RCPA Member Merakey to Host 5th Annual Dual Diagnosis Virtual Conference on February 25, 2026
dual diagnosis
DHS Shares Invitation to Apply for the Capacity Building Institute, Year 9
Invitation to Apply for the Capacity Building Institute, Year 9
Many people feel at a loss as to how to best provide support to individuals with a dual diagnosis (individuals with an Intellectual Disability and Autism with cooccurring mental health issues and challenging behaviors) to lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives. Current best practices and supportive models that have shown to be most helpful are sometimes beyond the reach of people who work directly with individuals with a dual diagnosis.
The Capacity Building Institute (CBI), presented by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), addresses these issues from an individual and systemic level through training, integration of knowledge into practice, and opportunities to build a statewide cohort to work together to effect change and build capacity. The participants will share individual best practice experiences leading to recommendations to ODP and OMHSAS to facilitate a more effective delivery of services across systems.
The Capacity Building Institute (CBI) provides an in-depth learning opportunity to professionals across the entire service partnership, including direct support staff and supervisors, supports coordinators/case managers and supervisors, agency trainers, managed care organizations, behavior specialists, psychiatrists, professional counselors and therapists, and dual diagnosis treatment teams. CBI participants represent a wide range of agencies, including Direct Support Providers, Supports Coordination, State Hospitals, State Centers, Adolescent Residential Treatment Facilities, Autism Supports, Education, Resources and Training Centers, Administrative Entities, and the Health Care Quality Units.
The Capacity Building Institute will meet for nine, two-day sessions, beginning October 2025 and ending in May 2026. Three sessions will be live/in-person, and six will be live/virtual on Zoom. Tuition is $300. Hotel reservations are your responsibility at the live sessions. To apply for the CBI, please fill out the Capacity Building Institute Year 9 Interest Survey. Applications are due by September 16, 2025.
Please view the flyer for additional information on purpose, meeting dates and times, and training topics.
Statewide Quarterly Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting to Be Held September 17
Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series on FASD Support September 18
Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series on Revolutionizing Care on March 12
Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series Presents “Living the D.R.E.A.M” December 4
Living the D.R.E.A.M! Creating a Culture of Health and Wellness for All
December 4, 2024
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) have announced the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference “Living the D.R.E.A.M.” During this session, SPIN will provide an historical overview of how they created a culture of health and wellness by engaging all stakeholders in living a healthy lifestyle. Presenters will showcase SPIN’s mission of inclusive and holistic meaningful activities in the community and SPIN Community & Fitness, a gathering and welcoming place for the whole community. The D.R.E.A.M team model, including the vision and purpose, elements of “Living the D.R.E.A.M,” and lessons learned for successful incorporation into everyday lives, will be featured.
See the announcement for a full session description, presenter biographies, and how to register.
Email with any questions.
Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series to Present “Insidious Trauma” Webinar on Sept. 11
Insidious Trauma: Context, Impact, and Considerations for Care
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Register Here
This session will introduce the impact of trauma broadly, provide an overview of insidious trauma and its effects, and explore some relevant interpersonal and clinical considerations in supporting those impacted by traumatic stress. Presenters will share their expertise on best and promising practices as well as provide general knowledge. View the announcement for more information.
ODP Shares Invitation to Apply for the Capacity Building Institute (Year 8)
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared the Invitation to Apply for the Capacity Building Institute (Year 8). The Capacity Building Institute (CBI), offered by ODP and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), provides an in-depth learning opportunity to professionals across the entire service partnership, including direct support staff and supervisors, supports coordinators/case managers and supervisors, agency trainers, managed care organizations, behavior specialists, psychiatrists, professional counselors and therapists, and dual diagnosis treatment teams.
The Capacity Building Institute will meet for nine two-day sessions, beginning September 2024 and ending April 2025. These sessions will present current best practices and supportive models to best provide support to individuals with a dual diagnosis (individuals with an Intellectual Disability and Autism with co-occurring mental health issues and challenging behaviors) to lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives.
Please refer to the invitation for information on how to express interest in participating, session information, and requirements.
2024 Dual Diagnosis Virtual Conference Schedule Now Available!
Full Diagnosis: Impact of Trauma, Physical Health, and Metabolic Health
May 22 and 23, 2024
The full conference schedule for the 2024 Pennsylvania Dual Diagnosis Conference is now available! To view the conference schedule, view the flyer or visit the Dual Diagnosis Conference website.
About the Event
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services invite you to participate in the statewide Dual Diagnosis Conference being held virtually next week on May 22–23, 2024. Nationally recognized speakers will provide a variety of perspectives on the impact of trauma, physical health, and metabolic health.
Registration
There is no fee to attend the virtual conference, but advance registration is required. Closed captioning and ASL will be provided during the livestreaming of the conference. Register here today!
