Professional Trainings

The County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department offers resources and training opportunities for BHS contracted service providers and County BHS staff to support professional development and enhance performance.

For questions regarding the trainings below, please contact BHSworkforce.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov

Live Trainings

Please note, trainings are reserved for BHS contracted service providers and County BHS staff.

To register, please refer to the communications sent to BHS contracted service providers.

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  • Motivational Interviewing

    This free, two-day virtual training will be taught by Rosemarie Campos Sachs MS, MFT.  This course will offer an introductory overview of Motivational Interviewing (MI).  Knowledge and skills of MI will be addressed continuously to offer an integrated experience for the participant. Course design is aimed to increase an overall conceptual understanding of MI as well as to increase ability to apply core skills to assist individuals seeking help with making positive changes within the behavioral health setting to address co-occurring challenges. 

    Please note, trainings are reserved for BHS contracted service providers and County BHS staff.

  • Relapse Prevention

    This course will be taught by Terri Garcia BS, CADC III-CA, SUDCC III-CS, via Zoom. In this training series, participants will gain practical tools to guide individuals maintaining their recovery in both one-on-one and group settings.

    Please note, trainings are reserved for BHS contracted service providers and County BHS staff.

Recorded Trainings

Please note, trainings are reserved for BHS contracted service providers and County BHS staff.

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  • From Loneliness to Connection & Belonging

    Lonesome No More? Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation in Children and Adolescents

    The surgeon general has declared loneliness in youth a top priority. How bad is this problem and what can we do about it? In this case-based keynote we will cover principles for analyzing and intervening to help our clients and families with social isolation and loneliness, preparing you to explore more in-depth approaches for definitive care

     

    Lonely? Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Might Help

    In an increasingly connected yet paradoxically isolated world, the issue of loneliness has emerged as a pressing societal concern. This session will focus on the multifaceted nature of the loneliness epidemic and explores innovative strategies, evidence-based treatments, and community interventions aimed at fostering meaningful connections and restoring social cohesion. Experts from diverse fields, including psychology, sociology, public health, and community activism have began to examine the root causes of loneliness and its far-reaching impacts on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Through interactive discussions and case studies, attendees will gain insights into identifying vulnerable populations, understanding the intersectionality of loneliness with factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and recognizing the signs of chronic social isolation. The session will showcase a spectrum of interventions tailored to address loneliness at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels. Participants will explore a range of approaches that empower individuals to combat loneliness and build resilient social support networks.

     

    The Power of Connection: Exploring the Benefits of Group Therapy in Alleviating Loneliness

    "Report From The Front Lines: Three Professionals Who Help In The Battle Against Loneliness" This session will look into the transformative potential of group therapy in combating the pervasive experience of loneliness. In an era marked by social fragmentation and digital disconnect, group therapy emerges offering a supportive environment where individuals can forge authentic connections, share experiences, and cultivate a sense of belonging. From interpersonal process groups to specialized support groups targeting specific demographics or mental health challenges, participants will explore the diverse array of group therapy modalities available and their tailored approaches to addressing loneliness. Through interactive exercises and role-playing scenarios, attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the dynamic interpersonal dynamics and supportive feedback loops inherent in group therapy. Moreover, this session will highlight the evidence-based benefits of group therapy, including enhanced social skills, improved self-awareness, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Through empirical research findings and clinical case studies, participants will gain insights into the longitudinal effects of group therapy on promoting sustained well-being and resilience in the face of social adversity. Finally, the session will provide practical guidance for mental health professionals and community organizers seeking to integrate group therapy into their practice or programming. From best practices in group facilitation to strategies for creating inclusive and supportive group dynamics, attendees will leave empowered with the tools and resources needed to harness the transformative potential of group therapy in their own communities.

General System of Care Trainings

Please note, contracted service providers must take the BHS Disaster Support Training linked below. 

Course Type
BHS Disaster Support Training* PDF Download

*Programs are advised to track employee completion as there is no certificate for completion.  

Academy of Professional Excellence (APEX) Learning Management System (LMS) Trainings

To access the trainings below log in to the SDSU Research Foundation APEX LMS or create an account. For APEX LMS assistance, please contact APEX Support.

Pathways to Well-Being and Harm Reduction

Course Type
Implementing Harm Reduction Recorded Webinar
Pathways to Well-Being and Continuum of Care Reform (San Diego) eLearning eLearning

Cultural Competency

BHS requires contracted providers and staff to take 4 hours of Cultural Competency trainings each Fiscal Year. The trainings offered through APEX LMS qualify for cultural competency credit. 

Course Type
Anti-Racism in the United States eLearning
Body Image Recorded Webinar
CCA Dealing with Difficult Situations Recorded Webinar
CLAS Standards eLearning
Cultural Competence as a Process eLearning
Effectively Working with LGBTQ Youth eLearning
Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities eLearning
Introduction to Geriatric Mental Health eLearning
Introduction to Latino Populations eLearning
Introduction to LGBTQ+ Communities eLearning
Introduction to Native American Populations eLearning
Introduction to Trauma Informed Care eLearning
Male Survivors of Sexual Trauma and Abuse Recorded Webinar
Psychopharmacology in Older Adults eLearning
Recovery Perspective in Behavioral Health Services Recorded Webinar
Senior Veterans eLearning
Veterans in Our Community eLearning
Who We Are: An Introduction to the African American Community eLearning
Trans and Nonbinary Identities eLearning