Tennessee Statewide Crisis Services Conference

Fifth Annual Conference

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Celebrating the Heroes of Today

 
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), in partnership with the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO) is eager to announce the fifth annual Statewide Crisis Services Conference.

Celebrating the Crisis Services Heroes of Today will be the focus of this year’s event.  While we are saddened that we are not able to celebrate together this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are so happy to be able to come together in a virtual format.

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services would like to extend their gratitude to every person serving the Tennessee Crisis Continuum.  Thank you for the advocacy, compassion, and dedication that is conveyed to the citizens of Tennessee during their most vulnerable times.  We look forward to networking, sharing best practices and building vital partnerships that facilitate collaboration among providers. 

We hope you enjoy this exciting event! 

This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 6.25 continuing education units for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  Contact/clock hours approved are posted below each session on this conference landing page. 

Participants are encouraged to review Chapter 1365-1 to ensure the workshop they are attending is applicable and appropriate to their professional development.  The Tennessee Board of Social Work Certification and Licensure does not pre-approve continuing education programs.  It is the responsibility of the LMSW/LCSW, using their professional judgment, to justify that the continuing educational program meets the guidelines of Chapter 1365-1 and is relevant to their professional practice. 

Documentation of general contact/clock hours earned are available for attendees for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours.  

Sessions


All times are Central Time Printable Schedule || Times, presenters and sessions are subject to change.

8:00 AM
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9:25 AM

   
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Opening General Session -- Celebrating the Miracles


Jennifer J.  Armstrong, LPC-MHSP

 


Join TDMHSAS leadership in the opening of the fifth annual, and first-ever virtual, Tennessee Statewide Crisis Services Conference. We recognize the unique challenges facing each of you in both your personal and professional lives. We are excited to be able to rise above COVID-19 and the many other disadvantages impacting our communities to be able to pivot from a face-to-face event to a virtual event. 

Guest speaker Miles Adcox will provide a dynamic presentation on engaging with the restorative power of deep connection and building unity around our collective mission.  As a leader in the emotional wellness movement, Miles Adcox is a thriving entrepreneur, world-class speaker, successful podcast host, and a highly pursued coach in the arts, entertainment, and business leadership sectors. He is the sole owner and CEO of Onsite Partners and one of the most highly sought after speakers in the emotional intelligence space for live events, interviews, and podcasts.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will: 
  1. Have become energized and inspired to continue the work they do in providing crisis services;
  2. Have increased their understanding of the role they perform in the provision of crisis services within their communities; and,
  3. Be more engaged with the restorative power of deep connection and building unity.
THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR ONDEMAND VIEWING

This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.50 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.50 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

9:35 AM
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10:35 AM

   
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Hope for Today: Staying Connected During the Pandemic and Beyond


Kelly  Posner, PhD

 

Reducing Stigma and Defeating Depression and Suicide with The Columbia Protocol
An All Hands Policy Tool and Whole Community Solution

The field is moving away from the strictly medical model towards a public health approach to suicide prevention and requires an effective, portable suicide risk assessment tool. This talk will demonstrate how the Columbia Protocol has been successful in meeting the need for a common language across public health settings and expediting suicide prevention efforts.

The Columbia Protocol is a few simple questions that anyone can ask, from support staff to loved ones, that empower individuals and communities to find people who are at risk for suicide, connect them to the care they need and prevent tragedies before they happen.
The Columbia Protocol has become the gold standard for suicide monitoring and is ubiquitous across the U.S. and worldwide. As policy across all 50 states, national agencies, and most countries, it has helped achieve reductions in suicide across all sectors of society and around the globe.

Learning Objectives 
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand how preventative suicide screening models can be used to identify at-risk individuals and establish care plans that reduce suicide while allocating resources effectively;

  2. Utilize a systemic best-practice measurement, the C-SSRS, to identify suicidal ideation and behavior to improve risk identification and safety monitoring, which ultimately aids prevention;

  3. Demonstrate how the C-SSRS enables more streamlined triage, provides liability protection and facilitates care delivery to those at highest risk; and,

  4. Identify steps taken to implement a comprehensive screening program within an agency.

This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

10:45 AM
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11:45 AM

   
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Brkout 1 -- Autism and the Crisis Response


Babs  Tierno, MA

 

Autism and the Crisis Response assists crisis responders in their ability to recognize the characteristics of autism; thus, providing the skills necessary to maximize communication with individuals who are autistic. As the growing population of those diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder enter their teens and adulthood, there will be an increasing need for crisis responders to recognize, understand, and support more effective interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism presents unique challenges, and this presentation will provide a deeper understanding of why certain behaviors occur, and best practices to intervene or de-escalate challenging behaviors.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
  1. Identify at least 5 common characteristics associated with autism;
  2. State three ways they can support communication with a person on the autism spectrum; and,
  3. Identify two best practices for autism specific verbal de-escalation.

This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

10:45 AM
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11:45 AM

   
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Brkout 2 - Be the One Campaign: A Snapshot


Joanne  Perley, MPH

 

The Be the One Campaign, a workforce specific suicide prevention campaign developed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will be detailed and discussed by leaders in the Campaign.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
  1. Recognize the three major components of the Campaign;
  2. Identify next steps for their agency to incorporate the Be the One Campaign; and,
  3. Identify next steps for improving suicide prevention within their agency.
This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

10:45 AM
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11:45 AM

   
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Brkout 3 - First Responders and Possible Impacts of the Job


Sean  Jones, MSSW

 

First Responders respond to a wide variety of situations where they see others in the midst of difficult life problems. While they manage these professionally and work to resolve the issues, over time this can take a toll on them emotionally. We will examine aspects of that and a tool that first responders can use to assist them with their self-care.
Once participants have completed this session, they will:
  1. Understand the positive and negative impacts of helping others;
  2. Understand how exposure to others' trauma can lead to secondary traumatic stress; and,
  3. Understand how the use of ProQol can assist in maintaining positive self-care.
This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

12:15 PM
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1:00 PM

   
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General Session- I Ain't Doin It


Heather  Land

 

Join comedienne, author, and singer, Heather Land for a little motivation and normalization amidst the Pandemic. Heather will provide some great entertainment interspersed with a bit of an interview by Jennifer Armstrong, Director of Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention.
Heather Land had no plans to become a comedienne. Tennessee raised her to be a musician, but her divorce raised her to be really sarcastic. Top it off with a Snapchat filter and what you have is pure hilarity that, on a dare, was posted to social media and now has been viewed more than 300 million times. What people call a “viral phenomenon,” she likes to call real-life preservation. Now she has a website, a new album, a tour bus, and a book.
From failed diets to dating in her 40s, she has seen it all and has the airbrushed T-shirts to prove it. The challenges in her life (and in the aisles of Walmart) have provided stories that will have you belly laughing — especially from the time she moved back in with her parents as a grown woman with two children. In September 2017, she had about three friends on Facebook and now what seems like everyone is at the center of her universe — 2.4 million to be exact. She loves what she gets to call a job everyday: finding the funny in the frustrating and reminding us all to laugh at ourselves.
She loves her people, good coffee, boho clothes, good music, and Joanna Gaines. When she’s not traveling for “i ain’t doin it” shows, you can find her at home outside of Nashville, Tennessee writing music, homeschooling two amazing teenagers (who she says shall remain nameless because they are embarrassed by the air she breathes), and launching her new book. 

THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR ONDEMAND VIEWING

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours.

1:10 PM
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2:10 PM

   
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General Session - Community Collaboration Panel


Janice  Davidson Winger, LCSW

 

West Tennessee Crisis Providers and Law Enforcement partners will discuss successes, barriers and lessons learned towards collaboration and efficient care of those in need in West Tennessee.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes and steps taken in order to develop and maintain positive working relationships with law enforcement;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes and steps taken to develop and maintain open, positive working relationships between agencies; and,
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes and steps taken to overcome typical barriers to working effectively together as community partners.
This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

2:20 PM
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3:20 PM

   
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Brkout 4 - Helping People with ID in Times of Crisis and Beyond


Stacey  Dixon, MHA, PhD

 

When a person with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities presents in a behavioral/psychiatric crisis, assessment of their current mental status and immediate danger to self/others is only part of what needs to happen to assist them to regulate mood and behavior and to develop the most effect disposition plan for longer-term stabilization. In this presentation, you will learn methods for assessing risk and the supports/services in place to mitigate it, when stabilization requires a higher level of care vs a return to community-based supports/services, and what the options are for community-based stabilization in Tennessee.
Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand methods for assessing risk for persons with ID/D during a crisis event
  2. Know the signs/symptoms that people with ID/D may present that may require hospitalization
  3. Know at least 3 of the options for community-based supports and services when a person with ID/D does not meet criteria for hospitalization
This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

2:20 PM
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3:20 PM

   
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Brkout 5-Serving a Decent Hamburger or Upgrading to Prime Rib: Highly Effective Crisis Call Centers


Becky  Stoll, LCSW

 

Who doesn’t know that distinct taste of McDonald French fries, Krispy Kreme doughnuts or Starbuck’s coffee? Just like these very successful businesses, companies who operate Crisis Call Centers should find the “secret sauce” to making their systems incredibly effective and memorable. Most of us in behavioral healthcare have a good understanding of the components that make up a comprehensive Crisis Services continuum, but not all realize the importance of using Crisis Call Centers as a key component. We should all step up to the challenge of using our Crisis Call Centers as a core aspect of service delivery that is robust and game changing. Whether through innovative ways of leveraging technology, tracking those individuals at the highest risk for suicide or making use of data to transform systems, behavioral healthcare providers are in a unique position to save lives. This session will highlight the ways in which Centerstone has been able to find those “sweet spots” in the Crisis Call Center to transform the way in which care is delivered to this most vulnerable population. In addition, an update on the Hotline Improvement Act (988) will be provided.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
  1. Describe technology strategies in Crisis Call Centers;
  2. Describe evaluation outcomes (e.g., lessons learned, overall effectiveness) of Centerstone’s Crisis Call Center; and,
  3. Summarize the significance and potential impact of the Hotline Improvement Act.
This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

2:20 PM
-to-
3:20 PM

   
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Brkout 6 - Veterans Crisis Line: Answering the Call and Moving Beyond the Call


James  Wright, LPC

 

James Wright, Chief of Staff for the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) and Dr. Lisa Kearney, Acting Director for the VCL, will provide an overview of how the organizational and functional link between VCL and VA’s Suicide Prevention Program promotes collaboration within VA’s public health approach for suicide prevention, allowing VCL to answer the call and support Veterans beyond the call. A review of VCL operations, staffing, training, and recent operational and program evaluation data will be provided. Instructions will be shared on how to refer Veterans, Service members, and concerned family or friends to the VCL. Recent steps toward moving beyond the call will also be highlighted, including implementation of a Peer Support Outreach Center and a Caring Letters campaign, supporting Veterans who are at high risk for suicide.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will:
  1. Have a greater understanding of the function and operations of VCL, including where to receive more information;
  2. Have gained a greater understanding of how to reach VCL via phone, chat, and text; and,
  3. Have become more aware of VA’s Public Health approach to suicide prevention, including both community-based prevention and clinically-based intervention strategies, and how they can be a part of the mission to end Veteran suicide.

This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours. 

3:30 PM
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4:00 PM

   
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A Celebration of Crisis Heroes


Jennifer J.  Armstrong, LPC-MHSP

 

Behavioral health crisis services responders know first-hand the struggles that many people go through when faced with mental illness and substance use disorders. Responders are the heroes there to guide individuals to resources and programs to begin assist these individuals on their journey to recovery. 

Join TDMHSAS leadership in this tribute to Tennessee's crisis services heroes.  Entertainment and tributes will be provided by Reagan Strange and Travis Atkinson. 

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours.

4:10 PM
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4:55 PM

   
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General Session - How to Stay Motivated and Healthy During a Pandemic


Denise  Ryan

 

In the work you do, you give so much time and energy to others, you can get depleted. And with everything going on, it can be harder than ever to feel restored. This session will give you a much-needed recharge. You’ll get a chance to focus on yourself and get tips to stay as positive as possible in these challenging times. Some of the things we’ll cover: 1) the emotions you might be feeling and how to deal with them; 2) for those of you who might have an inner control freak – you’ll get tips for calming her down in this uncontrollable time; and, 3) three things to help you physically that will also help you mentally.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will have:
  1. Received tips for improving their own mental/emotional state;
  2. Learned how to adjust to a situation where they have little control; and,
  3. Gathered ideas for improving their health in the areas of sleep, nutrition and exercise.
This program was approved by the National Association of Social Workers – Tennessee Chapter (Provider Number: NASWTN 2020-0097) for 1.00 continuing education contact/clock hours for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements.  

Documentation of 1.00 informal contact/clock hours is available for participants who successfully achieve the session requirements and who do not require formal hours.