Trauma Informed Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Description:Participants will explore how individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly Autism, experience and respond to trauma in unique ways. Participants will learn about specific expressions of trauma for people with developmental disabilities that are affected by sensory and communication differences. We will apply trauma informed principles and pre-existing clinical skills to learn how to better support participants in clinical spaces.
Date/Time: May 13, 2026, 2026 12:00pm-2:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Francis Tierney, CSE
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Breaking Barriers: Coordinating Care in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Description:Compassionate, coordinated care is essential to supporting individuals on their recovery
journey. This training focuses on identifying and addressing the barriers that limit access to
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and explores how evidence-based, person-centered
strategies can create more seamless and supportive systems of care.
Participants will gain insight into the complex social, structural, and clinical challenges that affect
MAT engagement, including stigma, access inequities, and gaps in communication between
providers. Through interactive learning and case-based discussion, attendees will learn how to:
● Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to MAT care.
● Strengthen coordination between medical, behavioral health, and social service
providers.
● Implement evidence-based practices that enhance treatment retention and outcomes.
● Build compassionate, collaborative relationships that empower individuals in recovery.
By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and compassionate
strategies to break down barriers, improve access, and deliver integrated, evidence-based care
within MAT programs.
Date/Time: May 18, 2026, 11:00am-1:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainers: Tori Lynn Panzarella, LMHC, LCDP, CADC II; Megan Cordeiro, LMHC, LCDP, CADC II
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Ethical and Liability Issues
Description:
This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of ethical and liability issues related to substance abuse treatment and intervention. Ethical and liability issues will be reviewed concerning work with individuals, families and groups. Program topics will include: confidentiality and privacy, boundaries and dual relationships, conflicts of interest, negligent intervention, use of technology and social media, impaired professionals, consultation, supervision, client records and termination of treatment. Emphasis will be on strategies for preventing ethical dilemmas and liability risks. Curriculum meets chemical dependency certification.
Date/Time: May 22, 2026 9:00am-12:00pm ET
3.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
3.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Frederic Reamer, PhD.
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Youth Suicide Assessment & Intervention Strategies
Description:
Program will include information on risk assessment strategies for youth who are contemplating suicide and intervention techniques to prevent a suicide attempt or after a non-completed attempt. Contracting for safety and post-vention strategies will also be discussed
Course Learning Objectives/Educational Goal(s)
As a result of this workshop, participants will:
-Understand risk and protective factors related to youth suicide
-Develop skills for intervening prior to a suicide attempt or following a non-lethal suicide attempt
-Understand the role of the family, the school and the community, including social media in preventing youth suicide
Date/Time: June 2, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Tom Butero, LICSW
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Courageous Resilience: The Brain Science of Trauma
Description:
This 3-hour workshop will offer participants an understanding of how survival-based adaptations to traumatic experiences become encoded as protective in the body and brain, influencing affect regulation, perception, and the sense of self.
There will be a focus on understanding the neurobiological difference between “reliving” trauma versus “remembering” trauma. Through practical, brain-based strategies, participants will learn how to rewire neural pathways to restore regulation, strengthen adaptive capacity, and cultivate courageous resilience.
Date/Time: June 5, 2026 9:00am-12:00pm ET
3.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
3.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Celia Grand, LCSW, BCD, EMDR Institute Facilitator
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Understanding ASAM Criteria: A Foundational Overview and 4th Edition Highlights
*FREE TRAINING*
This program is being co-sponsored by the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC)
Description:
This session provides a foundational overview of the ASAM Criteria, including key updates in the Fourth Edition (2023) and major changes from prior versions. The ASAM Criteria offers a patient-centered, evidence-based framework for assessing and treating substance use and co-occurring conditions, with an increased emphasis on a chronic care model and continuity across the care continuum.
The training will also highlight practical applications in correctional settings, including screening, level-of-care decision-making, and care transitions during reentry—areas further emphasized in the Fourth Edition.
Learning Objectives:
Date/Time: June 5 2026 1:00pm-2:30pm ET
1.5 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
1.5 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Brian Hurley, MD, MBA, FAPA, DFASAM
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Menopause and Mental Health: Let’s Talk About It!
Description:This 3 hour training will focus on the mental health impacts of menopause. Attendees
will learn about the potential impacts of menopause on women’s mental health, as related to their emotional health, mental health, physical health and spiritual health. Medical advocacy and racial & ethnic disparities in research will be explored, along with considerations for trauma, culture and gender implications. Resources will be shared as well as written, personal stories from women who have experienced mental health
impacts due to perimenopause & menopause.
Date/Time: June 12, 2026 10:00am-1:00pm ET
3.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
3.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Linzi Rae Matta, LICSW & Melissa Santoro, LICSW
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Secondary Trauma & Compassion Fatigue
Description:This training explores the impact of secondary trauma and compassion fatigue on professionals who work closely with individuals and communities experiencing trauma, crisis, and chronic stress. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how repeated exposure to others’ pain can affect emotional well-being, physical health, workplace engagement, and overall effectiveness. The session will also provide practical, trauma-informed strategies to recognize warning signs, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable wellness in both personal and professional settings.
Date/Time: July 17, 2026 10:30am-12:00pm ET
1.5 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
1.5 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Carlene Fonseca, MA
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Crisis Intervention
Description:
This program will explore the basics of crisis theory, including the stages and characteristics of an emotional crisis. The presentation will include intervention strategies and techniques as well as a discussion of the efficacy of short-term crisis treatment.
Course Learning Objectives/Educational Goal(s)
As a result of this workshop, participants will:
Date/Time: July 23, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Tom Butero, LICSW
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Overcoming Caregiver & Clinician Conflicts (2-Day)
Description:
This class offers an immersion into the caregiver reality and incorporates examples of common caregiver and clinician conflicts for attendees to explore and resolve in an interactive manner.
Date/Time: July 30, 2026 AND July 31, 2026 9:00am-10:30am ET each day
3.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
Trainer: Ruth Scott
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Breaking Intergenerational Patterns of Trauma, Addiction, and Dark Family Secrets
This program is being co-sponsored by the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC)
Description:Trauma and substance use disorders run in families across generations and are often fueled by dark family secrets. Topics covered in this presentation includes: The role of therapists, counselors, case managers, treatment and prevention specialists in breaking intergenerational patterns of trauma, substance use disorders and dark family secrets; breaking Intergenerational patterns by focusing on the unique needs of children of parents with substance use disorders and children on the FASD spectrum; the role of parents and persons in recovery in breaking intergenerational patterns; mobilizing the entire community to help break intergenerational patterns of trauma and substance use disorders. You will learn about successful programs in breaking intergenerational patterns in Iceland, Native American, Metropolitan and rural communities.
Date/Time: August 12, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Navigating Mental Health & Wellness–Tools for a Balanced Life
Description:
In this workshop, participants will recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety/trauma, psychotic disorders, substance abuse disorders & self-injury. The training will also review action plans, review the latest data on various mental health disorders, and explore resources available.
Date/Time: August 19, 2026 1:00pm-2:30pm ET
1.5 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
Trainer: Meaghan Levasseur
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Motivational Interviewing for Productive Partnerships
Description:
When change is difficult, we need to deliberately communicate, connect and collaborate in effective ways. MI offers an evidence-based, grounded approach to conversations about next steps, as well as a specific clinical skill set that create effective interventions. Focused on identifying and cultivating personal motivation, MI conversations are fertile ground where solutions arise and positive outcomes become more likely.
This highly interactive course focuses on achieving the “you get me” feeling of partnership. We’ll look at obstacles to that and how strong reflection skills can set you up for success, boots-on-the-ground skills that will make an immediate difference in your work. This is the appropriate class for beginners and for practitioners at any level who want to reexamine their skills and use them in a more confident and nuanced way.
Date/Time: August 27, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Lisabeth Bennett, BA, CTTS-M
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Human Rights Officer
Description:
This program meets the state of Rhode Island’s behavioral healthcare facility licensing requirement for Human Rights Officer Training. Participants will be provided an overview of the roles, responsibilities and processes related to client rights regulations in RI. Training Goals include:(a) learning the RI state policies governing Human Rights for Substance Abuse and mental Health Clients; (b) defining the roles and responsibilities of the Human Rights Officer (HRO) in a CBO serving MH/SA clients; (c) learning the State recommended client grievance process; (d) understanding human rights; (e) developing a plan to implement or enhance an HRO process in the participant’s organization.
Date/Time: August 28, 2026 9:00am-12:00pm ET
3.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
Trainer: Ruby Nicholson, RHIT
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Managing Stress and Burnout
Description:This training explores the impact of secondary trauma and compassion fatigue on professionals who work closely with individuals and communities experiencing trauma, crisis, and chronic stress. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how repeated exposure to others’ pain can affect emotional well-being, physical health, workplace engagement, and overall effectiveness. The session will also provide practical, trauma-informed strategies to recognize warning signs, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable wellness in both personal and professional settings.
Date/Time: September 8, 2026 10:30am-12:00pm ET
1.5 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
1.5 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer:Carlene Fonseca, MA
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Mental Health Parity 101: Legal Framework and Tools for Healthcare Providers
Description:
This talk will provide an introduction and overview of federal and state mental health parity law for healthcare providers. We will review the requirements of MHPAEA, the federal parity law, as well as Rhode Island state parity law, and the health insurance regulatory framework within which those laws apply. We will discuss some common types of parity violations, how those violations are identified, and how healthcare providers can help protect their patients’ access to needed behavioral healthcare.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants should be able to: (1) Explain what mental health parity is and provide a high level overview of federal and state parity laws, (2) Describe how mental health parity violations create barriers for treatment, and (3) Identify common types of parity violations and how to report them to the appropriate regulating body.
Date/Time: September 11, 2026 12:00pm-1:00pm ET
1.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
1.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer:Shamus Durac, Senior Attorney/Health Policy Analyst RIPIN
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Registration Opens Soon!
Understanding and Applying 42 CFR Part II and HIPAA
Description:
This three-hour virtual workshop will provide participants with a detailed review of 42 CFR Part 2, and a summative overview of HIPAA, the HITECH Act, and the CARES Act, with special emphasis paid to comparing the privacy-related requirements of 42 CFR Part 2 to the mandates included these other privacy-related federal statutes. Workshop participants will also be introduced to an evidenced-based model that can be helpful when it is necessary to resolve privacy-related ethical dilemmas that may arise from time to time. Workshop participants will also be engaged in a discussion about the various factors that have contributed to the myriad of privacy-related legislative and regulatory changes that have been occurring unabated since 2017.
America’s healthcare system is rapidly evolving, and the boundaries of the traditional treatment system continue to blur as healthcare payment reform efforts continue to unfold, and transdiagnostic approaches to treatment contribute to further integration of health and behavioral health services and organizations. Across the country, health and behavioral health integration is resulting in the formation of interdisciplinary teams that are dependent on the routine sharing of protected health information (both within an organization and across a healthcare system)in order to meet quality standards and cost benchmarks. For these interdisciplinary and inter-agency treatment teams to function effectively and achieve the desired outcomes, it will be necessary to reconcile the restrictive nature of 42 CFR Part 2, with the more permissive sharing of protected health information that is an essential feature of population health management.
Date/Time: September 14, 2026 10:00am-1:00pm ET
3.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
3.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer:Lee Dalphonse, DHA, LMHC, LCDS, CCMHC, CAADC, CCS
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Artificial Intelligence in the Behavioral Health Professions—Ethical and Risk Management Issues
Description:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the behavioral health professions. AI is being used to conduct client risk assessments; assist people in crisis; provide resources; strengthen prevention efforts; document clinical services; identify systemic biases in the delivery of behavioral health services, including substance use disorders treatment; provide education and supervision; and predict practitioner burnout and service outcomes, among other uses.
This training will examine cutting-edge ethical issues related to behavioral health practitioners’ use of AI; apply relevant ethical standards; and outline key elements of a strategy for practitioners’ ethical use of AI. Dr. Frederic Reamer will examine ethical issues and risks related to informed consent and client autonomy; privacy and confidentiality; transparency; potential client misdiagnosis; client abandonment; client surveillance; plagiarism, dishonesty, fraud, and misrepresentation; algorithmic bias and unfairness; and use of evidence-based AI tools.
Date/Time: September 25, 2026 9:00am-12:00pm ET
3.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
3.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Frederic Reamer, PhD.
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Substance Use Disorders in Young Populations
Description:
Substance Use Disorders (SUD) can affect any population, adolescents and young adults included. This population can present uniquely and treatment needs to be individualized for these considerations. This training will inform of the prevalence of SUDs within this population, the risk factors and contributing causes from a societal perspective, the correlation with co-occurring mental health conditions, and screening measures. This training will also discuss the multiple pathways for wellness and how these can increase treatment engagement and willingness with this population.
Date/Time: September 30, 2026 11:00am-12:30pm ET
1.5 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
1.5 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer:Jean Bagnati, LCSW, LICSW
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Identification and Treatment of Peripartum Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Description:This training provides an overview of peripartum depression and anxiety disorders, including their prevalence, key risk factors, and the importance of early identification. Participants will explore the biological mechanisms that may contribute to these conditions and review current evidence on the safety and effectiveness of antidepressant use during pregnancy and lactation. The session will also highlight emerging and novel treatment options for postpartum depression, equipping participants with practical, up-to-date knowledge to support maternal mental health.
Date/Time: October 6, 2026 12:00pm-2:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer:Zobeida Diaz, MD, MS
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Talk, Laugh, Health: Group Therapy for the Brave
Description:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of group counseling techniques and their application in addiction treatment. Attendees will learn theoretical foundations, evidence-based practices, and facilitation skills necessary to lead effective group counseling sessions. The course emphasizes ethical considerations, cultural competency, and the role of group dynamics in the recovery process.
Date/Time: October 19, 2026 12:00pm-2:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Roxxanne Newman, PhD Candidate, MA, CPRS
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Women in Recovery: Pathways to Healing and Empowerment
Description:This course explores the unique challenges and experiences of women in substance use recovery. It examines biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors affecting recovery, and emphasizes trauma-informed care, resilience, and empowerment. From this lecture, attendees will develop a comprehensive understanding of best practices in supporting women on their recovery journey.
Date/Time: November 4, 2026 12:00pm-2:00pm ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers – RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Roxxanne Newman, PhD Candidate, MA, CPRS
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Best Practices in Clinical Documentation
Description:Understand the ethical and multicultural issues associated with assessment, treatment and
clinical documentation. To learn about the Five Steps to Competent Clinical Documentation
such as case conceptualization. Conceptualize the presenting issue with the help of theory and client’s lived experience. To learn the importance of using assessment tools to understand the client’s mental status, risk assessment and symptom severity to support medical necessity. Take into consideration issues of social justice, multicultural experiences, as well as attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the treatment planning phase focus on measurable goals and assessing for other services needed to support treatment. Evaluating progress towards identified goals. This training will also focus on how to document crisis and risk
management issues, supervision, case consultation, and collateral contacts. We will use case examples to discuss the tone of documentation such as writing in an objective, observational and dispassionate tone to decrease the use of personal judgement, biases, interpretations, and derogatory remarks.
Date/Time: November 13, 2026 9:00am-11:00am ET
2.0 CEUs (National Association of Social Workers-RI Chapter, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
2.0 NBCC-approved continuing education credit hours
Trainer: Nompelelo Boucher, PhD.
Location: Zoom/Virtual
Location:Unless specified, all trainings are held virtually on Zoom.
Certificates:Please allow 5-7 business days to receive your certificate via email. We use the email you registered with unless otherwise specified.
Fees:We utilize PayPal for individual transactions. For participants working at the same organization, if the group is five (5) or more, you have the option to mail a check to SUMHLC (15 Messenger Dr. 1st Floor. Warwick, RI 02888 Attention: Training)
Cancellations/Refunds:We require 48 hours notice for cancellations/refunds* To refund a transaction, please email selanani@sumhlc.org.
Questions:Please contact selanani@sumhlc.org