Treating Trauma and Addiction
2 Free Continuing Education Credits
AGENDA
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM : Registration and light refreshments
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM : Presentations
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM : Questions and discussion
Course Overview
The treatment of Substance Use Disorders requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses a range of underlying concerns. For many clients, a history of trauma can lead to a series of challenges in approaching initial harm reduction and maintenance of lasting change or sobriety. This training will address implementation of Trauma-Informed Care in Substance Use Disorder treatment, ways in which trauma can lead to the onset and exacerbation of SUDs, and methods for effectively addressing trauma with clients in SUD treatment.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this is-depth presentation, you will be able to:
• To improve understanding of what constitutes trauma.
• To develop understating of how trauma leads to substance use and other mental health outcomes.
• To improve awareness of and capacity for implementing evidence-based trauma interventions
• To develop a strong understanding of Trauma-Informed Care and how to implement such in a SUD treatment setting.
About the Presenter: Alex Helfer, LPC, LMHC, LADC, CASAC 2
Alexandra holds a Master of Science in Counselor Education, with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Alexandra has worked in the substance abuse field for 13 years in both a clinical and administrative capacity. As Managing Director, she is charged with creating a true integrative health model of treatment for Mountainside. With a strong understanding of client needs, she develops and oversees execution of new and effective treatment modalities into programming for every level of care. She is a firm believer in the person-centered approach to behavioral health treatment and ensures opportunities for client empowerment are woven into all clients’ experience. Throughout Mountainside’s continuum of care, Alex is responsible for program expansion, accreditation, corporate compliances and quality assurance.
About the Presenter: Adam Birkenstock, LCSW
Adam Birkenstock is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who oversees the clinical operations at the heart of LICADD’s mission, providing support, guidance, and oversight to each member of the clinical team. He provides supervision and training to staff members, drawing from his years of experience as a direct service worker in an OASAS setting to help his clinicians make appropriate referrals and provide effective care. Adam also coordinates with treatment agencies across Long Island to ensure all individuals contacting LICADD are accessing quality care at facilities that can help them on the path to recovery, and maintains contact with communities across the island combatting the epidemic of drug use. When he’s not meeting with professionals, educating clinicians and communities, or assisting his team in their work, you’ll find him on the phones at LICADD and in session with clients seeking help. The mission of LICADD calls on staff to engage on all levels to aid our communities in healing from drug and alcohol addiction – Adam is dedicated to that mission.