Monday, May 11, 2009 – Pre-Conference Workshop

Location: West Central Human Service Center, Ste 5, Conference Room 1, Bismarck, ND

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

**Breaks/Lunch on your own

Pre-Conference

"Sex Offender Management Through a Comprehensive Risk Assessment Approach"

Randy E. Cole, B.A.

Probation/Parole Supervisor II

Solon, IA

Participants will become qualified users of the most comprehensive sex offender risk assessment package available; STATIC 99, STABLE 2007, and ACUTE 2007. Participants will learn the fundamental basis for each tool, learn how to assess overall risk of recidivism based upon combining tools, and apply risk levels to effective strategies for treatment, supervision, and monitoring of sex offenders within institutional and community based settings.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 – Pre-Conference Workshop

Location: Seven Seas Inn & Convention Center, Mandan, ND

9:30 am – 10:00 am

Pre-Conference Registration and Check-In

10:00 am – 11:15 am

1. Pre-Conference Workshop

"Sex Offender Management Through a Comprehensive Risk Assessment Approach"  Continued

2. Pre-Conference Workshop

"Suicide: Public Health Challenges, Research Perspectives, and Clinical Opportunities"

Anti-Suicide Text

Suicide Status Form

Guidelines for Responding to Suicidal Callers

Joseph J. Rasimas, M.D., Ph.D.

Clinical Fellow

National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health

Bethesda, MD

Debbie Fuehrer, MA

Mental Health Practitioner

Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center

Rochester, MN

This one-day seminar will help to outline the problem of suicide in light of its phenomenolgy and public health implications, as well as its very personal role in mental health treatments and the lives of individuals.  Participants will appreciate historical contexts for suicidal behiavior and learn what recent demongraphic trends and research reveal about self-killing.  Models for understanding attacks on the self will range from biological, to behavioral, to psychodynamic.  In order for the information to be clinically meaningful, discussion will focus on specific details of care relationships, including patient assessment, collaboration, and treatment.  The ultimate goal of the course is not only to expand expertise in caring for people whose unrest leads them to contemplate ending their own lives, but also to practically support those who provide that care.  Data and concepts regarding suicide will be elucidated by case material and open forum discussion.  An interpersonal framework for understanding themes of meaning, communication, and emotion will ground didactic information in caregivers' challenging experience of interacting with potentially lethal mental illness.

11:15 am – 11:30 am

Break

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Pre-Conference Workshops (continued)

12:30 pm – 1:15 pm

Lunch (provided with registration fee)

1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

Pre-Conference Workshops (continued)

2:15 pm – 2:30 pm

Break

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Pre-Conference Workshops (continued)

3:30 pm – 3:45 pm

Break

3:45 pm – 5:00 pm

Pre-Conference Workshops (continued)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 – 2-Day Forum

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Registration and Check-In with Continental Breakfast

8:30 am - 9:00 am

Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Keynote

"Mental Health in an Era of Health Care Reform: Get Your Seat at the Table!"

A. Kathryn Power, M.Ed.

Director

Center for Mental Health Services

Rockville, MD

There is no health without mental health.  This simple yet profound message must be at the heart of health care reform.  We must focus on whole health, person-centered health care that supports recovery and resilience, particularly in light of today's economic climate.  We must do so in partnerships with consumers, clinicians, administrators, and policymakers.  And we must work not just for health care reform, but for health reform, making prevention and healthy lifestyles as important as treatment.  It's time to let our voices be heard!

10:00 am – 10:15 am

Break

10:15 am – 11:45 am

Concurrent Tracks

Aging

"End-stage Dementia Care and Hospice: Addressing Needs of the Interdisciplinary Team"

Sara Sanders, Ph.D., LMSW

Assistant Professor

University of Iowa School of Social Work

Iowa City, IA

This session will examine the role of hospice care for patients with a primary diagnosis of dementia. Strategies for hospice programs to best serve these patients will be identified.

Case Management

"New Opportunities in Mental Health Care in the Veterans Administration"

Mark Rohrer

Clinical Social Worker

Mental Health Primary Care clinic, Fargo VA Medical Center

Fargo, ND

The VA is making rapid and significant development to meet the medical and mental health needs of our veterans.  Come and see what is going on!

Children

"Is It Asperger's Syndrome or Something Else: Differential and Co-morbid Diagnoses with Asperger's Syndrome and What it All Means"

Barbara Stanton, Ph.D., LPCC

Advanced Clinical Specialist

Southeast Human Service Center

Fargo, ND

The Center for Disease Control found that 1 in 150 individuals meet the criteria for an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Asperger's Syndrome is relatively new and has been considered a "fad" diagnosis.  The correct diagnosis/identification is critical for appropriate interventions.  This workshop will look at the characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome and how to distinguish them from other mental health diagnoses.

Clinical

"Sex Offender Treatment: A Forensic vs. Human Sexuality Perspective"

Michael Miner, Ph.D., L.P.

Associate Professor of Family Medicine & Community Health

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

Sex Offender management is a multi-disciplinary process and thus involves professionals who bring to the process different perspectives.  Two important perspectives that have influenced sex offender treatment have been forensic or criminal justice and human sexuality.  This talk will address both these perspectives and the assumptions about sex offenders and the treatment process that results from each.  The meaning of sexual fantasy and the use of the polygraph will be used to explore how each perspective leads to certain targets and procedures.  The resulting differences will be discussed with a focus on how they can be complementary rather then contradictory, thus facilitating collaborative sex offender management.

Consumer

"Consumer & Family Network:  What You Need to Know"

Todd Christlieb

Consumer and Family Network

Fargo, ND

Sara Highum

Consumer and Family Network

Minot, ND

Victoria Scheldrup

Consumer and Family Network

Williston, ND

This session will provide an overview of the Consumer & Family Network (CFN), its benefits to North Dakota consumers and family members and our present activities.  We will also discuss the case manager's role in helping consumers get involved with CRN in their recovery journey.

11:45 am – 12:30 pm

Lunch (provided with registration fee)

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Concurrent Tracks

Aging

"Grief and Loss Among Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia"

Sara Sanders, Ph.D., LMSW

Assistant Professor

University of Iowa School of Social Work

Iowa City, IA

This session will examine the experience of grief and loss in caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and how this grief is similar and different than post-death grief. Strategies for addressing grief and loss in caregivers will be provided.

Case Management

"Is It Asperger's Syndrome or Something Else: Differential and Co-morbid Diagnoses With Asperger's Syndrome and What it All Means" Repeated Session

Children

"Person-Centered Treatment Planning: Translating Recovery Into Everyday Practice"

Diane Grieder, M.Ed.

President

AliPar, Inc.

Suffolk, VA

This workshop is an introductory overview of person-centered planning. The presenter will help participants understand how a focus on service planning can be a strategy for moving systems toward a recovery orientation.

Clinical

"Adolescent Sexual Offenders: Myths, Facts, and Their Implications"

Michael Miner, Ph.D., L.P.

Associate Professor of Family & Community Medicine

University of Minesota

Minneapolis, MN

In this session we will explore the facts and myths about adolescents who commit sexual offenses.  This exploration will be based in the emerging empirical literature.  We will explore the extent to which adolescents who commit sexual offenses are a unique population, that is, to what extent do they differ from other delinquent youth?  Participants will also learn the different schemes that have been used to address the heterogeneity in this population, including typologies based on modus operandi, age of victims, and degree of delinquency, and what these schemes tell us about the adolescents who have committed sexual crimes.  The session will also address the risk that adolescent sexual offenders pose to the community and what we know about the factors that differentiate those youths who pose increased risk and those who do not.  The implications of our current knowledge will be discussed with session participants to increase their awareness of the issues involved in working with adolescents who have sexually offended and to explore the current interventions from treatment, supervision and public policy perspectives.

Consumer

“‘It’s My Life’:  The Person in Person-Centered Care”

THIS SESSION IS FULL.

Susan Wehry, M.D.

Consultant

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

Burlington, VT

Person-centered and resident-directed care are the current buzz words in long-term care and at the heart of the culture change movement.  Emphasizing hope, dignity and the completeness of each individual, person centered care has much in common with the mental health recovery movement.  This presentation examines what the two movements can learn from each other to help promote a way of living that makes the most out of life in all settings.

2:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Break

2:15 pm – 3:45 pm

Concurrent Tracks

Aging

“Challenging Behavior:  What It Tries to Tell Us”

Susan Wehry, M.D.

Consultant

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

Burlington, VT

Wandering, aggression, hoarding, yelling:  No topic in long-term care has received as much attention as these so-called “difficult or challenging behaviors”.  Usually, the focus is on “how to stop it”.  In this presentation, I focus on disruptive behavior as an expression of unmet need and describe ways to reveal the communication and promote a higher quality of life, especially for those with dementia.

Case Management

"Meeting in the Middle: Medical Necessity and Writing Person-Centered Plans"

Diane Grieder, M.Ed.

President

AliPar, Inc.

Suffolk, VA

It is a common misperception that person-centered service plans cannot meet criteria to satisfy external payers and accreditation bodies.  This session will offer assistance in developing clinical assessments and comprehensive person-centered plans that include adequate documentation of medical necessity for services. This workshop is designed for participants who already have a beginning understanding of person-centered planning and who desire to enhance their skills developing plans that are reimbursable by third party payers.

Children

"Who's Running the Show: Executive Dysfunction and How to Help the Disorganized Child - Part I "

Laurie Dietzel, Ph.D

Dietzel Butler and Associates

Silver Springs, MD

Children with poor planning, organizational, working memory, and self-monitoring skills are at risk for academic underachievement and secondary emotional, social, and behavioral difficulties.  Many students with executive dysfunction are extremely variable in their day-to-day functioning which makes it hard to determine if they can't succeed independently or are unmotivated.  Using humor and case examples, Dr. Laurie Dietzel will discuss how weak executive functioning affects school, home and social functioning.  She will also provide suggestions for addressing how to use the DMS-IV-TR and educational law to provide appropriate interventions and supports.  Research on executive dysfunction in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders including AD/HD, LD, and PDD will be summarized.

Clinical

"Overview of Major Depressive Disorder"

Zelko Leon, MD

Clinical Professor of Neuroscience

MeritCare Health System

Fargo, ND

This session will cover clinically relevant information about symptoms, course of illness, dysfunctions, causative factors, assessment methods and evidence based treatment interventions. (Biological Treatments, Psychotherapy )

Consumer

"The Past/Present/Future of Peer Support"

We will cover peer support in North Dakota as it relates to clinicians, families, and consumers.  This includes its history, where it presently is, and where it will be going in the future.  The duties and qualifications of a peer support specialist and how you can help expand peer support will also be discussed.  Peer support training information will be on display.

Sara Highum

Consumer and Family Network

Minot, ND

Steve McWilliams

Consumer and Family Network

Minot, ND

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Break

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Concurrent Tracks

Aging

“‘But I Don’t Need Your Help’:  Working with Reluctant Elders”

Susan Wehry, M.D.

Consultant

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

Burlington, VT

Well-intentioned care-givers are often surprised by the unwelcome reception they receive from seniors who may benefit from services.  Through stories and a discussion of late-life development I invite participants to view the challenge of accepting help from the senior’s perspective.  Using clinical examples, I will also describe how some late life disorders may further impact the care-giving situation.

Case Management

“Organization Challenges: A Dialogue on Implementing Person-Centered Treatment Planning”

Diane Grieder, M.Ed.

President

AliPar, Inc.

Suffolk, VA

This session is for participants who have an understanding of person-centered planning and are attempting to implement PCP at their organization.  The presenter will share lessons learned from extensive consulting efforts with a wide range of behavioral health care providers who are striving to transform to person-centered models. The trainer will offer practical, experience-based solutions and examples for addressing systemic obstacles and capitalizing on systemic strengths in practice implementation.

Children

"Who's Running the Show: Executive Dysfunction and How to Help the Disorganized Child - Part I " Continued

Clinical

"Overview of Bipolar Disorders"

Zelko Leon, MD

Clinical Professor of Neuroscience

MeritCare Health System

Fargo, ND

This session will cover main episodes and subtypes of Bipolar disorders emphasizing that it is a common and frequently misdiagnosed mood disorder. Neurobiology relevant for clinical practice and biological treatment that are always the first line of intervention will be explored.

Consumer

"Peer Support Group Meeting "

This session will focus specifically on how the peer support groups are set up and how they run.  We will also facilitate an actual support group.  Participants will leave with the tools and understanding needed to begin local support groups or to expand existing options.

Sara Highum

Consumer and Family Network

Minot, ND

Steve McWilliams

Consumer and Family Network

Minot, ND

Thursday, May 14, 2009 – 2-Day Forum

8:00 am – 8:30 am

Registration and Check-In with Continental Breakfast

8:30 am - 8:45 am

Welcome and Announcements

8:45 am - 9:45 am

Keynote

"Loss Without Closure: Coping with the Ambiguous Loss of Someone Being Here-- But Not Here the Way They Used to Be."

Pauline Boss, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus; family therapist in private practice

University of Minnesota

St. Paul, MN

Based on research and clinical work, Dr. Boss coined the term "ambiguous loss" to address a more nuanced kind of loss that, unlike death, has no possibility of closure.  Examples are: dementia, traumatic head injury, stroke, mental illness, autism, and addiction.  People feel grief, but what is lost is unclear.  The confusion and helplessness lead to depression, anxiety and relational conflict.  Focusing on situations where loved ones are physically present but psychologically absent, Dr. Boss presents a hopeful resiliency-based approach that professionals from any field can adapt for their own practice.  The "self" of the therapist or professional will also be addressed.

9:45 am – 10:00 am

Break

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Concurrent Tracks

Aging

"Losing It:  The Ambiguous Loss of Dementia"

Pauline Boss, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus; family therapist in private practice

University of Minnesota

St. Paul, MN

This session will focus exclusively on dementia.  Participants will better understand how to live with the uncertainty of dementia and the myth of closure.   Case examples will be studied and community support, real or virtual, will be reviewed.

Case Management

"Why is Schizophrenia a Life Shortening Disease?  What Can We Do About It?"

Initial Screening

Catherine Adams Batscha, PMHCNS, BC

Staff Specialist in Psychiatry

Neuropsychiatric Institute UIC, Psychotic Disorders Clinic

Chicago, IL

This presentation will focus on increasing understanding of metabolic syndrome and its complications of diabetes and cardiac disease which contribute to shortening the lives of persons with schizophrenia.  Guidelines for medical monitoring of consumers , an assessment tool that can be used to help identify those at risk, what to expect as far as medical treatment of those with metabolic syndrome, and ways in which practitioners can help people to identify changes that will help them to lead healthier lives will be highlighted. 

Children

"Who's Running the Show: Executive Dysfunction and How to Help the Disorganized Child- Part II"

Laurie Dietzel, Ph.D

Dietzel Butler and Associates

Silver Springs, MD

Mental health, educational, and medical professionals are often asked to help children with executive dysfunction and their parents or care providers.  Dr. Laurie Dietzel will outline a two-pronged model for helping children and adolescents who struggle with initiation, planning, organization, working memory, cognitive flexibility, self-monitoring, and other executive skills.  Using a developmental, long-term framework, she will provide suggestions for how best to make accommodations/modifications and help students build habits, routines, and strategies for addressing these challenges.  The need for developing individualized expectations and interventions will be emphasized using case studies.

Clinical

"I'm Not Indian; How Do I Work with Indian Clients?"

Jacque Gray, Ph.D.

Consultant

Jacque Gray Consulting, LLC

Grand Forks, ND

Practical ideas for culturally appropriate adaptation of therapeutic approaches for working with American Indians, establishing of a culturally inviting environment, how to develop a common language across cultures, and adaptation of methods within treatment protocols will be addressed.

Consumer

"Helping Your Doctor Help You, Advocating For Yourself"

Andrew McLean, M.D

Medical Director

One Center and SEHSC

Fargo, ND

Doctors need your help.  Discuss communication issues with prescribers and examine how doctors think.  Come learn how to help your doctor help you!

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lunch (provided with registration fee)

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Keynote

"Implementing SAMHSA Evidence Based Practices: Organizational Transformation and Consumer Recovery"

Anthony Zipple, Sc.D., MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Thresholds

Chicago, IL

Recovery has become the organizing services paradigm for public mental health systems.  Unfortunately, a useful definition of recovery that firmly guides reliable development, implementation, and replication of effective recovery services remains elusive.  This workshop will discuss recovery and its importance to mental health systems and the role that evidence based practices play in designing service systems that promote the recovery of consumers with disabling mental illness.

1:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Break

1:15 pm – 2:45 pm

Concurrent Tracks

Aging

"Losing It:  The Ambiguous Loss of Dementia"  Continued

Case Management

"Preventing Unnecessary Incarceration: The Role of CIT, Mental Health Courts, and Forensic ACT in a Recovery Oriented System"

Anthony Zipple, Sc.D., MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Thresholds

Chicago, IL

Approximately 10% of incarcerated individuals have a severe and persistent mental illness. Most of these individuals would not be incarcerated if their illness had been effectively treated.  Incarceration is an expensive and ineffective way to "treat" mental illness.  This workshop will describe the use of police CIT programs, mental health courts, and forensic ACT teams in a community effort to reduce the unnecessary incarceration of people with severe mental illnesses.

Children

"Who's Running the Show: Executive Dysfunction and How to Help the Disorganized Child - Part II"   Continued

Clinical

“Service to Service Members:  Designing Psychological Health Intervention with Guard and Reserve”

Alan Fehr, PhD

National Guard Psychological Health Consultant

ND Army National Guard

Dickinson, ND

By working together, we can go beyond the statistics to address the mental health needs of the service members throughout our state.  This presentation will give an overview of what is being done in ND by the ND National Guard, how that effort is expected to evolve over the next few years, and how community providers can become more knowledgeable when serving service members.

Consumer

"Leading Healthier Lives, Building Stronger Hearts" 

THIS SESSION IS FULL.

Resources

Catherine Adams Batscha, PMHCNS, BC

Staff Specialist in Psychiatry

Neuropsychiatric Institute UIC, Psychotic Disorders Clinic

Chicago, IL

Metabolic Syndrome, diabetes, and cardiac disease happen more frequently in persons with serious mental illnesses and are major reasons that life expectancy is shortened. Learn what people can do to start moving towards a healthier lifestyle and  decreasing risk of developing these problems.  This session will allow for brainstorming ways of eating, exercising, and evaluating progress towards healthy goals.  We will also discuss “stealth” healthy activities that can be added to someone’s life relatively easily to help build healthy habits.

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm

Break

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Keynote

“The Nature of Human Nature”

Carl Hurley, Ed.D.

Humorist

McKinney Speakers LLC

Louisville, KY

It has been said that the human being is one of the most interesting creatures on earth.  In this session we will take a serious look at the funny side of being human.