Description
Co-occurring disorders (COD) refer to the existence of both a mental health and substance use disorder.  In this training, participants will learn about the prevalence of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders among the youth population, as well as a developmental framework for understanding youth CODs.  This training will present a general overview of mental health disorders and symptoms that are common among youth in the SUD system and ways to assess for these symptoms.  In addition, the instructor will discuss both challenges and best practices for addressing COD with youth.

Learning Objectives

1. Define co-occurring disorders and describe the developmental framework for understanding youth with co-occurring disorders.
2. Discuss the prevalence of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders among youth. 
3. Identify common mental health disorders and symptoms common among youth in the SUD system of care. 
4. Accurately describe challenges and best practices for addressing co-occurring needs among clients in the youth system of care. 

Intended Audience

This training is appropriate for the following disciplines within the SAPC Provider Network:

• Registered and Certified Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselors
• LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs & Licensed Eligible (LE) AMFTs, ACSWs, APCCs 
• Psychologists & Registered Psychological Associates
• Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists & Peer Support Specialists

Instructor
Dr. Rachel Gonzales-Castaneda, PhD, MPH

Dr. Gonzales-Castaneda is an Associate Professor with the Azusa Pacific University (APU) Psychology Department. She also holds an appointment as an Associate Research Psychologist at the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP), Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. She has been involved in substance abuse research, evaluation, program development and training for over 20 years with multiple funded projects by the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, California Department of Health and Human Services, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health/Mental Health, and Hilton Foundation. The projects span multiple areas, including adult and youth populations, technology-driven applications, prevention and early intervention, evidence based treatment models, continuing care programs, family based services, and co-occurring disorders. 

Hours/CEs
1.0

Format
This online course uses a mixed-media format with PowerPoint slides, voice-overs, and closed captions.

Process
At the start of the training, participants will be given a pre-test assessment. During the training, participants will read or listen to the material presented in the slides. At the end of the training, participants will need to pass the training post-test with a score of 80% or better to print a certificate of completion and receive CE credits. 

Disclosure
County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control does not receive commercial support for the content of these trainings. Azusa Pacific University does not receive commercial support for the content of these trainings. County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control does not receive commercial support for the content of these trainings.

Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions related to the training content, please email HEALTHPSYCHLAB@APU.EDU.

If you have any questions related to the training content and continued education, please email SAPC.CST@PH.LACOUNTY.GOV.

If you have any questions or concerns with the training, please email INFO@SAPC-LNC.ORG.