ARC Prevention Education Webinars

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2025 Winter Webinar Series

Wednesdays January 15th - February 5th 11:30am - 1:00pm

CEUs available for purchase until February 8th. Register for free below.

free viewing available until 1/22/2025

January 15th - Exploring Resilience: A Tri-faceted Perspective 

Presented by Dr. Mary Darden- Robinson

Session Description:

Join us for an engaging training session that addresses the critical challenges surrounding access to behavioral healthcare, a pressing issue that has persisted despite the rising need for mental health and substance use support. Recent data reveals that approximately one in three Americans experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, while over 9.2 million individuals aged 12 and older reported misusing opiates in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic has further strained an already limited mental health system, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions. Since the emergency declaration on March 13, 2020, by President Trump, the demand for mental health services has soared, yet access remains hindered by a shortage of qualified providers, particularly in rural areas. In fact, a 2022 report identified over 6,300 mental health provider shortage areas across the nation, with projections indicating a shortfall of nearly 27,000 mental health counselors by 2025. 

This training session aims to explore these challenges and validate the vital importance of training, coaching, and mentoring within the behavioral health workforce. Through interactive discussions and innovative strategies, participants will gain insights into creative therapeutic approaches designed to enhance access and improve service delivery.  This session is ideal for mental health professionals, administrators, educators, and anyone passionate about expanding access to behavioral healthcare. Join us as we collaborate to develop solutions that will empower the behavioral health workforce and make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve! 

Learning Objectives: 

Objective #1:  Define resilience and explain at least one foundational/historical belief associated with the topic. 

Objective #2: Identify at least two manners in which a helper can assist an individual in building upon their own personal resilience. 

Objective #3: Recall three key elements of organizational resilience. 

Presenter Bio:

Dr. Mary Darden-Robinson is a licensed therapist and administrator with over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance use in Hampton Roads, VA. She specializes in overall wellness using an eclectic approach based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Her clinical experience includes working with underserved populations and various settings, including residential and community programs. Dr. Darden-Robinson holds multiple certifications, including Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP), and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). She is also a clinical supervisor, trainer, supervisor, author, and consultant.  She earned a Bachelor’s in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University, a Master’s in Community Counseling from Norfolk State University, and a Doctor of Psychology from Walden University.

January 22nd - Polysubstance Use During the Opioid Crisis

Presented by Debbie Gray

Session DescriptioN:

Rural areas of the United States have been disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic. To improve treatment outcomes in rural, as well as urban settings, polysubstance use is increasingly recognized as an important determinant. Recent research suggests that for many individuals living with addiction, particularly those with opioid use disorder, polysubstance use is the norm rather than the exception (Cicero et al., 2020; Peppin et al., 2020; Mahoney 3rd et al., 2021; Palamar et al., 2018). In this presentation, participants will learn about the latest research of polysubstance use during the Opioid crisis and acquire targeted clinical interventions tailored to communities impacted the most by the Opioid crisis.

Learning Objectives:

Objective #1: The participant will be able to summarize the most common scenarios of polysubstance during the Opioid crisis.

Objective #2: The participant will be able to apply 4 strategies for openly discussing the risks of polysubstance and Opioid use disorder, including harm reduction strategies and Medication Assisted Treatment.

Objective #3: The participant will be able to provide evidence-based clinical interventions tailored for rural communities.

Presenter Bio:

Debbie Gray is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work.  She grew up in Anoka, MN and has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bethel University and a master’s degree in social work from University of IL at Chicago. She is currently working on her MBA in healthcare management. She has been in the helping profession for over 20 years and is an accomplished clinical helping professional with broad expertise in addictions, mental health, child welfare, clinical supervision, and program development.  Debbie is the Regional Director in Minnesota for Behavioral Health Group. She is an enthusiastic professional with background affecting positive patient outcomes, finding creative solutions to administrative issues and interacting with diverse personalities.

January 29th - E-Motions in Recovery 

Presented by Gwendolyn Bammel

Session Description:

Emotional reactions often lead to relapse. Learn how to help clients manage and understand each emotion, how to utilize that emotion, and how to change the emotion.

Learning Objectives:

Objective #1: Participants will learn each emotion, it's purpose, and how to utilize that emotion effectively.

Objective #2: Participants will learn about somatic experiencing of each emotion and how to let the emotion move through their body as well as how to change the emotion when needed.

Objective #3: Participants will learn about "carried" emotions and how to prevent panic attacks, rage attacks, helplessness attacks, and shame attacks

Presenter Bio:

Gwendolyn entered this field in 2000 with a passion for helping others find healing. As a Trauma Specialist with an inner child and EMDR approach; she helps clients find resolution to the issues that fuel their continued addiction. Gwendolyn is the Manager at Ascension Eastwood Recovery Center, a residential program for indigent men, where most clients have COD, abuse/neglect/trauma, unstable work and housing, criminal records, and limited resources. Eastwood provides holistic care where clients find a path to healing. The spiritual changes are profound, and the alumni continue to carry the message of Hope to clients in the program.

February 5th - HOLIDAY SEASON DEPRESSION & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Presented by Kevin McCarthy 

Session Description: 

An overview of Triggers, relapse warning signs, and Symptoms to look out for during the Holiday Seasons. Recommendations for intervention strategies, and coping skills for depression and substance use disorders. Coping skills Intervention strategies and Coping skills presented will focus on how to help clients manage seasonal depression and environmental triggers during the holiday season or during early recovery from substances.

Learning Objectives:

Objective #1: Understanding the role that Epi-Genetics and Family plays in seasonal depression during the Holidays.

Objective #2: Understanding historical triggers and relapse symptoms in early recovery and during the holiday seasons.

Objective #3: Understanding and being able to present client's with coping strategies that will help them respond to depressive symptoms and historical triggers during the holidays.

Objective #4: Understanding the role of Community and Family based supports plays in relapse prevention during the Holidays.

Objective #5: Relapse prevention planning and intervention choices.

Presenter Bio:

Kevin J. McCarthy BAMSW LICSW(He/Him/His) is a licensed independent clinical social worker, Psycho-therapist and Consultant who specializes in assisting people with co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use disorders find their pathway to recovery. He is the Clinical Coordinator for Substance Addiction Services at Eliot Community Human Services and serves as board president of The Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery. A board member of the Heading Home Inc. non-profit homeless resource organization, Kevin is a person with lived experience. As a part-time trainer and consultant for Human In Common of Northampton MA, he considers himself a social worker for social justice and DEI changemaker in the human service industry.

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