Acosta, Henry, MA, MSW, LSW
Barreiro, Isabel Teresa, MA

Title: Model Mental Health Program for Hispanics: Implementation Examples from the Field
This presentation will focus on the New Jersey Mental Health Institute Inc.’s Model Mental Health Program for Hispanics Report, which includes recommended steps to increase access to and the provision of quality mental health services to Hispanics. This report was developed based on findings from an array of NJMHI’s Changing Minds Advancing Mental Health for Hispanics project activities. The presentation will focus on specific activities that mental health agency administrators and direct service providers can adopt in order to better attract, engage, retain and serve Hispanics in mental health services. The presentation will include specific implementation examples with two behavioral health agencies in New Jersey.

Aguilar-Gaxiola, Sergio, MD, PhD

Disparities Study In California

Beliz, Tony, PhD
Martinez, Maria Luz, MSW

Title: Preventing Targeted School Violence
This presentation will provide participants with an overview of school shooters and use case examples to illustrate the known characteristics of students on a pathway to violence. Shooter-victim characteristics, dynamics, and behaviors will be examined within the context of a violence threat risk assessment framework. 

Camilleri, Christopher, MD
Burke, Bob M.

Title: Our Wound Becomes a Gift - Transforming Our Struggles into Our Greatest Strengths (English)

Nuestras Heridas se Convierten en Nuestro Regalo Transformando Nuestras Luchas en Nuestra Mejor Fortaleza (Spanish)
This workshop will address the advantages of utilizing consumers’ “lived experience” of mental illness and substance abuse recovery as assets in determining mental health policies and delivering services. How to increase the success of integrating peer mentors working effectively with traditional mental health professionals. Strategies to more effectively collaborate with other groups who share common interests and also have some interests that can divide them. Training peer members in the language of the mental health system, ethics, boundaries and how to most effectively use your experience to help others recover. Integrating families and caregivers as an important part of the treatment team. Honoring consumers need for autonomy and self determination. Training traditional mental health professionals the value of utilizing peer mentors in delivering mental health services. Strategies that can help in eliminating the stigma of mental illness and promote recovery for those with mental health issues.

Canivé, Jose, MD

Title: Treatment of Schizophrenia In the Real World
This lecture will first provide a critique of our current diagnostic approach to schizophrenia, emphasizing the sacrifice of diagnostic validity for reliability. The contributions of phenomenology, based on listening and observing the patient, will be highlighted. These clinical observations have lead investigators to examine hidden paradigms using various neuroimaging techniques and help establish a connection with specific genes. While numerous genetic linkage studies have been conducted, we still know little about the genetic determinants of this illness. This presentation will explain how careful clinical observations have lead to the examination of neurophysiological intermediate phenotypes via neuroimaging techniques and how this approach may provide an avenue to better explore the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia, lead the development of new treatment strategies and to the development of a more valid diagnostic system in the long run. The presenter will illustrate the lecture with investigations conducted in his research laboratory.

Cavazos Cardenas, Laura E., MD

Title: Brigadas de Salud Mental en Comunidades de Nuevo Leon victimas de Violencia
Para fines del presente trabajo revisare el efecto psicológico en la población del Estado de Nuevo León, de comunidades víctimas de la violencia colectiva. Desde el año 2009 el equipo de Psiquiatras y Psicólogos de la Dirección de Salud mental y adicciones de la secretaria de salud del estado, realiza intervenciones psicológicas en estas comunidades a trabes de Brigadas de Salud Mental.

Delgado, Pedro L. MD

Title: Treatment of Adolescent Depression
This presentation will review the diagnosis and treatment of depression occurring in adolescents.  Scientific literature on the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to depression will be reviewed as well as on the factors that are used to make a clinical diagnosis.  Treatment studies for depression in adolescents will be reviewed as well as some data relevant to the recent controversy regarding the association of antidepressant treatment with suicidal behaviors.  Finally, relevant aspects of the concept of “personalized medicine” will be reviewed and discussed as they are applicable to the adolescent depression.

Dominguez, Socorro, MSW, BHT
Mireles, John, BS, BATh

Title: Addressing Cultural Competency in Latino Behavioral Health Through the Arts
The presentation presents the PSA Behavioral Health Art Awakenings program model to demonstrate the use of art groups as a culturally relevant recovery approach to promote a unique culture of collaboration and empowerment in diverse communities served. This is done by defining guiding principles of the transformational model and strengths based approach to promote recovery in Latino populations. Defining components of cultural significance in relation to the use of the arts in clinical settings. Defining service components to address culture variances between and within Latino groups to encourage community integration, skill building and self sufficiency and defining key objectives to be reached in the use of art groups.

Fischer, Leigh, MPH
Reimann, Brie, BA

Title: Substance Abuse Prevention and Early Intervention: An Introduction to Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
Substance abuse is a leading national public health problem with significant medical, social, legal, and financial consequences. The methods used to address substance abuse are often focused on treating the dependent user in need of specialized treatment as little has been done to address he non-dependent user and to prevent the progression towards dependence and addictions. A growing body of evidence supports the practice of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to treatment (SBIRT) as a public health model to identify risky substance use, provide education, and prevent the onset of addiction among youth and adults. The approach provides universal screening for substance use using validated screening tools and the utilization of Motivational Interviewing skills to provide brief interventions based on screening results.

Flores, Rogelio, JD
Antonio Ocegueda, CASII

Title: Drug Court and Developing Relevant Latino Programs

More information comming soon...

Flores, Rogelio, JD
Salazar Villegas, Jesus, MD

Title: Experiencia en Nuevo Leon Sobre el Proyecto de Corte de Drogas
Exponer y compartir la experiencia del programa piloto de Corte de Drogas del Estado de Nuevo Leon donde se propicia la rehabilicación del inculpado respeto a su abuso o dependencia de drogas o alcohol y la reducción en la comisión de nuevos hechos delictivos para lograr su reinserción social dentro de un tratamiento medico-toxicologico bajo supervisión judicial.

Gamulin, Lidia, LCSW

Title: Improving Access - Removing Language Barriers
The purpose of this workshop is to assist the Mental Health and Wellness Program s in closing the language gap by training the bilingual workforce in Mental Health Interpreting as well as meet the requirements of Federal and State law. Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services to individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) has the potential to increase access to mental health services, to improve quality of care, customer’s satisfaction and, in time, create positive outcomes. This workshop will create a structure for participants to understand the complex roles of the mental health interpreter. Standards of practices focusing on the mental health interpreter performance, offering “best practice” strategies are the focus of this presentation. The importance of these standards as guidelines for training, hiring and performance monitoring interpreters are part of the discussion with the intent to incorporate best practice strategies in the multileveled organizational structure.

Gonzalez, Fernando, PhD, ABPP, QME
Smith, Jason, PhD

Title: Working with Spanish Speakers: Lessons Learned as a Hospital Psychologist
The goal of this workshop is to increase awareness to the needs a diverse population in medical/clinical/ crisis situations and addressing issues from a practical nuts and bolts perspective. The observations and suggestions come from experiences providing services at a publicly founded county rehabilitation center to patients who would not otherwise accessed mental health services. The population seen at Rancho is a highly diverse population with Spanish speakers accounting for the majority of individuals served. Medical conditions range from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations (diabetes related) and medically ill persons with psychiatric difficulty. The nature of treatment is based on the assessment, understanding and appreciation of what the individual/person served brings to the situation. However, the perspective of the person served is often missed, especially if they are culturally and linguistically different. The approaches discussed promote the consumer to be proactive and involved in their care.

Hendrick, Victoria, MD

Title: Motherhood and Mental Health
An association between disturbances of mood and changes in the reproductive endocrine system is well known and documented. This is particularly important given that the mean age of onset of Bipolar Disorder is usually during the reproductive years and the medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorder are often taken for a lifetime.  Considerable gaps exist in our knowledge of reproductive endocrine function among women with BPD and other mental illnesses and the challenges they faced in regards to family planning.  Speakers in this workshop will focus on an array of aspects of BPD from endocrine function to management, including therapeutic guidelines for optimizing maternal and infant outcomes.  The speakers will also discuss important issues related to prenatal depression and psychiatric medications.

Jacomé, Marco E., MA, LPC, CSADC, CEAP

Cultural Element in Treating Hispanic/Latino Population (English)
Aspectos Culturales en el Tratamiento de la Poblaciones Hispana/Latina  (Spanish)
The purpose of this training is for participants to become aware of the cultural differences that can influence the outcome for substance abusers and their families in the Hispanic/Latino communities. This training will focus on traditional Hispanic/Latino values in comparison to the values of the main stream.  Describing the diverse populations within the Hispanic/Latino community and possible treatment implications will lead to a better understanding of the values, traditions and customs of this culture.

Jimenez, Dante, MA LPC, NCC

Title: Cultural Adaptation to Evidence Based Therapy for Trauma/Substance Abuse Clients in the US/Mexico Border Region
A growing body of research and literature suggest that Latino children Populations are disproportionately affected by trauma and substance abuse, yet they are less likely to access and receive mental health services. While the trauma and substance abuse itself has powerful effects on treatment outcomes, other social (systemic) factors play equally important roles. With respect to Latin American children, those systemic factors include immigration history and status, nationality, level of acculturation, stigma to services, and culturally sensitive service delivery. To be discussed within this training, are some of the stigmas about treatment, traumas of immigrating, and some characteristics to engage the Latino individual and families under the perimeters of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT).

Jimenez, Manuel J., MFT
Cordero Arrieta, Rudy, MSW

Title: Challenges and Opportunities for Current and Future Leaders, Managers and Administrators of Behavioral Health Programs
The presentation will identify opportunities for increasing the number of Latino managers and administrators in leadership roles in public behavioral health agencies and programs using MHSA Workforce Education and Training Funds.  Experience and research has shown that having Latinos (as) at the management level was very important for the retention of Latino staff because it gave the message that they were valued and that they could have a chance to advance in their career and not be stuck as a line worker forever.

This interactive workshop will examine the critical issues confronting Latinos who aspire to become behavioral health directors, administrators, program managers, and clinical supervisors.  Participants will critically analyze leadership styles, effective leadership development, management/supervisory tools/skills, and strategies for workforce assessment and development.

E. Douglas Kihn, OMD, LAC

Title: Avoiding Death Indefinitely
Part 1: Introduction. The speedup of technology, sociology, and evolution and what this is going to mean for us all personally and collectively; the advantages and feasibility of delayed compressed morbidity and/or the unlimited life span. Part 2: Future science. Aging; genetic engineering in the 20s, molecular engineering in the 30s, and robotic engineering in the 40s; scams and unproven means. Part 3: Seven longevity principles. Get calm (the most important), get lean, get strong, get hungry, trust thyself, minimize risks, and avoid doctors. Part 4: All objections to the unlimited life span are resolvable. The three life imperatives are what keep us going daily. Perhaps they will be pushing us forward for a very long time: Love, fun, and curiosity.

Kopelowicz, Alex, MD
Backer, Thomas, PhD

Title: The Adaptation and Dissemination of  Multifamily Groups for Latinos

More information comming soon...

Loera, Gustavo, Ed.D.

Title: Using Motivation Theory to Engage Transition Age Youth in School
The risks are high for 16 to 24 year-olds who are building pathways to postsecondary education, training, and employment. For youth who are transitioning out of foster care or youth who have run away from home or dropped out of school, the challenges are even greater. The purpose of this workshop is to demonstrate how motivation theories can be used to increase at risk youths academic engagement. Specifically, participants will examine the application of theory to the solving of practical problems when working with at risk youth with past educational trauma. This workshop will examine an integrated motivational model consisting of sociocultural, environmental, and personal factors that affect youth’s motivation. Participants will also learn about and apply the following motivation theories: 1) Self-efficacy, 2) Goal-orientation. 3) Self-regulation, 4.) Self worth 5.)Task value and 6.) Self-determination.

Lopez, Stella, PhD
Garza, Raymond T., PhD

Title: Promoting Healthy Eating Among Hispanic Youth: It Could Take a Village
The presentation examines the role of a collectivist versus an individualist oriented intervention in promoting healthy attitudes and behaviors about nutrition among Hispanic youth. The collectivism-individualism concept is a culturally sensitive dimension which we felt was particularly appropriate for guiding interventions targeted to Hispanics. Using a pretest-posttest design three curricula about nutrition were developed and implemented. Hispanic sixth graders received a collectivist, individualist, or standard (the ISD curriculum). Measurements were taken after the implementation of the programs. Children filled out several questionnaires related to nutrition. Generally, the results indicated that the collectivist –oriented program, more than the others, impacted the youth in being aware about the dangers about unhealthy eating behaviors, adopting healthier nutritional attitudes, and refraining from unhealthy behaviors. This research program attempts to identify culturally sensitive psychological constructs such as individualism –collectivist dimension which can be applied with Hispanic youth at the specific age range when attitudes and behaviors about health strongly guide behaviors.

Madrid, Chilo L., PhD, LCDS, MAC, CCJAP

Title: Border Drug Violence and How it is Affecting Drug Demand Reduction Services
This presentation will cover contemporary information relating to the development of Drug Demand Reduction strategies in behavioral health care services along the U.S./Mexico border.  Main topics include the development of collaborative agreements on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border, soliciting funding for cross border initiatives, exchanging technology, exchanging and developing science and evidenced based programs and treatment modalities for international border communities, and advocating for international programming needed to support global border communities.

Mascarenas, Dee Dee, LMFT

Title: Adoption and the Latino Family: Strengths & Challenges
This training will focus on Adoption in the general sense with an emphasis on issues specific to adoption with the Latino community. It will look at the long-standing informal adoption practices that have been a part of Latino Culture and the new trend towards a formalization of this practice and its implications. It will further explore the strengths and challenges presented by intra familial adoptions, the myths, fears and other such important themes as attachment, biculturation, effective parenting, grief and loss, self care and viable support systems. Also offered during this presentation will be a number of both culturally sensitive and effective methods to address the range of Latino families created or touched by adoption.

Miskim, Theresa, MD

Title: Cultural Competency in Pharmacotherapy
The workshop utilizes various strategies including lecture, case presentation and discussion to provide background information, definition and basic mechanisms related to psycho pharmacotherapy and its application in culturally competent clinical psychiatric are for Latino consumers.

Morales, Carlos C., MFTI

Title: Cultural Interventions in Crisis Assessments (Writing a 5150 Hold with a Cultural Eye)
The  presentation address the professional experience of crisis interventions, writing 5150 hold and making referrals to mental health services in public and private settings. Constructing crisis interventions from a cultural and language diversity approach. Helping individuals to search for their individual’s strengths, their family and social network and the goal of empowering them to use their natural resilience. When and how to write a 5150 hold that helps the individual, the social network and creates safety for all.

Morales, Cynthia T., PhD

Title: Forensic, Clinical & Ethical Issues Related to a Latino Family’s Deportation Hearing
Case presentation of a Latino family’s deportation hearings. Discussion of psychological evaluation of family members’ developmental stages and important forensic, clinical and ethical considerations.

Moreno, J. Jesse, BA

Title: Our Latino Children Out of Control…The Cause, The Alternative, The Goal
This workshop is presented with sensitivity and language that embraces the ethnicity of the Latino families, as well as those of other cultures in our community. It will show how by laying a strong foundation through a basic and sound Family Structure, significant changes can be achieved in the struggle for family harmony. The workshop will guide parents in how to attain the skills and power to promote and maintain proper child behavioral expectations while acknowledge and supporting diversity using a social–cultural learning approach.

Ortega, Stacia, MA

Title: New Light on the Autism Spectrum
This unique interactive workshop is an exploration of autism that brings together research insights and lived experiences to present positive new explanations that help take the “puzzle” out of this developmental difference. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in activities aimed at understanding the experiences of those on the autism spectrum. In addition, attendees will learn how to develop powerful accommodations and employ inclusive, relationship-based approaches to create Access to desirable lifestyles for children and adults across the autism spectrum including the following topics areas: Sensivity Training: Understanding the Lived Experience of Persons with the Autism Label, The Role of Sensory and Movement Differences in Communication, Behavior as Communication, Supporting Social/Emotional Development Through Relationships and Creating Environmental and Interactional Accommodations.

Paul, Christine, PsyD

Title: Skin Bleaching: What Is It and Why Is It A Growing Trend?
The goal of this presentation is to increase the awareness of skin bleaching practices in the US and how it may affect the persons we serve. This presentation originated out a dissertation which as was phenomenological study on the experience of skin bleaching among Asian Americans in the US. The information presented in the literature is applicable to diverse groups, including Latin Americans. In the US skin bleaching products are being purchased in significant amounts by people of color. The target population tends to be women with darker skin color. Research in other countries on the physical consequences of skin bleaching has revealed several physiological problems. If the goal of skin bleaching is to lighten one skin tone in attempt to increase their status, the following question arises: What are the possible motivations for people of color to voluntarily lighten their skin tone and what is their experience of skin bleaching and the reaction from their environment. There is a body of literature which suggests that their use may be motivated by negative aspects of racial self concept from internalized oppression which makes this subject worthy or further examination.

Rodriguez, Mario, PhD
Rodriguez, Carlos, PhD

Title: Cognitive Assessment and Differentiating the 3D’s (Dementia, Depression, Delirium with the Latino Americano)
Dementia inflicts especially high burdens on Latino Families. This strong cultural value of family responsibility is strength of Latino communities. Studies have demonstrated the high sense of filial responsibility for elders, particularly among Latino daughters. Others show a high acceptance of cognitive impairment and dementia as a normal part of aging to be managed within the family. (Alzheimer’s Association).

Rodriguez, Michael A., MD, MPH
Lind, Mimi, LCSW

Title: Domestic Violence and the Latino Family

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major social and health problem affecting Latino and other families.  This workshop will describe the magnitude of IPV, associated health problems and features of IPV in the Latino community.  Speakers will identify traits of abusive partners and dynamics of IPV relationships including barriers to leaving abusive relationships. Approaches for working effectively with Latino families with IPV, including addressing acculturation and gender roles, will be discussed. Topics of counter-transference and vicarious traumatization when working with survivors will be covered.

Saldivar, Aida, PhD, ABPP

Title: Mental Capacity: What It Is and How It Is Assessed
It is important for mental health providers to become familiar with issues related to capacity , as these often come into question with patients who have psychiatric disorders, brain injuries, declining cognitive disorders, and as individual age. The purpose of this workshop is to increase awareness of the history of capacity, the relationship between legal standards and clinical capacity assessments, the different types of capacities, and the various factors that need to be considered, including linguistic and cultural variables, when assessing for the various capacities. Areas to be discussed include: Capacity versus Competency, Legal Standards of Diminished Capacity, Conceptual Framework of Capacity Assessments, and General Approaches to Capacity Assessment. An overview of Assessment of Medical Consent Capacity, Financial Capacity, Driving Capacity, Independent Living Capacity, and issues regarding undue influence will be provided.

Segovia, Sherrie, PsyD, MA

Title: Infidelity: Transgression or Regression
Infidelity has been a long standing issue for couples and society since recorded history. Often recognized as a clinical issue in working with Latinos, this workshop will describe, discuss and dialogue with participants the possible implications for assessment and interventions with the cultural context of traditional and non-traditional approaches to working with individuals and couples. Furthermore, the workshop will explore challenges such as countertransferene, efficacy and self care for professionals.

Taylor, Elizabeth, MS
Esqueda, Silvia, MFT

Title: La Historia de Paco, Podria Pasarte A Ti  (Spanish)
Información local nos indica que algunos Latinos prefieren emborracharse en casa, porque al hacerlo sienten que esto es más aceptable. El departamento de prevención de alcohol y otras drogas del Condado de Ventura desarrollo la foto novela de La Historia de Paco para combatir la ignorancia sobre tomar y manejar bajo la influencia del alcohol específicamente entre los grupos que están en alto riesgo. La foto novela en colores, especifica  y describe información realista sobre “La Historia de Paco”.  Esta fotonovela les ayudara a entender la necesidad de hacer prevención tomando en cuenta la importancia de estrategias y factores culturales.

Tellez, Antonia, MFT
Castro, Antonio MSW, ACSW

Title: Platiquemos: Using the Group Circle to Engage a Marginalized Population in Mental Health Therapy
This presentation will include holistic, spiritually-connected, and community-based outreach efforts that have created an opportunity for underserved immigrant clients to participate in mental health treatment. Over the past year, hundreds of participants have experienced the healing group process. Family Horizons will discuss outcomes of informal participant surveys and plans to implement future research studies that will measure outcome data of this new and innovative approach.

Valdez, Avelardo, PhD

Title: Long Term Health Consequences of Mexican American Gang Membership
This presentation will examine among Mexican American former gang members the associations between adolescents and young adult specific risk factors and the health outcomes including infection with HIV, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data for this presentation is form a follow up a cohort of adolescents Mexican American male gang members previously interviewed in a 1996 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded study. The findings from the initial study revealed high levels of drug use (marijuana, heroin, and cocaine), unprotected sex and multiple sex partners. The present study is in the process of re-interviewing theses same gang members (N-160) approximately 14 years later. They are approximately 29 years old now with most having been intermittently incarcerated during the first and last interview as well being involved in poly drug use (including marijuana cocaine and heroin) and crime.

Vasquez, Manuel, LCSW

Title: The Roots of Our Healing
The presentation will focus on the development of an understanding and familiarity of healing systems rooted in the world view and integrated systems of care within our indigenous communities. The presenter will draw upon principles of wellness, integrated and holistic living, being in states of balance between ourselves, our communities and mother earth. Theoretical concepts of wellness and healing will be drawn from a more positive and humanistic psychology, stressing the positive nature of humanity and our ability to promote individual, familial and community change. Aspects of the presentation will provide an overview of rituals such as ceremonial, establishing un alter, talking circles, music (drum circles) reflection (mindfulness) and how sweat lodge adds to our healing process. The intention of incorporating this approach is simply that is is within the natural reach of clients and practitioners. This is a strengths model that seeks to empower the clients to feel in control of their destiny and life choices.

Zaldivar, Richard
Topete, Enrique

Title: HIV/Substance Abuse
This presentation addresses HIV and Substance Abuse (crystal meth) abuse in the Latino Adolescents. The model of treatment is development of a curriculum and training in addressing this issue.