Home

What's New

BRSS TACS	Announcing the opportunity to apply to participate in the 2013 Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale (BRSS) Policy Academy and to receive a contract subaward under SAMHSA’s Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS) initiative. The purpose of the BRSS TACS Policy Academy and subcontract award is to assist State, Territory, and Tribal Governments in creating action plans to promote the implementation of recovery-oriented supports, services, and systems within the context of the Affordable Care Act.  All necessary information to apply for an award is included in the Request for Applications located at http://brsstacs.center4si.com/PolicyAcademyAward_2013_RFA.doc.  An informational webinar about the BRSS Policy Academy award will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET. To register, go to http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=234898. Questions about the Request for Application (RFA) should be submitted to Rebecca Stouff, by electronic mail to rstouff@center4si.com, or by U.S. mail to Rebecca Stouff, Center for Social Innovation, 200 Reservoir Street, Suite 202, Needham, MA 02494. Questions about BRSS TACS may be directed to the SAMHSA Project Officer, Catherine Nugent, at cathy.nugent@samhsa.hhs.gov  or 240-276-1577.
	BHbusiness: Preparing Providers for the Future BHbusiness: Mastering Essential Business Operations is a training and technical assistance project funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Focusing on five essential business operations, the project will help behavioral health providers improve their capacity to serve vast new numbers of Americans seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders. With the goal of ensuring that providers are well-equipped to provide effective and efficient behavioral health services, the effort affords providers the best opportunity to successfully meet the increasing system demands. Five essential business operations: •       Learn More Strategic Business Planning •       Practice Management & Billing •       Third-Party Contract Negotiations •       Eligibility and Enrollment •       Meaningful Use of Health Information Technology (HIT) Application available January 3, 2013 The participant application and the Convening Organization Information Sheet will be available for download from the BHbusiness website (http://bhbusiness.org/) on January 3, 2013. Applications must be returned by February 4, 2013. Organizations selected to participate will be notified by February 28, 2013.
	SAMHSA’s state-level report on mental health and substance abuse treatment spending was recently posted on the SAMHSA website. There are two links of interest: one that contains the entire report, including sections for each State, and one that allows the user to click on individual States to see the abbreviated profile for that State as well as some background information. The links are: For the entire report: http://www.samhsa.gov/healthReform/StateEstimates2011/StatesEstimatesReport2011.pdf For reports by State: http://www.samhsa.gov/healthreform/StateSpending.aspx
	New Restricted-Use NSDUH Data Allow for 2-Year Estimates The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): 2-Year R-DAS (2002 to 2003, 2004 to 2005, 2006 to 2007, 2008 to 2009, and 2010 to 2011) data are now available for online analysis using the Restricted-Use Data Analysis System (R-DAS). Variables available in the NSDUH: 2-Year R-DAS file include: State codes to allow for state-level analyses Detailed race/ethnicity Country of birth Initiation of substance use (age of first use). Other NSDUH R-DAS data files available for analysis using the R-DAS: NSDUH: 4-Year R-DAS (2002 to 2005 and 2006 to 2009) produces combined -year estimates for 2002–2005 and 2006–2009. NSDUH: 8-Year R-DAS (2002 to 2009) produces estimates based on a combined 8 years of data. Please use this link for more information: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/SAMHDA/studies/34482
	Announcing the new SBIRT ATTC IRETA is the new National SBIRT-ATTC, a federally-funded Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) for Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). As the National SBIRT_ATTC, IRETA helps health care providers utilize the public health model or screening for substance use and providing advice or counseling for their patients who use alcohol or other drugs in risky or harmful ways. Visit the new Website for education, training, and other resources: http://ireta.org/ebpsbirt
	SAMHSA/CSAT Travel Awards to be made for the CPDD Conference Once again, up to 30 SAMHSA/CSAT Travel Awards are being provided to the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) Conference which will be held June 15-20, 2013 at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel, San Diego, CA. This is an excellent opportunity for program directors and clinical supervisors to attend one of the premier research conferences held annual with support from SAMHSA/CSAT. CONTINGENT UPON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, all travel costs and the conference registrations will be covered for the 30 awardees. Go to http://www.cpdd.vcu.edu/Pages/Index/Awards/TravelDescrip.html and scroll to the third item for the information, forms, and submission information. For information about the CPDD meeting, interested parties should visit the website, http://www.cpdd.vcu.edu/. The submission deadline is January 10, 2013. This has become a very competitive process and the travel awardees have found the conference very enlightening.
	New Curriculum Strengthens Peers’ Role in Integrated Health Delivery The SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions has developed a new peer support curriculum, Whole Health Action Management (WHAM), to promote whole health self-management and strengthen the peer workforce’s role in integrated healthcare delivery. WHAM prepares the peer workforce to use person-centered planning to set achievable whole health goals and weekly action plans to create new health behavior by engaging in weekly WHAM groups. It also teaches basic health screens for prevention and shared decision making with health professionals. Founded on researched chronic disease self-management programs such as HARP (Health and Recovery Peer Program) and science-based health and resiliency factors, like the Relaxation Response, WHAM was designed by peers for peers in recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders. For more information on WHAM, visit http://www.integration.samhsa.gov/health-wellness/wham or contact Hannah Mason at hannahm@thenationalcouncil.org.
	New Inservice Training for Counselors and Clinical Staff SAMHSA’s Inservice Training based on Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 41: Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy provides seven scripted modules to assist treatment program staff in understanding and implementing evidence-based group therapy practices. The modules include: Groups and Substance Abuse Treatment Types of Groups Used in Substance Abuse Treatment Criteria for the Placement of Clients in Groups Group Development and Phase-Specific Tasks Stages of Treatment Group Leadership, Concepts, and Techniques Supervision Download your free copy today! The Inservice Training is available for download at http://store.samhsa.gov or through the link below: Inservice Training based on TIP 41: Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy (SMA) 11-4664
	SAMHSA New Behavioral Health Resource About U.S. War Veterans Since 2001, more than 2.2 million U.S. veterans have served in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom). SAMHSA’s “Behavioral Health Issues Among Afghanistan and Iraq U.S. War Veterans,” In Brief, Volume 7, Issue 1 introduces some of the behavioral health issues facing these veterans, including substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide. This In Brief also discusses screening tools and intervention. The In Brief is a bulletin that provides nontreatment providers, including professionals from the primary care, criminal justice, and social work fields, with information on the prevention and treatment of behavioral health issues. Download or order your free copy today! The In Brief is available at http://store.samhsa.gov or through the link below: “Behavioral Health Issues Among Afghanistan and Iraq U.S. War Veterans,” In Brief, Volume 7, Issue 1 (SMA) 12-4670
SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions: CIHS Billing Worksheets Make Financing Integrated Services Easier	Financing is one of the key elements in integrating primary and behavioral healthcare services. Once you determine the best clinical model for your program, it is necessary to determine how the financing supports it. And while financing is often viewed as a barrier to sustaining primary and behavioral healthcare integration activities, there are nearly always means of reimbursement. To help you bill Medicare and Medicaid optimally for integrated services, the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions (CIHS) has developed customized billing and financial worksheets for each state that identify existing billing opportunities for services provided in integrated healthcare settings. For more information, go to http://www.integration.samhsa.gov.
	SAMHSA Announces New Korean-Language Behavioral Health Resources SAMHSA announces two new Korean-language publications based on Anger Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Clients: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Manual helps counselors teach anger management techniques in a group setting through a 12-week cognitive behavioral intervention (participants use the accompanying workbook). The manual describes the anger cycle, conflict resolution, assertiveness skills, and anger control plans. The Participant Workbook provides worksheets and homework assignments using the core concepts of the 12-week cognitive behavioral group therapy intervention (provided in the accompanying manual). SAMHSA’s Multi-Language Initiative provides products for clients who speak languages other than English who want to learn more about specific issues regarding behavioral health. Download your free copy today! The manual and workbook are available for download at http://store.samhsa.gov or through the links below: Anger Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Clients: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Manual (Korean) (1.32 MB/64 pp.) Anger Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Clients: Participant Workbook (Korean) (1.4 MB/54 pp.)
	New Resource for Alcohol Use Disorders Treatment Providers SAMHSA announces “The Role of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders, 2012 Revision,” Advisory, Volume 11, Issue 2. This Advisory is a revision to the 2006 Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory on the topic. Biomarkers are physiological signs of alcohol exposure or ingestion and may indicate a person has an alcohol use disorder. The Advisory reviews recent scientific information about biomarkers and discusses their use and interpretation in a variety of circumstances, such as clinical or criminal justice settings and impaired healthcare provider programs. In addition, the Advisory presents information about the use of biomarkers in monitoring abstinence, their limitations, and the positive and negative aspects of each biomarker. The Advisory is a bulletin that provides behavioral health providers and others with information on emerging issues and hot topics that have immediate consequences for those in the behavioral health field. Download or order your free copy today! “The Role of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders, 2012 Revision,” Advisory, Volume 11, Issue 2 (SMA) 12-4686
	SAMHSA Announces New Resource for Clients’ Families SAMHSA’s Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People With Stimulant Use Disorders Family Education Videos educates family members of those in recovery about substance use disorders. The videos include interviews of people in recovery and their loved ones and provide key information for those supporting people in treatment and recovery. The videos were made to be used with the Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People With Stimulant Use Disorders series. There are three sets of videos: Families in Recovery presents ways family members can support loved ones during treatment and early recovery. Triggers and Cravings introduces information about the concept of the disease of addiction, the changes to the brain of a person who abuses substances, and the physical and psychological reactions that occur when substance abuse stops. Roadmap for Recovery presents the four stages of recovery—withdrawal, early abstinence, protracted abstinence, and adjustment and resolution. Watch the videos today! The videos are available to view at http://www.youtube.com/user/SAMHSA or through the link below: Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People With Stimulant Use Disorders Family Education Videos
	SAMHSA Announces New TAP for Clinical Practitioners SAMHSA’s Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 32: Clinical Drug Testing in Primary Care is for clinical practitioners, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, who provide primary care in office settings and community health centers. The publication provides information that practitioners need when deciding whether to introduce drug testing into their practices and gives guidance on implementing drug testing. TAPs are compilations from various Federal, State, programmatic, and clinical sources that provide practical guidance and information related to the delivery of treatment services to individuals with behavioral health needs. Download your free copy today! The TAP is available for download at http://www.kap.samhsa.gov or through the link below: TAP 32: Clinical Drug Testing in Primary Care (1.4 MB/94 pp.)
	Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Conference Open for Registration 5th National CONFERence on Behavioral Health for Women and Girls: Health, Empowerment, Resilience and Recovery (It’s all about HERR!) JULY 17–19, 2012 San Diego, CA, Marriott Marquis and Marina Register and information at http://www.SAMHSAWomensCONFERence.org CONFERence is sponsored by SAMHSA and Mental Health Systems, Inc. As suggested by the CONFERence theme, “It’s All About HERR – Health, Empowerment, Resilience and Recovery” the 2012 conference will be: Implementation Focused: Effective practices and policies to improve outcomes for women and girls and the capacity to use them. Building Alignment and Unity: Creating a better shared understanding across prevention, mental health and addictions treatment and recovery fields. Creating a Learning Community Focused on Women and Girls: Exchanging research and practice on what works. The conference embodies gender-responsive, recovery-oriented, culturally-competent, trauma-informed principles and practices and celebrates diversity.
	Practical Issues in Providing Effective Clinical Supervision: Monthly Webinar Series This series of 90-minute interactive Webinars will highlight issues of critical importance to the establishment and sustainability of a clinical supervision program that incorporates performance feedback and continuous improvement within a nurturing and ethical environment. The issues discussed will have relevance to a diversity of supervisory models being utilized within behavioral health agencies. 1.5 NAADAC and NBCC CEUs available. Hosted by Central East ATTC and facilitated by Steven L. Gallon, Ph.D. Participation is free, but registration is required for each webinar. Register for webinars at http://tinyurl.com/clinsup   Who should attend? Clinical Supervisors: Participants are required to have 2 - 3 years experience as a clinical supervisor, currently working as a clinical supervisor and have had prior clinical supervision training. Full descriptions of sessions are available on the registration site. The session titles and dates are listed below: The Supervisory Interview--April 6, 2012 Practical Implications of Vicarious Liability--May 4, 2012 Boundary Issues in Supervision--June 8, 2012 Performance Success--July 6, 2012 The Role of Data in Performance Improvement--August 3, 2012 The NIATX-ATTC Clinical Supervision Project--September 7, 2012 Questions should be directed to Tamara Henry Parris at tparris@danyainstitute.org or 240-645-1126.
	Two New TIPs: Viral Hepatitis and Chronic Pain New TIP Addresses Viral Hepatitis SAMHSA's Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 53: Addressing Viral Hepatitis in People With Substance Use Disorders is a new manual developed to improve care for clients with substance use disorders and viral hepatitis. It enables behavioral health professionals to: Understand the implications of a diagnosis of hepatitis; Educate, counsel, and support clients and their families; Evaluate a program's hepatitis information and practices; Implement hepatitis screening; Educate healthcare professionals about substance use disorder treatment in relation to hepatitis prevention and treatment; Establish cross-referral, consultation, and reporting networks with other healthcare providers. New TIP Focuses on Chronic Pain and SUDs SAMHSA's Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 54: Managing Chronic Pain in Adults With or in Recovery From Substance Use Disorders equips clinicians with practical guidance and tools for treating chronic noncancer pain in adults with histories of substance use disorders. By providing a shared basic understanding of these two chronic conditions, as well as providing a common language to use to discuss them, this TIP facilitates cooperation and communication between healthcare professionals treating pain and those treating addiction. TIPs are best-practice guidelines developed by SAMHSA to help provide state-of-the-art information to behavioral health care providers about effective treatment approaches. The TIPs are available for download at http://www.kap.samhsa.gov or through the links below: TIP 53: Addressing Viral Hepatitis in People With Substance Use Disorders (1.7 MB/146 pp.) http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/tips/pdf/TIP53.pdf TIP 54: Managing Chronic Pain in Adults With or in Recovery From Substance Use Disorders (1.4 MB/128 pp.) http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/tips/pdf/TIP54.pdf
	New Resource for Opioid Dependence Treatment Providers SAMHSA announces “An Introduction to Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone for the Treatment of People With Opioid Dependence,” Advisory, Volume 11, Issue 1. This Advisory provides an overview of extended-release injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol), a treatment for people with opioid dependence. The Advisory will help behavioral health professionals and medical healthcare providers: Access information about extended-release injectable naltrexone. Compare extended-release injectable naltrexone’s features with those of other medication-assistance treatment options (e.g., methadone and buprenorphine). Consider clinical strategies in selecting, initiating, and administering treatment. The Advisory is a bulletin that provides behavioral health providers and others with information on emerging issues and hot topics that have immediate consequences for those in the behavioral health field. Download your free copy today! “An Introduction to Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone for the Treatment of People With Opioid Dependence,” Advisory, Volume 11, Issue 1 (SMA) 12-4682
	New Resource for Substance Abuse Treatment Providers SAMHSA’s “Rapid HIV Testing in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 4 describes rapid HIV testing and reviews the benefits of its use in substance abuse treatment facilities. Rapid HIV tests are screening tests used to detect HIV infection. The tests provide negative results and preliminary positive results in minutes, much faster than traditional HIV testing. These rapid tests can help staff at substance abuse treatment facilities quickly identify clients who may have HIV infection so that the staff can refer clients to or provide appropriate treatment. The Advisory reviews testing regulations and outlines the procedures for implementing the testing, including factors associated with pretest and posttest counseling. The Advisory is a bulletin that provides behavioral health providers and others with information on emerging issues and hot topics that have immediate consequences for those in the behavioral health field. Download or order your free copy today! The Advisory is available for download at http://www.kap.samhsa.gov or through the link below: “Rapid HIV Testing in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 4 (.pdf 634 KB/8 pp.) To order your free copy of “Rapid HIV Testing in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 4, contact SAMHSA at http://store.samhsa.gov or 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) (English and Español). Ask for publication order number (SMA) 11-4662.
	SAMHSA’s CAPT Opens New Office in Chicago The new office will house SAMHSA's Collaborative for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) Central Resource Team. Additional information is available using the link below. http://captus.samhsa.gov/news-and-events/capt-opens-new-office-chicago
	SAMHSA Announces New Resource for Healthcare Professionals Many people with physical and sensory disabilities have substance use disorders (SUDs) and may face barriers to SUD treatment. SAMHSA’s “Substance Use Disorders in People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities,” In Brief, Volume 6, Issue 1 is intended to help vocational rehabilitation professionals, physical therapists, and others who work with people with physical and sensory disabilities better understand SUDs and assist their clients in finding accessible treatment services. This In Brief includes risk factors and warning signs, screening, types of substance abuse services, and strategies for helping clients. The In Brief is a bulletin that provides nontreatment providers, including professionals from the primary care, criminal justice, and social work fields, with information on prevention and treatment of behavioral health issues. Download or order your free copy today! The In Brief is available for download at http://www.kap.samhsa.gov or through the link below: “Substance Use Disorders in People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities,” In Brief, Volume 6, Issue 1 (596 KB/8 pp.) To order your free copy of “Substance Use Disorders in People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities,” In Brief, Volume 6, Issue 1, contact SAMHSA at http://store.samhsa.gov or 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) (English and Español). Ask for publication order number (SMA) 11-4648.
Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth	The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, developed “Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner's Guide" (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/YouthGuide).  The Practitioner’s Guide and Pocket Guide can be downloaded from the Website http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/Publications/EducationTrainingMaterials/YouthGuide.
	SAMHSA Announces New Fotonovela for People in Substance Abuse Treatment (Haga clic aquí para ver el anuncio en español) El alcohol y la depresión: El camino de Jorge hacia una vida mejor is based on TIP 42: Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders. In a manner that is culturally relevant and dispels some of the myths around behavioral health disorders, particularly depression, this Spanish-language fotonovela tells the story of a family affected by someone with a co-occurring disorder. Download or order your free copy today! The fotonovela is available for download at http://www.kap.samhsa.gov (2.7 MB/16 pp.) To order your free copy of El alcohol y la depresión: El camino de Jorge hacia una vida mejor, contact SAMHSA at http://store.samhsa.gov or 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) (English and Español). Ask for publication order number (SMA) 10-4574.
	Foundations of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Now Available from the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network The 1.5 hour self‐paced, online course is designed to introduce key terms, topics, and resources essential to SBIRT. SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment for persons with substance use disorders, as well as those who are risk of developing these disorders. The course provides an introduction to SBIRT, including the rationale for and efficacy of implementation in various settings. The 4‐part course can help to inform interested professionals about the importance of incorporating SBIRT activities into substance use disorder prevention and treatment systems. The four learning modules include: Module 1: What is SBIRT? Module 2: Rationale for Adopting and Implementing SBIRT Module 3: Barriers and Support for Implementation Module 4: Where Do We Go From Here? Enroll at http://www.attcelearn.org/
	Two New Advisory Publications: “Tobacco Use Cessation During Substance Abuse Treatment Counseling” and “Tobacco Use Cessation Policies in Substance Abuse Treatment: Administrative Issues” SAMHSA’s “Tobacco Use Cessation During Substance Abuse Treatment Counseling,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 2, offers substance abuse treatment counselors a brief introduction to tobacco use cessation techniques that can be used during substance abuse treatment. The Advisory also provides resources for additional information on the topic. “Tobacco Use Cessation Policies in Substance Abuse Treatment: Administrative Issues,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 3, provides program administrators with a brief introduction to implementing tobacco-free policies and practices in treatment settings. The Advisory is a bulletin that provides behavioral health providers and others with information on emerging issues and hot topics that have immediate consequences for those in the behavioral health field. Download or order your free copy today! The Advisories are available for download at http://www.kap.samhsa.gov or through the links below: “Tobacco Use Cessation During Substance Abuse Treatment Counseling,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 2 (670 KB/8 pp.) “Tobacco Use Cessation Policies in Substance Abuse Treatment: Administrative Issues,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 3 (680 KB/4 pp.) To order your free copy of “Tobacco Use Cessation During Substance Abuse Treatment Counseling,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 2, and “Tobacco Use Cessation Policies in Substance Abuse Treatment: Administrative Issues,” Advisory, Volume 10, Issue 3, contact SAMHSA at http://store.samhsa.gov or 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) (English and Español). Ask for publication order number (SMA) 11-4636Clin for “Tobacco Use Cessation During Substance Abuse Treatment Counseling” and (SMA) 11-4636Admin for “Tobacco Use Cessation Policies in Substance Abuse Treatment: Administrative Issues.”