All Courses

Designed for behavioral health clinicians, this course examines practical, evidence-based approaches and strategies for managing antisocial tendencies among justice-involved individuals, including the “big four” criminogenic risks: antisocial cognition, antisocial behavior, antisocial personality pattern, and antisocial associates. Defined by the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model, these empirically validated risks have been found to have a strong relationship with criminal offending, and interventions targeting antisocial tendencies have demonstrated a positive influence on reducing violence and improving the quality of life for justice-involved people—as well as lowering their risk of recidivism.

For this reason, it is crucial for behavioral health clinicians to consider the unique challenges of working with clients with antisocial tendencies—especially those who meet the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)—and develop interventions that specifically address their needs. Through the provided materials and activities, this course will enable attendees to develop these skills so they can recognize, assess, and manage antisocial tendencies in justice-involved individuals, develop and implement effective treatment plans that incorporate criminogenic risks and needs, and collaborate with criminal justice professionals to mitigate common barriers and coordinate care.

 

Colorado faces significant challenges in addressing adolescent behavioral health, particularly substance use disorders. Despite a recent decline in overall teen substance use, a concerning treatment gap persists for those needing help. This is especially alarming given the state's recent sharp increase in teen overdose deaths. As a behavioral health professional working with young people, you play a crucial role in bridging this gap.

This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively identify and intervene in adolescent substance use issues. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the risk and protective factors influencing these disorders, learn how to effectively screen for them using Motivational Interviewing techniques, and explore evidence-based treatment options and available resources to support both yourself and the young people you serve.

An overview of coverage of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) and intensive services under Health First Colorado and the Behavioral Health Administration, including how to use available resources that describe how to submit encounters/claims.

An overview of current policy and practice standards for medication assisted treatment (MAT) in carceral settings and key components to support effective MAT implementation in carceral settings, with a focus on re-entry transitions.

An overview of the biology of addiction, why medications are essential in treating substance use disorders, a history of the use of medications for addiction treatment (MAT), FDA-approved medications, and how providers can deliver MAT.

An overview of transgender youth and best practices to engage youth in substance use treatment programs, and evidence-based interventions and harm reduction strategies to support transgender youth.

An overview of Colorado’s mobile crisis response benefit, secure transportation following a mobile crisis response, best practices or lessons learned, and principles to support providers in managing complex scenarios.

1 in 36 individuals in the U.S. is autistic. This course is designed to provide knowledge and skill development for individuals working with neurodivergent clients. It covers common characteristics of autistic individuals with average to above-average cognitive abilities and risk factors, including associated medical concerns and suicide.

Additionally, treatment, research, and cultural considerations are discussed to develop cultural competency skills when serving this population group.