Did you know that 7.9 million U.S. adults report having had a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, or what's also known as a co-occurring disorder?* During September the MA Department of Mental Health joins observing National Recovery Month.
National Recovery Month highlights the fact that mental health and substance use services can provide individuals living with these illnesses, and their families, a more fulfilling and healthier life. It is possible for individuals with mental health disorders to get better; however, each person has different needs, an individualized treatment plan, and can recover at their own pace. Treatment and recovery occur over time. This is why The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Recovery Month's theme of Join the Voices: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery aligns well with the Department's emphasis of peer support networks by valuing individuals' lived experiences and by providing an option to recover within the community.
The DMH Office of Recovery and Empowerment (ORE), through supporting peer staff, promotes a vision of recovery, empowerment, and wellness and ensures that these values are infused in all aspects and levels of the Department's work. One way ORE achieves this by is through the promotion of self-determination and self-management in relationship between individuals served and providers, and through the office's work to increase visibility within the peer community racially, ethnically, linguistically, gender/gender expression, and LGBTQ identified, providing both a voice and an ear reflective of the communities DMH serves.
Some DMH programs that promote recovery within the community are:
Recovery Learning Centers (RLC) - are DMH consumer-run networks of self-help, peer support, information and referral, advocacy, and training activities. Some of the trainings offered by the RLCs include recovery concepts, advocacy forums, and social activities. Additionally, some of the Centers offer Warm Lines, a phone number for individuals served to utilize if they need someone to talk with and are not in crisis, answered by peers with lived experience.
Peer Support Trainings - provides training to individuals with lived experience to become a Certified Peer Specialist and offer support to peers throughout their treatment and recovery. Through generous funding DMH is able to expand training and outreach efforts to include: Deaf Certified Peer Support Specialists training, Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS)training, and Gathering and Inspiring Future Talent (GIFT) training for young adult peer mentors. Over 600 certified peer specialists have been trained through our partnership with the Transformation Center.
If you are interested in learning more about DMH's Office of Recovery and Empowerment (ORE) or want to lend your voice and story to the peer support network, please contact Rob Walker at either [email protected] or (617) 626-8275.
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ReachHire offers young adults and anyone seeking a wealth of tools, advice, and resources designed to help you reach your dreams - for building a career, getting an education, and supporting yourself financially.
With a positive attitude and the right support, you can make it a fun and fulfilling experience.
We apologize that In the December 2011-January 2012 issue, in the "Recovery, Peers are Key to DMH Inpatient Mission" article we noted
"Kevin Huckshorn, who now serves as director of the National Technical Assistance Center for the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors" Kevin is the Commissioner of
of the DE mental health and substance abuse service system.
Jonathan Bowen-Leopold Begins New Role as Peer Network Advocate
Jonathan Bowen-Leopold first started to work with the Department of Mental Health in 2007 as a member of the Statewide Young Adult Council (SYAC), through his work as a Production Assistant on the Documentary Young Adult Portraits. Jon's interest and involvement grew when he was appointed to be a SYAC Co-Chair, a position he held for a few years.
In 2012, DMH and the Planning Council created a young adult co-chair position of the State Mental Health Planning Council to support and strengthen the voice of youth and young adults. Jonathan was appointed to this new position in recognition of his leadership as co-chair of the Youth Development Committee and as a member of the Planning Council. Jonathan approached the role with enthusiasm, building bridges between the young adult community and numerous Planning Council Subcommittees, including Employment, Housing and the Multicultural Advisory Committee, in addition to his continued leadership within the Youth Development Committee. He serves as co-chair along with Danna Mauch of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and Anne Whitman of the Cole Resource Center and Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community.
In addition to Jonathan's work on the MHPC, he has been a champion for transition age youth and young adult matters at the Department, he is a tireless voice for young adults and the unique challenges they face in seeking and engaging in treatment. Jonathan is also the webminder of the young adult resource and recovery website Speakingofhope.org, the mission is to be more than website, but a canvas for expression and a toolbox of valuable resources for young adults. He ensures that the content is always up-to-date and relevant to young adults. In June 2016, Jonathan was presented with the Advocate for Young Adult Award by the DMH Commission Joan Mikula pictured for all his tireless work.
As a Peer Network Advocate, Jonathan will continue his roles as webminder and with the Planning Council and its subcommittees. He will engage peers, including young adults, to increase and support peer participation on the Council and subcommittees.
Our day-long trainings are held at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough, MA. If accommodations are needed, please contact Stephen Murphy at [email protected]
or 508-755-0333
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Training Calendar
When registering for a workshop, please note that each event has tabs titled with information regarding the workshop, available CEs and cost.
Space is very limited for each workshop and fills up quickly, please register early.
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Upcoming Workshops at the Center for Professional Innovation
(formerly Community Program Innovations)
CPI offers continuing education for mental health and healthcare professionals and educators, holding day-long workshops throughout Massachusetts on clinical and management topics. Trainings are held in Billerica, Foxborough and Springfield. To view the complete schedule and to register visit
Four Tips for Dealing With Mental Health Needs in College
By Julia Cardoso
Summer Intern, DMH Central Office
Utilization of mental health services on college campuses have been increasing quickly each year, and college campuses are increasing mental health services in an effort to meeting the needs of students. A recent study found that 1 out every 12 college students have written out a suicide plan.
Due to the increase of federal funding, programs that focus on eliminating suicide, reducing stigma, and bringing awareness of mental health issues have been placed into middle school, high school, and colleges throughout the country.
On many college campuses, counseling services have been improved in order to cater to students schedules and expand the utilization of therapy by hiring more counselors and extending the hours. Being a college student is already difficult and adding a mental health issue can make it seem impossible. Here are some tips to help you get through another semester.
1. Learn about the resources offered on campus
Many students with mental health needs don't know that their campus has resources that can help them. Before you start classes it would be helpful to set up services at the Counseling Center and Disability Center. College offer accommodations that could help you get through a tough semester and really set you up to succeed despite any challenges you may face. Some accommodations that may be offered are extended deadlines, a quiet/private place to take exams and more.
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help
Due to stigma, many people feel afraid or even ashamed to reach out for help. Just like going to the doctor for a physical illness, mental health needs should be dealt with in the same manner. There are people out there to help and the first step is to ask. Identify and locate your University's Student Health and Wellness Center who can assist you or help provide you information to assist someone you care about.
3. Stay connected on campus
It's very important to make connections on campus. Not only will you make friends, it will provide you with a support system on campus. Take a look at the clubs and events held on campus and join a few. Students who are apart of social life at their school tend to do better and cultivate a solidarity in their lives.
4. Create a self care plan
The most important of the tips to maintaining mental health during school is to create your own self care plan. This is your own steps, resources,and supports that can help you get through tough times. This may include remembering to take your medication every day, picking up yoga, going to a Zumba class each week, and/or eating healthy foods. Self care is such a vital part of mental well being. Even taking 10 mins at the end of each day to relax can help you feel so much better.
In celebration of Recovery Month, we feature Meg Sullivan. Meg is a 19 year old young adult from Andover. She shared her recovery story at this year's Northeast Area Legislative Breakfast. Here are some excerpts from Meg's talk.
"Throughout my recovery I have found a new part of myself, a part that is not afraid to be herself, a part who enjoys loving and being loved back. I know how to communicate and make friends and that feels amazing to have friends who really care."
"What is recovery? Well if you asked me that 3 years ago, I would say it was a horribly miserable thing, but now I know it actually works."
"In recovery it's all different for all different kinds of people. Some need minimal therapy once a week, then comes, outpatient, inpatient, residential and a whole other slew of options that are available in between."
"If you ask me, recovery is like a Chinese food menu, there are those things that sound good when you read them, but when you actually try it, it's not the thing for you. There are those things that people say are good and the others you know that you'll love. However when you are reading the menu, no matter how well you think you know it, you still might need some help knowing which things are right for you. That is in recovery where your treatment team comes in."
"On my team i have my parents, my brothers as well as my clinicians and DMH case manager. My progress is something I am doing with the help of other people. I am now strong and independent."
"In our own ways we all have some recovery to go through. We all need a little support now and then. One thing I know now is certain, with the help of others and with your own strength, it gets better."
Click the video below to listen to watch Meg tell her personal Recovery Story.
Children's Behavioral Health Knowledge Center News
Improving organizational capacity to serve youth with co-occurring disorders
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth285 Old Westport RoadDartmouth, MA, 02747United States
Presenters: Richard Shepler, Ph.D, PCC-S is the Director of the Center for Innovative Practices (CIP) at the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education at Case Western Reserve University and Mike Ellis, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Please join the AdCare Educational Institute, the Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts, the Children's Behavioral Health Knowledge Center at the MA Department of Mental Health and the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services at the MA Department of Public Health for a presentation on co-occurring disorders (COD) among youth. While estimates suggest that between 50 to 75 percent of young people with a substance use disorder also experience a co-occurring mental illness, it is not uncommon for someone to receive treatment for one condition but not the other.
At this half-day event, attendees will learn more about COD among youth and what organizations can do to reduce fragmentation and improve their capacity to serve youth with COD. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about how behavioral health providers serving the Southeast area of Massachusetts can apply to participate in a COD learning community that uses the NIATx model of process improvement to support them in making organizational changes to improve outcomes for youth with COD.
The intended audience members for this event are senior managers and administrators at behavioral health organizations serving the Southeast region of Massachusetts.
Legacies of Community Trauma, Narratives of Healing and Resilience
September 22, 2016 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Crowne Plaza, Natick, 1360 Worcester Street, Natick (Rte. 9).
Registration at the event begins 8:15 a.m. Lunch will be provided
Registration: Pre-registration is required. You can register online at www.communitytrauma.eventbrite.com and pay by credit card. You can also register using a credit card or a check by filling out the form below or contacting [email protected].
If accommodations such as ASL interpreters or visual aids are needed, please contact [email protected] and/or call 781-433-0672, ext. 5738 by 8/31/16.
Conference Description: This year's annual conference focuses on how the impact of trauma, even individual trauma, affects communities, and what can be done to foster resilience and healing, both individually and collectively. Drawing from the experiences of specific communities including Ferguson, MO, the Black Lives Matter movement, American Muslims, and urban LGBTQ youth, the theme will be examined through the lens of community narratives that develop after traumatic events. We will explore ways in which these communities have used collective sharing, group work, political organizing, theater, poetry, and other forms of expression to shift narratives and create healing stories.
Continuing Education: Applications for 5.5 hours of continuing education credits will be submitted for Social Workers, LMHCs, LMFTs, and Nurses. Please contact Jenny Huynh [email protected] for the status of the CE accreditation. This training is approved for 5.5 hours of continuing education for Psychologists. Riverside Community Care is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor education for Psychologists. Riverside Community Care maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
This workshop is part one of two parts that focuses on a comprehensive overview, providing the building blocks of effective peer-support group facilitation to people interested in becoming a facilitator.
Foundations Facilitator Training, Part 2 will be offered in December 2016, Date TBA Part 2 builds on the skills and techniques learned in Part 1. In order to register for Part 2, one must have completed Part 1. Foundations Facilitator Training, Part 1 & 2 will be offered again in March\June 2017, Dates TBA
The Workshop and fee includes: Six hours of professional instruction on:
Click here for a printable flyer containing full details
Photo of the Month
State Representatives Host State House Tour for DMH Central Office Summer Interns
Thank you to State Representatives Antonio Cabral, Paul Donato, and Paul McMurtry for hosting a tour of the Massachusetts State House for college students participating in the Central Office Summer Intern Program.
In addition to Jonathan's work on the MHPC, he has been a champion for transition age youth and young adult matters at the Department, he is a tireless voice for young adults and the unique challenges they face in seeking and engaging in treatment. Jonathan is also the webminder of the young adult resource and recovery website 
