Two more sessions in June and September. In our November 2017 MHVC Newsletter (link here), we introduced our instructor-led training on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment for substance and alcohol use disorders. “This training offers providers a set of tools that can help prevent disease, accidents and injuries related to substance and alcohol use, resulting in better patient outcomes, and helps reduce costly health care utilization,” said Dr. Henry Chung, Senior Medical Director, Montefiore Care Management Organization. Since many payers, including Medicaid, reimburse for SBIRT services, licensed providers will be able to bill for these services by attending this training.

“This full-day course is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach that provides opportunities for early intervention before more severe consequences from use occur,” according to Kelly Carleton, an SBIRT trainer certified by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and Project Manager for Montefiore Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Integration Project. “It provides guidelines to help providers triage patients to appropriate interventions. Training participants will also be introduced to clinical tools and resources to implement SBIRT in everyday practice.”

“This full six-hour training is approved by OASAS,” said Carleton, “and is much more comprehensive than the one-hour training some may have had in the past.” The one-hour training is limited to theory and there are no “take-home” skills that can be used in clinical practice — or certification for billing. “Our focus for the full day training is to enhance clinical skills, specifically using motivational interviewing, and make them applicable for attendees to put into practice in various settings. The session also integrates role play, making the training more interactive.”

“I walked away with a clearer working knowledge of the impact that SBIRT intervention can have in the primary care setting and a deeper knowledge of substance use from a public health lens,” said Jenifer Maple, LCSW, Montefiore Medical Group. “I was immediately able to use my new motivational interviewing skills in practice to approach the biopsychosocial effects of addiction with patients in an effective, time-efficient way.”

The remaining sessions in 2018 are June 15, 2018 in Yonkers (register by June 13) and September 19 in Goshen (register by September 17). More information can be found here. MHVC is considering a 12-hour, two-day session for care managers and patient educators — those who are crucial for alcohol- and substance-use integration, but not licensed. If you are interested, contact Kelly Carleton, kcarleto@montefiore.org.