Season's Greetings from Our Team to Yours

As we come to the end of another year, we hope you are looking forward to restful and restorative holidays. We also know that the holidays can be a difficult and stressful time for many. In this newsletter, we've compiled a handful of great resources on caring for yourself and others during the busy holiday season .

Are you already planning ahead for powerful professional development in the new year? The registration deadline for our no-cost Winter Learning Institute is tomorrow . We hope to see you there!

Read on for more learning opportunities and resources. From all of us at the Pacific Southwest MHTTC, we wish you the best.
In addition to Twitter, we're thrilled to announce that we're now on Instagram and Facebook!

Be sure to connect with us to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and announcements coming from our Pacific Southwest region!

Simply search, tweet, follow, and like us today! @psmhttc
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us   for technical assistance and support on mental health topics. 
 
SPREAD THE WORD:
Invite your team to sign up:   tinyurl.com/pacsw-mh-news
The   Pacific Southwest MHTTC   is a SAMHSA-funded center serving American Samoa, Arizona, California, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau.
Heliana Ramirez, PhD, LISW is a licensed clinical social worker who joins the Pacific Southwest MHTTC Team as Associate Project Director. Heliana’s clinical work includes psychosocial rehabilitation with Veterans living with serious and persistent mental health challenges; HIV and Hepatitis C harm reduction with women injection drug users and women who are incarcerated; multimedia-based trauma and recovery work with LGBTQ Veterans; and culturally informed youth services on the Tohono O’odham Reservation.

Heliana’s administrative work includes supervising Peer Support Specialists, managing an LGBT Staff and Allies Employee Resource Group at Veterans Affairs, and Co-Coordinating the Education Department of a large hospital-based Social Work Service. Heliana is passionate about community-based participatory research, transformative adult education, strength-based team building, and diversity-oriented research, education, and practice. 
Register THIS WEEK for the Winter Institute
JANUARY 14-16, 2020 • LONG BEACH, CA

Register by TOMORROW for the Pacific Southwest MHTTC Winter Learning Institute: six no-cost, state-of-the art, intensive learning sessions! Topics include providing support after a crisis, mental health services for young adults, trauma-informed suicide prevention for schools, emotionally intelligent leadership and social justice, and school-based employee wellness.

Each session is a day-long learning experience. Participants are welcome to attend one full-day session or up to three full-day sessions.

Please register by December 20, 2019 . Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: We kindly request that you only register for sessions you are confident you will attend. If you are no longer able to attend, please contact us at pacificsouthwest@mhttcnetwork.org so that we may provide your space to another participant.  
Upcoming Pacific Southwest MHTTC Webinars

Thursday, January 9 | 6 - 7 p.m. ET / 3 - 4 p.m. PT / 1 - 2 p.m. HT

Integrating cultural and linguistic considerations in our mental health services requires shifts in values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. If we are truly invested in improving the client’s experience as they enter our organizations and in creating equitable systems for services, we need to be open to changes.  We can all lead and engage in a change process to integrate cultural and linguistic considerations into our policy, infrastructure, workforce, community engagement, and programs and services. 

This webinar provides a conceptual foundation of the importance of culture, including definitions, frameworks, and concepts. We will look at a self-assessment tool to examine cultural and linguistic competence (CLC) in our organization, and we will explore the leadership required to motivate and integrate CLC into systems and service delivery.

Participants will be able to:
  1. Recognize and explain the importance of culture and language in mental health services.
  2. Use CLC strategies to meet the needs of culturally diverse populations.
  3. Identify ways participants can lead (promote) CLC in service delivery.
  4. Explore ways to make the CLC change stick!

Audience: Mental Health Services Program Directors, Administrators, Providers, and other Personnel involved in Mental Health Services and Supports.



Thursday, February 20 | 6 - 7 p.m. ET / 3 - 4 p.m. PT / 1 - 2 p.m. HT

As our population becomes increasingly diverse, mental health organizations and providers see the value of employing diverse staff that reflect the people they serve. The Pacific Southwest MHTTC has developed a self-assessment instrument to help mental health organizations identify and implement workforce diversity strategies in six critical areas.

This webinar will highlight the importance of increasing workforce diversity for achieving health equity. Presenters will briefly outline the purpose of the six areas in strengthening workforce diversity. Then participants will have the opportunity to complete the tool and explore the different aspects of each area. This session is geared towards those in mental health organizations who are interested in assessing the importance of a culturally responsive workforce and taking action. 


Wednesday, May 13 | 6 - 7 p.m. ET / 3 - 4 p.m. PT / 12 - 1 p.m. HT

Implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. Everyone has them, and becoming mindful of how implicit and explicit biases impact our work with others is important. Implicit biases can lead to unfair differences in the expectations we hold for those we serve, how we interact with them, and the learning opportunities we provide.

This workshop explores the dynamics of implicit bias and its impact on decision-making in behavioral health spaces. This webinar will challenge you to reflect on your own implicit biases. You will also have an opportunity for initiating conversations around what we bring to the work of supporting mental health and wellness among the diverse populations we serve. 

**Prior to the webinar, participants are encouraged to take the a free, online Implicit Association Test through Project Implicit ( https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html ) which measures attitudes and beliefs to support continued discussion and learning.

RESOURCES FOR PROVIDERS:

Strategies for service providers and community-based organizations to be trauma-informed during the holidays.

Tips for how behavioral health professionals can maintain their own self-care during the holidays.

Considerations for clinicians helping clients who have SMI prepare to travel.
RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Strategies for managing bipolar disorders during the holidays.

Tips for managing your own or helping others manage their social anxiety during the holiday season.

People who are LGBTQ may experience unique stressors during the holidays. Mazzoni Center annually updates this guide for LGBTQ holiday wellness and self-care.

Ways to cope with feelings of loneliness and loss during the holidays in the aftermath of a bereavement.
RESOURCES FOR YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS:

Three ideas to minimize the stress that holidays can place on young people struggling with anxiety and depression.

Guidance for individuals and families living with mental health conditions toward a positive and enjoyable holiday season.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES:

This recent webinar (November 2019) discusses ways that friends, family, and faith and community leaders can support and encourage families through the holiday season.

These strategies from the American Academy of Pediatrics are designed to help parents support their families' well-being during the holidays.
Welcome to the Pacific Southwest MHTTC
School Mental Health (SMH) Section  

Every month we release products, curricula, training opportunities, and multimedia that can support your school mental health leadership.
Spotlight on Partnerships: Yuma, Arizona  

Our 2019-2020 Areas of Focus Include:
  • School Violence Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
  • Suicidal ideation and response
  • Crisis readiness, response, and recovery (including school shootings and community-based violence)
  • School Mental Health Programs, Policies, and Practices
  • Evidence based practice implementation support (trauma-informed and resilience oriented policies and practices, and school mental health referral pathways)
  • School mental health literacy and leadership development 

On December 4 th & 5 th in Yuma, Arizona, in partnership with Banner Health-Child & Family Support , we were thrilled to provide two no-cost learning opportunities in Yuma, Arizona. State and locally based providers, school mental health leaders, educators, and community-based partners came together to learn about how to create cohesive school mental health referral cultures and to dive into the National School Mental Health Curricula. 
SMH Distance Learning
In collaboration with the Northwest MHTTC , we launched a three-part distance learning series focusing on the three topics of our newly released Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) Fact Sheet Series. It’s an opportunity to learn from our partners at the OSEP Technical Assistance Center on PBIS; to deepen knowledge and understanding of the ISF; and move our practice, programs, and policies towards a single system of social, emotional, and behavioral supports in schools.  

Did you miss the first two sessions? Catch up now: ISF 101 Webinar Recording and ISF 201 Webinar Recording

Tuesday, January 21 | 6 - 7 p.m. ET / 3 - 4 p.m. PT / 1 - 2 p.m. HT

ISF is most transformative at the local level. This webinar details the installation process at the district, community, and school level that results in a comprehensive ISF action plan. 
 
This webinar will be led by Susan Barrett, contributing author for the ISF Fact Sheet series. She will be joined by school district and system-based ISF practitioners from the Northwest and Pacific Southwest regions, Jennifer Kubista (Oregon) and Kaci Fleetwood (Nevada). Presenters will share their ISF implementation challenges, celebrations, and lessons learned or learning. 

Participants will:
  1. Define the appropriate roles, functions, and mission of a District/Community Leadership Team (DCLT)
  2. Learn the strategies needed to conduct a robust assessment of existing mental health and MTSS resources
  3. Understand the process through which the DCLT selects interventions and monitors outcomes
  4. Discuss installation challenges, solutions, and innovations with ISF practitioners
Meet the Facilitators
Susan Barrett serves as the Director for the Center on Social Behavior Supports at Old Dominion University and an Implementer Partner with the National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She assists with large-scale implementation of PBIS; partners with researchers to evaluate the impact of PBIS on students, school staff, and school communities; and serves on the Association of Positive Behavior Supports Board of Directors. Susan has been published in the areas of large-scale adoption of PBIS, mental health, cost-benefit analysis, advanced tier system development, and adoption of EBPs in schools.
Northwest MHTTC Spotlight: Jennifer Kubista, Ed.D. (@JenniferKubista, jkubista@central.k12.or.us ). Jennifer Kubista’s educational mission, vision, and philosophy is focused on the development of the whole child, where students are academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged in their learning and achievement. This philosophy also includes the development of whole educators, where learning, growing, living (being happy and healthy), working, and leading are at the forefront as we engage in teaching and learning to support the whole child.  This engagement also includes opportunities to partner with families and community for the best interest of every student, every day.  Dr. Kubista is the current Superintendent at Central School District 13J, located in Independence and Monmouth, OR. She was recognized as an Emerging Leader (2014) and Influence Leader (2017) through the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). 
Pacific Southwest MHTTC Spotlight:
Kaci Fleetwood, M.Ed., BCBA , is the State Coordinator for Nevada's School Climate Transformation Project. Her current role assists school districts across Nevada to implement and sustain Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. Kaci received her master's degree in Education in 2010, and her bachelor's degrees in 2005 in Elementary and Special Education. Kaci previously worked for Washoe County School District, where she taught youth in both general and special education settings at the elementary and high school levels. After traditional teaching, she worked as an Implementation Specialist at the school-site, zone, and district levels. She holds Nevada instructional licenses in elementary education, special education, English as a second language, and literacy/reading specialist. Kaci completed her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis in 2015.
More Upcoming SMH Events
WE'RE AN EXHIBITOR!

February 3-4, 2020 | Scottsdale, AZ

The AzSCA supports school counselors through professional development, resources, and advocacy to lead systemic change. Join us and other Arizona school counselors for two days of learning. The theme this year is “School Counselors Work Magic”.


February 3-5, 2020 | Irvine, CA

The Summit theme, “Equity in Action: Elevating Children, Families, and California’s Workforce,” represents the natural evolution of this statewide event for early childhood stakeholders – from building partnerships, to promoting collective impact, to providing leadership around critical programs and investments.


March 6-7, 2020 | Reno, NV

Register now, or, even better, submit a proposal!   The  Nevada School Counselor Association  is soliciting proposals for presentations promoting evidence-based programs in the domains of academic achievement, emotional growth, social development, career exploration, and post-secondary planning.


Pre-Conference Institutes March 12-13, 2020 // Conference March 13-16, 2020 | Los Angeles, CA

ASCD is the premier conference to engage in professional development for educators. The conference offers pre-conference sessions and conference sessions on trauma-informed pedagogy, socio-emotional learning, and more (we’re particularly excited for Pete Hall’s one day pre-conference session on “Meeting Students' Needs Through Trauma-Invested Practices”). 


March 23-24, 2020 | Anaheim, CA

Wellness Together, in partnership with the California Department of Education, welcomes you to the 2020 California Student Mental Wellness Conference. Over 1,200 participants will convene to work together to advocate for the mental wellness of California's students, families, and educators.


May 1-3, 2020 | New York, NY

Register by DECEMBER 18, 2019 and SAVE! Click here to register. Check out pre-conference workshops and conference sessions on the theme " Schooling the Self - Promoting Self-Confidence, Compassion, Awareness, and Authenticity in Schools ."


June 29-July 1, 2020 | St. Charles, MO
November 9-10, 2020 | Denver, CO

The call for proposals is now open for TISC Summer and TISC Fall 2020! Provide your knowledge and expertise to build the movement of schools toward becoming trauma-informed. The keynotes will discuss the impact trauma has on our students, and the breakout sessions will explore the details of what "trauma-informed" looks like in action.


NME draws upon the NMT model (a neurodevelopmentally informed, biologically respectful perspective on human development and functioning) to help educators understand student behavior and performance.   Click the link above to see more about online learning and how to get trained to be a NME Facilitator. 


Learning Corner:
SMH Research & Resources
December is a time to slow down, recharge, and catch up on all the learning we sometimes can’t do while leading schools to and through health and wellness.

Have time in the car, on the plane, or around the house to listen in? Here are our top podcasts that can support your school mental health leadership:

  1. Teachers Aligned (Spotify): Real conversations about mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and more. We recommend the episodes that feature Mathew Portel “On Leading A Trauma Informed School” and Erin Fox “On Teacher Wellness.” https://open.spotify.com/show/1PguF1oKhIzdlZ7ij2Yq8a?si=6eK2hw7fTN25e4JG1d0c5Q 
  2. The Compassionate Educators Show (Spotify): led by Founder/CEO of Compassionate Educators, this podcast offers 20-minute segments on topics like compassionate fatigue, social emotional learning, and regulation. https://open.spotify.com/show/77UGa5yzvjUQOGtmMXnClq si=SUxDzVKeRPOHktTyKR6JIA
  3. Mental-The Podcast to Destigmatize Mental Health (Spotify): Health Category Winner and The People’s Choice Podcast awards in 2019, each Thursday the podcast offers interviews on mental health. https://open.spotify.com/show/3Pi706qKd3uP0TaKdldann?si=j4Km7AAFRVOMmjm2HXsN7g
  4. Trauma-Informed Education (iTunes): Moderated by Dr. Kay Ayre, this podcast offers weekly episodes on practical, evidence-based strategies. http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:260694756/sounds.rss
  5. Latinx Therapy (iTunes): While this podcast may have ended last year, the 2018 menu of episodes navigates issued of mental health as it relates to the Latinx community. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/latinx-therapy/id1371931450
The Sandy Hook tragedy galvanized many of us to redouble our commitment as champions of student mental health . The Pacific Southwest MHTTC honors and remembers the lives lost on that day, and the enormous, complex and ever-dynamic work of stabilizing, regulating and healing in result. Here are three organizations formed by parents of children who were killed, leading the national conversation from which we deeply benefit.
Founded in 2013 in memory of Ana Grace Márquez-Greene, The Ana Grace Project was born as a response to the tragedy that took her life in Sandy Hook, CT on 12/14/12. “Love Wins” is the slogan adopted by her family immediately after the tragedy. It has been a rallying cry. The Ana Grace Project is dedicated to promoting love, community and connection for every child and family through three lead initiatives: partner schools, professional development, and music and arts.
The Mission of the Avielle Foundation is to prevent violence and build compassion through neuroscience research, community engagement, and education. TAF is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization (EIN 46-1864791) established in honor of six-year old Avielle Rose Richman who was murdered on December 14th, 2012 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, CT.
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. We are led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and 6 educators. SHP is focused on preventing gun violence (and other forms of violence and victimization) BEFORE it happens by educating and mobilizing youth and adults on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene, and help at-risk individuals.
Happy December!
Please see below for two exciting opportunities of interest. The first is an opportunity with Youth Move National and the Pathways Research and Training Center for agencies to participate in an assessment of youth voice; the second is an opportunity with Transitions Research and Training Center at the University of Massachusetts to better support young adults wanting to both go and stay in college. 
Youth MOVE National & Pathways RTC (Portland State University)

Youth MOVE National collaborated with researchers at Pathways RTC (Portland State University) to develop the Assessment of Youth/Young Adult Voice at the Agency Level (Y-VAL). The Y-VAL is a validated tool intended to measure the extent to which agencies and other organizations support youth and young adult voice and meaningful participation in advising and decision making at the agency level. The assessment was developed with input from youth and young adult leaders and representatives of agencies working to promote meaningful youth participation. The assessment has eight domains that examine critical themes and best practices of a youth-driven approach at the agency level. T he following themes were identified as requirements for achieving youth-driven practices at the agency level:

  1. Overall vision and commitment: Are overall policies and procedures in place to support meaningful youth engagement?
  2. Collaborative approach: Are young people treated as valued partners in the decision-making process?
  3. Empowered representatives: Are young people supported in a way that will maximize their potential?
  4. Commitment to facilitation and support of youth participation: Is the organization investing resources to support youth voice?
  5. Workforce development and readiness to ensure meaningful participation: Are staff trained to work collaboratively with youth and young adults?
  6. Participation in developing programming and program policies: Is there evidence young people are having an impact on how programs and services work?
  7. Participation in evaluation and ensuring program quality: Are young people engaged in how well the agency is doing its work?
  8. Leading initiatives and projects: Does the agency support youth and young adults to take the lead on projects they design?

The assessment is intended to be relevant to a variety of agencies that serve youth and young adults and offers an opportunity to reflect on current practices and opportunities for improvement. 

You can find out more about  this assessment here .
Helping Youth on the Path to Employment (HYPE)

Wondering how to better meet the needs of young adults with mental health conditions who want to go to college or stay in college, or prepare for a career with benefits and adequate pay? Helping Youth on the Path to Employment (HYPE) is looking for organizations to partner on a randomized clinical trial of HYPE. Eligible organizations that commit to study involvement, would be trained on the HYPE model in early 2020, and asked to provide HYPE services to college students (18-30) with mental health conditions for up to two years, beginning Fall 2020.
 
If selected as a research site, your team will receive u p to 8 days of training in the HYPE program by expert trainers (starting Jan. 2020) ; f ree technical assistance and case consultation throughout HYPE implementation; and a n opportunity to be a part of the five-year randomized clinical trial.

Ideal sites should: (1) Serve a large population of young adults (18-30) with mental health conditions ; (2) Have a reimbursement mechanism for supported education services ; (3) Deliver high-quality supported employment services ; (4) Be p repared to deliver supported education services ; (5) Be geographically located near several colleges

To learn more details, check out our website:  https://umassmed.edu/hype/apply-to-be-a-r ese arch-site/
 
The original deadline has passed for applications, but if you are still interested in applying please reach out to Amanda Costa, Project Director of HYPE to discussion submission of a delayed application ( amanda.costa@umassmed.edu or 508-856-2865).

Third Wednesday of Each Month
Next Session: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 | 1 - 2 p.m. ET / 10 - 11 a.m. PT / 8 - 9 a.m. HT

Do you work with youth and young adults of transition age in California? If so, we hope you will join us for the California TAY Professional Learning Community (PLC). The goal of this series is to provide monthly community learning forums on topics that are relevant to TAY-serving providers, advocates, champions, and allies. As we continue to work together, we hope to transition to a peer-led model that encourages active participation and maximizes the exchange of ideas and strategies for better serving youth and young adults. 
 
We want the CA TAY PLC to bring together diverse expertise from across sectors. Please feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues and champions who may want to be involved. 

Upcoming YYA Events
& Opportunities
PLEASE RESPOND:

Pathways Research and Training Center (RTC) and FREDLA, the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association, are collaborating on a national survey of young adults who have experienced behavioral health challenges and their family members or other adult allies.


March 15-18, 2020 | Tampa, FL

The "Tampa Conference" is an annual gathering of more than 700 researchers, evaluators, policymakers, administrators, parents, and advocates working to improve systems for children and youth with mental health challenges and their families. Tracks include Youth and Young Adults, Men and Boys' Mental Health, and more. 


April 22-24, 2020 | Las Vegas, NV

Join colleagues for a premier conference addressing cutting-edge issues and clinical skill-building for working with YYA whose lives have been impacted by addictive disorders, behavioral issues, and mental health challenges.


June 29-July 3, 2020 | Orlando, FL

For more than 30 years, the Training Institutes have been a premier convening of leaders in children's services. The 2020 Training Institutes "What Could Be: Bolder Systems and Brighter Futures for Children, Youth, Young Adults and Their Families,” challenge us to build on existing delivery systems for children’s services with new ideas to meet the future. 


Friday, December 20, 2019 | 12 - 1 p.m. ET / 9 - 10 a.m. PT / 7 - 8 a.m. HT

In this SMI Adviser webinar, participants will learn some of the challenges that clinicians experience working with clients who have been involved in the criminal justice system; frameworks used by the criminal justice system to identify and reduce recidivism; and trauma-informed approaches to supporting clients with system involvement.


January 11, 2020 | Phoenix, AZ

In the spirit of the 2020 Conference theme, “Celebrating Collaborative Community Oversight by Connecting the Dots,” NAMI Arizona invites individual, family, and community leaders representing every sector to join in ensuring the right voices are at the right tables.


Thursday, January 23, 2020 | 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET / 9:00-10:30 a.m. PT / 7:00-8:30 a.m. HT

In this Northeast MHTTC webinar, participants will explore steps for creating effective policies, systems, and internal agency changes to reduce behavioral health disparities. The goal is to help child- and family-serving organizations work toward achieving health equity in a measurable time frame.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY:

Due February 3, SAMHSA is accepting applications for Systems of Care (SOC) Expansion and Sustainability grants. The purpose of the program is to improve mental health outcomes for children and youth (birth to age 21) with serious emotional disturbance, and their families. Six to 24 grants of up to $3 million per year will be made to states, territories, tribes/tribal organizations, and subdivisions of states.


February 18-20, 2020 | Glendale, AZ

The conference brings together experts, leadership, and veterans from across Arizona public safety sectors on topics such as trauma-informed response, de-escalation, compassion fatigue, suicide prevention, and more.


February 21, 2020 | San Francisco, CA

This conference will focus on improving the treatment and care that mothers receive during pregnancy and postpartum. Hosted by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.


March 8-11, 2020 | Santa Ana Pueblo, NM

Develop members’ skills in evidence-supported and culturally appropriate mental illness and substance use prevention and treatment practices and to support practice implementation.


March 11-12, 2020 | Los Angeles, CA

Echo’s 2020 conference will celebrate survivor resilience and empowerment. Presenters are trauma survivors who bring survivor wisdom in addition to their professional talent and expertise. 


March 27-28, 2020 | Oahu, HI

The VETS HEAL Summit is open to veterans and active duty military, their families, and providers who work with them. Topics will include special considerations for female veterans, suicide prevention, homelessness, and community care.

More New Resources

The second issue of the Native American & Alaska Native MHTTC newsletter addresses early onset and high-risk psychosis. The second issue includes suggestions for making cultural adaptations to psychosis treatment, and understanding symptoms of psychosis in light of cultural considerations.


This new report from the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) describes 14 common practices that pediatric sites use to foster social-emotional development. These practices fall under three main threads: nurture parents' competence and confidence; connect families to additional supports; develop the care team and clinical infrastructure and culture.


This comprehensive new guide from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is designed to help both mental health clinicians who work with professional interpreters and interpreters who work with children, youth, and families who have experienced trauma.

 
Contact the Pacific Southwest MHTTC
 
Toll-Free: 1-844-856-1749  Email:  pacificsouthwest@mhttcnetwork.org