October 3, 2022

October Newsletter

Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 3-7

Each year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) launches a week-long initiative to raise awareness on a specific theme related to mental illness. This year's theme is "What I Wish I Had Known" where the focus is on the power of lived experience.

Learn More

World Mental Health Day, October 10

World Mental Health Day is a an annual day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and the efforts in place to protect and improve mental health. Learn more about World Mental Health Day from the World Health Organization.

Visit WHO Website

Global Peer Support Celebration Day, October 20

Please join peer supporters and N.A.P.S. at 12 noon by taking a moment to stop, recognize, reflect on, and celebrate the hard work and dedication of peer workers across the globe. Peers supporters are encouraged to develop, craft, and celebrate this event in a way that is unique, personal, and meets their perceptions and goals for how ‘their’ day looks, feels, and is celebrated in their country, state, region, and or local area. In other words, ‘there is no one-size fits all’ or a ‘right or wrong way’ to take part in this annual celebration.

Learn More

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hearing that you or a loved one has breast cancer, or any other life-threatening illness, can cause intense emotions to arise. Although there is no "right" way to cope with a cancer diagnosis, there are resources available to support mental health if that is something that you would like to be a part of your journey.

Highlights

Celebrating Successful Conferences in Region 6!

In September, our region had two separate conferences! Louisiana hosted their Behavioral Health Summit where our South Southwest MHTTC team member, Jessi Davis, presented on Peer Support Services and Programs. Jimmy McGill in Arkansas hosted the Region 6 Peer Support Conference, and Noah Abdenour from Texas received the “Regional Peer Director of the Year” award. Congratulations to all who received awards, Jessi for their great presentation, and to Louisiana and Arkansas for the successful completion of exceptional conferences!

Learn More about Series

Case Conceptualization for First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Series

Registration now open!

The aim of this series is to introduce FEP therapists, skills trainers, and team leaders to three different case conceptualization frameworks. The 9-session series will be facilitated by Dr. Samantha Reznik. In the first three sessions, attendees will learn the basics of building a Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P) case conceptualization. It will include both didactic and experiential components. Additional case conceptualization approaches will focus on integrating trauma and culture into conceptualization.

**CEUs Available**

Second Thursday of every month

10:00AM - 11:00AM CT

Upcoming Events

First Episode Psychosis Peer Specialist and Family Partner Monthly Networking Meetings

Join us for this opportunity to collaborate with other First Episode Psychosis and Coordinated Specialty Care team Peer Supports and Family Partners in a supportive, mentoring environment.

October 7 | 9:00AM CT | Learn More

November 7 | 9:00AM CT | Learn More

CAFE TAC Presents: So You’re Ready to Work, Now What?

Finding and maintaining employment is an essential part of recovery and life in the community for people with lived experience of serious mental health conditions, but those individuals face unique challenges in getting the right job and succeeding in the workplace. CAFÉ TAC’s 12-part bi-weekly interactive employment training series is designed to address those challenges, by equipping peers with the skills and strategies they need to find and maintain employment!

October 11, 2022 | 11:00 AM CT | Learn More

October 25, 2022 | 11:00 AM CT

November 8, 2022 | 11:00 AM CT

Case Conceptualization for First Episode Psychosis Series 1: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychosis

In the first three sessions of the series, attendees will learn the basics of building a Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P) case conceptualization.

October 13 | 10:00 AM CT | Learn More

November 10, 2022 | 10:00 AM CT

December 8, 2022 | 10:00 AM CT

The South Southwest partners with the Texas Education Agency and Texas Health and Human Services Commission in this annual school mental health conference. This year's theme is Integrating School Mental Health to Support the Whole Child. Each day will highlight levels of tiered integrated student supports, including universal, targeted, and intensive interventions.

November 29 - December 1 | 9:00AM - 2:00PM CT

Learn More and Register

Products & Resources

Adapting Evidence-based Practices for Under-resourced Populations

SAMHSA has issued a new guide focused on research supporting adaptations of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for under-resourced populations. Adaptations involve tailoring care, programs, and services to the cultural, social, gender, and demographic contexts of the people served to yield positive outcomes. | Learn More

Free Online Learning Courses

The MHTTC Network currently offers 19 free online courses available through Healtheknowledge.org. Courses are free, offer a certificate of completion, with yearly membership options aalso available for purchase to gain access to other HealtheKnowledge resources and earn unlimited CE credits.

View Courses

Need help setting up your HealtheKnowledge account? Check out our how-to guide.

Making A Difference

Region 6 welcomes Quinetta Womack as new Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Behavioral Health in Louisiana!

Please help us welcome Quinetta Womack, LPC, LAC-CCS, CCGC, as the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for Office of Behavioral Health (OBH). Mrs. Womack has worked within OBH for over 20 years and has served in many capacities during her tenure. She previously served as the Director of Clinical Operations, in which she was responsible for statewide oversight of planning, implementation and execution of programs and practices for Substance Use Disorders. She also served as the Director of Children/Youth Best Practices Division, Director of Treatment Services and the Director of Workforce Development. In addition, she has worked in the field of behavioral health for over thirty years and has served as the elected National Regional Representative for the Women’s Services Network - National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) and the National Treatment Network (TNT) representative at the Federal level.

She was responsible for implementing and leading the creation of the first State Opioid Response Hub and Spoke Model in Louisiana and the first Women’s Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Restoration program for pregnant women and children, and lead the pursue of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder with Department of Corrections. Quinetta’s motivation, passion and drive is derived from serving people with a purpose. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Addiction Counselor/Clinical Supervisor (LAC-CCS) and a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor (CCGC). She has a versatile background in behavioral health and working with diverse populations. Please join us in welcoming Quinetta.

We want to showcase the incredible people of Region 6! If you or someone you know is Making a Difference in our region, please send us an email at southsouthwest@mhttcnetwork.org for a chance to be featured in our next newsletter!