Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research Center to Co-Host Conference on Strengthening the System and Raising Awareness to Serve the Needs of People Struggling with Co-Occurring Disorders

— Conference on Friday, May 13, 2022, aimed at industry experts, clinical providers, school-based and peer support professionals to include overcoming barriers to treatment; the role of stigma in access to care; and other vital topics to help raise awareness of co-occurring disorders and treatment —

CALVERTON, NY — May 4, 2022 — Wellbridge, an advanced addiction treatment and research center, along with CN Guidance & Counseling Services, a behavioral health organization, will host a conference on “Strengthening the System of Care for Co-Occurring Disorders – on Long Island.”  Friday, May 13, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The conference, which will be held at Wellbridge’s facility at 525 Jan Way, Calverton, NY, is presented in partnership with New York State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown and 16 organizations also focused on the core mission of this conference.  The main conference sponsor is Northwell Health, and the community sponsors are Family & Children’s Association, Seafield Center, Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) and Outreach New York.

The conference, which will be held virtually and in person, aims to outline and highlight areas of need to raise awareness and pave the way for advancement in the overall field of co-occurring disorder treatment to serve the complex needs of individuals and their families.

Mary Silberstein, Senior Director of Strategic Alliances & Special Projects of CN Guidance & Counseling Services said, “we are proud to co-host this very important conference with Wellbridge.  We salute all of our Sponsors and Partners who participated in its development.  Our behavioral health systems’ ability throughout Long Island to help individuals and families experiencing both mental health and substance use issues is paramount to providing care.  This co-occurring disorders’ conference will provide valuable tools and resources so providers can ensure the highest quality of care to Long Island’s most vulnerable.”

“Strengthening the System of Care for Co-Occurring Disorders” will begin with a breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by introductions, and then a keynote address at 9 a.m. by Manish Sapra, M.D., Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services, Northwell Health. After Dr. Sapra’s keynote, the first breakout session will examine issues, including anxiety and self-medication, improving outcomes for youth, and integrating peer services to support dual recovery.

Chris Yadron, Ph.D., and CEO of Wellbridge will lead a discussion in the second session on the role stigma plays in accessing care for co-occurring disorders. Other topics in that session include diversity and inclusion and engaging the family system in treatment and recovery. After the second session, there will be a networking lunch break from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Following the break, Pat Lincourt, Associate Commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and Christopher Smith, Associate Commissioner, New York State Office of Mental Health, will deliver a keynote speech on the System of Care Innovation & Integration.

The afternoon breakout sessions will discuss topics such as Integrated Treatment, the Adolescent Therapeutic Milieu, An Integrated Model of Care, and Riding the Exciting Wave of Integrated Care Now and in the Future, Building an Integrated Model of Care that WORKS! Upon conclusion of the afternoon breakout sessions, a panel discussion will be on Lived Experiences and Advocacy, Navigating the System. The conference will conclude with Steve Chassman, LCSW, CASAC, Long Island Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence, doing a mindfulness exercise.

The agenda for “Strengthening the System of Care for Co-Occurring Disorders” is attached to this press release.  The conference offers 6.5 CEUs for social work credits. For additional information on the conference, or to register click here: https://redcap.link/liconference51322

The Wellbridge Belief

Everyone who seeks our help deserves to overcome addiction and enjoy a life of sustained recovery.

That’s why Wellbridge exists.

But these aren’t just words. Our actions are making them a statement of fact. You see, addiction never stands still. So, neither do we. We resolutely understand that addiction is a disease. And like all serious diseases, defeating it requires newer, better, and more comprehensive treatments. By combining compassionate care that respects the dignity of our patients with leading-edge science, Wellbridge is doing just that. Only in this way can those suffering from addiction receive the individualized treatment that’s right for them. As a result, Wellbridge is creating the solutions that will finally liberate our patients, their loved ones and, someday soon, people everywhere from the trials of addiction.

About CN Guidance

Established in 1972, the purpose of CN Guidance & Counseling Services, a nonprofit organization, and one of only a select few state Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics on Long Island, is to inspire and catalyze recovery for people living with mental health and substance use conditions through innovative and person-centered integrated clinical treatment, counseling, housing, and support services—empowering those served to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

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Media Contact: Don Miller
West End Strategies, Ltd.
516-330-1647
[email protected]

Cynthia Ruf
Wellbridge
631-508-5419
[email protected]

Please download the agenda below.