The National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse is affiliated with the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion.
TO CONTACT: THE CLEARINGHOUSE: SELFHELPCLEARINGHOUSE@GMAIL.COM … SUSAN ROGERS: SUSAN.ROGERS.ADVOCACY@GMAIL.COM … JOSEPH ROGERS: JROGERS08034@GMAIL.COM
THE KEY UPDATE IS COMPILED, WRITTEN, AND EDITED BY SUSAN ROGERS, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS’ SELF-HELP CLEARINGHOUSE.
NOTE: THE "FROM PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE KEY UPDATE BUT STILL FRESH!" DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS DIRECTLY BELOW THE MONTHLY CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM DIGEST, INCLUDES ITEMS THAT HAD BEEN POSTED "ABOVE THE FOLD" IN EARLIER EDITIONS BUT ARE STILL RELEVANT. THESE INCLUDE ONGOING RESEARCH STUDIES THAT ARE STILL SEEKING PARTICIPANTS, AS WELL AS UPCOMING WEBINARS AND CONFERENCES, AND OTHER ITEMS OF CONTINUED INTEREST. DON'T MISS IT!
DEADLINE ALERT: Under CONFERENCES, please note that the Equally Well Symposium in Australia, which has a free virtual option, begins tomorrow (July 25) in Sydney, whose time zone (AEST) is 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time! Under WEBINARS, please note that there are two webinars tomorrow (July 25) and three on July 26!
NEWS
“EmPATH Units Are Advancing a Radically New Approach to Psychiatric Emergencies. It Seems to Be Working.”
The headline above is the subhead of a recent New Yorker article—”Reinventing the E.R. for America’s Mental Health Crisis”—about an innovative mental health program that has racked up some statistics that are “attention-grabbing,” according to BWBR, which describes itself as “transforming lives through exceptional environments.” BWBR writes: “For institutions that have implemented EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) models for psychiatric emergency care, hospitalizations for patients with acute psychiatric needs have dropped 70-80 percent; boarding for this patient population in the emergency department has dropped by 90 percent; and average length of stay for patients with acute psychiatric needs has dropped to 16 hours.” For the BWBR article, click here. For the New Yorker article, click here.
CONFERENCES AND OTHER EVENTS
Equally Well Australia’s Free 2023 Symposium Will Include a Virtual Option
The 2023 Equally Well Symposium (July 25-27)—free for all attendees—will be held in a Sydney suburb; attendees can also participate through a virtual hub. “The organizers write: “The Equally Well Symposium brings together a broad array of people from across the mental health sector to share innovative projects and research from Australia and overseas: people with lived experience, academics, health leaders, clinicians, policy officers and advocates.” For more information and to register, click here. For a link to the Virtual Hub, click here. The conference is taking place in Sydney, whose time zone is AEST, 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the U.S. For a time zone converter, click here.
“Policy of Inclusion: The Next Phase of Peer Involvement”
On August 3, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET, you are invited to a free Mental Health Policy Roundtable on the topic of “Policy of Inclusion: The Next Phase of Peer Involvement.” Among the questions to be covered are “What does the full spectrum of peer involvement look like?” and “the opportunities for meaningful peer involvement in programmatic and policy work, and what needs to be done to encourage movement towards these opportunities.” The guest speakers are Paolo del Vecchio, director of SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery; Alison Mohr Boleware, director of policy, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health; Susie Reece, director of lived experience initiatives for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center; and Charlene Sunkel of the South African Federation for Mental Health. To register, click here.
An Infinite Mind Conference Announces Call for Proposals
An Infinite Mind will host its annual hybrid conference in Orlando, Florida–”or live in your own living room!”–February 16-18, 2024. The organizers write: “Healing Together is our one-of-a-kind annual conference for people living with dissociation and DID, their loved ones, and mental health professionals.” Proposals are due by August 15. For information about the conference and a link to the call for proposals, click here. “Even though HT 2024 will be hybrid, all presenters are required to present in person.”
Peerpocalypse Issues Call for Proposals and Seeks Volunteers for Advisory Committee
Peerpocalypse (May 6-9, 2024) is seeking workshop proposals for its annual (hybrid) conference, to be held in person at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, Oregon, and virtually via Whova. The conference theme is Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion. For more information and to submit a proposal (deadline: September 6, 2023), click here. For more information and/or to volunteer for the Peerpocalypse Advisory Committee, click here.
NARPA 2023 Annual Rights Conference Will Host an Exceptional Array of Presentations!
The National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) has announced the complete schedule for its 2023 Annual Rights Conference, September 6-9 in New Orleans! It includes three distinguished keynote speakers—Ira Burnim JD, David Cohen PhD, and Robert Dinerstein JD—as well as exciting panel presentations on “Working For Racial Justice and Equity” and “Innovative Non-Police Responses in Crisis Situations,” along with many inspiring workshops! There will also be a pre-conference institute for PAIMI Council members on September 6, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. ET. For the complete schedule, click here. For more information and to register, click here.
N.A.P.S. Conference to Be Held in Norfolk, Virginia, October 25-26
The 2023 annual conference of the National Association of Peer Supporters (N.A.P.S.) will be held in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel October 25-26. For information about featured speakers and to register before the Early Bird rate expires on July 31, to book accommodations, become a sponsor exhibitor, and/or to ask questions, click here.
ISEPP Announces Its 25th Annual Conference and a Call for Award Nominations
August 31, 2023, is the deadline for submitting nominations to the International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry for its Lifetime Achievement Award (for a lifetime pursuing the goals and principles espoused by ISEPP and who has made a significant contribution toward that end), Special Achievement Award (for a particular accomplishment in support of ISEPP goals and principles), and Mary Karon Memorial Award for Humanitarian Concerns (awarded to someone who is not a mental health professional who has made significant contributions to ISEPP goals and principles). The awards will be presented at its annual conference, in Marina del Rey, California. ISEPP writes: “Please email docruby@me.com with the nominees' name(s), position(s), and a narrative explaining their accomplishments and why they are deserving of the particular award.” For the 2022 recipients, respectively, click here and here and here. ISEPP’s 25th annual (hybrid) conference will be held in Marina del Rey, California, October 27-29, 2023 (click here). (Please note that the conference dates have been changed from the original dates of October 20-22.)
WEBINARS
“Developing Strong Staff”
On July 25, 2023, 10:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ET (9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CT), Great Lakes MHTTC will present a webinar to “help supervisors create and capitalize on opportunities for staff development through training, delegating, and empowering staff to drive their own growth and development.” For details and to register, click here.
“Everything You Need To Know About Estate Planning, But Are Afraid to Ask”
On July 25, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET, Doors to Wellbeing will present a webinar that “will emphasize the importance of planning for the distribution of your personal assets upon your death and the strategies and tools that can be used to ensure that your ‘final wishes’ are followed.” The presenter will be LaVerne Miller. For details and to register, click here.
MHEP Presents: “Crucial Conversations in Peer Support”
On July 26, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET, the Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP) will present “Crucial Conversations in Peer Support.” MHEP writes: “This interactive workshop teaches strategies to maintain mutuality in understanding and connectedness through vital conversations in mutual support even when challenges get hard. Participants develop tools, skills, and an enhanced capacity to create synergy that transforms people and relationships through constructive conversations. These powerful resources can benefit team-building, performance management, conflict resolution, and problem solving.” To register, click here.
“The Soteria Experience: Home, Not Hospital”
On July 26, 2023, at 3 p.m. ET, the CAFÉ TA Center invites you to attend a free webinar on how Soteria Houses offer an alternative recovery path for people with serious mental health conditions. For more information and to register, click here.
“Utilizing Vocational Work Enclaves to Support People in Reentry”
On July 26, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. ET, SAMHSA’s GAINS Center will present a webinar introducing “the Vocational Work Enclave model and how it can improve and support successful long-term employment for people with criminal justice involvement.” For details and to register, click here.
“Competencies for Peer Workers on Crisis Triage Teams”
On July 31, 2023 (1 p.m.-4 p.m. ET), New England MHTTC will host a webinar that “will deep dive into the core competencies previously drafted and shared during the Competencies for Peer Support Workers in Crisis Services webinar hosted in March 2023.” For details and to register, click here.
“Trauma-Informed Supervision”
On July 31, 2023 (2:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET, 1:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. CT), Great Lakes MHTTC will host a training on “Trauma-Informed Supervision.” Great Lakes MHTTC writes: “Helpers are exposed to the traumatic lived experiences of the people they are working with, putting these workers at high risk for secondary traumatic stress. In addition, the workplace can sometimes reenact traumatic encounters for workers with primary trauma, increasing their risk for re-traumatization and reducing their effectiveness at work. Accumulation of these different work stresses affect staff performance, so supervisors need to incorporate knowledge and awareness about traumatic stress into their leadership role and supervision practices. This class aims to help supervisors proactively manage a team through trauma exposure.” For more information and to register, click here.
“MADPRIDE Revolution in Mental Health: Bridging Age & Other Marginalizations”
The next Judi’s Room, on August 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. ET, 3 p.m. PT, will feature MindFreedom International co-founder David Oaks, who will reflect on his 47 years of involvement in the "Mad Movement," the heroes of the disability rights movement, cross-disability alliances, and how to keep the revolution going forward by bridging age and other marginalizations. All this and more in Judi’s Room, a collaboration between MindFreedom International and I Love You, Lead On. To register, click here.
PENTAC’s National Peer Entrepreneur Speaker Series Continues on August 3
On August 3, 2023, at 12 p.m. ET, PENTAC will present the latest episode in its monthly National Peer Entrepreneur Speaker Series. It will feature Gregorio "Craig" Lewis, the owner of Sanity is a Full-Time Job/Better Days Recovery. He has authored many workbooks on recovery. “Join us to hear Craig's story and gain inspiration to make advances in your own career or entrepreneur journey!” Questions? sherry@peersupportfl.org. To register, click here.
“Supporting Neurodivergent Students in Higher Ed & Challenging Discrimination: Human Rights & Social Justice”
On August 8, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET, the National Empowerment Center will host a 90-minute webinar “on current barriers to inclusion and integration in higher education, including threat assessment and response protocols that in many cases target neurodivergent students; campus-initiated involuntary commitment; and involuntary/mandated leaves of absence.” For more information and to register, click here.
“Enriching the Vocational Workforce by Involving Peers in the Delivery of IPS-Supported Employment”
On August 8, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET, Mental Health America will present a workshop on “the benefits of integrating peer support specialists into delivering evidence-based supported employment services to people recovering their mental wellness.” For details and to register for this free one-hour workshop, click here.
“Person-Centered Supervision”
On August 15, 2023 (10:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ET 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m. CT), Great Lakes MHTTC will present “Person-Centered Supervision.” “This class explores how being person-centered might show up in supervision as well as the benefits and strategies for collaborating with supervisees to increase performance and job satisfaction.” For more information and to register, click here.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
“Research Study for People with Lived Experience of Suicidality”
Researchers at Illinois Tech in Chicago are seeking adults with lived experience of suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt to take a 20-minute survey about suicide disclosure (i.e., communication about your suicidal thoughts or behaviors). To see if you qualify and to learn more about the study, click here.
ISEPP Invites Contributions to an Upcoming Volume in Its Critical Psychology and Critical Psychiatry Series
The International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry (ISEPP) is inviting potential contributors to submit chapters for inclusion in the fourth volume–Practical Alternatives to the Psychiatric Model of Mental Illness: Beyond DSM and ICD Diagnosing–in its Critical Psychology and Critical Psychiatry Series. (To view the first three volumes, click here.) The preferred length–although shorter or longer chapters would be considered–is 4,000-5,000 words, including a paragraph abstract, references, and a mini-bio. Lead editor Arnoldo Cantú, LCSW, writes that an already-published article or book chapter would be considered as well. Finished contributions are due by October 1, 2023. If you’re interested and/or have questions, contact Arnold.Cantu@colostate.edu.
RESOURCES
Lived Experience Leadership Offers Numerous Research Studies Focused on Peer Supporters
Lived Experience Leadership features the findings of 12 years of research studies focused on [the peer support] workforce in a range of settings, to foster a better of understanding of and respect for Lived Experience as a distinct discipline and build clarity on what makes this work unique and valuable. Importantly, this body of research was led by Lived Experience researchers.” For the website, click here.
International Peer Respite/Soteria Summit Offers Abundant Related Resources
For numerous resources about peer respites, Soteria, and related movements, click here.
“SAMHSA TIP 64: “Incorporating Peer Support into Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services”
“This TIP [Treatment Improvement Protocol’ supports learning about the key aspects, functions, and uses of Peer Support Services (PSS) in recovery from problematic substance use, which will help providers, supervisors, and administrators in SUD treatmen tprograms getter understand and respond to these changes.” To download the free, 301-page document, click here. For 39 additional manuals, click here.
Resources for Supervisors of Peer Workers Offered by BRSS TACS and Pat Deegan
BRSS TACS writes: “This group of resources helps supervisors understand how to supervise peer workers in behavioral health services.” For details, click here. And the Northwest MHTTC offers a recorded webinar on ”How supervision can help peer specialists remain peer when working on clinical teams,” presented by Pat Deegan. For details, click here.
Cafe TA Center Covers SAMHSA’s New National Model for Peer Support Certification
The latest edition of the Focus 2.0 newsletter is here! “This time, we take a look at the new “National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification” and discuss what they might mean for the growth of peer support. There’s also an article on how peer-run services can help cities and states deal with the ongoing mental health crisis, and info about newly-introduced mental health legislation. You’ll also find our regular “Capacity Corner” column on organizational challenges, which addresses managing challenging employees this time. For the newsletter, click here.
COMIC RELIEF
“Cartoons About Therapy from the Past Century (Well, Almost)”
The New Yorker presents “Selections from the magazine’s deep archive of drawn neuroses.” For the cartoons, click here.
The August 2023 Digest of Articles Offering Healthy Lifestyle Advice
For “This Kind of Walk Is Much More Than a Workout,” click here. For “Hiking Has All the Benefits of Walking and More. Here’s How to Get Started,” click here. For “How to make a Staycation Feel Like an Actual Break,” click here. For “Record a Win Every Day — and Other Ways to Practice Gratitude,” click here.
The August 2023 Digest of Articles about the Criminal Legal System, in which Many Individuals with Mental Health Conditions Are Incarcerated (and the Key Update continues after this Digest)
For “Stop Executing the Mentally Ill: William Morva's case shows why America shouldn't use the death penalty against those who suffer from mental illness,” click here. For “NYSBA Recommends Reducing Reliance on Prisons and Courts as the Primary Treatment for People With Mental Illness,” click here. For “Judge holds Washington state in contempt for not providing services to mentally ill people in jails,” click here. For “Students Behind Bars Regain Access to College Financial Aid: Restored Pell Grant eligibility means about 760,000 people in prisons could eventually afford higher education,” click here. For “Justice Department Reports Reflect Shift in Thinking About Police Reform,” click here. For “Supreme Court decision limits how prisoners can challenge their convictions,” click here. For “A play written and performed by men in prison hopes to change state’s parole laws: Theatre Y worked with 12 men at Stateville Correctional Center to create the play,” click here. For “Why Dayton Quit ShotSpotter, a Surveillance Tool Many Cities Still Embrace: Police across the country face increased pressure to drop the controversial technology as researchers and activists question its effectiveness,” click here. For “Laura Araujo’s parents on forgiving her killer and the complexity of restorative justice: EXCLUSIVE: Seven years after their daughter was murdered, Anania and Dr. Lorenzo Araujo, Sr. explain why they would've preferred rehabilitation rather than retribution for the man who murdered her,” click here. For “Clear Creek County sheriff announces retirement with “mixed emotions” after controversy in Christian Glass’ death: Sheriff Rick Albers and his office received national scrutiny after a Clear Creek deputy shot and killed Christian Glass as he experienced a mental health crisis inside his car last year in Silver Plume,” click here. (For “22-year-old killed by Colorado deputy acted in self-defense, committed no crime, grand jury finds: Indictment detailing allegations against Deputy Andrew Buen and Sgt. Kyle Gould unsealed Monday,” click here.) For “For Many, a Lawyer Is a Luxury Out of Reach: Sixty years after a landmark Supreme Court ruling, the promise of legal representation for everyone is largely unrealized,” click here. For “Hundreds languish in jails as Colorado’s state-run mental health hospitals can’t find enough nurses: The state is offering $14,000 signing bonuses and $5,000 retention bonuses in its quest to hire 260 nurses in Pueblo and Fort Logan,” click here. For “This rare, underfunded program is a crucial lifeline for incarcerated moms and their kids,” click here. For “Ex-Prisoners Face Headwinds as Job Seekers, Even as Openings Abound,” click here. For “The Supreme Court’s latest opinion means innocent people must remain in prison. Clarence Thomas’s majority opinion ensures that innocent people will spend years behind bars,” click here. For “People in Jail and Prison in 2022,” click here. For "Our Prison Is Used to Mental Illness. Taking Care of Our Own Was New," click here. For "As Police Arrest More Seniors, Those with Dementia Face Deadly Consequences. Many cities are changing how they respond to mental health calls, but less attention has been paid to the unique risks for people with Alzheimer's and other brain diseases," click here.
FROM PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE KEY UPDATE BUT STILL FRESH!
CONFERENCES
NARMH Will Hold Its 2023 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh September 19-21
The theme of the National Association for Rural Mental Health conference is “Building Your Bridge: Linking Voices to Promote Rural Mental Health.” The conference will be held in person at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square. The deadline to submit a workshop proposal is August 1 or until the agenda is filled. For more information, click here.
ABCT 2023 Conference Is November 16-19 in Seattle
The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 2023 conference will be held November 16-19 in Seattle. Its theme is “Cultivating Joy with CBT [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy].” For more information about the conference, click here. (Courtesy of Yulia Mikhailova)
OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH
TU Collaborative Seeks Youth with Serious Mental Health Conditions to Share Their Perceptions About Participating in Research
If you’re 18 to 30 years old, have been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition, and are willing to complete a one-time interview of 30 to 60 minutes via phone or Zoom on your feelings about participating in research, the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion hopes to hear from you. Participants will receive a $20 e-gift card. Interested? Email elizabeth.thomas@temple.edu, text "INTERESTED" to (267) 845-5165, or call (215) 204-1699.
“Do You Want to Learn How the Immune System Works and What You Can Do to Improve Your Immune Health?”
Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) and the University of Illinois Chicago are testing a new program that helps people learn about improving their immunity. You must be 18 years or older; speak English; have access to a Zoom-compatible computer, smartphone, or tablet; be willing to complete five sessions and three check-in calls on Zoom over a six-month period; and have a diagnosed mental health condition. Study participants have a 50/50 chance of getting the new program, but everyone gets paid $135 for completing three study interviews. Contact UIC researcher Jessica Jonikas at enhanceimmune@gmail.com or 312.725.2966 to set up a meeting to see if you’re eligible. (Courtesy of Peggy Swarbrick via Jacek Haciak)
UCSF Study Seeks BIPOC and/or LGBTQ Participants for Small Study
For a two-part study whose goal is “to understand the experiences of people who identify as minorities in recovery from psychosis,” a University of California San Francisco researcher is seeking “15 adults aged 18-35 who are from communities of color or are LGBTQ to share their lived experiences in video recordings that can be used to help reduce fear and shame associated with psychosis and encourage cultural sensitivity from providers.” Participants in Part 1 will be anonymous; in Part 2 they can give limited permission about where their videos are shared. Participants will be paid $100-$200. For details, including the time commitment, click here. If you qualify and are interested, please contact Stephanie.Ekey@ucsf.edu.
Research Opportunity for Young Adult Peer Supporters
The Mental Health Services Research Lab of the Temple University College of Public Health invites youth peer support workers ages 18-30 who are currently working full-time or part-time in a peer support role to participate in a survey that aims to gather information about their workplace experiences. Questions? Contact Elizabeth Thomas at 215.204.1699 or elizabeth.thomas@temple.edu, or Haley Payne at haleypayne097@gmail.com. Those who complete the survey may be entered into a raffle to win cash prizes! For the Informed Consent Form and the survey, click here.
EPICC Works to Help Parents with Mental Health Conditions Connect with Their Kids
Engaging Parents and Increasing Connections with Children (EPICC) is a 10-week program created by the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion that is focused on helping parents with serious mental health conditions connect with their children through meaningful activities. For details and to apply, click here.
Young Adults with Psychiatric Diagnoses Are Sought for Study on Community Participation
The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion is recruiting young adults (ages 18-30) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression to take part in ConnectionsRx, designed to support engagement in meaningful community activities. Participants will be enrolled in the peer-led study for six months, and receive support to help meet community participation goals. Interviews (approximately 60 minutes each) will take place on Zoom. Participants will receive a $15 Amazon gift card (to a maximum of $45) for each survey completed. For the website, click here. Questions? Write to ConnectionsRx@temple.edu.
South Southwest MHTTC Launches Youth and Young Adult Peer Supporters Survey
“Are you a peer specialist who provides peer support to other people under the age of 30? We want to hear from you! Please fill out the survey to assist the South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (South Southwest MHTTC) in learning more about youth peer support across the country! The intent is to be able to include these peer supporters in research, training, and technical assistance activities surrounding youth peer support. The form should take 5-10 minutes to fill out, and can be done from a phone or a computer browser. To take the survey, click here.” Questions? Write to southsouthwest@mhttcnetwork.org.
Are You Interested in Pursuing Graduate School and/or a Research Career? Read Below.
Stephania Hayes (UC Davis), Shannon Pagdon (Columbia/NYS Psychiatric Institute/University of Pittsburgh), and Nev Jones (University of Pittsburgh) write: “We are gathering information from people with lived experience in the Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) or early psychosis space (including peer specialists, current/former CSC participants, and CSC youth coordinators) who are potentially interested in pursuing graduate school and/or a research career. All of us identify as having lived experience, work in CSC, and are invested in supporting the next generation of scholars who also have lived experience. We would like to create a discussion group and/or other supports for people interested in this career path. The link below leads to a very brief survey that will help us understand the level of interest in such supports, as well as areas of career interest. (Please note that this is not a research study.)” To participate in the anonymous survey, click here.
“Help Us Map the Landscape of Lived Experience and Family Involvement in 988 Policy and Related Crisis Response System Planning!”
“As 988 implementation rolls out alongside additional efforts to strengthen crisis response systems throughout the U.S., it's important to gauge the extent to which direct stakeholders (i.e., individuals who use or have used mental health crisis services and their families) have been involved in related policy, implementation and evaluation at the local, regional, state or federal levels. To map out involvement nationally, Mental Health America (lead: Kelly Davis), Nev Jones (University of Pittsburgh) and Keris Myrick (National Association of Peer Supporters) have developed a survey aimed at documenting the extent of stakeholder involvement, the forms this involvement has taken, and, where available, what concerns stakeholders have raised. Any individual with knowledge of lived experience and family involvement is eligible to participate; individuals completing the survey do not have to have lived experience themselves.” For more information and to access the survey, click here.
Survey Seeks Respondents Who Have Taken Mental Health Courses Involving Their Own Diagnoses
Have you taken a mental health course that covers a diagnosis you have? If so, you are invited to participate in a brief, anonymous, online survey--designed by a University of Pittsburgh MSW student--about what it's like for students with lived experience to study their own diagnoses in a classroom. The survey covers students' experiences of studying such subjects as "abnormal psychology," "psychopathology," and diagnosis and assessment when their own diagnoses are covered. "The goal of the project is to better understand what it feels like to take courses in which someone’s diagnosis is being taught/defined/discussed. There is currently no literature or reporting on the experiences of students in the above circumstances, or the associated impact." Interested? Please click here. Questions? Please email the project lead, Charlie Clement, at cjc204@pitt.edu
Peer Support in Higher Education Survey Seeks Respondents
“Peer support programs are growing on college campuses across the U.S. Mental Health America, Doors to Wellbeing, and the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion want to better understand the availability of peer support in higher education as well as the experiences and needs of students accessing peer support programs…We hope to use this research to support the expansion of peer support in higher education, including developing a national database of peer support programs in higher education and documenting pressing issues in campus programs…You may also indicate if you are interested in having your school’s peer support program listed in a national database of peer support programs in higher education.” For more information and to complete the survey, click here.
Supported Education Survey Needs Your Help
Do you operate a program that provides dedicated supported education services for individuals with psychiatric disabilities/mental health conditions? If so, you are invited to complete the survey at the link below. The primary goal of the survey is to help create a National Supported Education Database (NSEdD) that will be "a searchable listing of diverse supported education programs and services for individuals experiencing psychiatric disabilities and/or mental health challenges...across the US and its territories." The NSEdD project is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and co-administered by the five SAMHSA-funded national consumer and consumer-supporter technical assistance centers, in collaboration with research partners Drs. Nev Jones (University of Pittsburgh) and Mark Salzer (Temple University). For a link to the survey, which includes a definition of supported education, click here. For a flyer with information about the survey, click here.
National Survey on Student Rights, Discrimination, and Accommodations in Higher Education Seeks Respondents
"Have you experienced psychiatric disability-based discrimination or the denial of an accommodation in a postsecondary institution in the United States? Interested in informing national advocacy focus on psych disability rights in higher ed? Mental Health America (lead: Kelly Davis) and collaborators Dr. Nev Jones (University of Pittsburgh), Stefanie Kaufman-Mthimkhulu (Project LETS) and Brit Vanneman Esq. (Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law) have developed "a survey aimed at providing a more comprehensive understanding of student experiences of campus-based discrimination, mandated leaves of absence, and/or denial of academic, administrative and/or student-work accommodations in the U.S. Data will be used to inform national advocacy efforts and future projects, and in reports, presentations and publications." For eligibility and to access the survey, click here.
If You've Had, or Been Labeled with, "Negative Symptoms" in the Context of Psychosis...
"If you have experienced or been labeled with 'negative symptoms' in the context of psychosis, please consider contributing an anonymous account of your views and experiences," Dr. Nev Jones writes. "Currently, there is nowhere one can go to find lived experience perspectives/accounts on this topic—even though 'negative symptoms' regularly feature in research and clinical trials. Help us change this!" This survey is a companion to Psychosis Outside the Box; for that survey, click here. For more information and/or to share your story about "negative symptoms," click here.
“Are You Between the Ages of 21 and 60 and Drink Alcohol?”
"Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are seeking adults--[both smokers and non-smokers]--to study whether a gene and smoking may affect drinking alcohol. Volunteers should be healthy and drug-free, and not seeking treatment for alcohol-related problems. Research participation includes three outpatient visits at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD; alcohol consumption; brain scans (MRI), blood draws, and filling out questionnaires. There is no cost to participate and compensation may be provided." For more information, click here. (Courtesy of Fran Hazam)
TU Collaborative Seeks Participants for Its Parenting Through Leisure Project; See Also the TU Collaborative's Parenting Resources, Including Information on Custody Issues
The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion is seeking parents with lived experience of a mental health condition to participate in a paid research study. The TU Collaborative writes: "Our program, Parenting Through Leisure, focuses on helping parents with a serious mental illness participate in leisure activities with their child. We are looking for individuals who are 18 and older; are an adult parent with a diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression; have a child who is 7 to 15 years old and is interested in participating in family leisure with you; have legal visitation rights, joint custody or full custody of the child, with at least weekly contact; and have a desire to engage in more leisure activities with their child." For details about the study and the remuneration as well as other benefits to eligible participants, and a link to sign up, click here. Questions? Please contact TUCollab@temple.edu. And for the TU Collaborative's Parenting web page--which includes links to many resources for parents with lived experience, including information about custody laws and a model family reunification statute--click here.
Survey Seeks Respondents Who Are in Administrative/ Leadership Positions in the Mental Health Field
If you are in an administrative/leadership position in the mental health arena, “the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (GAP) Committee on Psychiatric Administration and Leadership invites you to participate in the International Survey on Administrative Psychiatry. The survey has two purposes: 1. To identify the concerns and needs of mental health professionals/psychiatrists in administrative and leadership positions. 2. To determine training needs in administrative psychiatry. We ask you to complete this brief, [15- to 20-minute] questionnaire to help us in developing recommendations for action. We also want to let you know that, if you fill out this questionnaire, you permit the committee to use your anonymous data for scientific work.” Peer providers are included. For the survey, click here. (Courtesy of Oryx Cohen)
International Survey on Antipsychotic Medication Withdrawal Seeks Respondents
“Have you taken antipsychotic medication (such as Zyprexa, Seroquel, Abilify, Risperdal, Haldol, Geodon, Stelazine, and others), for any condition or diagnosis, with or without other medications? And did you ever stop taking antipsychotics, or try to stop taking them? Are you 18 years or older? If yes, you can take this survey about antipsychotic withdrawal and attempts to withdraw, including if you stopped taking them completely or if you tried to come off and still take them. The survey aims to improve mental health services by better understanding medication withdrawal. Lead researcher is Will Hall, a therapist and Ph.D. student who has himself taken antipsychotics. Service users/survivors/consumers from around the world also gave input. The study is sponsored by Maastricht University in the Netherlands; co-sponsors include the International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal. Questions? Please contact will.hall@maastrichtuniversity.nl.” For more information or to take the survey, click on www.antipsychoticwithdrawalsurvey.com
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Call for Papers: “Recovery at 30: Emancipation, cooptation, or the end of an era?”
“The year 2023 marks exactly three decades since the publication of Bill Anthony’s seminal “Recovery from mental illness: the guiding vision of the mental health service system in the 1990s" (click here)...”In this special issue of Community Mental Health Journal,” the editors write, “we are soliciting both concept pieces (commentaries, critical reviews) and empirical work (qualitative, quantitative, ethnographic or mixed methods) that explore the question of whether recovery policy remains relevant and emancipatory today or whether the psy-fields are instead in need of fresh thinking and new, more diverse values-based frameworks.” The submission deadline is September 1, 2023. For more information, click here.
“Are You a Leader with a CMHC? Partner with the Temple University Collaborative!”
“The Clinical Treatment Act is a new law to encourage participation of low-income and minoritized healthcare recipients in research as a matter of equity. The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion seeks to partner with community mental health centers (CMHCs) across the U.S. to help get information about current and future research studies to service recipients in various programs. In return we are also available to support your organization with free trainings and other supports. Please contact Professor Bryan McCormick (bryan.mccormick@temple.edu) about this important partnership opportunity.” To read this announcement online, click here.
RESOURCES
“You Matter: Stories from People with Lived Experience.”
The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion writes: “In this documentation project, we interviewed individuals with [serious mental health conditions] to hear their stories of times they felt like they did or did not matter and learn about what mattering means to them.” For the free 15-page document, click here.
“Podcast: The Rise in Forced Treatment and Abusive Guardianships”
“[M]illions of Americans are subjected to psychiatric detention or forced treatment every year. Often well meaning family members are trying to ‘help,’ but end up traumatizing and permanently damaging their loved ones. Join us as investigative journalist Rob Wipond explains how most states have broadened their criteria for psychiatrically detaining someone far beyond ‘imminent harm’ and that as a practical matter, this could happen to almost anyone.” For the podcast, click here.
“Alternatives to Coercion in Mental Health Settings: A Literature Review”
This 214-page report was commissioned by the United Nations Office at Geneva to inform the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was published in 2018 by the Melbourne Social Equity Institute. To download the free report, click here.
“Open Dialogue Around the World—Implementation, Outcomes, Experiences, and Perspectives”
Frontiers in Psychology offers 16 articles about Open Dialogue. These include “Introducing Peer-supported Open Dialogue in Changing Mental Health Care,” “Using Open Dialogue-inspired Dialogism in Non-Psychiatric Medical Practice: A 10-Year Experience,” “Development of the Peer-supported Open Dialogue Attitude and Competence Inventory for Practitioners: A Delphi Study,” and 13 more. For links to all 16 articles, click here.
“Training of Lived Experience Workforces: A Rapid Review of Content and Outcomes”
“Recently, the lived and living experience (LLE) workforce in mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sectors has expanded,” researchers at La Trobe University and the Self Help Addiction Resource Center in Australia write. “Despite widespread benefit of this inclusion, some LLE practitioners have encountered personal and professional challenges in their workforce roles…[W]e present recommendations for improving training processes for this workforce.” For the article, published in Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services (Springer), click here.
Mental Health Activists Publish “White Paper on Improving Patient Outcomes”
Jim Gottstein, founder of the Law Project for Psychiatric Rights and author of The Zyprexa Papers, writes: “Faith Myers, Susan Musante, Peter Gøtzsche, David Healy, David Cohen, the International Society for Ethical Psychology & Psychiatry (ISEPP)—through its executive director, Chuck Ruby—and I have just published a ‘White Paper’ on improving psychiatric patient outcomes. While it was written for a specific situation in Alaska, most of it is generally applicable; and…it presents compelling evidence for abolishing unwanted psychiatric interventions in favor of non-coercive approaches, such as Soteria houses, peer respites, Open Dialogue, warm lines, the Hearing Voices Network, emotional CPR (eCPR), [and other such approaches].” To download the free, 68-page “White Paper on Improving Patient Outcomes, Addressing Treatment-Caused Trauma & Injuries, Enhancing Patient Rights, and Grievance Procedures…,” click here.
“WHO’s New Series to Enhance the Meaningful Engagement of People with Lived Experience”
The World Health Organization’s “new ‘Intention to Action’ series is tackling both an evidence gap and a lack of standardized approaches on how to include people with lived experience into decision- and policy-making…The first publication—‘People power: Perspectives from individuals with lived experience of non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions and neurological conditions’—includes six detailed case studies from 12 individuals with lived experience of diverse health conditions.” For more information and a link to download the 80-page publication, click here. (Courtesy of Matthew Jackman)
“What Is Mental Illness?”
“This conversation between Justin Garson (philosopher), Nev Jones (community mental health researcher), and Marco Ramos (psychiatrist/historian)”--sponsored by The Philosopher–“will aim to offer a sense of the scope of what is at stake in our understanding of mental illness, considering the place of biology, society, histories of oppression, evolution, and lived experience in such an understanding.” For the video, click here. (Courtesy of Kevin Fitts)
“Optimizing Recovery Funding, Volumes 1 & 2”
“In 2021, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provided the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence (PR CoE) with supplemental funding for a special project to identify and recommend best practices and strategies to optimize funding for high-quality and effective recovery support services. The result was 'Volume 1: Barriers to Acquiring Funding for Organizations in the Ecosystem of Recovery Volume' and 'Volume 2: Strategies for State Funding of Recovery Support Services.'” To download the full, 130-page report, click here. For more information about the reports, including a brief video, click here.
TU Collaborative Wants to Hear Your Story!
“We are working on a project to better understand social connections among adults with significant mental health challenges,” the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion writes. “We are seeking your stories on your social connections generally” and “what those connections mean to you.” The TU Collaborative will compile these stories based on a series of brief surveys. For details and to share your story, click here.
Common Threads: Stories of Survival & Recovery from Mental Illness
Common Threads: Stories of Survival & Recovery from Mental Illness, a 108-page compendium, includes “tales of survival and recovery” by a number of Floridians. To quote from the Introduction, “Many of the people in these stories have lived significant portions of their lives in psychiatric institutions, and only through their strengths have they found their way back to the community…In these tales, we hear about the importance of education and peer support…” To download the free document, click here.
“Crisis Now” Offers a “Roadmap to Safe, Effective Crisis Care”
The goal of Crisis Now: Transforming Crisis Services—led by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and developed with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and RI International—is “to provide all communities a roadmap to safe, effective crisis care that diverts people in distress from the emergency department and jail by developing a continuum of crisis care services that match people’s clinical needs.” Among the resources offered on the website are SAMHSA’s 80-page “National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care Best Practice Toolkit” (2020), an “Overview of Crisis Funding Sources Available to States and Localities” (last updated March 2, 2022), and assessment tools, such as “How Does Your Crisis System Rate?” The Crisis Now partners write: “Are you interested in adding your organization to the list supporting Crisis Now, or do you have questions? Reach out to us at info@crisisnow.com. For the website, click here.
“What Is the Meaning of Life?” This Free Online Collection Offers Answers
Excellence Reporter offers more than “1,200 articles-interviews on ‘What Is the Meaning of Life?’ written by renowned spiritual leaders, mindfulness experts, great thinkers and authors, elders, artists, musicians, CEOs, etc.” The contributors include such renowned figures as Bertrand Russell; Carl Jung; the Dalai Lama; Eleanor Roosevelt; Epicurus; Erich Fromm; Kahlil Gibran; Buckminster Fuller; Robert Louis Stevenson; and Ron Bassman, executive director of MindFreedom International. To browse the free compendium, click here.
The UIC Center’s Solutions Suite for Health & Recovery Offers Free Tools
"The UIC Center offers tools, curricula, and implementation manuals for free use in community-based programs, peer-run programs, or one's own life. You can introduce the entire complement of products to foster improved health, wellness, and mental health recovery. Or, you can choose the ones that will work best for your program or your life. The Suite was developed in collaboration with Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey. The UIC Center is funded by NIDILRR (National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research). For the UIC Solutions Suite for Health & Recovery, click here. (Courtesy of Peggy Swarbrick via Jacek Haciak)
U.S. Surgeon General Creates Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation
"The U.S. Surgeon General’s Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation, developed in collaboration with the HHS Office of Evaluation Sciences (OES), provides specific guidance and resources for health care providers, educators, librarians, faith leaders, and trusted community members to understand, identify, and stop the spread of health misinformation in their communities." For information about the toolkit (a 22-page overview of health misinformation, and resources to stop it), and links to a “Talk to Your Community About Health Misinformation” Infographic, a “Health Misinformation Checklist” Infographic, and the Surgeon General's press release, click here.
“Psychiatrist with Philosophical Interests” leads “Conversations in Critical Psychiatry,” a Psychiatric Times Series
Awais Aftab, who describes himself as a "psychiatrist with philosophical interests" in his Twitter bio, leads "Conversations in Critical Psychiatry," which, he says, "explores critical and philosophical perspectives in psychiatry and engages with prominent commentators within and outside the profession who have made meaningful criticisms of the status quo." Among those interviewed are Jim Gottstein, author of The Zyprexa Papers, on “The Fight for Pharma Accountability and Psychiatric Rights”; Allen Frances, M.D., author of Saving Normal; Sandra Steingard, M.D., and G. Scott Waterman, M.D., on "Integrating Academic Inquiry and Reformist Activism in Psychiatry"; Susannah Cahalan, author of Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, on "50 Shades of Misdiagnosis"; Kathy Flaherty, J.D., executive director of the Connecticut Legal Rights Project, Inc., on "Reconsidering Care and Coercion in Psychiatry"; Nev Jones, Ph.D., on "Phenomenology, Power, Polarization, and the Discourse on Psychosis"; Dainius Puras, M.D., on "Global Psychiatry's Crisis of Values"; and many others. For the archived interviews, click here.
U.S. DOL Releases Guidance on FMLA Leave and Mental Health
The U.S. Department of Labor’s newly issued Fact Sheet #280 about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) explains when eligible employees may take FMLA leave to address mental health conditions, and new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) offers additional information. (Although the FMLA covers public and private employers nationwide, only those private employers who have 50 or more employees for at least 20 workweeks in a year are required to provide their eligible employees with FMLA leave.) For details, click here.
Hearing Voices Network Is Now Hosting Online Groups
“There are now ONLINE opportunities to connect, share experiences, and find mutual support,” the Hearing Voices Network (HVN) writes. “These groups are accessible via web-based platforms and by phone…Online groups are specifically for those with personal lived experience with hearing voices, seeing visions, and/or negotiating alternative realities. They are voice-hearer facilitated. With further questions and for details on how to access the group[s], please email info@hearingvoicesusa.org.” To read this announcement online and for more information, click here.
Virtual Group Works to Advance Peer Research Capacity, Leadership, and Involvement
Nev Jones, PhD—a strong advocate for building research capacity, leadership, and involvement among peers, survivors, and service users—leads a virtual group dedicated to this effort. Dr. Jones—assistant professor, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh—was part of the team that developed “User/Survivor Leadership & Capacity Building in Research: White Paper on Promoting Engagement Practices in Peer Evaluation/Research (PEPPER),” published by the Lived Experience Research Network. For the white paper, click here. Anyone interested in joining the virtual group can email Nev at nev.inbox@gmail.com.
Mad In America Invites You to Submit Your Personal Story (Within Certain Guidelines)
Mad In America writes: “A ‘personal story’ is defined as your story of being in relationship to psychiatry and/or the mental health system, whatever that means to you. It might involve your opinions and analysis of what happened to you, as well. It can be about a specific event, or about your overall journey, provided it fits the length requirements (1,500 to 3,000 words) and has a narrative arc. The piece should be about your personal experiences, not psychiatry or the mental health system in general. Submissions should fall under the theme of rethinking psychiatry and the mental health system, and should be original works not previously published elsewhere. For examples of the types of stories we publish, view our personal stories archive here.” For more information and/or to submit a personal story, click here.
“Where DNA and Medications Meet”
Not all drugs are effective for all people; therapeutic response rates for many drugs are only 50%-75%. “OneOme, co-founded by [the] Mayo Clinic, provides evidence-based pharmacogenomic solutions that help improve patient outcomes and reduce costs through more personalized medication decisions.” OneOme’s RightMed Test is “a doctor-ordered pharmacogenomic (PGx) test that analyzes your DNA and provides your doctors with genetic information to help them determine how you may respond to certain medications. The results may help your doctors reduce medication trial and error, minimize risk of side effects, save you time and money, and make more informed prescribing decisions. Because your DNA doesn’t change over time, your doctors can use your test results to make more personalized medication decisions for you over the course of your lifetime.” For more information, click here. (Courtesy of Robin Osborne)
Doors to Wellbeing Offers “State Selfies: A Picture of Peer Services Reported by Peers”
Doors to Wellbeing’s “Peer Album” is a directory of nearly 600 peer-run organizations throughout the U.S. They invite updates and offer instructions for providing them and add, “If your entry has not made this first draft, we encourage you to re-submit.” For the 158-page directory, click here.
Disclaimer: The Clearinghouse does not necessarily endorse the opinions and opportunities included in the Key Update.
About the Key Update
The National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse is affiliated with the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion. The Key Update is the free monthly e-newsletter of the National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse. Volume 20, No. 2, August 2023. For content, reproduction or publication information, please contact Susan Rogers at selfhelpclearinghouse@gmail.com. Follow Susan on Twitter at @SusanRogersMH