Join us for these upcoming Behavioral Health Programs offered by Northwest AHEC - highlighting many important topics including trauma informed care, mental health crises, domestic violence intervention, LGBTQ youth, and veteran safety. All programs are being offered as Live Webinars. 

• Understanding Trauma and Substance Abuse: Implications for Practice 
  August 27, 2024, 10AM - 1:15PM, Live Webinar
  This program is designed to introduce practitioners to the concepts and implementation of trauma, trauma informed care, and the links between trauma and substance abuse. Research and clinical evidence documents a significant overlap between trauma and substance abuse. The training will provide information about the co-occurrence of trauma and substance use as well as offer an overview of screenings, assessments, and treatment models to address this population. The training will be interactive and will incorporate documentary components and case studies to provide opportunities for practicing and processing of the material. Materials and resources will be provided as toolkits for service implementation. Register Now
• When the Dam Breaks: Preventing and Planning for Mental Health Crises with People with IDD
  September 6, 2024, 9AM - 12PM, Live Webinar
  Crisis looks different for everyone. What may feel like a dam breaking to one person is a minor drip to another. Approximately 30-50% of people with IDD have a co-occurring mental health condition. People with IDD are more vulnerable to trauma than their typically developing peers. A person with IDD and a co-occurring mental health condition may need more personalized support at times to plan for and prevent personal crises. It is important to understand how to support a person in always feeling safe so as to assist them in times of crisis. This workshop explores what it means to have a crisis and how we can positively support individuals with IDD in our everyday interactions to help minimize the possibility of a crisis. We will focus on understanding the underlying circumstances that can lead to crisis and how utilizing trauma informed approaches in your everyday support of a person with IDD can help prevent a situation go from a water drip to a break in the dam. Register Now
• Understanding Different Motives of Domestic Violence Offenders and the Connection to Risk and Lethality: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Domestic Violence Intervention
  September 26-27, 2024, 9AM-4PM, Live Webinar
  Day One: The River of Cruelty Model: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Domestic Violence Intervention: This presentation will introduce the foundational principles of the Family Peace Initiative’s trauma-responsive approach to domestic violence intervention. Participants will examine how cruelty is passed from person to person and generation to generation, and how to intervene. Using an experiential approach, this workshop will explore the fundamentals of the internal-focused dialogue, including working with feelings, connecting to the power of the “Golden Shadow Message” and understanding the power of Alice Miller's “Enlightened Witness”. Participants will learn practical skills that can be applied immediately to their work with those who perpetrate domestic violence. Day Two: Cracking the Code: Understanding Different Motives of Those Who Batter and the Connection to Risk and Lethality - This presentation “cracks the code” on battering behavior, bringing an understanding of the differences among those who batter based on motive to judges, attorneys, advocates, and other professionals working with domestic violence concerns. Those with different motives display different behaviors, and present different dangers to their victim and children. Through the use of videos and case examples, this information unlocks a deeper and more nuanced understanding of domestic violence. This workshop provides practical information that can improve safety considerations for victims and children, and intervention efforts with those who batter. Register Now
• Engaging LGBTQ Youth and Families: How Do You Show You are an Ally?
  October 23, 2024, 10AM-12PM, Live Webinar
  This workshop begins with an exploration of up-to-date vocabulary followed by an interactive activity to address myths, facts, and questions about LBGTQ people and families. After the exercise is complete, we will review up to date research about gay and lesbian parents, LGBTQ youth, and the impact of anti-LGBTQ policies. The workshop will finish with a discussion of concrete steps to make services welcoming to LBGTQ individuals and families and to assist participants into considering next steps they can take to make services accessible to families. Register Now
• Supporting Veterans into Safety
  November 13, 2024, 9AM-11AM, Live Webinar
  This presentation will provide knowledge and background on Veteran risk and protective factors to support risk assessment and safety planning. Attending this training will improve competencies related to supporting Veterans in crisis. Register Now