March 14, 2024. Building Cultural Awareness with CLAS will provide a basic introduction to the CLAS standards and explore ways to apply and integrate the standards in practice. The overall goal is to improve service delivery and yield compassionate outcomes that are inclusive, diverse, and respectful to marginalized populations. Please note this is a closed training, email Kreasha Williams at [email protected] for more information.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted technical assistance in "Motivational Interviewing - Deepening the Practice" on 3/14/24 and 3/21/24 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. This training deepens skills learned in Motivational Interviewing Foundations. Learners are presented with more in-depth and advanced concepts of motivational interviewing and are given the opportunity to participate in exercises to practice these concepts in order to increase their knowledge and confidence in applying them effectively in their work. Register now!!

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!

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted TA in “Foundational Motivational Interviewing” on 3/11/24 and 3/14/24 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!!

  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 meets the requirements 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 training in its entirety, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate to receive credit. NOTE: As of January 1, 2018, CASACs are required to complete a continuing, 6-hour requirement for OASAS approved ethics training. This training meets 2 of the 6 hours required for CASAC renewal.  

Research data indicate higher rates of trauma among justice-involved persons than the general population. The effects of traumatic experiences can challenge a person’s capacity for recovery and pose significant barriers to accessing services, often resulting in an increased risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system. This interactive training instructs on what trauma is and how to avoid re-traumatizing individuals, increase safety for them and practitioners, potential to decrease recidivism, and promote and support recovery of justice-involved persons. Although this training is designed with community corrections, court personnel, and law enforcement in mind, behavioral health providers working with justice involved persons may also find it useful in understanding core issues of trauma and trauma-informed approaches. Trainer: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T Credits: This training meets the requirements for four renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and four 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.