From Assessment to Access: A Comprehensive Approach to Co-Occurring Disorders

Course Description:

This presentation provides an in-depth exploration of co-occurring disorders, where substance use and mental health conditions intersect. Participants will gain foundational knowledge on defining co-occurring disorders, identifying common mental health conditions and their associated substance use patterns, and utilizing effective screening tools for assessment.
Additionally, the session will address key barriers to treatment, including stigma, systemic challenges, and access to care. A special focus will be placed on integrated treatment approaches, emphasizing the importance of combining therapeutic interventions with medically assisted treatment to enhance recovery outcomes.
Through a collaborative discussion, attendees will explore strategies for improving integrated care and supporting individuals on their healing journey. This course is designed for healthcare professionals, counselors, and anyone working in behavioral health settings seeking to enhance their understanding and approach to co-occurring disorders.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will be well-versed in the DSM-5 TR diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder and five additional mental health disorders. Attendees will also be able to determine the difference between a substance-induced diagnosis and co-occurring diagnoses and implement various screening tools for assessment and progress in treatment.
2. Attendees will be able to identify effective evidenced-based treatment modalities.
3. Attendees will be able to identify and assist clients in overcoming barriers to treatment.

FREE for APNC Members – $20 for Non-Members

Speakers:

Elizabeth Clark, LCSW, LCAS, is a dedicated social worker with nine years of experience in the nonprofit sector specializing in trauma and substance use disorders. As a 2017 graduate of Syracuse University with a Master’s in Social Work, Elizabeth is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Florida and North Carolina and is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. Throughout her career, she has worked to support individuals in overcoming complex challenges, with a strong commitment to providing trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment. Elizabeth has spent the last four years of her career in nonprofit leadership in the Outpatient setting. Through empathy and understanding, Elizabeth creates a safe environment to foster clinical development and growth.

With over nine years of experience, Laura Love-Garza specializes in working with individuals facing primary substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes a trauma-informed approach to help patients in their healing journey.Laura earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Olivet Nazarene University in 2015 and went on to complete her Master of Social Work at Winthrop University in 2017. Throughout her career, she has primarily worked in outpatient settings, fostering a collaborative and holistic approach by integrating therapy with medically assisted treatment. She believes in empowering individuals to reach their goals through a strong therapeutic alliance, offering guidance and support with empathy and understanding. Driven by curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning, Laura embraces growth and exploration in her professional practice. One of her favorite quotes encapsulates her philosophy: “You cannot demand change, only inspire.”

*This training is pending 1.5 hours of CE credit approval by NCASPPB, NAADAC and NCHEC (CHES/MCHES). 

Meet APNC’s Lobbyists

Logan Martin

Skyline Strategies, LLC

Prior to co-founding Skyline Strategies, LLC., Logan worked in house for a service provider association doing legislative and policy work surrounding foster care, mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse disorders. Before transitioning to that role, Logan worked within the state legislature as a Policy Advisor to the Senior Appropriations Chairman Nelson Dollar, where he worked on a variety of policy topics including health care, pensions and retirement, judiciary, finance, education, and alcohol reform. Prior to that he worked for the majority whip, Representative Jon Hardister, as a research assistant handling issues surrounding labor, finance, education, and redistricting. He has also managed multiple political campaigns for members of the state legislature since his graduation from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he received his bachelor’s degree in political science.

Andrew Kessler

Slingshot Solutions, LLC

Andrew D. Kessler, JD, is founder and principal of Slingshot Solutions LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in behavioral health policy. With 20 years of policy experience- and over a decade in behavioral health- Kessler is a fixture in circles that advocate for substance abuse treatment, prevention, recovery, and research. He collaborates frequently with congressional offices, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and other federal actors. He is a frequent contributor to Politico, The Hill, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Weekly.

Kessler has written legislation and report language published by both the House and Senate, and has presented orally before such bodies as the Scientific Management Review Board, the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and the National Conference on Addictive Disorders. He is highly sought after as a speaker on substance abuse policy, as well as on advocacy training. He has presented on these subjects around the nation, and on several webinars as well.