Behavioral Health Professional Development

This presentation will introduce the behavioral health disparities work that the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) have been conducting. An introduction into behavioral health disparities, with a focus on why this work is so crucial now. There will then be an overview of the research and the action plan that has been conducted with the public mental health system. Finally, a brief discussion of direct service needs and the important roles that social workers should be playing in this work.

Syringe access services are often the entry point for further treatment, and one of the best tools we have to end the overdose crisis, writes NASW-New Jersey Executive Director Jennifer Thompson.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) affect individuals and families across social work practice settings and systems of care — but they can be prevented. Learn more about FASD, strategies for preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEP), and models for FASD-informed care. CDC offers free, online learning modules for busy practitioners who serve women who may be at risk of AEP, or individuals living with an FASD. Continuing education credits available.

Proliferation in the use of the terminology around behavioral mental health suggests, on one hand, an emerging field of service that integrates psychiatric, substance abuse, and related services. On the other hand, this development also raises questions about the coherence of this approach. This review explores the history, definitional issues, current trends, and available data on the impact of this field.

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NASW members, join your colleagues and NASW staff for a free question and answer session, held every third Wednesday of the month from January through November, from noon to 1 pm ET.