Description

The purpose of these  trainings is to introduce participants to evidence-based strategies to identify substance use and mental health disorders and develop behavioral intervention strategies for those with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Some of the key topics discussed will include: an overview of the evolving field of co-occurring disorders; identification and treatment of co-occurring disorders across the lifespan; the impact of alcohol and other drugs on the brain; common mental health disorders that frequently co-occur with substance use. Furthermore, a brief overview of the Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) screening tool will be discussed to assist in assessing the severity of substance use and identify the appropriate level of treatment. An overview of the use of motivational interviewing with a COD population encompasses the fundamental MI principles, micro-skills and experiential MI skill development. The MI tools will assist individuals to engage in change talk and commitment to behavioral changes based on goals they have identified. Ample time will be devoted to role play, group discussion and activities to enable training participants to gain skills necessary to elicit change talk from individuals with low levels of readiness for change.