Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external blow to the head results in an alteration of brain function. These changes in brain function may range from “mild” with short-term consequences to “serious” with permanent injury and impairment. Such trauma may be accompanied by a wide variety of physical (e.g., seizures), cognitive (e.g., inhibition, working memory), affective (e.g., emotional dysregulation), and behavioral (e.g., impulsivity) impairments that have significant implications for the impacted individual, his or her family, and society as a whole. In many instances, these associated deficits and limitations increase the likelihood of mental health services being accessed and utilized. This training is designed for mental health and substance use treatment professionals who want to gain a greater awareness and understanding of TBI with the goal of improving intake, screening, communication, and treatment and discharge planning processes. Other related topics such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), adaptive functioning, alexithymia, anger, violence, and aggression, anosognosia, apathy, attentional and concentration impairments, confabulation, empathy, executive function, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), risk taking behaviors, rumination, sleep disturbances, social adjustment problems, substance misuse, suicidality, Theory of Mind (ToM), and victimization will be discussed throughout this training. Empirically-based research findings and case study examples will be highlighted throughout this training.

CE's pending

Training Objectives:

1. Learn about common classifications of TBI and its related definition features

2. Develop a working understanding of TBI and its associated emotional, behavioral, social, and physical health consequences

3. Review existing empirically based literature examining TBI and its impact on mental health and substance abuse treatment settings

4. Explore the role of co-occurring conditions including trauma, substance use, and other psychiatric disorders among client populations impacted by TBI

5. Describe appropriate communication, screening, and intervention options appropriate for clients and families impacted by TBI