Past Events

Would you like to enhance your current knowledge and practice on how to effectively use Motivational Interviewing (MI)? This online Enhanced Professional Learning (EPL) interactive series will cover topics and provide interactive practice opportunities essential to the development and/or refinement of MI skills and relational style. Emphasis is placed on the “intentional use” of MI skills to identify a change goal, resolve ambivalence, and increase motivation for change.

  The Brief Negotiated Interview is an evidence-based approach to conducting a person-centered conversation to incite behavior change. In this interactive training, the brief intervention focuses on reducing unhealthy levels of substance use or other at-risk behavior. The content is based on the brief intervention component of SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) which utilizes basic Motivational Interviewing (MI) core communication skills. This workshop will review dynamics of person-centered interactions and offer practice activities to enhance provider competencies to effectively facilitate a brief intervention "conversation" and support behavior change.  

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted technical assistance in Motivational Interviewing – Advancing the Practice on 3/5/24 and 3/7/24 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. This training is for learners who have completed the Motivational Interviewing Fundamentals and who want to deepen their skill and understanding of motivational interviewing. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

This is a three-part training: March 5th, 12th, and 19th from 9:00am - 1:00pm Registrants must complete “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” and email their certificate to [email protected] no later than February 29th in order to attend this training. We also need your supervisor to sign off on your registration, confirming the requirements below. We will email the required form to all registrants. New guidelines from OASAS... "Pre-requisites for attending CSFII have been updated to include a CASAC with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.  In addition, all registrants must be current clinical supervisors or currently on a career path to be in the position within one year. Registered individuals must provide proof that they meet either criterion by having their current supervisor sign off on their training registration, in addition to providing a copy of their completion certificate for the 14-hour CSFI online training." Description: This 16-hour training (12 hours of live interactive training through Zoom + 4 hours of professional development plan assignments), combined with the 14-hour online “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” training, will meet the 30-hour Clinical Supervision training requirement for the Advanced Counselor and Master Counselor status, as referenced in the OASAS Substance Use Disorder Scope of Practice. This training recognizes the crucial role that Clinical Supervision holds as the cornerstone of performance improvement at both the program and client level. Clinical Supervision, when properly implemented by competent Clinical Supervisors, improves client care, develops clinical skills, and improves the knowledge and professionalism of clinical personnel. It is also paramount in imparting and maintaining ethical standards in the addictions profession. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training meets the requirements for 16 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 16 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, actively participate, and complete the homework assignment to receive credit. Registrants must complete “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” and email their certificate to [email protected] no later than February 29th in order to attend this training. Click HERE for more information regarding the 14-hour “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” training through HealtheKnowledge. Please note: If you are unable to register due to lack of requirements, OASAS has developed a new training for supervisees who are providing entry level counseling. This training is titled “What is Clinical Supervision”. It is a six-hour one day training for the target audience of CASAC-Trainees, CASAC Provisionals and CASACs without a bachelor’s degree. This new training has been added to OASAS’ 2024 calendar of trainings and will be provided a few times during the year.

This is a three-part training: March 5th, 12th, and 19th from 9:00am - 1:00pm Registrants must complete “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” and email their certificate to [email protected] no later than February 29th in order to attend this training. We also need your supervisor to sign off on your registration, confirming the requirements below. We will email the required form to all registrants. New guidelines from OASAS... "Pre-requisites for attending CSFII have been updated to include a CASAC with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.  In addition, all registrants must be current clinical supervisors or currently on a career path to be in the position within one year. Registered individuals must provide proof that they meet either criterion by having their current supervisor sign off on their training registration, in addition to providing a copy of their completion certificate for the 14-hour CSFI online training." Description: This 16-hour training (12 hours of live interactive training through Zoom + 4 hours of professional development plan assignments), combined with the 14-hour online “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” training, will meet the 30-hour Clinical Supervision training requirement for the Advanced Counselor and Master Counselor status, as referenced in the OASAS Substance Use Disorder Scope of Practice. This training recognizes the crucial role that Clinical Supervision holds as the cornerstone of performance improvement at both the program and client level. Clinical Supervision, when properly implemented by competent Clinical Supervisors, improves client care, develops clinical skills, and improves the knowledge and professionalism of clinical personnel. It is also paramount in imparting and maintaining ethical standards in the addictions profession. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training meets the requirements for 16 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 16 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, actively participate, and complete the homework assignment to receive credit. Registrants must complete “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” and email their certificate to [email protected] no later than February 29th in order to attend this training. Click HERE for more information regarding the 14-hour “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” training through HealtheKnowledge. Please note: If you are unable to register due to lack of requirements, OASAS has developed a new training for supervisees who are providing entry level counseling. This training is titled “What is Clinical Supervision”. It is a six-hour one day training for the target audience of CASAC-Trainees, CASAC Provisionals and CASACs without a bachelor’s degree. This new training has been added to OASAS’ 2024 calendar of trainings and will be provided a few times during the year.

The Brief Negotiated Interview is an evidence-based approach to conducting a person-centered conversation to incite behavior change. In this interactive training, the brief intervention focuses on reducing unhealthy levels of substance use or other at-risk behavior. The content is based on the brief intervention component of SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) which utilizes basic Motivational Interviewing (MI) core communication skills. This workshop will review dynamics of person-centered interactions and offer practice activities to enhance provider competencies to effectively facilitate a brief intervention "conversation" and support behavior change.

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 training for Jacob's Well in Kansas City, MO. The purpose of the training is to support communities of faith/ non-traditional audiences to build awareness and capacity for personal resilience. Promoting self- care while taking care of others. We will provide practical resources for the faith-based organizations in attendance as they engage with communities/ individuals challenged with SUD & providing education on the implementation of TIC and TIC practices. Contact Kreasha Williams at [email protected] for more information about this training. 

Join South Southwest ATTC and our partners for the 'Invitation to Change Approach (ITC) Informational Session' In support of families with a loved one facing substance use challenges Feb. 29 | Virtual Meeting | 1-2:30 PM (Pacific), 2-3:30 pm (mountain), 3-4:30 PM (CENTRAL), 4-5:30 PM (EASTERN) What is Invitation to Change? ITC is a holistic framework based on science and kindness, designed for families and the professionals who support them. The framework includes training, materials and support to equip family members and/or professionals to sponsor a 12-week family peer support group Concepts and strategies included in ITC are also found in three evidence-based approaches—Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This event is jointly sponsored by the Great Lakes ATTC (HHS Region 5), South Southwest ATTC (HHS Region 6), Mountain Plains ATTC (HHS Region 9), Northwest ATTC (HHS Region 10), and the ATTC Network Coordinating Office.   Upcoming Opportunity for ITC Community Support Groups Each sponsoring regional ATTC will offer 4-6 individual communities and organizations in their region an opportunity to apply to receive ITC Facilitation training and support to host ITC Recovery Support Groups in 2024-25. For those communities interested in applying to participate and host a family support group, additional details about the sponsorship application process will be shared at the information session.   Register Today! 

Description: Define Positive Psychology Review the history of Positive Psychology Discuss the benefits that this model enhances in the participants Integrate practice exercise - role-play interventions

This webinar will focus on epidemiology of adolescent substance use before and after the COVID epidemic, and the opportunities for prevention, recovery, and increasing access to treatment. Participants can expect to receive a summary overview of research, discuss the SAMHSA principles of adolescent substance use and recovery, learn about both the benefits from treatment and the limitations of the traditional approach to SUD treatment and recovery, and the barriers to integrated treatment. The overview will also highlight the current interest in SUD prevention programs for adolescents and the opportunities advanced recovery programs present to families, schools, and communities. Special attention will be given to the challenges some new state legislative changes created to the adolescent exposure to drugs, addiction, and recovery. The presentation will conclude with discussion of the recovery of adolescents with co-occurring disorders and the related challenges and opportunities. The presentation will feature prevention as an underutilized strategy to prevent substance use disorder among adolescents. After attending this webinar, learners will be able to: 1. List the SAMHSA principles of adolescent substance use recovery 2. Identify the therapeutic benefits of prevention programs which feature food, mood, and movement 3. Describe the latest GTI program efforts that include therapeutic horticulture, cooking and nutrition, movement and fitness, and therapeutic art activities About the presenter: Jenni Guentcheva, LPC, LAC, NCACII, has worked extensively as a psychologist in Europe and a psychotherapist/addiction specialist in the United States. Since 1999, she has been a behavioral health administrator, a clinician, and a university instructor in Colorado and California and has developed multiple successful community behavioral health programs. Jenni’s clinical focus includes neurobiology, human growth and development, addiction treatment, trauma informed care, and family services. Jenni program development approach has a strong community orientation and aims at creating health equity in underserved areas and populations. She co-founded Green Thumb Initiative (GTI), a non-profit prevention, treatment, and recovery organization in 2018, and along with Brian Monahan, has been developing innovative programs to assist adolescent and their families to overcome substance use and mental health disorders through advanced behavioral health technologies, such as therapeutic horticulture, fitness, nutrition, and art. As part of SAMHSA Food and Mood coalition, GTI is assuming national leadership in adolescent SUD prevention.

In this webinar, Natania Crane, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director of the UIC Recovery Clinic, will provide current information on research and treatment related to cannabis use and mental health, including recent changes in cannabis use, how the endocannabinoid system may regulate mental health symptoms, and what we currently know about cannabis use and mental health. Dr. Natania Crane’s research uses multiple methods (i.e., fMRI, EEG, cognitive, clinical, and self-report measures) to examine the brain and behavioral risk factors and consequences of substance use disorders, especially cannabis use disorder. An important aspect of her research is studying the relationship between clinical mental health factors and substance use, particularly between depression and cannabis use. Dr. Crane has received numerous awards, including a K23 Early Career Development Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Learning objectives: Describe at least three (3) recent changes in cannabis and cannabis use. Discuss at least two (2) ways that the endocannabinoid system may regulate mental health symptoms. Specify at least two (2) reasons why there is a link between cannabis use and mental health symptoms. 1.5 CME or CE credits available! For details about accreditation, download our flyer. Sponsored by the Northwest and Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs) and the Western States Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network.

We recommend attending "Change Talk" is Motivational GOLD on February 27th as a prerequisite to Change Talk, What to Do Once You've Evoked It. 'Change Talk' is the solid GOLD motor that builds motivation for behavior change when practicing Motivational Interviewing (MI); without it the change-train is going nowhere and you're not practicing MI. During this Learning Community Conversation (LCC), we will review how to evoke Change Talk and how to employ it, once it's spoken by the client/patient. The LCC "Change Talk" Is Motivational GOLD, a suggested prerequisite to join this conversation. CREDITS: This training meets approval 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 in order to receive credit.

We recommend attending "Change Talk" is Motivational GOLD on February 27th as a prerequisite to Change Talk, What to Do Once You've Evoked It. 'Change Talk' is the solid GOLD motor that builds motivation for behavior change when practicing Motivational Interviewing (MI); without it the change-train is going nowhere and you're not practicing MI. During this Learning Community Conversation (LCC), we will review how to evoke Change Talk and how to employ it, once it's spoken by the client/patient. The LCC "Change Talk" Is Motivational GOLD, a suggested prerequisite to join this conversation. CREDITS: This training meets approval 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 in order 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.

Registration for this series is closed. Not surprisingly, data from several studies found that group counseling is offered by over 90% of substance use disorders (SUD) treatment providers (Weiss, et al., 2004 and Crits-Christoph, et al., 2013). For many SUD treatment providers, group counseling services are considered the mainstay of all clinical services. Therefore, it is essential that everyone leading groups possess effective group facilitation skills. Facilitators skilled in group counseling methods are better prepared to assist group members in practicing communications skills, role playing difficult situations, learning how to give and receive feedback, identifying and naming feelings, and providing support, which all correlate to positive client outcomes. The goal of this Enhanced Professional Learning series (EPL) on Group Counseling: Intentionally Built & Effectively Facilitated is to help group leaders build skills, increase knowledge regarding evidence-based practices in group counseling, avoid unhelpful or non-therapeutic group activities, and elevate their confidence in order to provide quality group counseling services through feedback and practice. Participants will have learning opportunities as part of the EPL to share group counseling experiences and practice group facilitation skills. This EPL will focus on how to envision and build groups and developing/refining group skills that are facilitation-based (not SUD content-based), including knowledge and skills related to: Building group cohesion Managing conflict Redirecting clients who monopolize group discussion or stray off topic Managing unhelpful advice given from one member to another Eliciting client participation rather than lecturing Handling content and process issues Awareness of group work versus individual casework within a group Use of reflection to refine and enhance facilitation skills. (cited by Wendt and Gone 2017; American Psychotherapy Association, 2007; CSAT, 2005; Sobell & Sobell, 2011; and Yalom & Leszcz, 2005)

We recommend attending Change Talk, What to Do Once You've Evoked It on February 28th after attending "Change Talk" is Motivational GOLD. 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. CREDITS: This training meets approval 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 in order to receive credit.

      DESCRIPTION This training will explore the development of disparities in the US and their impacts on marginalized and racialized communities. Utilizing a social justice framework the participants will learn about building health equity, cultural humility, and community engagement. This training will center the Enhanced CLAS Standards, Cultural Self-Assessments and other tools designed to improve services and eliminate health disparities.   OBJECTIVES Define health equity and inclusion and its correlation to your work. Identify how cultural, behavioral, and health system factors converge and contribute to unequal access and differential care.    PRESENTER   Haner Hernandez PhD, CPS, CADCII, LADCI is Puerto Rican, bilingual and has worked for over 36 years in the health and human service field developing, implementing, and evaluating culturally and linguistically intelligent youth and adult health prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support programs.  He is a master trainer and facilitator and provides individualized technical assistance and support to organizations that provide Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health, Gambling prevention, intervention, and treatment and recovery support. Also, Dr. Hernández has over 3 decades of experience in delivering addiction counseling and clinical supervision to professionals in the field. Haner is a person in long-term recovery (36+ years) from addiction and is committed to eliminating health disparities by participating in processes that build equity.  He has served as a consultant to a number of local and state health departments with a focus on disparities, building health equity, addiction treatment, and recovery supports.  He also consults with and teaches a number of trainings through the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center at Brown University and the National Latino and Hispanic Center of Excellence funded by SAMHSA.    

We recommend attending Change Talk, What to Do Once You've Evoked It on February 28th after attending "Change Talk" is Motivational GOLD. 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. CREDITS: This training meets approval 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 in order to receive credit.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted TA in “Foundational Motivational Interviewing” on 2/27/24 and 2/29/24 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 Institute of Medicine describes person-centered care as the qualities of compassion, respect and responsiveness to the needs, values, and expressed desires of each individual patient. But how do we ensure that we as providers are working from ‘where the client is at’ instead of from our own agenda?    Effective engagement strategies grounded in eliciting information, positive regard and empathetic understanding will be discussed. Further, the content will inform and highlight Cultural Humility key components as a means to person-centered care to enhance the opportunities that build trust and rapport. When people who seek services are heard and included in their treatment care, they are more likely to commit to their own recovery and wellness process.   Trainer: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T 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.

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.

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.

The New England ATTC in partnership with RICARES is providing a basic/universal TA session titled “Hospitalizations for Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders in Older Adults: Trends, Comorbidities, and Differences by Gender, Race, and Ethnicity” on 2/22/24 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Increasing numbers of adults aged 65+ years are being diagnosed with alcohol and opioid use disorders. Researchers understand relatively little about older people who are hospitalized for these conditions. Researchers in this study looked at Medicare claims data from 2007-2014 for older adults with a diagnosis of alcohol or opioid use disorder and looked at trends around hospitalizations over time, as well as trends by diagnosis, race, and gender. Study investigators found that more and more adults aged 65 years and older have been treated in hospitals for alcohol and opioid use disorders over the study period and that among the people who were treated in hospital, certain race and gender groups were more likely than others to be hospitalized. Investigators concluded that more research on these disparities is needed and that interventions and treatments are needed to help older adults who use substances.    Article link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/11782218221116733