Chronic pain is a very common condition affecting up to 20% of adult population. Studies indicate that chronic pain often co-occurs with psychiatric illnesses, including depression, anxiety , and SMI. Data also indicate that this co-occurrence leads to a number of worsened outcomes. This webinar will use a de-identified case to illustrate the relevant topic. The webinar will first introduce the case. It will then go into some of the data showing co-morbidity, as well as outcomes related to co-morbid pain and mental illnesses. Next, the webinar will explore bio-psychosocial models that may explain this co-occurrence. Finally, the webinar will lay out an approach to appropriate diagnosis and management of the patient with co-occurring chronic pain and SMI. The management recommendations will begin with psychosocial, will then go into pharmacological, and end with exploratory ideas. Throughout this content, webinar will emphasize effective communication strategies with the patient. The webinar will return to the de-identified case periodically to better illustrate these concepts.

Register here

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults from age 10-34. Non-suicidal self-injury—defined as deliberate destruction of one’s body—is a separate behavior, done without intent to die—but it can be a risk factor for a suicide attempt. In this talk, we discuss the brain and behavior mechanisms underlying youth suicide and non-suicidal self-injury—both current knowledge and implications for the future. Register here

While psychoanalysis has largely focused on private subjectivities–private practice, private minds, and disconnected ways of life–such privatization is not essential practice. The Relational turn has already expanded our focus into the analytic dyad. In this talk Tracy Sidesinger, PsyD, and Carlos Padrón, MA, MPhil, LP, explore the ways in which Community Psychoanalysis has been a part of the psychoanalytic canon and practice from its origins, and further consider what constitutes analysis today to include the social-interpersonal aspects of the mind and how to utilize community group process within the field. Register here

The last couple of years have exposed many of us and our communities to traumatic events, the effects of which we are just beginning to process. For those of us who also work as care providers, it can be difficult to know how to maintain support for others when we, ourselves, may be experiencing vicarious trauma or secondary trauma exposure. Join clinical psychologist and research scientist Quyen Ngo, PhD, to review the science around stress and trauma exposure, recognize the impact of vicarious trauma and secondary trauma exposure, and identify practical approaches and skills to help us support others when we are also experiencing symptoms of trauma exposure. Register here

The purpose of this live presentation is to present on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment for chronic suicidal behavior and borderline personality disorder, and discuss its application via telehealth. An overview of DBT and data supporting its evidence, with a focus on Veterans, will be provided. Register here (for Non VA providers)

Join us for the first SJLA Learning Series event as we discuss empowering healthcare professionals to better understand their own role in facilitating change and supporting the advancement of health equity within a broader context of community diversity, inclusion, and social justice. We will hear from Jeanne Supin, CEO of Watauga Consulting and a nationally recognized leadership and organizational change expert and Flannery Peterson, Director in Practice Improvement at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Register here

Around 200,000 service members transition to civilian life each year, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). As we have seen after the military drawdown in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years, reintegration is currently affecting thousands of military families. Reintegration is an important process to understand in terms of its effects on families, couple relationships, parenting roles, mental and emotional health, and impacts on the larger civilian and military communities. Transitioning military service members who could benefit from mental health treatment may not seek treatment voluntarily. To completely address the needs of transitioning military service members, treatments and services must consider the wide array of challenges that service members may face when reintegrating into civilian life.. Register here