Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) and Psychosis: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

Presented by: 

Anish Shah, MD, Psychiatrist

NEW DATE: Friday, April 7, 2023

9:00 am - 12:15 pm

Zoom

Qualifies for 3.0 CEs (3 hours of instruction with one 15-minute break)

Note: This event was originally planned for January. You will need to re-register for this event if you had previously registered in January under one of the "free" registration levels. If you registered under a "paid" registration level, your registration was transferred or refunded per our communication to you in January. Please contact us at therapy@recamft.org with any questions.

Course Description         

This presentation will include how to evaluate and treat treatment resistant depression and associated psychosis. Most studies suggest that about 10%–30% of patients with clinical depression do not improve or show a partial response coupled with functional impairment, poor quality of life, suicide ideation and attempts, self-injurious behavior, and a high relapse rate. Treatment resistant depression is a complicated psychiatric issue which has a significant cost in our society when it comes to economic and social factors.

The pathology is difficult to treat with standard treatment. It requires a novel treatment approach and comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment involving addressing all psychosocial factors with evidence based psychotherapy. Our patients with repeated episodes of depression, bipolar disorder, elderly population, women , severe chronic pain and sleep problems are especially vulnerable to TRD.

Psychotic depression, or major depressive disorder with psychotic features, is a serious illness during which a person experiences the combination of depressed mood and psychosis, with the psychosis commonly manifesting itself as nihilistic or somatic-type delusions.

In the STOP-PD study, the diagnosis of psychotic depression was missed 27% of the time, which was likely a conservative estimate because patients with comorbid conditions, such as substance abuse in the past three months, or unstable medical conditions were excluded.

In the United States, despite the APA practice guideline recommending the combination of an antidepressant and antipsychotic for the acute treatment of psychotic depression since 2000 , studies have shown that only 5% of patients with psychotic depression receive an adequate combination of an antidepressant and an antipsychotic. Up your game with this fascinating 3 hour presentation! 

Learning Objectives

1. Evaluate clients for Treatment Resistant Depression and Psychosis.
2. Describe the Biological Theory of Clinical Depression and Psychosis.
3. Understand Psychopharmacological Treatment of Clinical Depression and Psychosis.
4. Understand Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Clinical Depression: Theory and Treatment approach.
5. Describe a novel approach with Ketamine for Treatment resistant depression.

RSVP here.  Please note that once you have RSVP'ed for this event you will receive a link to register for the Zoom Meeting. You must complete this second step to gain access to your personal Zoom-join link to access the event.

About Anish Shah, MD, Psychiatrist

Dr. Anish Shah, MD has been a practicing psychiatrist in Northern California for 19 years, gaining experience in several behavioral health settings, including Lake County Mental Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Sonoma County Mental Health. In addition to direct patient care, I also served as the Medical Director of Napa State Hospital before launching his practice in 2012. As the Medical Director at Napa State Hospital, he led a staff of 220 medical professionals and managed a $4 million medical services budget.

Currently, Dr. Shah is the CEO and Medical Director of Siyan Clinical Corporation (SCC) located in Santa Rosa, California. Established initially as a solo private practice, SCC has since grown into one of the largest psychiatric practices north of San Francisco with ten clinicians (three psychiatrists, three therapists, and four mid-level providers) and more than 5,500 registered patients. The most substantial behavioral health concern among SCC's patient population is generalized anxiety disorder. In his leadership role, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with several leading experts in psychotherapy. This relationship with local providers, as well as an extensive patient database, will enables SCC to obtain valuable input that they can use in the development of a mobile application, ensuring a high-quality product that will genuinely benefit those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.

Dr. Shah has eight published papers in peer-reviewed journals on topics including bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, clinical depression, and opiate dependence treatment. He also has two publications, on chronic pain and overcoming wildfire trauma, in local magazines. Furthermore, he is active in the community as a behavioral health resource, providing behavioral health expertise upon request as well as continuing education programs in the prevention, treatment, and management of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and opiate dependence.

In addition, Dr. Shah has extensive experience as a researcher leading clinical trials. He served as the Principal Investigator for two Phase 3 clinical trials investigating therapeutic modalities for treating patients with major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. He is also currently the Principal Investigator for a study evaluating the efficacy of Vortioxetine in subjects with panic disorder.

Dr. Shah's Publications

1. Shah, A. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Law Enforcement Officers: A Review of Risk Factors and Current Trends in Treatment. Forte Journal of Neuroscience and Psychology. 2019 Nov 10;1(3).
2. Shah, A; Sheth, R. Traumatic Reactions after Wildfires: Common Reactions and Coping. Sonoma Medicine. 2018 Feb 23;69(1):29-32.
3. Shah, A; Northcutt, J. An open-label, flexible dose adaptive study evaluating the efficacy of Vortioxetine in subjects with panic disorder. Annals of General Psychiatry. 2018 May 11;17:19.
4. Shah, A; Kettner, A. Detection and Assessment of Malingering in Chronic Pain Patients. Marin Medicine. 2015 Nov 19;61(3):25-8.
5. Shah, A; Kettner, A. Malingering in Patients with Chronic Pain. Sonoma Medicine. 2015 Jul 5;66(3):15-8.
6. Shah, AS. A Review of the Role of Antipsychotics as an Augmentation Agent or Treatment Option for Patients with Treatment Resistant Unipolar Depression. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience. 2015 Jun;17(2):476-480.
7. Shah, AS; Young, J; Vieira, K. Long-term Suboxone Treatment and its Benefit on Long-Term Remission for Opiate Dependence. Journal of Psychiatry. 2014 Oct 15;17:6.
8. Shah, AS. The Role of Atypical Antipsychotic Therapy for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression. Journal of Psychiatry. 2014 Sep 30.;17:6.
9. Shah, A. Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Dependency. Sonoma Medicine. 2014 Jul 9;65(3):30-2.

Zoom Meeting. Requires pre-registration with Zoom; please make sure you register with Zoom with the link provided in your confirmation email.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT  (Provider #57173) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. 

• Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.

• Refunds: Refunds may be requested up to 7 days before the event by contacting therapy@recamft.org. No refunds are given beginning 7 days prior to the event. If a member cannot attend the event due to a mandatory evacuation or Public Safety Power Shut-off the day of the event, they can request and receive a refund with verification of address.

• CE Certificate: You must attend the entire presentation and complete a post test and an evaluation to receive your CE credit certificate. At the conclusion of this educational event, after confirming attendance, an email with a link to the test and evaluation form will be sent to all attendees who attended the online event. Once you complete and submit your evaluation, you will have immediate access and be able to print or save your CE Certificate. This course meets the qualifications for 3.0 hrs of continuing education (CE) credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

• Notice of recording: All of our CE events are recorded or filmed and may appear on our website. By participating in this event you may appear in that recording. By participating in this event you agree to be recorded/filmed and give permission for RECAMFT to use your likeness where it may appear on our website or in promotion/marketing materials.

• Grievances: Direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

Walk & Talk

for our Prelicensed Members. Students, Trainees and Associates are all welcome!! 

RECAMFT's 3000 Hour Club for Prelicensed Members next meets:

Friday, Apr. 7th, 2023
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Your hosts: Jessica Heaney, AMFT and Debbie Melmon, LMFT.

Your prelicensed event

Walk & Talk was designed to address the perceived need for students, trainees and associates to receive support, connection, guidance and case conceptualization outside of the supervision relationship. On the first Friday of each month, our prelicensed members are invited to meet with each other and guest RECAMFT LMFTs of various orientations, who offers their knowledge and wisdom, on a beautiful farm and garden on the edge of Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol. We sit together and check in for the first hour. In the second hour we hit the trail for a gentle walk in the park while discussing a member's case of interest. The combination of connection and movement in the beauty of nature creates an environment for growth and camaraderie. You can use Walk & Talk as a resource as it fits in your schedule / life (not a monthly commitment) and a way to meet prelicensed people in all stages, a place to share successes, challenges and find support.

• Location: Debbie’s Barn and office at 8325 Candy Apple Ln. Sebastopol, 95472.
• Register online for each session separately.
• Sessions meet on the first Friday of each month from 3:00-5:00pm.
• This group is not supervision or a replacement for supervision and CEs of any form, and “credit” is not available.
• Confidentiality is the cornerstone of safety. Everything discussed in the group, stays with the group and participants are asked to discuss the content of group ONLY in our group sessions.
• The nature trail we walk is sparsely populated, however, when we do encounter the public we suspend our conversation until we are once again out of ear shot of strangers.
• Specific names as well as identifying features of clients will not be used or discussed.
• Members are asked to bring all legal and ethical issues, as well as challenging cases and topics that may arise in Walk and Talk, to their supervisors for discussion and treatment planning.
• Members are asked to speak with the group leaders if something is said in group that is upsetting or confusing.
• We practice our active listening and effective communication skills, we refrain from advise giving and cross talk and encourage inquiry and input from our own experiences.

Come join new and old friends, goats, chickens, dogs and wilderness for an informal consultation - it may be the best therapy yet!

Your hosts

Coordinated by RECAMFT Prelicensed Director at Large Jessica Heaney, AMFT and RECAMFT Outreach Chair Debbie Melmon, LMFT.

Register online here

Once RECAMFT registration is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation.
• Register for each event separately
• The 3000 Hour Club will meet on the first Friday monthly from January-June and Sept-Dec.
• You will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive it, please contact therapy@recamft.org.

Help us spread the word to other Prelicensed folks!

Please share this link with others:

• Apr. Walk & Talk https://www.recamft.org/event-4974791
• May Walk & Talk https://www.recamft.org/event-4974792

Event coordinators can be reached at RECAMFTPreLicensed@gmail.com

Upcoming 2023 Dates

Find more events here. 

Questions? therapy@recamft.org

Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

• Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.
• Grievances: Direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

APRIL BOARD MEETING

Join the RECAMFT Board of Directors for our monthly meeting, which is held the SECOND Friday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.  

All RECAMFT members are always welcome.

This meeting is held via Zoom. 

To join us, please register here! Registration is required.

The Zoom link for this meeting will be e-mailed to confirmed attendees before the meeting.

Please note, no continuing education credits available for board meetings.

Above Pride Flag was created by Microsoft and depicts 40 different communities' flags.

Calling all fiber artists, painters, crafters, quilters, woodworkers: Come one, come all!

Bring your work in progress to

RECAMFT's virtual crafting circle!

• Friday, April 14, 2023
• 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 
• Zoom Meeting

Please join us for this opportunity to socially connect with other RECAMFT members in this virtual crafting circle. Bring any project that you're currently working on to this relaxed atmosphere. We can't wait to meet your creative side!

You should receive a confirmation e-mail after registration that contains the Zoom link to join the Crafting Circle. If you do not receive a Zoom link, please e-mail recamftmembership@gmail.com

REGISTER HERE

Hosted by Tara D'Orazio, LMFT, Membership Chair

CE NOTICE: There are no CEs for this event.

RECAMFT Crafting Circles - 2nd Friday of the month

• January 13
• February 10
  
• March 10
  
• April 14
• May 12
• June 9

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy - Update on a Transformative Treatment Option

Course Description         

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is at the forefront of the psychedelic psychotherapy movement. When used under proper medical and therapeutic supervision, ketamine can provide near-immediate relief from emotional pain, while helping individuals look deeply into themselves. It has been shown to quickly help with Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) as well as chronic suicidal ideation. We find that ketamine’s healing potential is most effective when combined with psychotherapy from a trained provider. KAP can be a powerful tool to examine the unconscious processes that keep one stuck in negative and obsessive patterns.

KAP has been used to successfully treat PTSD, anxiety disorders, developmental trauma, phase of life issues, as well as helping clients navigate end of life and spiritual exploration. With careful attention to science, safety, and the individual needs of each client, KAP can lead to healing and transformation. This work can help clients transcend long-held narratives, feeling/mood states, and struggles that they may be having difficulty shifting with traditional psychotherapy and/or psychopharmacology. While there continues to be progress with clinical trials using psilocybin and MDMA to treat mental health disorders, ketamine is the psychedelic medicine that can currently be legally prescribed and supervised by trained, licensed professionals. Join the team at Evolve Mind Wellness in Sebastopol to learn more about this modality and how you can collaborate with psychedelic therapists to assist your clients in deepening their work.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Understand what Ketamine is and what role it has in mental health treatment
2. Become familiar with general principles of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and understand the values and philosophies embedded in psychedelic medicine work as they contrast with psychiatric prescribing and conventional therapies.
3. Be able to identify clients who may benefit from Ketamine and KAP
4. Be able to identify common contraindications for Ketamine treatment
5. Feel confident and comfortable explaining basics of KAP to clients and prescribers, and developing a relationship with prescriber.
6. Be able to discuss/identify issues in ethics and care delivery in psychedelic medicine.
7. Understand key indications for KAP and have realistic expectations for potential treatment outcomes.

RSVP here.  Please note that once you have RSVPd for this event you will receive a link to register for the Zoom Meeting. You must complete this second step to gain access to the event link.

About Our Speakers

German Ascani, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist, with a broad range of clinical expertise, having worked extensively over a decade in public and community mental health systems. He has experience in primary care and specialty clinics providing psychiatric consultation to serve diverse clinical populations across the full spectrum of mental health and illness. Dr. Ascani has particular interests in the potential for psychological, emotional and spiritual healing that new and emerging psychedelic medicines bring to the mental health field. He supports the safe use of these powerful transformative tools to open up a process of deep exploration, self-reflection and lasting growth.

German is a graduate of the University of California Davis School of Medicine. He completed his general psychiatric training at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California. He has a Masters of Science in Physiology from Georgetown University and a BA in psychology from the University of California at Berkeley. He has collaborated in the latest published research on Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). He also presently serves as co-faculty and medical lead for PRATI (Psychedelic Research and Training Institute) for their KAP trainings for mental health professionals, and is a research therapist for the MAPS phase 3 research trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Fort Collins. He is a native of Argentina.

Shanna Butler, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist offering depth and somatic psychotherapy, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. She has trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with Sage Integrative Health and is currently enrolled in the MAPS MDMA Therapy Training Program. Additional specializations include affirmative psychotherapy for the LGBTQ communities, trauma recovery, addictions, relational issues, and spiritual and creative development. Her philosophy as a psychologist is informed from many streams including rigorous study of depth psychology, social justice traditions, many wisdom traditions, earth based spiritualities, energy medicine, and intuition.

Moksha Donohue, LMFT: Moksha is a Somatic Psychotherapist working with adults and teens addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and life transitions. She has been working as a guide in the psychedelic community for 4 years and has been trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy from the Polaris Insight Institute. She is interested in bringing KAP into groups because she believes the power of psychedelics to increase in community spaces. Much like in meditation, when there are groups sharing a sacred setting and intention, the potential for healing can be much deeper. She is also leading group psychedelic integration circles to foster greater connection in the community for her clients.

Celeste Monnette, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley and has worked in community-based nonprofits and private practice. In 2005, she completed a two-year, post-graduate training program at The Psychotherapy Institute in Berkeley. Since, she has been working with clients with a broad range of goals for symptom relief and healing through various therapeutic modalities. After discovering the power of Ketamine to heal and reduce suffering, Celeste’s professional focus and development began to center around ketamine work and psychedelic integration. Celeste is currently enrolled in the MDMA Therapy Training Program and has a particular interest in trauma and trauma-informed care. She recently co-authored a publication on Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

Suegee Tamar-Mattis, DO, is a board-certified Family Medicine physician, certified in psychedelic-assisted therapies and research from the California Institute for Integral Studies, and trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at the Polaris Insight Center. Dr. Tamar-Mattis has worked for many community organizations such as Sonoma County Indian Health Project and Brookwood Health Center (serving people experiencing homelessness), and was the founder of the transgender clinic at Santa Rosa Community Health Centers. Dr. Tamar-Mattis is a long-time advocate for the intersex community, serving as a consultant for Human Rights Watch and as a medical advisor to interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth.

Location 

Zoom Meeting. Requires pre-registration with Zoom; please make sure you register with Zoom with the link provided in your confirmation email.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT  (Provider #57173) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. 

• Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.

• Refunds: Refunds may be requested up to 7 days before the event by contacting therapy@recamft.org. No refunds are given beginning 7 days prior to the event. If a member cannot attend the event due to a mandatory evacuation or Public Safety Power Shut-off the day of the event, they can request and receive a refund with verification of address.

• CE Certificate: You must attend the entire presentation and complete a post test and an evaluation to receive your CE credit certificate. At the conclusion of this educational event, after confirming attendance, an email with a link to the test and evaluation form will be sent to all attendees who attended the online event. Once you complete and submit your evaluation, you will have immediate access and be able to print or save your CE Certificate. This course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hrs of continuing education (CE) credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

• Notice of recording: All of our CE events are recorded or filmed and may appear on our website. By participating in this event you may appear in that recording. By participating in this event you agree to be recorded/filmed and give permission for RECAMFT to use your likeness where it may appear on our website or in promotion/marketing materials.

• Grievances: direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

Walk & Talk

for our Prelicensed Members. Students, Trainees and Associates are all welcome!! 

RECAMFT's 3000 Hour Club for Prelicensed Members next meets:

Friday, May 5th, 2023
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Your hosts: Jessica Heaney, AMFT and Debbie Melmon, LMFT.

Your prelicensed event

Walk & Talk was designed to address the perceived need for students, trainees and associates to receive support, connection, guidance and case conceptualization outside of the supervision relationship. On the first Friday of each month, our prelicensed members are invited to meet with each other and guest RECAMFT LMFTs of various orientations, who offers their knowledge and wisdom, on a beautiful farm and garden on the edge of Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol. We sit together and check in for the first hour. In the second hour we hit the trail for a gentle walk in the park while discussing a member's case of interest. The combination of connection and movement in the beauty of nature creates an environment for growth and camaraderie. You can use Walk & Talk as a resource as it fits in your schedule / life (not a monthly commitment) and a way to meet prelicensed people in all stages, a place to share successes, challenges and find support.

• Location: Debbie’s Barn and office at 8325 Candy Apple Ln. Sebastopol, 95472.
• Register online for each session separately.
• Sessions meet on the first Friday of each month from 3:00-5:00pm.
• This group is not supervision or a replacement for supervision and CEs of any form, and “credit” is not available.
• Confidentiality is the cornerstone of safety. Everything discussed in the group, stays with the group and participants are asked to discuss the content of group ONLY in our group sessions.
• The nature trail we walk is sparsely populated, however, when we do encounter the public we suspend our conversation until we are once again out of ear shot of strangers.
• Specific names as well as identifying features of clients will not be used or discussed.
• Members are asked to bring all legal and ethical issues, as well as challenging cases and topics that may arise in Walk and Talk, to their supervisors for discussion and treatment planning.
• Members are asked to speak with the group leaders if something is said in group that is upsetting or confusing.
• We practice our active listening and effective communication skills, we refrain from advise giving and cross talk and encourage inquiry and input from our own experiences.

Come join new and old friends, goats, chickens, dogs and wilderness for an informal consultation - it may be the best therapy yet!

Your hosts

Coordinated by RECAMFT Prelicensed Director at Large Jessica Heaney, AMFT and RECAMFT Outreach Chair Debbie Melmon, LMFT.

Register online here

Once RECAMFT registration is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation.
• Register for each event separately
• The 3000 Hour Club will meet on the first Friday monthly from January-June and Sept-Dec.
• You will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive it, please contact therapy@recamft.org.

Help us spread the word to other Prelicensed folks!

Please share this link with others:

• May Walk & Talk https://www.recamft.org/event-4974792
• June Walk & Talk https://www.recamft.org/event-4974798

Event coordinators can be reached at RECAMFTPreLicensed@gmail.com

Upcoming 2023 Dates

Find more events here. 

Questions? therapy@recamft.org

Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

• Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.
• Grievances: Direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

MAY BOARD MEETING

Join the RECAMFT Board of Directors for our monthly meeting, which is held the SECOND Friday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.  

All RECAMFT members are always welcome.

This meeting is held via Zoom. 

To join us, please register here! Registration is required.

The Zoom link for this meeting will be e-mailed to confirmed attendees before the meeting.

Please note, no continuing education credits available for board meetings.

Calling all fiber artists, painters, crafters, quilters, woodworkers: Come one, come all!

Bring your work in progress to

RECAMFT's virtual crafting circle!

• Friday, May 12, 2023
• 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 
• Zoom Meeting

Please join us for this opportunity to socially connect with other RECAMFT members in this virtual crafting circle. Bring any project that you're currently working on to this relaxed atmosphere. We can't wait to meet your creative side!

You should receive a confirmation e-mail after registration that contains the Zoom link to join the Crafting Circle. If you do not receive a Zoom link, please e-mail recamftmembership@gmail.com

REGISTER HERE

Hosted by Tara D'Orazio, LMFT, Membership Chair

CE NOTICE: There are no CEs for this event.

RECAMFT Crafting Circles - 2nd Friday of the month

• January 13
• February 10
  
• March 10
  
• April 14
• May 12
• June 9

Presented by: 

 Lisa Wenninger, MBA, MA, APCC, NBCC

RECAMFT is hosting this session covering the new BBS mandate for 3 hours of telehealth training. If you did not complete a minimum of three hours of coursework in telehealth as part of your qualifying graduate degree, then you'll need to take a training like this before your first BBS license renewal on or after July 1, 2023.

• Saturday, May 13, 2023

• 9:00 am - 12:15 pm (includes 3 hours of instruction with a 15 minute break)
  

• 3.0 CEs

• Zoom meeting

This course is designed to satisfy the requirements of California AB 1759 (Chapter 520, Statutes of 2022), which goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Based on this new law, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences requires current license holders and future applicants for licensure to have completed three hours of training in the provision of mental health services, including law and ethics related to telehealth.

Note: An on-demand version of this training will be available around June 1st. If you know you cannot attend the "live" training on Zoom on May 13th, please do not sign up for this event; instead, wait for the on-demand program to be published and you can purchase it then.

Course Description         

In many ways, providing therapy through Zoom or other online options is similar to working with a client in person – except when the technology glitches out, or the client is in crisis. Are you prepared for these situations? This course offers specific guidance on the legal requirements and practical considerations for providing therapy by telehealth in California, including informed consent, assessing appropriateness for telehealth, telehealth across state lines, HIPAA and confidentiality, and documentation. You’ll learn about important safety plans that should be prepared for each client, along with suggestions for implementing a simple technology failure protocol. The focus will be on best practices for two-way video therapy conducted on Zoom or other platforms, though all telehealth modalities will be discussed.

Educational Goals 

This course covers the California laws for delivery of telehealth by LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and LEPs (and their respective interns and associates), along with ethical requirements established by professional associations including CAMFT, ACA, etc., and a focus on client safety and unique considerations for clinical care via telehealth.

Learning Objectives 

1. Assess a prospective client for suitability for therapy via telehealth.

2. Identify 3 requirements for documenting telehealth sessions with clients.

3. Name 3 components of a client telehealth safety plan.

4. Explain when telehealth is permitted across state lines.

5. Describe 2 ways that telehealth may increase equity in mental health and support social justice.

6. Apply an ethical decision-making model to common scenarios that uniquely arise in the provision of telehealth.

CEs

Participants will receive 3 CEs for this course, to satisfy the new BBS mandated telehealth training for all licensees and applicants that goes into effect on July 1, 2023.  The BBS states that participants can also count the course toward the required 36 hours of continuing education needed to renew their  license, as long as the course was completed after their last renewal.

Cost

• $45 - RECAMFT Licensed Members and Licensed Members of Marin CAMFT (if registering under reciprocal benefits, your Marin CAMFT membership number is required with registration)
  
• $23 - RECAMFT Pre-Licensed Members and Pre-Licensed Members of Marin CAMFT
  
• $28 - Prelicensed Non-RECAMFT/Non-Marin CAMFT Members
  
• $55 - General Admission (open to the public, non-members of CAMFT)
  

Register Here

*Please note that once you have registered for this event, you will receive a link to register for the Zoom Webinar. Please follow the instructions in that email in order to get your personalized Zoom Join Link which you will need to get access to the event.

About Lisa Wenninger

Lisa Wenninger (she/her) is a second-year doctoral student in Counselor Education & Supervision at Antioch University, with a research focus on antiracist skills in counseling, and coursework and experience in teaching teletherapy skills to counseling students. Lisa was herself trained in telehealth starting in early 2019 in her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. As an online-by-design program with a synchronous delivery format, Northwestern has leveraged Zoom and other online technologies to train new clinicians since 2014. Lisa furthered her expertise in telehealth through a specialized 9-hour Telemental Health Provider Training in 2022. She is recipient of the 2022 CCE Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider training award by the NBCC Foundation and expects to earn the full BC-TMH credential by Spring 2023. Lisa has an MBA from Columbia and extensive experience in technology from a 20-year career in software development before becoming a therapist. Lisa is a California APCC and a National Certified Counselor. Her orientation is psychodynamic and attachment focused. Lisa's clinical website is https://theworkiswithin.com

Location 

Zoom Meeting - please make sure you register with Zoom for your Personal Zoom Join Link, using the instructions provided in your RECAMFT confirmation email.

Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT (Provider #57173) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

• Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.

• Refunds: Refunds may be requested up to 7 days before the event by contacting therapy@recamft.org. No refunds are given beginning 7 days prior to the event. If a registrant cannot attend the event due to a mandatory evacuation or Public Safety Power Shut-off the day of the event, they can request and receive a refund with verification of address.

• CE Certificate: You must attend the entire presentation and complete a post test and an evaluation to receive your CE credit certificate. At the conclusion of this educational event, after confirming attendance, an email with a link to the test and evaluation form will be sent to all attendees who attended the online event. Once you complete and submit your evaluation, you will have immediate access and be able to print or save your CE Certificate. This course meets the qualifications for 3.0 hrs of continuing education (CE) credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

• Notice of recording: All of our CE events are recorded or filmed and may appear on our website. By participating in this event you may appear in that recording. By participating in this event you agree to be recorded/filmed and give permission for RECAMFT to use your likeness where it may appear on our website or in promotion/marketing materials.

• Recording Viewing Policy: RECAMFT Members can watch our event recordings any time by going to the speaker presentation videos library in the Members Only section of recamft.org. Guest (non-member) registrants will have access to the recording for 30 days after the live event.

• Grievances: Please direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

Redwood Empire Chapter of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists is a CAMFT Approved Continuing Education Provider: License #57173.

Don't miss this 6 CE in-person event and time to visit with friends & colleagues! 

What Every Therapist Needs to Know about Black Folks and Other People of Color (BIPOC)

Friday, June 2, 2023

9:00 am - 4:00 pm, check in at 8:30 am

Furth Center, 8400 Old Redwood Hwy, Windsor

Qualifies for 6.0 CEs (6 hours of instruction, plus breaks and lunch)

Lunch catered by

Swedish Chef Helena from

Baked on the River - Guerneville

Course Description

In this presentation, therapists will increase their understanding of some of the issues Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are faced with on a daily basis and how those experiences can impact the way these individuals are viewed in society as well as how these experiences influence how BIPOC individuals may view themselves as well. Post-traumatic slave syndrome, transgenerational trauma, and implicit bias will be examined and discussed, and the role these constructs play in the everyday lives of BIPOC. 

The purpose of this presentation is to open the lines of communication around diversity, equity, and inclusion, in a way that enhances the understanding of Non People of Color to help them redefine cultural competence. This effort is to improve the lines of communication about hard topics, uncomfortable discussions, and the "pink elephant" in the room around racial issues.

The experiences of BIPOC individuals in America are often dismissed, invalidated, and ridiculed leading to the stress that comes with feeling invisible, inadequate, and misunderstood. In a therapeutic setting the presentation of BIPOC individuals are often misunderstood causing misrepresention, leading to misdiagnosis, medication mismanagement, and missing pieces existing in their mental health care. Therapists commit to a Code of Ethics to "DO NO HARM," however, microaggressions, implicit bias, color-blindness, and well-intended missteps can show up in the therapy room and undermine the mental health treatment of BIPOC clients. These challenges can be overcome with intentional commitment to examining, understanding, and holding space for clients of color in an effort to bridge the cultural gap and exercise true cultural competence.

In the 21st century, Non People of Color may be shocked, to hear that the dehumanizing remnants of slavery still paralyzes little black girls and boys sitting in classrooms where the truth is not told as it happened regarding their ancestors. It becomes especially dehumanizing when that black child is living in an area largely inhabited by Caucasian children who may not actually consider him or her as equal. It can feel to that child as though they are on display as the shining example of what "a Black" can achieve if, "They simply pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and took hold of their lives."

Some have said, "See, that one is smart, or speaks the King's English, or wears his pants neatly around his waist." Others, "This little girl, has nice tame curls, not like that girl who has those kinky puffy round things on each side of her head." Are we aware of this history when these children grow up and show up in the therapy room? Do you know they may face the very same challenges in college or later still, in the workplace, and finally in your office seeking therapy? Let's take an inside look, therapeutically. Hold on to your hats!!

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will:

1. Learn six specific tools to provide Allyship and understand implicit bias, microaggressions and how to avoid them.
2. Understand and identify three principals of "Racial Invisibility" and how to eliminate it in therapeutic settings..
3. Redefine and implement two key components of cultural competence
4. Explain three consequences of systemic racism
5. Define four of the physiological and psychological implications of race-based trauma.
6. Engage in, learn, and implement 3 racial healing practices.
7. Recall three key behavior patterns associated with Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS).
8. Name 3 principles of "Critical Race Theory."

Lunch

Lunch is catered by Swedish Chef Helena from

Baked on the River in Guerneville.

You can choose one of these lunch options below when you register. If you register after May 28th you will be given choice #A. Coffee and hot water for tea will be available, along with ice water. 

Chef Helena will provide us with a tray of her yummy baked sweet treats for dessert (including some vegan and gluten-free). Pick what you like best!

Lunch choices

A. Healthy Grow Salad - Super Greens, Cabbage, Quinoa, Garbanzo Beans, Feta Cheese (plant-based), Bell Pepper, Onion, Carrots, Edamame and Mint-Cilantro Dressing. This is a plant-based option (vegan).

B. Veggie Bella Sandwich served with a side Garden Salad (all veggie) - Roasted Bell Peppers-Portobello Mushroom, Pesto Cream Cheese, Pepper Jack. Choose house baked white or multigrain roll, or gluten-free, keto-friendly thins. 

C. Turkey Club Sandwich - Roasted Turkey, Cheddar, Turkey Bacon, Tomato Garlic Spread, Lettuce, Red Onion, Mayo (on the side). Served with a side of Creamy Cabbage Salad. Choose house baked white or multigrain roll, or gluten-free, keto-friendly thins. 

D. River Marble Sandwich - Ham, Prosciutto, Salami, Swiss Cheese and Pepper Spread, Dijon, Cucumber, Red Onion, Lettuce. Served with a side of Creamy Cabbage Salad. Choose house baked white or multigrain roll, or gluten-free, keto-friendly thins. 

All lunch options include a choice of baked goods for dessert.

Cost

Early-bird registration by May 14, 2023, your choice of lunch included

• Licensed Members $79
• Prelicensed Members $29
• Members of Marin CAMFT $79
• Non-chapter members $99

Registration between May 15, 2023 and May 28, 2023, your choice of lunch included

• Licensed Members $99
• Prelicensed Members $49
• Members of Marin CAMFT $99
• Non-chapter members $119

Late Registration between May 29, 2023 through June 1, 2023, Choice #A lunch included

• Licensed Members $129
• Prelicensed Members $129
• Members of Marin CAMFT $129
• Non-chapter members $140

Walk ins are welcome the day of the event, but will not receive a lunch. 

Registration

Note: RECAMFT will follow any guidance required by the Sonoma County Health Department, the State of California, or the federal government at the time of the event.

At the present time, masks are not required, nor is showing a vaccination card. Sonoma County lifted all such requirements at the end of February, and the federal government will end the Covid-19 pandemic officially on May 11th.

We request you not attend if you are showing signs of illness prior to our event. It is possible you might be exposed to colds, flu, Covid-19 or other communicable diseases while attending this event. By registering, you agree neither RECAMFT or State CAMFT is responsible for any illness you may contract as a result of attending our event. 

Register here.

About Our Speaker

Shawn LaRé Brinkley, LMFT Therapist, Transformational Performance Coach, and Speaker/Trainer/Author is best described as a "people" person. Her group practice, Living Loved Pathways to Holistic Healing is in Encino, CA where she and her staff serve individuals, couples, children and adolescents, and families. The "Living Loved Team" specializes in non-traditional therapeutic modalities such as mindfulness, sound baths, and use music, art, and movement as healing tools to help manage and ultimately help heal trauma.

Shawn LaRé founded the "Diversity Committee" at SFV-CAMFT in 2018 and has served on the board as Vice-President of Programs in 2021-22 and currently serves in the role of President-Elect. She spent several years as editor of the newsletter, "Connections," and has been selected as a member speaker in 2018 presenting on Human Sex Trafficking and in 2021, she presented "What Every Therapist Needs to Know about Black Folks and Other People of Color (BIPOC)." Brinkley has co-authored two book anthologies and is currently working on her first solo book project.

Additionally, Shawn LaRé is pursuing her Doctorate in General Psychology, with an emphasis in Performance Psychology. In the Spring of 2022, she traveled to Trinidad & Tobago to deliver her first TEDx Talk, entitled "When the Fairy-tale Fades". Brinkley considers herself a lifelong learner as well as a teacher of her acquired life lessons. She lives life on "full tilt boogie" and believes love, laughter, and ADHD are her superpowers. Shawn LaRé's motto: "When life gives you lemons, don't just make lemonade, you gotta' suck on them 'til it tastes like chocolate."

Location 

Mary Agatha Furth Center

8400 Old Redwood Hwy

Windsor, CA 95492

Free parking in back

Map

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Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT (Provider #57173) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. 

• Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.

• Refunds: Refunds may be requested up to 7 days before the event by contacting therapy@recamft.org. No refunds are given beginning 7 days prior to the event. If a member cannot attend the event due to a mandatory evacuation or Public Safety Power Shut-off the day of the event, they can request and receive a refund with verification of address.

• CE Certificate: You must attend the entire presentation, including signing in and signing out, and complete a post test and an evaluation to receive your CE credit certificate. At the conclusion of this educational event, after confirming attendance, an email with a link to the test and evaluation form will be sent to all attendees who attended the online event. Once you complete and submit your evaluation, you will have immediate access and be able to print or save your CE Certificate. This course meets the qualifications for 6.0 hrs of continuing education (CE) credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

• Notice of Recording: Our CE events may be recorded or filmed and may appear on our website. By participating in this event you may appear in that recording. By participating in this event you agree to be recorded/filmed and give permission for RECAMFT to use your likeness where it may appear on our website or in promotion/marketing materials.

• Grievances: Direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

Walk & Talk

for our Prelicensed Members. Students, Trainees and Associates are all welcome!! 

RECAMFT's 3000 Hour Club for Prelicensed Members next meets:

Friday, Jun. 2nd, 2023
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Your hosts: Jessica Heaney, AMFT and Debbie Melmon, LMFT.

Your prelicensed event

Walk & Talk was designed to address the perceived need for students, trainees and associates to receive support, connection, guidance and case conceptualization outside of the supervision relationship. On the first Friday of each month, our prelicensed members are invited to meet with each other and guest RECAMFT LMFTs of various orientations, who offers their knowledge and wisdom, on a beautiful farm and garden on the edge of Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol. We sit together and check in for the first hour. In the second hour we hit the trail for a gentle walk in the park while discussing a member's case of interest. The combination of connection and movement in the beauty of nature creates an environment for growth and camaraderie. You can use Walk & Talk as a resource as it fits in your schedule / life (not a monthly commitment) and a way to meet prelicensed people in all stages, a place to share successes, challenges and find support.

• Location: Debbie’s Barn and office at 8325 Candy Apple Ln. Sebastopol, 95472.
• Register online for each session separately.
• Sessions meet on the first Friday of each month from 3:00-5:00pm.
• This group is not supervision or a replacement for supervision and CEs of any form, and “credit” is not available.
• Confidentiality is the cornerstone of safety. Everything discussed in the group, stays with the group and participants are asked to discuss the content of group ONLY in our group sessions.
• The nature trail we walk is sparsely populated, however, when we do encounter the public we suspend our conversation until we are once again out of ear shot of strangers.
• Specific names as well as identifying features of clients will not be used or discussed.
• Members are asked to bring all legal and ethical issues, as well as challenging cases and topics that may arise in Walk and Talk, to their supervisors for discussion and treatment planning.
• Members are asked to speak with the group leaders if something is said in group that is upsetting or confusing.
• We practice our active listening and effective communication skills, we refrain from advise giving and cross talk and encourage inquiry and input from our own experiences.

Come join new and old friends, goats, chickens, dogs and wilderness for an informal consultation - it may be the best therapy yet!

Your hosts

Coordinated by RECAMFT Prelicensed Director at Large Jessica Heaney, AMFT and RECAMFT Outreach Chair Debbie Melmon, LMFT.

Register online here

Once RECAMFT registration is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation.
• Register for each event separately
• The 3000 Hour Club will meet on the first Friday monthly from January-June and Sept-Dec.
• You will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive it, please contact therapy@recamft.org.

Help us spread the word to other Prelicensed folks!

Please share this link with others:

• June Walk & Talk https://www.recamft.org/event-4974798
• Prelicensed Members page

Event coordinators can be reached at RECAMFTPreLicensed@gmail.com

Upcoming 2023 Dates

Find more events here. 

Questions? therapy@recamft.org

Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. Redwood Empire Chapter CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.

• Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.
• Grievances: Direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

JUNE BOARD MEETING

Join the RECAMFT Board of Directors for our monthly meeting, which is held the SECOND Friday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.  

All RECAMFT members are always welcome.

This meeting is held via Zoom. 

To join us, please register here! Registration is required.

The Zoom link for this meeting will be e-mailed to confirmed attendees before the meeting.

Please note, no continuing education credits available for board meetings.

Calling all fiber artists, painters, crafters, quilters, woodworkers: Come one, come all!

Bring your work in progress to

RECAMFT's virtual crafting circle!

• Friday, June 9, 2023
• 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 
• Zoom Meeting

Please join us for this opportunity to socially connect with other RECAMFT members in this virtual crafting circle. Bring any project that you're currently working on to this relaxed atmosphere. We can't wait to meet your creative side!

You should receive a confirmation e-mail after registration that contains the Zoom link to join the Crafting Circle. If you do not receive a Zoom link, please e-mail recamftmembership@gmail.com

REGISTER HERE

Hosted by Tara D'Orazio, LMFT, Membership Chair

CE NOTICE: There are no CEs for this event.

RECAMFT Crafting Circles - 2nd Friday of the month

• January 13
• February 10
  
• March 10
  
• April 14
• May 12
• June 9

Got a case that's bothering you? Have you found yourself pondering an ethical dilemma? Join us for the Ethics Roundtable.  

If you are a RECAMFT member, come and discuss it with colleagues in a confidential setting, and set your mind at ease. You don't have to have a case to discuss, but can just come to gain some knowledge from seasoned colleagues. The Ethics Roundtable will help you feel better and more confident in your clinical work. No CEs, but the 90 minutes will be well spent. 

• Where: Zoom Meeting
• When: Fri., June 23, 2023
• Time: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
• You will be sent a Zoom link in your confirmation e-mail.
  

About our committee chair

Reyna Seminara, LMFT is a past president of RECAMFT. She specializes in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy.  You can learn more about the Ethics Roundtable, which meets approximately three times each year, here. 

Contact Reyna at RECAMFTethics@gmail.com.

Disability Accommodation: To request an accommodation for a disability, please email therapy@recamft.org.

Grievances: Direct grievances to therapy@recamft.org, and/or the chapter president at recamftpresident@gmail.com.

AUGUST DAY-LONG BOARD RETREAT

The RECAMFT Board of Directors holds a day-long retreat annually in the summer for long range visioning and planning for our organization. The 2023 Retreat is scheduled for Friday, August 18th, location TBD.

This retreat is for RECAMFT board members only, who will be manually registered in advance (therefore, no registration option publicly available for the meeting). All other meetings, except the Annual Board Retreat, are always open to ALL members. 

• Where: TBD
• When: Fri., 8/18/23
• Time: 10 am to 4 pm.

SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING

Join the RECAMFT Board of Directors for our monthly meeting, which is held the SECOND Friday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.  

All RECAMFT members are always welcome.

This meeting is held via Zoom. 

To join us, please register here! Registration is required.

The Zoom link for this meeting will be e-mailed to confirmed attendees before the meeting.

Please note, no continuing education credits available for board meetings.

Calling all fiber artists, painters, crafters, quilters, woodworkers: Come one, come all!

Bring your work in progress to

RECAMFT's virtual crafting circle!

• Friday, September 8, 2023
• 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 
• Zoom Meeting

Please join us for this opportunity to socially connect with other RECAMFT members in this virtual crafting circle. Bring any project that you're currently working on to this relaxed atmosphere. We can't wait to meet your creative side!

You should receive a confirmation e-mail after registration that contains the Zoom link to join the Crafting Circle. If you do not receive a Zoom link, please e-mail recamftmembership@gmail.com

REGISTER HERE

Hosted by Tara D'Orazio, LMFT, Membership Chair

CE NOTICE: There are no CEs for this event.

RECAMFT Crafting Circles - 2nd Friday of the month

• September 8
  
• October 13
  
• November 10
  
• December 8
  

OCTOBER BOARD MEETING

Join the RECAMFT Board of Directors for our monthly meeting, which is held the SECOND Friday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.  

All RECAMFT members are always welcome.

This meeting is held via Zoom. 

To join us, please register here! Registration is required.

The Zoom link for this meeting will be e-mailed to confirmed attendees before the meeting.

Please note, no continuing education credits available for board meetings.

Calling all fiber artists, painters, crafters, quilters, woodworkers: Come one, come all!

• Friday, October 13, 2023
• 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 
• Zoom Meeting

Please join us for this opportunity to socially connect with other RECAMFT members in this virtual crafting circle. Bring any project that you're currently working on to this relaxed atmosphere. We can't wait to meet your creative side!

You should receive a confirmation e-mail after registration that contains the Zoom link to join the Crafting Circle. If you do not receive a Zoom link, please e-mail recamftmembership@gmail.com

REGISTER HERE

Hosted by Tara D'Orazio, LMFT, Membership Chair

CE NOTICE: There are no CEs for this event.

Register for each month separately:

• September 8
  
• October 13
  
• November 10
  
• December 8
  

NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING

Join the RECAMFT Board of Directors for our monthly meeting, which is held the SECOND Friday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.

All RECAMFT members are always welcome.

This meeting is held via Zoom. 

To join us, please register here! Registration is required.

The Zoom link for this meeting will be e-mailed to confirmed attendees before the meeting.

Please note, no continuing education credits available for board meetings.