WAFCA Summer Registration Opens 6/1

• (Part 1 of 2) Psychopharmacology and Alternatives for Mental Health Disorders
  

The release of interesting, approved psychiatric medications has slowed considerably in the last few years. Pharmaceutical companies continue to focus on trying to find the next Prozac, but progress is slow. In the 2 hours of part 1, we will discuss the placebo effect and treatment adherence, client age and culture, and pharmacogenetic testing. We will then explore the latest research about antidepressants, including ketamine; and antipsychotics.

At the end of this webinar, participants will:

1. have reviewed the basic understanding of chemical treatments of depression and psychosis
2. be introduced to data concerning compliance with treatment and pharmacogenetic testing
3. learn about the possible new directions in treating depression and suicidality

• Part 2 of 2) Psychopharmacology and Alternatives for Mental Health Disorders
  

In part 2 of this webinar on psychopharmacology we will look at drugs to treat bipolar disorder, substance abuse, ADHD, and some alternative medications in mental health, including street drugs. Throughout both part 1 and part 2, we will look at side effects and how people may misinterpret them as behavior problems.

At the end of this webinar, participants will:

1. become familiar with pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder and substance use
2. understand the fundamental differences of treatments for ADHD
3. know how alternative medications and street drugs fit into psychiatric treatment research

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a well-established, empirically supported treatment for helping individuals who experience recurrent, complex emotional and behavioral problems with a special emphasis on reducing self-destructive behaviors. DBT provides a comprehensive philosophy, intervention framework, and set of practical skills that youth with various behavioral health difficulties can benefit from. DBT has been adapted for use with adolescents in outpatient, inpatient, and school settings and is known to be effective in reducing a wide range of psychiatric problems. This workshop will provide participants with a foundational understanding of the DBT philosophical principles and framework for approaching one’s work with youth presenting with multiple challenging issues. Participants will practice the core philosophy of balancing change and acceptance while also learning the foundational goals of teaching each of the four skill sets of DBT. In addition to providing an overview of the four skill areas, participants will be engaged in a deeper exploration and application of selected interpersonal and distress tolerance skills deemed to be particularly important to supporting/ treating youth in residential and child welfare/justice system environments. The workshop will use a variety of case examples, small and large group discussions, and application exercises to bring the concepts and skills to life for participants. Participants will leave this workshop with a foundational understanding of how to integrate DBT principles and select skills into their work with youth. It is designed to enhance one’s comfort and skills for supporting youth with a variety of behavioral health problems.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. explain how acceptance and change are used to effectively treat youth with complex behavioral health problems
2. describe the foundational skills of DBT and their application to treating youth problems
3. teach and support a youth’s use of at least one interpersonal and one distress tolerance skill

• Accurately identify a Veteran
• Assess for Veteran specific issues
• Identify signature injuries of war
  
• Talk about DD214’s
• Know why discharge status is so important 
• Identify your role in preventing Veteran suicide
• Directly contribute to ending Veteran homelessness
• Link Veterans to additional assistance and resources
• Incorporate harm reduction techniques to reduce risky behaviors may engage in due to issues of complex trauma and substance use disorders