On the most recent episode of the Northwest AHEC Healthcare Insights podcast, host Andrew Brewer speaks with Dr. Gretchen Hoyle.

Dr. Hoyle returns to provide a post-launch update of implementing a collaborative care management model (CoCM) in primary care practice in a large health system. The model provides continuity of care for chronic conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Learn how CoCM operates and insights on transforming care practices with a behavioral care manager, data registry, EHR workflows, and billing.

According to Dr. Hoyle, "This model allows us as pediatricians to use a team based approach for pediatric patients with mental health issues." Members of the CoCM team include the primary care provider who makes a diagnosis and referral, a psychiatric consultant who provides subspecialist level expertise and advice, and the behavioral health care manager (BHCM) who interacts most closely with the patient and their family. Dr. Hoyle finds it is the BHCM that is the "hero" of the CoCM team!

Check out the latest episode of NW AHEC Healthcare Insights podcast!

Collaborative Care Management (CoCM) Capacity Building Fund

APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 1 FOR PHASE 2

Applications remain open for Phase 1

Northwest AHEC invites you to our upcoming Spring Behavioral Health Webinars! Whether you're looking to enhance your clinical practice, support recovery, or deepen your understanding of trauma-informed care, we have valuable sessions for you. Click below for more information on each.

• Appetite Awareness Training for Binge and Overeating - March 25, 2025 from 9AM-11AM - This program will examine the factors (e.g., trauma, stress, depression) that may increase binge and overeating in our clients, with particular emphasis on clients who are low income, and identify as a member from a racial/ethnic minority group. Register Here
  
  
• Microaggression as an Ethical Issue in Clinical Practice - April 1, 2025 from 9AM- 12:15PM - Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional exchanges that convey negative messages based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. While clinicians aim to provide culturally sensitive care, unknowingly committing microaggressions can harm communication, erode trust, and disrupt the therapeutic process. Ethical guidelines call for minimizing these occurrences to support effective client relationships. This program explores the impact of microaggressions, their role in clinical practice, and strategies for reducing them. Note: This course may count toward ethics requirements for license renewal. Register Here
  
  
• Practical Suggestions for Facilitating SUD Recovery - April 9, 2025 from 1PM - 3PM - Health professionals often encounter clients or patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Understanding how to effectively address these complex challenges is critical for providing optimal care. This workshop is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of practical approaches and evidence-based interventions for working with individuals affected by SUDs. Register Here
  
  
• Safety First: Trauma-Informed Care with People Experiencing Substance Use Disorders - May 16, 2025 from 9AM - 12:15PM - Widely demonstrated in the literature on substance use disorders, trauma experienced by the person is a common and primary part of the sequelae leading to addiction. Traumatic life experiences can unfortunately also be a part of a person’s time as a substance user.
  This training will present a brief overview of what constitutes single incident or developmental traumas; what it means to be a trauma-informed practitioner; awareness of vicarious or secondary traumatization and related social worker self-care. Participants will learn how to consider trauma in their approach to working with clients and in their ability to thrive as a practitioner.  Register Here
  
  
• Race-Based Traumatic Stress: Broadening Your Toolkit to Support Diverse Individuals - June 20, 2025 from 9AM - 12:15PM - This session explores race-based traumatic stress and its impact on clients of color. We’ll review the theoretical framework, trauma responses, and resilience strategies while identifying risk and protective factors. Clinicians will enhance cultural competence through interactive learning, self-reflection, and practical skills for sensitive, effective care. Register Here

With funding from NCDHHS, Project AWARE is able to offer SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) training via Appalachian State University at no cost to the first 300 applicants!

SBIRT

• is brief
• is comprehensive
• decreases the severity of drug and alcohol use (early intervention with SBIRT saves lives and money and is consistent with overall support for patient/client wellness)
• reduces health care costs
• is used in various settings (by doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, counselors and other service providers)

Users of this technique employ a variety of tools including AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) and CRAFFT (Adolescent Screening Tool). Motivational Interviewing is at the core of SBIRT training.

There are two components to this free training; online asynchronous modules and a synchronous workshop. 

You can also register here.

These learning collaboratives are for primary care providers, behavioral health professionals, and anyone else who has implemented or is considering the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) for integrating behavioral health in a primary care setting. Independent primary care practices, FQHCs, and rural health clinics may find this collaborative especially helpful for meeting some of the behavioral health needs of their patients.

The next session is February 20 from noon-1 PM.

Check out the attached flyer for more details and to register for one or more sessions!

These online modules focus on the reverse integration process and provide details on how to implement this model of care. Credit is offered for FREE in these self-paced online modules (5 to choose from). 

The integration of behavioral health care into primary care is now widely considered an effective strategy for improving outcomes for patients with physical and behavioral health conditions. Reverse integration of primary care into behavioral healthcare is another form of integration that produces improved quality of care and patient outcomes.

Participants will learn the benefits of this model of care, the financial aspects of integrated care, as well as other clinical and operational aspects of providing this model of care.

Click here to view more information and to register today!

Cost and Registration
This series is offered free of charge through support from the NC AHEC Program. Instructions for accessing the online programs will be emailed to you with your registration confirmation letter.

Target Audience
This series will be beneficial to behavioral health and human service practitioners, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, substance use and addictions professionals, clinicians and all others interested in this topic.

Credit
Credit types available include:

• 1.0 Contact Hour from Northwest AHEC
  
• Northwest AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists. Each program will provide 1.0 contact hour of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.
• 1.0 NBCC Contact Hour
  Northwest AHEC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5465. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Northwest AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
  
• 1.0 NASW-NC Contact Hour
  NC AHEC is a 2021 NASW-NC approved provider of distance continuing education.
  Each program has been approved for 1.0 contact hour.

Due to the ongoing epidemic of substance use in North Carolina, many healthcare providers will find themselves treating these patients regardless of their own training on the issue.