Co-occurring disorders, involving both substance use and mental health issues, can lead to severe functional impairment, worse treatment outcomes, higher mortality, and increased risks for homelessness, incarceration, and suicide. Many individuals with these disorders have also experienced trauma, making it essential for providers to not only assess for co-occurring disorders but also screen for trauma and use a trauma-informed approach in treatment. However, providers often feel underprepared to address both issues, which can create barriers to effective care. This training is designed to help clinical providers develop the necessary skills to understand and treat trauma and co-occurring disorders. The first part of this training will focus on exploring the complex links between substance use, mental health disorders, and traumatic experiences. The second part of this training will focus on developing trauma-informed competencies clinicians need to work with co-occurring disorders effectively.
The target audience for this training includes substance use services clinicians, counsellors, and others providing clinical services across the BSAS continuum of care.
At the end of this training participants should be able to:
- Explain what co-occurring disorders are and identify possible interactions with substance use
- Describe the relationship between trauma and co-occurring disorders
- Exhibit at least three basic trauma-informed competencies needed to work with co-occurring disorders
- Identify at least three evidence-based practices used to treat trauma and co-occurring disorders
We have submitted applications for LADC, MH, and SW CEUs for this training.
Audience
substance use services clinicians, counsellors, and others providing clinical services across the BSAS continuum of care
