The Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery provides assistance to the New York City mental health provider community through expert trainings, focused technical assistance, evaluation, information dissemination and special projects.

Center News

The Coalition has Changed it’s Name

To more accurately reflect our membership and to better serve them, we have changed our name to The Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc.  The Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery’s name remains unchanged.  Our new web address is www.coalitionny.org. Email has also changed: samename@coalitionny.org.

Coalition’s Center: Comprehensive Benefits Training

We are still accepting registrations for the November 14th-17th training to be held at the Coalition’s 90 Broad Street offices from 9am-4pm. This training is designed as an in-depth follow up to our Basic Benefits Training.

This intensive 4 day training with Ed Lopez, Esq. is designed for staff delivering benefits counseling in various mental health settings to both expand existing knowledge and acquire effective strategies to better assist consumers:

• Learn the skills necessary to utilize work incentives towards career development
• Obtain knowledge on how legislative changes affect consumers
• Acquire the fundamental skills to act as an advocate in your current role
• Enhance the ability of consumers to participate in their recovery process
• Apply newly acquired systems knowledge through case studies

*Fee: $160 per person (Reduced from $205)

*Should this cost prove prohibitive to your agency’s participation, please contact Alysia Pascaris, the Center’s Director at 212-742-1600, ext 201 (the fee for this training represents the Centers $40 per day training fee).

To view all of our Fall/Winter 2006-2007 trainings and to download a registration form, please visit: http://www.coalitionny.org/ccrr/seminars/documents/CCRRTrainingOverviewFallWinter2006.pdf

Coalition’s Center: Core Competencies Training: Introduction to Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Recovery

We are still accepting registrations for the November 1st-2nd training to be held at the Coalition’s 90 Broad Street offices from 9am-4pm.

This 2 day training is designed for front-line staff working in community support

programs requiring basic knowledge in psychiatric rehabilitation, the role of

treatment, and evidence-based practices. The two-day module includes:

• An overview of mental health and mental illness

• History of mental illness treatment
• Information on psychiatric rehabilitation, recovery and resilience

• Discussion of the values and guiding principles of psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery and how these translate for individual consumers, service providers, programs and mental health systems

*Fee: $80 per person

*Should this cost prove prohibitive to your agency’s participation, please contact Alysia Pascaris, the Center’s Director at 212-742-1600, ext 201 (the fee for this training represents the Center’s $40 per day training fee).

To view all of our Fall/Winter 2006-2007 trainings and to download a registration form, please visit: http://www.coalitionny.org/ccrr/seminars/documents/CCRRTrainingOverviewFallWinter2006.pdf

Coalition’s Center: Youth Initiative Update

Our Youth Initiative Workgroup held its inaugural meeting on September 27th.  We are happy to share that the 15 participants represented a wide-array of youth services providers and government agencies each with a strong vested interest in the welfare of SED transition age youth.  This work group is being held in conjunction with our ongoing Youth Initiative and Transition to Independence Process (TIP) trainings for the purpose of sharing ideas and perspectives on the challenges facing this population.  The Coalition’s Center is thrilled to be the first to offer this cutting-edge, evidence-based approach to the New York City provider community. For more information about the work group, contact Dr. Amy Smiley, the Center’s Youth Consultant at asmiley@coalitionny.org.

On October 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th, the Center will deliver the final phase of our TIP trainings: Problem Solving and Decision making to approximately 100 participants. Registration is closed for these trainings.

Following the conclusion of our TIP trainings, the Center will provide on-site technical assistance to a maximum of six agencies seeking to implement the TIP system. Thank you to all the agencies that submitted proposals. Site selections will be announced shortly.  For more information about our Youth Initiative, please visit: http://www.coalitionny.org/ccrr/seminars/youth_initiative.html

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Boston University’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation: Audio Conference Educational Series on Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Fall 2006

Boston University's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is offering three audio conferences for mental health and rehabilitation professionals, education support staff, program administrators, public health policy makers, mental health consumers, and family members: Health and Hope: Helping People Live Optimally in Their Communities Through Health Promotion Services on Wed., Nov. 8, 2006, 1:00 - 2:30 pm., Reclaiming Lives: Evidence for Improvement and Recovery in Schizophrenia on Wed., Nov. 15, 2006, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, and Psychiatric Rehabilitation: Philosophical and Evidence Base, Wed., Nov. 29, 2006, 1:00 - 2:30 pm EST.  For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.bu.edu/cpr/training/audioconferences/index.html or contact Joan via email at joanrapp@bu.edu.

Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies: Medicare Part D Trainings

There are a number of changes planned for Medicare Part D in 2007.  In New York State there will be 61 standalone plans in 2007, 15 plans more than last year.  Additionally, low income benchmark plans have decreased from 15 in 2006 to 13 for 2007. Some LIS beneficiaries will be auto-enrolled in new plans, and some will see increases in premiums.  Providers who work with dual eligible and low income subsidy beneficiaries will need to pay close attention to this continually evolving benefit. To learn more about these changes, the Coalition is offering:

Medicare Part D Breakfasts on:

Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 9:00am – 10:30am,

Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 9:00am – 10:30am

Tuesday, December 19, 2006, 9:00am – 10:30am

Following a quick review of what Medicare Part D is about and updates on the latest news, this is an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to you and your clients.  A light breakfast will be served.

Washington Legislative Update  

November 20, 2006, 9:30am – 10:30am

Medicare Part D and Other Benefits Training

Wednesday, December 13, 2006, - 2:00pm – 4:00pm

For more information and to register, please visit:  http://www.coalitionny.org/medicare_ptd/PartDFallSched2006.html.

National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter (NASW-NYC):

1. Combating Anxiety and Depression: Strategies that Work

This 3 hour presentation will show how social workers can better serve consumers through knowledge of neurobiological discoveries and the practical implications for treating clients with depression, anxiety, and other common maladies. Some of the treatments addressed will include bright light treatment, sleep hygiene, and exercise. This event will take place at the NASW-NYC Chapter office, 50 Broadway, 10th Fl., New York, NY on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 6:00pm to 9:00pm. For more information visit: http://www.naswnyc.org/ce.htm

2. Neurobiology for Social Workers: What You Need to Know About the Brain

This 3 hour workshop provides a basic overview of the brain, including brain chemistry, anatomy and physiology. This knowledge can enhance a clinician’s ability to help their clients with facilitating diagnosis, treatment decision-making, and psychoeducation of the client and family members. Such knowledge is invaluable when working with clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, bipolar illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and other brain-based mental illnesses. This event will take place at the NASW-NYC Chapter office, 50 Broadway, 10th Fl., New York, NY on Monday, October 23, 2006, 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

For more information visit: http://www.naswnyc.org/ce.htm

NYU School of Social Work: Expanding the Vision: Recovery as the New Paradigm in Mental Health:

This conference to be hosted by the NYU School of Social Work on Friday, November 3rd, 9:00am-1:00pm, NYU Kimmel Center, Room 802, will provide an overview of the recovery approach and ways to incorporate this approach into social work practice, policies, and education.  Attention will also be paid to the origins and development of the recovery model, distinguishing between types of recovery, how they differ from traditional approaches to care, and learning how consumers view traditional mental health treatment in comparison to the recovery model. For more information, please visit:

http://www.nyu.edu/socialwork/ce-expandingvision.pdf

Service Program for Older People (SPOP): East Meets West: Integrating Alternative Therapies in Mental Health Treatment

SPOP presents the first of its Educational Seminar Series. This is a free training opportunity for professionals in the geriatrics community and all who work with seniors.  It will be held on October 19th at SPOP, 302 West 91st Street, from 9:30 -11:00 AM. Advance registration is requested. For information call 212-787-7120 ext. 515 or online at www.spop.org.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration( SAMHSA):  Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Associated with Mental Illness (ADS Center) — Archived Training Teleconference Calls

The SAMHSA Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Associated with Mental Illness (ADS Center) is working to counter stigma, and has hosted a number of training teleconferences that provide information to health professionals and consumers on this topic. To access archived teleconferences, please visit: http://www.stopstigma.samhsa.gov/archtel.htm

Training Resource Network (TRN): Job Coaching Web Course

TRN is offering a 2-week, 20-hour web-based training covering key principles and tools for effective job design, instructional and behavioral support strategies, and the development of natural and co-worker supports. The fee for this training is $149. To register, please visit: https://www.secure-online.com/trn/SSL/trncourseregistration3b.asp

United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA): Role of Spirituality in Wellness Management Training
 
This web-based training to be held on Wednesday, November 8th from 1-4pm, focuses on the difference between religion and spirituality health, the role religion and spirituality plays in recovery, and how those working with people in recovery can learn how to address this topic and deal with their own issues related to religion and spirituality.  For more information and to register, visit: http://www.uspra.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=3918

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News Briefs and Events

Case Managers and Service Coordinators of Greater Rochester (CMSCGR):

True to our Mission: Housing, Case Management, and Service Coordination Conference

On November 1st-2nd at the Conference Center Niagara Falls, CMSCGR will host a conference focused on housing, leadership development as well as a number of behavioral health topics.  Direct line-staff, middle, and upper managers are all encouraged to attend.  For more information and to register, please visit:

http://www.flcasas.com/images/true_to_our_mission_Nov1-2Conference.pdf

Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies: Annual Big Apple Circus Fundraiser

The Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies Inc. invites you to join us at the Big Apple Circus on November 8, 2006 at 6:30pm, Damrasch Park, West 63rd St at Lincoln Center.   All proceeds from this event benefit The Coalition. To order tickets and view sponsorship options, please visit: http://www.coalitionny.org/special_events/big_apple_circus/.

If you have additional questions, contact Pat Gallo-Goldstein at 212-742-1600, ext. 106

Hawthorne Cedar Knolls and The Martha K. Selig Institute of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS): From Trauma to Healing: The Transformative Power of Relationships

This symposium is part of the year-long celebration of the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls centennial. Featured speakers include Alvin F. Poussaint, MD, Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and national advocate for children and Kenneth V. Hardy, PhD, Leading expert in family therapy and diversity, Saul Z. Cohen Chair in Child and Family Mental Health/JBFCS. This free event will take place on Friday, November 10, 2006, McGraw Hill Auditorium, 1221 Avenue of the Americas (at 49th Street), New York, New York, 8:30 am to noon.  Breakfast will be served. RSVP via email or fax. Include your name, organization, phone number and email and send to: traumatohealing@jbfcs.org or fax to communications dept. @ (212) 977-5956.

New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH): Researchers Awarded $2.25 Million  NIMH Grant for Children’s Services Research Center

Researchers at the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) have been awarded a five year, $2.25 million grant from the National Institute for Mental Health, to establish the first research center on children's mental health to be funded within a state mental health authority. The primary goal of the Children's Services Research Center will be to improve knowledge about effective ways to implement and sustain evidence-based clinical services for children within New York's community-based mental health system. For more information, please visit: http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/news/pr_childrens_research_center.html

Presentation by Patricia Deegan, PhD: 'Recovery: Values to Practice"

On Thursday, October 19th, 2-5pm, Hunter School of  Social Work, 129 East 79th Street (between Park and Lexington), 10th Floor Conference Room, consumer advocate and consultant Dr. Patricia Deegan will present on the everyday challenges of recovery-oriented practice, including practical recommendations to overcome barriers and transform mental health culture. This event is free. To RSVP, please call the NAMI Helpline at 212.684.3264.  This event is co-sponsored by ACL, Community Access, NAMI-NYC Metro, and NYAPRS.

The 21st Alternatives Conference: People with Mental Illnesses to Act on President's New Freedom Commission Themes

The 21st Alternatives Conference, the only national mental health conference organized by and for people mental illnesses, will be held from October 25 to 29, 2006, at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel in Portland, Oregon. This year’s theme — “Blazing the Trail to Recovery Through Transformation” — echoes the report of the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health: “Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America.” “The report notes that mental health systems must be transformed to promote recovery, and Alternatives 2006 will focus on recovery and systems transformation. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.alternatives2006.org/

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Publications and Reports

American Psychological Association (APA): Critical Gaps in Evidence for Current Treatment of Children’s Behavioral and Mental Health Problems

Limited access to services for children and adolescents with behavioral problems or mental illness often leads to inadequate care and treatment based on insufficient scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness according to this September 2006 report by the APA Working Group on Psychotropic Medications for Children and Adolescents.  Gaps in the scientific knowledge concerning which treatments work best for specific diagnoses and patients, a dearth of clinicians specifically trained to work with children, cuts in Medicaid funding, and poor reimbursement for mental health services leads to many children being treated with medication despite limited efficacy and safety for their use particularly with children. To read the full report, please visit: http://www.apa.org/releases/PsychotropicMedicationsReport.pdf

Psychiatric Services, A journal of the American Psychiatric Association(APA): Focus on Employment

Several articles in the October 2006 issue (Vol. 57, No. 10) focus on workforce participation. In the lead article, Judith Cook, Ph.D., describes barriers to employment and offers recommendations for addressing them. Additionally, two studies showed that assertive community treatment programs and clubhouse programs that delivered supported employment services could achieve employment rates comparable to those of evidence-based supported employment teams. The fourth article describes strategies used by specialists in supported employment programs to help clients cope with cognitive impairments. To read these abstracts and to subscribe, visit:

http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/current.shtml#THIS_MONTH_S_HIGHLIGHTS

Social Security Advisory Board: A Disability System for the 21st Century

The Board issued a new report in September 2006 examining disability systems, trends in disability expenditures, number of beneficiaries, as well as related health care and employment issues.  To read this report, please visit:

 http://www.ssab.gov/documents/disability-system-21st.pdf

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): New Brochure: Drugs, Alcohol and HIV/AIDS: A Consumer Guide

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment recently released English- and

Spanish-language versions of a new brochure, Drugs, Alcohol and HIV/AIDS:

A Consumer Guide. The brochure is for substance abuse treatment clients who may be involved in risky behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS. To order free copies, contact SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI). Ask for publication order number PHD1126 (English) or  PHD1134 (Spanish). Phone: 800-729-6686.  For more information, visit:  www.ncadi.samhsa.gov

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth: The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A workbook for youth with disabilities

This workbook directed toward youth provides expertise on disclosing a disability, the challenges associated with the decision to disclose, and how that decision can affect education, employment, social interactions and personal confidence. To download the workbook, visit:

 http://www.ncwd-youth.info/assets/guides/411/411_Disability_Disclosure_complete.pdf

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