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This month's newsletter highlights several upcoming webinars from our center -- we hope you will join us so that we can learn together!
In addition to distance learning, see below to learn more about accessing onsite learning experiences with our team and partners.
Help us spread the word
The Pacific Southwest MHTTC is a SAMHSA-funded center serving Region 9: American Samoa, Arizona, California, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau.
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 Access Training and Technical Assistance (TTA)
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Access Our TTA Services and Intensive Learning Experiences
We are excited to share our new lineup of state-of-the-science Intensive Learning Experiences (click to learn more): no-cost workshops, trainings, and institutes in accessible locations across the Pacific Southwest. Let us know what opportunities interest you by
contacting our team.
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Upcoming Pacific Southwest MHTTC Webinars
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Integrating Cultural and Linguistic Competence: Leading from Where You Are
Monday, April 8
6-7 p.m. ET / 3-4 p.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. HT / 9-10 a.m. ChT
All health service systems are undergoing fundamental changes in order to embrace the diversity of populations in the U.S. today. Yet many health systems grapple with implementing systemic change to respond effectively to the needs of diverse cultural and linguistic groups, and organizations working together as part of a broader system often do not know where to start. This presentation will identify a conceptual framework and principles for integrating cultural and linguistic competence in health. Participants will begin to explore how these principles may change the way they perform their roles and functions. Presented by Dr. Rachele Espiritu, Co-director of the Pacific Southwest MHTTC, and Naomi Ortega Tein. Learn more about the webinar and presenters.
Further learning: Participants in this session will have the opportunity for continued learning in a related Community of Practice. Invitations to participate will be released after the webinar.
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Building a Diverse Workforce from the Ground Up
Tuesday, April 16
6-7 p.m. ET / 3-4 p.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. HT / 9-10 a.m. ChT
Further learning: Participants in this session will have the opportunity for continued learning in a related Community of Practice. Invitations to participate will be released after the webinar.
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The Why, What, and How: Addressing Social Determinants of Mental Health in Region 9
Wednesday, April 24
6-7 p.m. ET / 3-4 p.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. HT / 9-10 a.m. ChT
Join us to hear our mental health service providers in the Pacific Southwest are working to address the social determinants of health through social justice collaborations and strategies. This webinar will provide foundational knowledge on the social determinants of health, why they should be assessed, and how providers can leverage them. We will discuss how to identify appropriate partners and collaborate with them on the shared interest of mental health equity. Presented by Dr. Tamu Nolfo. Learn more about the webinar and presenter.
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New Resource: The Why, What, and How: Addressing the Social Determinants of Mental Health in the Pacific Southwest Region
Why do we, as behavioral health providers, need to be concerned about the social determinants of health? This brief fact sheet examines how mental health is shaped by the social, economic, and physical environments in which people live, and how providers can address the determinants through social justice collaborations.
This fact sheet was developed by Dr. Tamu Nolfo to complement the webinar she is presenting on April 24.
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School Mental Health Feature
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The MHTTC School Mental Health Learning Collaborative
On March 14-15, the Pacific Southwest MHTTC team joined the launch of a new opportunity for state leadership to improve student mental health and safety plans.
The University of Maryland National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) and the National Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network invited key partners to join them in establishing the MHTTC School Mental Health Learning Collaborative.
Each MHTTC regional center brought behavioral and mental health leadership to form a national collaborative in creating a national curriculum for school mental health.
Over two days in Columbia, MD, representatives poured through a pilot national school mental health curriculum, providing input, regional resources, and strategic planning for how to support the curriculum's implementation. Pacific Southwest MHTTC representatives included:
- Cameron Cobb, Banner Health (AZ)
- Lisa Teyechea, Pima Prevention Partnership (AZ)
- Robert Rhoton, Arizona Trauma Institute (AZ)
- Brent Malicote, Sacramento County of Education (CA)
- Ann Collentine, CalMHSA (CA)
- Robb Layne, California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CA)
- Anna Naify, Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (CA)
- Hilva Chan, Project Cal-Well at the California Department of Education (CA)
- Pat Sanborn, Nevada Department of Education (NV)
The Pacific Southwest MHTTC is thankful to the Arizona, California, and Nevada representatives who joined us for these intensive two days. If you are interested in learning more about the curriculum and the collaborative, please contact our School Mental Health Lead, Leora Wolf-Prusan, at Lwolf@cars-rp.org
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2019 School Mental Health Webinar Series
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Mental Health and Student Learning Outcomes: An Introduction
Mental Health & Student Learning Outcomes Series - Webinar 1
Today! Thursday, March 21
6-7 p.m. ET / 3-4 p.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. HT / 9-10 a.m. ChT
Are you a school instructional leader who wants to learn about school mental health, or a mental health provider who wants to learn about the contexts of schools and student learning outcomes? This webinar provides a platform to bridge the conversation so that both perspectives can learn from one another to better support the students they serve. Presented by Leora Wolf-Prusan, School Mental Health Lead for the Pacific Southwest MHTTC.
Learn more about the webinar and presenter.
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New Resource: The Connection between School Mental Health & Academic Achievement
This handout summarizes the research that links student mental health to academic outcomes. This research brief charts the effects of untreated mental health challenges on academic achievement, GPA, test scores, attendance, and graduation.
This handout was developed to complement the March 21 webinar.
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Trauma-Informed Suicide Prevention for Educators: Stories, Science, and Strategies
Mental Health & Student Learning Outcomes Series - Webinar 2
Coming soon! Thursday, April 4
6-7 p.m. ET / 3-4 p.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. HT / 9-10 a.m. ChT
Join Leah Harris and Kelechi Ubozoh in exploring what a trauma-informed suicide prevention approach for educators might look like. This webinar will begin with the perspective of a young person with lived experience of suicidal thoughts. Presenters will identify common myths and misconceptions about suicide, and explore the vital importance of including students as partners. Examples of promising student-led initiatives will be provided.
Learn more about the webinar and presenters.
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Working Together for Wellness - A Mindful Approach to School Site Leader and Teacher Collaboration for Whole School Wellness
Mental Health & Student Learning Outcomes Series - Webinar 3
Thursday, May 16
6-7 p.m. ET / 3-4 p.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. HT / 9-10 a.m. ChT
Join The Teaching Well as we bring together staff from diverse school site roles to share ways they have collaborated to create healthy and sustainable school climates. Participants will hear firsthand accounts of the personal and professional benefits when school staff make wellness a central focus in their work plans, relational strategies, and overall school culture.
Learn more about the webinar and presenters.
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When There is One School Counselor: Strategies to Reach All Students Nevertheless
Thursday, June 18
6-7 p.m. ET / 3-4 p.m. PT / 1-2 p.m. HT / 9-10 a.m. ChT
This webinar describes how shifting from a traditional counseling approach to a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) benefits both students and staff members who provide mental and/or behavioral support services. The Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience Education) Coordinators from two rural school districts in northern Nevada will share how an MTSS has transformed their districts.
Learn more about the webinar and presenters.
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More School Mental Health Events
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Online Course - Managing School Crises: From Theory to Application
This is a two-week, self-paced online course, April 1-12, 2019, held by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. Designed to prepare school administrators and all educators for the inevitable crises that occur within schools and/or that effect those in schools, this training reflects the three most common phases of a crisis: pre-crisis planning, acute crisis response, and post-crisis activities.
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Join us! 2019 California School-Based Health Conference
May 9-10 - Redondo Beach, California
The California School-Based Health Alliance (CSHA) and the L.A. Trust for Children's Health are hosting the 2019 California School-Based Health Conference: Advancing Wellness & Best Practices for the Future.
This is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with health care providers, educators, children's health advocates, and other leaders in school-based health from across the state. Early bird registration for conference ends March 31, and you can save $45 off the regular rate--
members of CSHA save even more, and have access to an extensive library of school-based health toolkits and resources.
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The Pacific Southwest MHTTC is excited to support two pre-conferences:
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School Mental Health - Pacific Southwest Spotlights
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Visualizing School Climate with Project Cal-Well
Hilva Chan with Project Cal-Well at the California Department of Education shared the following resources that they developed to present school climate data.
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Energy Convertors Student Voice Podcast: Ep 1: Student Mental Health in Schools
Listen to Emery High School (Oakland, CA) youth discuss student mental health in their schools and how it is affecting them. They offer some solutions that you might find interesting. This is a youth-led podcast from Energy Convertors, an Oakland-based digital media and youth leadership organization.
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Youth & Young Adult Mental Health Feature
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Spotlight on Youth MOVE National
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Youth MOVE National is a youth-driven organization that has been fighting for the inclusion of authentic youth voice since 2007. Youth MOVE's strength comes from its connection to chapters all across the country. There are more than 65 chapters in more than 30 states and tribal territories, all with young adults working toward improving the mental health, juvenile justice, education, and child welfare systems in their local communities.
Youth MOVE National employs a data- and network-informed approach on understanding how best practices can move programs forward by meaningful partnerships with youth and young adults. You can learn more by visiting Youth MOVE National's website or signing up for email updates straight to your inbox.
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Youth of Transition Age Webinar Series
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Low-Barrier Access to Mental Health Service for Youth and Young Adults: What Works with What We've Got
Tuesday, April 30
6:00-7:15 p.m. ET / 3:00-4:15 p.m. PT / 1:00-2:15 p.m. HT / 9:00-10:15 a.m. ChT
This webinar will explore low-barrier services for young adults of transition age experiencing or at risk for behavioral health challenges. Presenters will discuss how these services can improve engagement and identify strategies for integrating low-barrier policies and practices. Presenters will provide examples of promising local approaches, including drop-in centers and peer-to-peer programs. Presented by Kristin Thorp, BSW, Youth Engagement Specialist at Youth M.O.V.E. National, and guest presenter. Learn more about the webinar and presenter.
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Ethical Considerations and Strategies for Improving Shared Decision Making in Civil Commitment and Involuntary Hospitalization
Tuesday, May 28
6:00-7:15 p.m. ET / 3:00-4:15 p.m. PT / 1:00-2:15 p.m. HT / 9:00-10:15 a.m. ChT
This webinar will explore civil commitment law through the lens of civil liberties for young adults of transition age. We will consider the ethical tensions between a provider or family member's desire to help a young person experiencing serious mental illness and the young person's autonomy. Presenters will discuss the importance of shared decision making and provide strategies for improving the process for youth and their families. Presented by Kristin Thorp, BSW, Youth Engagement Specialist at Youth M.O.V.E. National, and guest presenter. Learn more about the webinar and presenter.
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Understanding and Advancing Mental Health Equity for Young Adults
Tuesday, July 9
6:00-7:15 p.m. ET / 3:00-4:15 p.m. PT / 1:00-2:15 p.m. HT / 9:00-10:15 a.m. ChT
Young adults of transition age have elevated rates of mental health challenges, yet they often do not receive services. This puts young adults of transition age at greater risk for homelessness, justice involvement, and education and employment challenges. This webinar will focus on strategic practices that health departments and mental health agencies can take to advance mental health equity. Presented by Kristin Thorp, BSW, Youth Engagement Specialist at Youth M.O.V.E. National, and guest presenter to be announced. Learn more about the webinar and presenter.
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Youth and Young Adults: Resources and Research
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New SAMHSA Publication: Guidance on Strategies to Promote Best Practice in Antipsychotic Prescribing for Children and Adolescents
SAMHSA partnered with national experts to develop a "bird's eye view" of best practices around treatment that includes antipsychotic medications
. Topics include engaging youth and families in shared-decision making, trauma-informed and evidence-based services, coordinating across systems, and more.
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Transitions ACR Presentations from the 2019 Tampa Conference
Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research (ACR) promotes the full participation of transition-aged youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions. They gave six presentations on mental health and transition at this month's 32nd Annual Research & Policy Conference on Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Behavioral Health. All presentations are available at the link above.
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Substance Use + Mental Health in Teens and Young Adults
This resource was developed for parents or caregivers, teachers, and community members who work with youth and young adults. It describes common mental disorders that youth people may experience (as well as prescribed medications), and suggests ways to recognize, address, and support young people in recovering from co-occurring substance misuse.
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More Conferences and Webinars
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National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health 30th Annual Conference
Call for Proposals due April 5
November 16-19 | Phoenix, Arizona
The National Federation welcomes 90-minute workshop proposals and a select number of 3-hour intensive workshop proposals from professionals, family members, and youth that support children's well-being and promote family voice.
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2019 Youth for Youth Conference
April 5-7 - Tumon, Guam
Youth for Youth Live! Guam (YFYLG) is a non-profit, community-based, youth-centered, youth-driven drug prevention program. This YFYLG event is open to all middle and high school students. The theme is "Diversity over Division: It Starts with Us."
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9th Annual Evidence-Based Practices Symposium
April 15-16 - Burbank, CA
This Symposium will focus on practices that support collaboration to improve outcomes for children, youth, and adults with substance use and mental health conditions who encounter, or who are at risk of encountering, the
justice system.
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Webinar - Exploring the Crossroads Between Obstetrics and Mental Health in Perinatal Care
Friday, May 3
3-4 p.m. ET / 12-1 p.m. PT / 10-11 a.m. HT / 6-7 a.m. ChT
This webinar will explore the risks of untreated mood disorders in pregnancy, including the association between Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and adverse perinatal outcomes. They will discuss options for psychotropic medications.
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39th Annual CMHACY Conference
May 15-17- Pacific Grove, California
The 2019 California Mental Health Advocates for Children & Youth (CMHACY) conference will focus on "Shaping our Communities: Compassion, Engagement, Collective Impact."
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17th Annual Western Region Flex Conference
June 19-21 - Marana, Arizona
This event is an opportunity for critical access hospital (CAH) administrators and staff, state Flex program staff, and rural health care leaders to share information and best practices and to learn about state and national health policy developments.
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More from SAMHSA
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National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day 2019
Monday, May 6
Join SAMHSA in Washington, DC, or online via a live webcast to commemorate the 14th annual National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. TED Talk-style presentations will focus on the theme "Suicide Prevention: Strategies that Work."
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New SAMHSA Publication: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in the Criminal Justice System: Brief Guidance to the States
This SAMHSA brief provides guidance to state governments on increasing the availability of evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in criminal justice (CJ) settings. Topics include community partnerships, information sharing, funding strategies, continuity of care, re-entry, and more.
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New TIP 61: Behavioral Health Services for American Indians and Alaska Natives
TIP 61 provides behavioral health professionals and administrators with practical guidance about Native American history, historical trauma, and cultural perspectives. The TIP discusses demographics, social challenges and strengths, and behavioral health concerns. It highlights the importance of providers' cultural competence and culture-specific knowledge. Topics include workforce development strategies, program and professional development considerations, and culturally responsive policies.
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Funding Opportunities
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Grants for Expansion and Sustainability of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances
Short Title: System of Care (SOC) Expansion and Sustainability Grants
The purpose of this program is to improve the mental health outcomes for children and youth, birth through age 21, with serious emotional disturbance, and their families. This program will support the implementation, expansion, and integration of the SOC approach by creating sustainable infrastructure and services that are required as part of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families Program (also known as the Children's Mental Health Initiative or CMHI). This program will support pediatric mental health care telehealth access programs.
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Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health Grant Program
Short Title: Project LAUNCH
The purpose of this program is to promote the wellness of young children, from birth to 8 years of age, by addressing the social, emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral aspects of their development. It is expected that this program will provide local communities or tribes the opportunity to disseminate effective and innovative early childhood mental health practices and services, ultimately leading to better outcomes for young children and their families. The overall goal of Project LAUNCH is to foster the healthy development and wellness of all young children (birth through age 8), preparing them to thrive in school and beyond.
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SAMHSA is accepting applications for Transforming Lives through Supported Employment grants (Supported Employment Program). The purpose of the program is to support state and community efforts to refine, implement, and sustain evidence-based supported employment programs and mutually compatible and supportive evidence-based practices (e.g., supported education) for:
- Transition-aged youth/young adults (ages 16-25) with serious emotional disturbance (SED),
- Adults with serious mental illness (SMI), or
- Adults with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders (COD).
SAMHSA expects that this program will increase state and community capacity to implement and sustain Supported Employment Program (SEP) models and integrated supports to improve competitive employment outcomes for individuals with SED, SMI, or COD.
SAMHSA plans to issue 7 grants of up to $800,000 per year for up to 5 years.
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Help Us Learn About Mental Health in Our Region
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Please Complete Our Needs Assessment
As YOUR Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, we are
eager to hear your insights about mental health services, challenges, and priorities. We deeply appreciate your responses to our online query. It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your answers will help inform the supports we develop.
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