Last Day To Pre-Register

Today is the final day to pre-register for our education conference Embracing Diversity: Cultivating Respect and Inclusion for a Stronger Mental Health System on Saturday at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott.

You can register online or fax a registration form to our office today. We will be taking walk-ins the day of the conferece; however, payments on conference day can be made by cash or check only.

To find out more about the conference, visit our website.

NAMI in the News

Our upcoming conference "Embracing Diversity" can be found in the pages of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette today. Take a look!  

Click here for more information about the education conference, scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. This conference is designed for individuals with mental illness, family members, treatment professionals and anyone interested in the topic of diversity. Continuing educations credits are available at no extra charge.

Conference Workshop Spotlight: Co-Occurring Disorders

 Some rights reserved by Ferran

It is now generally agreed that as much as 50 percent of the mentally ill population also has a substance use problem. With such a large number of individuals dealing with substance use issues, it is important to know more about co-occurring disorders and how they impact the landscape of mental illness.

Interested in learning more? Join us at the 2011 NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference for our workshop, "A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders":

A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Dennis C. Daley, PhD

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common among consumers with psychiatric disorders and can complicate their recovery if both types of disorders are not addressed in an integrated manner. This presentation will review the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, types and causes of SUDs, effects on the consumer and family, treatment options (medications and counseling), relapse risk factors, recovery, and how mutual support programs can help. Helpful strategies for consumers and families to cope with co-occurring disorders will be reviewed.

For more information about our conference, view our online brochure or visit our website. We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference Workshop Spotlight: Disclosing Mental Illness at Work

 Some rights reserved by Michael_P

Employment is an important aspect of life, and working can positively impact the life of a person living with mental illness. The question of whether or not to disclose a mental illness in the workplace is a personal one, and there are many aspects to the decision making process.

Interested in learning more about disclosure in the workplace? Join us at the 2011 NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference for our workshop, "To Tell or Not to Tell: Disclosing Mental Illness at Work":

To Tell or Not to Tell: Disclosing Mental Illness at Work

Presenters: Carol Horowitz, Esq., James Kindler and Debbie Ference, MA

A job can provide many financial and psychological benefits, and fulfilling work contributes significantly to recovery efforts for those with mental illness. The decision to tell your employer about your mental illness is a very personal one, and each individual has the option whether or not to disclose this information. This workshop features a discussion of the legal, personal and employer perspectives of workplace disclosure. Through an open dialogue, they will discuss the clear benefits of disclosure, as well as the risks. Mental health problems are not always obvious to other people, so disclosure is necessary for those who need to ask for a reasonable work accommodation. By disclosing your mental illness, you may be better understood, and you will gain legal coverage under the Americans With Disabilities Act. You may also receive more emotional support from co-workers and your supervisor. Unfortunately, because of continued misinformation and stigma surrounding mental illness, people may treat you differently once you disclose. Attendees will leave this workshop able to make an informed personal decision after learning the legal requirements for disclosure and the accommodations available for those who do, as well as legal remedies for those who have suffered violations after disclosure.

For more information about our conference, view our online brochure or visit our website. We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference Workshop Spotlight: Mindfulness

Mindfulness training has been shown to make positive impacts on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)and eating disorders.

Interested in learning more about how mindfulness can impact your mental well being? Join us at the 2011 NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference for our workshop, "Mindfulness: Learning to Listen to Our Bodies and Inner Needs":

Mindfulness: Learning to Listen to our Bodies and Inner Needs

Presenters: Ricardo Stephen Marsili and Ruthann Valentine

Hidden in the word "listen" is the word "silent." What often happens for many of us is that we do not listen to our bodies or our inner needs. We often try to run from our conflicts. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can begin to heal from within. Mindfulness is being present to the current moment through the process of listening and quieting our own minds. During this presentation, the presenters will describe and demonstrate mindfulness approaches to stress, pain, grief and anxiety and share research supporting mindfulness benefits in the clinical setting.

For more information about our conference, view our online brochure or visit our website.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Conference: Continuing Education Credits Available

Did you know that Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available for attending the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Education Conference?

Our 11th annual conference, Embracing Diversity: Cultivating Respect and Inclusion for a Stronger Mental Health System, offers the following Continuing Education Credit opportunities:

Psychologists:

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists.  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program is being offered for 5.5 continuing education credits.*

Counselors: 

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education for National Certified Counselors.  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic adheres to the NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines. This program is being offered for 5.5 continuing education credits.*

Licensed/Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT):

This program is offered for 5.5 hours of social work continuing education through co-sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school and, therefore, a PA pre-approved provider of social work continuing education. These credit hours satisfy requirements for LSW/LCSW, LPC and LMFT biennial license renewal.  For information on social work continuing education call (412) 624-3711.*

Act 48:

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer continuing education credits under Act 48 guidelines.  WPIC adheres to the ACT 48 Continuing Education Guidelines.*

Mental Health Professionals:

Nurses and other health care professionals are awarded 0.55 Continuing Education Units (CEU's).  One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours.*

- Nurses:  For attending this program you will receive a Certificate of Attendance confirming 5.5 hours of continuing education.  These hours may be considered eligible for completing the 30 hours of continuing education required for biennual nursing re-licensure in Pennsylvania.

- Peer Specialists:  This program fulfills requirements for Certified Peer Specialist continuing education.

PA Certification Board (PCB) 6.5 credits:

Certified Addiction Counselors (CAC), Certified Addiction Counselor Diplomate (CAC Diplomate), Certified Allied Addiction Specialist (CAAS), Certified Case Manager (CCSM), Certified Case Manager Supervisor (CCMS), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professionals (CCJP), Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professionals (CCDP), Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professionals Diplomate (CCDP Diplomate), Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling, Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS)

*A $25.00 administrative fee will be deducted from all refunds for cancellations requesting Continuing Education Credits. No refunds can be issued once the program has begun.

Check out our conference brochure and visit our website for more details about our conference.  We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference 2011: Meet our Speaker

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is pleased to welcome Dave Reynolds from The Trevor Project to its 11th Annual Education Conference on Saturday, April 30 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott.

Dave Reynolds, The Trevor Project

A Pittsburgh native, Dave currently serves as The Trevor Project’s Senior Public Policy and Research Manager. Located in southern Ca., The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

In his presentation LBGTQ: Creating a World of Acceptance and Inclusion, Dave will talk about his ground-breaking work to help create a future where the possibilities, opportunities and dreams are the same for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Click here for information on our schedule, speakers, panelists and more! Just interested in getting a registration form? Click here. Registrations can be faxed to our office at 412-366-3935.

Visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website for more information, or call us at 412-366-3788. We hope to see you there!

2011 NAMI Conference: Scholarships Available for Parents

Did you know that scholarships are available for the 2011 NAMI Conference?  If you are a parent of a youth aged 18 or younger receiving mental health services in Allegheny County, you may qualify.

This year's conference has many offerings that might be of interest to parents of youth in the mental health system. Our previous blog post highlighted our keynote speaker Alex White, who will be discussing his experience of growing up with intolerance.  In addition, we are offering workshops on topics of interest to parents, including:

Ask the Doctor:
Mental health consumers and family members often have many questions that can't be quickly answered in a short doctor's visit. Do you have questions about: Medications and their side effects? The symptoms of different mental illnesses? How to make better lifestyle choices? During this workshop, Dr. Chaudhary will answer participants' wide variety of questions concerning mental illness while discussing effective treatments and supports that promote recovery and healthier living.

What Are The Options? An Up-to-Date Look at Best Practice Therapies and Treatments:
People living with mental illness can be helped greatly in their ongoing recovery with pharmacological and therapeutic interventions. Implementing early intervention with effective treatments in mental health programs requires informed and educated consumers and family members advocating for availability of evidence-based therapies. This workshop will provide a brief overview of best practice therapies for treating mental illnesses.

A Consumer and Family Guide to Co-Occurring Disorders: Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use Disorders:
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common among consumers with psychiatric disorders and can complicate their recovery if both types of disorders are not addressed in an integrated manner. This presentation will review the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, types and causes of SUDs, effects on the consumer and family, treatment options (medications and counseling), relapse risk factors, recovery, and how mutual support programs can help. Helpful strategies for consumers and families to cope with co-occurring disorders will be reviewed.

For more information about our conference, visit our website.  For more information about available scholarships, contact Susan Harrington at 412-366-3788.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Conference 2011: Meet our Keynote

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 11th Annual Education Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott.

Keynote speaker Alex White, 24, was born and raised in southern Colorado. Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at the age of 14, Alex has used filmmaking as a means of both creative expression and therapy. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Film from Montana State University, earned numerous awards for his first short film and worked in the New York City film industry. He is currently serving with the Peace Corp in a small rural village in northwestern Kazakhstan.

Alex is flying from Kazakhstan to Pittsburgh to tell his story in a keynote presentation titled "More Than An Illness: Growing Up With Intolerance." Alex will share his inspiring story of growing up with a mental illness that was misunderstood by the people around him. How did he come to understand the illness when his family, doctors and community each defined it differently? How did the ignorance of a well-intended community affect his ability to heal? How did he transcend this environment and begin a life of recovery? And, perhaps most important, how can intolerance teach us to be more tolerant? Alex’s story will resonate with anyone who has been misunderstood and show that each of us is “more than an illness.”

Click here for information on our schedule, speakers, panelists and more! Just interested in getting a registration form? Click here. Registrations can be faxed to our office at 412-366-3935.

Visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website for more information, or call us at 412-366-3788. We hope to see you there!

NAMI Conference Brochure Available Online

The brochure for the 11^th Annual NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania Conference is now online! Click here for information on our schedule, speakers, panelists and more!

Just interested in getting a registration form? Click here. Registrations can be faxed to our office at 412-366-3935.

Visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website for more information, or call us at 412-366-3788. We hope to see you there!

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

2011 Regional Education Conference

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania

2011 Regional Education Conference

April 30, 2011 - Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

Embracing Diversity:

Cultivating Respect and Inclusion for a Stronger Mental Health System

Mental illness reaches into every community and affects people from all walks of life. The National NAMI Standards of Excellence – diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination – charge us to actively strive to be inclusive of every sector of our demographic and to make no distinction among people who have a mental illness and other members of the community. To strengthen the mental health system, we must be able to demonstrate our openness to all as we describe who our members are and how we serve their communities.

Cultural competency requires all of us to recognize and respect culture, belief, behavior and needs. Cultures can include language, customs, beliefs and values of various racial, ethnic, religious and social groups. According to the 2009 article Cultural Competency and Its Impact on Addiction Treatment and Recovery by Curtis Upsher, MS, “Other cultural variables that have influential effects on health disparities and the healthcare encounter are age, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, language and literacy abilities, education level, physical ability and social class.”

Reflectively, raising our self awareness of our own culture is as important as developing an awareness of the cultural context of others. Inclusion is more than acknowledging and tolerating differences. Embracing diversity means we make every effort to understand and appreciate our differences, to respect experiences different than our own and, finally, to value the quality of our differences.

Who Should Attend:

Consumers of mental health services and family members; mental health professionals; educators; local community leaders; and regional, county and state government leaders in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Conference Tuition:

Family Member/Consumer Rates: 

     NAMI Member- $45.00 

     Non-Member- $50.00

Professional Rates: 

     NAMI Member: $75.00 

     Non-Member: $85.00

Download Conference Forms:

Conference Agenda

Registration Form