We will be hosting Walking the Tightrope: Best Practices and Ethics for Treating Suicidal Patients this Friday, March 18th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST via Zoom for 2.0 CEU hour Ethics OR Suicide (UPA, NASW-UT, UAMFT, UMHCA).

This presentation will review differences in treating acutely suicidal vs chronically suicidal patients.

This lecture will review the latest literature on crisis focused interventions, brief risk-reduction interventions and interventions that reduce suicidal behavior over the course of several months to a year.

Further we will review relevant ethics codes and practices that should guide the treatment of suicidal behavior. 

About the presenter:

Presented by Jordan Kugler, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Kugler has completed intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through the Linehan Institute and now specializes in DBT and trauma-focused interventions for the DBT Program at the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment (UCEBT).

Join us on Friday, March 4, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for "The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing: Connections to Help Foster Compassion for Clients, Decrease Burnout for Clinicians, and Improve Motivation in the Face of Ambivalence", presented by Carl Sallee, Psy.D.

This event is free to attend or $10 for 1.0 CEU, pending approval from UPA, NASW-UT, UAMFT, and UMHCA. This event is virtual, via Zoom. Register here: https://ucebt.com/events

After the event, everyone who registers will be sent the video recording, presentation slides, and CE quiz for CE credit. So, you can receive either live, "in-person" OR asynchronous CEU credit 

Here's a bit more information about the presentation:

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is often thought of as a niche skill only applied in certain specialty areas when very specific behavioral change is necessary, but patients are having a hard time finding motivation to make that change. However, this presentation will be focused less on specific application of this therapeutic tool. It is more focused on empowering clinicians through discussion about how the overarching spirit of MI is applicable to any client in any setting, as a way to increase the clinician’s compassion for their patients, reduce provider burnout with challenging clients, and improve therapeutic outcomes by teaming up with ambivalent clients rather than working against them.

This presentation hopes to spread awareness of MI as an inherently person-centered tool that any provider can use to augment and enhance any other type of therapy they already utilize, and to provide practical philosophies from the spirit of MI that psychologists can adopt in their prospective settings.

About the presenter:

Carl Sallee, Psy.D. is a postdoctoral resident and licensed clinical psychologist of the Anxiety/Mood the Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Assessment/Testing programs at UCEBT. Carl has a background in Third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Rogerian Person-Centered psychotherapy, and PTSD treatment.

He has a genuine belief that true empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard for a person can help decrease any barriers to necessary changes and increase compassion and connection not only with clients, but in the world. He hopes to share this belief and hope with other clinicians during a historical context where compassion and empathy fatigue is a serious threat to burnout, and when we and our clients are likely in more pain than the world has experienced in the recent past.

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence based, family centered therapy that works well for children ages 2-7 that struggle with emotional and behavioral disorders (ODD, ADHD, ASD). It has also been shown to be effective for children who are at-risk of or experienced abuse. 

Our PCIT specialist, Dr. Kalee Gross, is one of only 11 certified PCIT psychologists in the state of Utah. She currently accepting new clients and is also available for consultation.

Some specific problems that PCIT can help with include:  

• Refusal and defiance of adults’ requests 
• Easy loss of temper 
• Destruction of property 
• Emotional dysregulation 
• Low frustration tolerance 
• Difficulty with prosocial behaviors (taking turns, sharing, etc.) 
• Difficulty staying seated or playing quietly  
• Deliberately annoying others 
• Being spiteful or vindictive 
• Parent-child relationship problems 

PCIT works by coaching the parents on learning and using specific skills with their children. To coach, therapists use a “bug in the ear” system where the parent and child are in one room, and the therapist is in another room where they can see the parent and child and are able to communicate with the parent through an earpiece. PCIT has also shown to be effective over telehealth and is the primary way that it is being done through UCEBT.  

Another neat piece about doing it via telehealth is that parents and children are learning these new behaviors in their own home. Usually when it is done in the center, there is a transition period where these skills and learning are generalized to being used in the home, though this occurs less with telehealth.  

PCIT occurs in two treatment phases.

PHASE ONE. The first phase focuses on teaching your child how good it feels to be good. This first phase also really helps increase warmth in the parent child relationship. Often times, warmth and enjoyment has taken a hit in the relationship when there has been a lot of incompliances from the child. This first phase also helps their child feel more calm and secure about their relationship with their parent and feel more confident in themselves.  

Desired outcomes of the first phase of treatment in PCIT include: (http://www.pcit.org/what-is-pcit.html): 

• Decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of tantrums 
• Decreased activity levels 
• Decreased negative attention-seeking behaviors (such as whining and bossiness) 
• Decreased parental frustration 
• Increased feelings of security, safety, and attachment to the primary caregiver 
• Increased attention span 
• Increased self-esteem 
• Increased pro-social behaviors (such as sharing and taking turns) 

PHASE TWO. The second phase of PCIT provides parents with the tools to teach their children how good it feels to listen. The tools parents learn help them to remain confident, consistent, and calm or neutral in their approach to discipline with their child. These tools help improve their child’s compliance with their directions, listening and following house rules, and ability to demonstrate appropriate public behaviors.  

Desired outcomes of the second phase of treatment in PCIT include (http://www.pcit.org/what-is-pcit.html): 

• Decreased frequency, severity, and/or duration of aggressive behavior 
• Decreased frequency of destructive behavior (such as breaking toys on purpose) 
• Decreased defiance 
• Increased compliance with adult requests 
• Increased respect for house rules 
• Improved behavior in public 
• Increased parental calmness and confidence during discipline 

Resources: 

Video: "What Is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?"

PCIT International Resource Page: http://www.pcit.org/for-parents.html 

PSI Utah Resources -- Likely the most comprehensive resource page for maternal mental health in Utah. Includes hotlines/warmlines, treatment facilities, childcare services, support groups, and resources for fathers, adoptions, and doulas among others. This website also provides the contact information (text, call, or email) PSI Coordinators who are volunteers that offer free caring and informed support and resources to moms and their families. They also provide information and resources for area providers who are caring for pregnant and postpartum families. 

The Emily Effect -- An organization supporting maternal mental health. From their website: "Emily was diagnosed and treated for postpartum depression and anxiety. She was treated for the illness for several months. During the process we found pockets of very good help, but as a whole the journey was frustrating and the resources seemed disjointed. In short, there were many times I felt like we had exhausted every one of our options and I simply didn’t have anywhere else to turn. Thus, we have created this foundation and website to raise awareness and coordinate local resources for maternal mental health."

Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) -- HMHI offers a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) Mothers Support Group and a free Postpartum Support Group.

Transgender Pregnancy: Moving Past Misconceptions -- For the health and well-being of transgender parents-to-be and their families, it’s important to understand where we’ve been — and where we need to go.

New Beginnings Counseling -- Regularly offers groups for maternal mental health, such as postpartum depression and infant loss. Offers three locations in Utah County.

Serenity Recovery -- Postpartum therapy in Utah.

Postpartum Support International (PSI) Utah -- Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative

Exercise During Pregnancy: Safe Workouts For You (And Baby)

Hotlines and Warmlines*

Postpartum Support International (PSI)
(800) 944-4PPD (944-4773)
PSI volunteers are trained moms who’ve dealt with anxiety or depression. Support, resources, and information are free and confidential. Messages are returned within 24 hours.

Erikson Fussy Baby Network
(888) 431-BABY (431-2229)
Email: 
Provides both Spanish and English support and advice for parents regarding infant fussiness, crying, and sleep issues.

Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line 
(801) 587-3000
Free confidential support, including a mobile crisis team able to come to a residence when needed

National Suicide Hotline
(800) SUICIDE (784-2433)

Crisis Lifeline
(800) 273-8255

*The information here is provided by Postpartum Support International (PSI) Utah. Please visit their website for more information: https://www.psiutah.org/emotional-health/resources-info/

Articles

How to deal with (even more) Covid Uncertainty

This Relentless Pandemic Can Tax Your Mental Health. Here’s How to Cope

Pandemic Fatigue: How to Manage COVID-19 Burnout

Podcasts

Ambiguous Loss and the “Myth of Closure", with Pauline Boss, PhD - People are hoping, yet again, to close the book on COVID and move on. But what if there’s a different way to think about life after loss?

*These resources were contributed by Shelle Welty, Psy.D., Program Director for UCEBT's Trauma, Stress, Resilience Program

UCEBT Therapist Open Position, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Program

Job Type: Full-time 
Salary: Variable Based Upon Hourly; $80,000 - $120,000 annually 
Hours: 40 hours per week 
Education: Advanced Degree in Mental Health, such as a Doctorate or Master’s (Required) 
License: Eligible in Utah (Required) 
Work authorization: United States (Required) 

Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment (UCEBT), a growing outpatient practice, is seeking one or more licensed outpatient therapists for our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Program. 

About Us:  We are a multidisciplinary team of expertly trained professionals, including psychologists and expert consultants. Our work is based on a core set of values including specialized care, scientific rigor, accountability, and data-based results. Our mission is to improve the quality of mental health care in the state of Utah and beyond by enhancing access to comprehensive evidence-based treatments, evaluations, and testing. We strive to uphold our mission by providing exceptional clinical care and disseminating quality standards via training, research, and provision of expert consultation. UCEBT staff have extensive training and experience in the treatment and management of a wide range of mental health difficulties ranging from depression and anxiety to suicidality. In addition to providing clinical services, many of our staff hold faculty appointments at the University of Utah and receive ongoing training in the latest clinical approaches. Our staff is committed to providing ethically sound treatment, with particular attentionding to upholding the rights and dignity of all people and the pursuit of justice. UCEBT is a member of the LGBTQ Affirmative Therapists Guild, and strives to make an impact in our local community in order to further the mission of increasing access to quality care. The company places high value on supporting training of employees as well as pre- and post-doctoral trainees. 

UCEBT is dedicated to fostering a diverse, vibrant, and responsive work environment. Employees are able to designate preferences for in-person care, telehealth, or hybrid scheduling. We adapt to support the individual and family needs of our staff, including flexible work schedules and opportunities for advancement and innovation. Employee happiness and work-life balance are regularly discussed in meetings and supported through our center policies.  

For Applicants: Interested candidates should have a terminal degree (i.e.e.g., PhD/PsyD/MSW) in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or School Psychology, or a related mental health field. Candidates must be license eligible to practice in the State of Utah. Interpersonal warmth, openness to feedback and interest in continual learning are essential. Candidates should be intensively, highly attentive, self-assured, proactive, and with solid decision-making ability and clinical judgement. Candidates from diverse backgrounds and/or with specific skillsets in treating diverse populations are encouraged to apply. The clinician will have the opportunity to see clients in the age range of their interest(s), including children, adolescents, and adults. 

Responsibilities include:  

• Maintaining a caseload within UCEBT full-time status (i.e., 24 clinical face-to-face hours per week) 
• Maintaining individualized self-care practices with support from supervisor 
• Participation in at least one of our other clinical programs (Anxiety and Mood, Assessment and Testing, Trauma, Stress and Resilience Team) in addition to DBT program
• Willingness to engage in outreach, including providing expert talks, presentation of clinical data, or other forms of collaboration with our community partners
• Willingness to see some short-term EAP clients to balance caseload, with potential for on-site work
• Serve on one or more administrative teams as a clinical representative to support the functioning and ongoing improvement of care at our center
• Completion of charting in a timely manner
• Regular use of outcome assessments and responsive treatment planning
• Fulfillment of on-site clinician hours to support trainees and other clinicians in a consultation role
• Conduct that exemplifies UCEBT values of professionalism, collaboration, and compassionate care 

Benefits: 

• 100% premium covered by UCEBT for personal health insurance
• Licensure renewal assistance and CEU tracking
• Paid annual training stipend
• Monthly wellness group wellness activity
• Flexible schedule
• Costco membership
• Monthly phone reimbursement of $50
• Paid time off
• Ongoing didactic training
• Paid holidays
• Short Term Disability insurance coverage
• One month of paid sabbatical leave
• Option to work in multiple locations, including remote telepsychology practice
• Company retreats (e.g. Moab)
• Retirement savings with company contribution 

Qualifications: 

• Licensure in Utah (required) 
• Have means of transportation 
• Intensive training or certification in a clinical area of expertise (e.g., BTECH DBT Foundational), and/or prior experience conducting comprehensive DBT, including individual DBT sessions and DBT skills groups 
• Formal training and expertise in evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, ACT)
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Basic computer knowledge
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to work effectively on interdisciplinary projects
• Critical decision making/problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnoses/disorders 

Workplace Requirements: 

• Sitting 70-75% and Standing 25-30% 
• Occasionally lifting objects such as boxes or client charts
• Walking up and down stairs
• Need access to Telehealth compliant work area, laptop, private internet access 

This position requires a thorough knowledge of law, regulations, and ethics related to the provision of mental health services. Candidate will be expected to acquire this knowledge immediately if hired: 

• The operations manual of UCEBT, particularly issues of client relations and privacy. 
• HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)- Regulations & Standards Utah State Law regarding mental health, particularly related to consent to treatment and maintenance of health care information-Title 62A Utah Human Services Code: Chapter 15 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Act.
• The American Psychological Association Ethics of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (or field-appropriate equivalent). 

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names/contact information of 2-3 professional references to  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue until positions are filled. 

Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. 

UCEBT Assessment and Testing Clinical Staff Open Position

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Variable Based Upon Hourly; $80,000 - $120,000 annually
Hours: 40 hours per week
Education: Doctorate (Required)
License: Eligible in Utah
Work authorization: United States (Required)

About Us: Are you a psychologist who loves diving deep into data and helping people reach the interventions they really need? Are you passionate about developing the field through training and community outreach? Utah Center for Evidence-Based Treatment (UCEBT), a growing outpatient practice, is seeking a licensed psychologist for our Assessment & Testing Clinical Program. Specifically, we are looking for professionals with experience and expert training in:

• Psychological or Neuropsychological Assessment
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in assessing neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorders, etc.

Learn more about our Assessment & Testing Program here: https://ucebt.com/services/assessment-center

Our work is based on a core set of values including specialized care, scientific rigor, accountability, and data-based results. Psychologists in this role will work alongside a group of providers and participate in regular team consultation. Assessment psychologists will also have the opportunity to maintain a small caseload of therapy clients on one of our therapy teams. In addition to providing clinical services, many of our staff provide supervision to trainees and hold faculty appointments at the University of Utah.

UCEBT is committed to fostering a diverse, vibrant, and responsive work environment. We adapt to support the individual and family needs of our staff, including flexible work schedules and opportunities for advancement. Employee happiness and work-life balance are regularly discussed in meetings and supported through our center policies. UCEBT offers a hybrid work environment, with clinicians working remotely and onsite as needed.

Benefits:

• 100% premium covered by UCEBT for personal Health Insurance
• Licensure renewal assistance and CEU tracking
• Paid annual training stipend
• Monthly wellness benefit
• Flexible schedule
• Costco membership
• Monthly phone reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Ongoing didactic training
• Paid holidays
• Short Term Disability insurance coverage
• One month of paid sabbatical leave
• Option to work in multiple locations, including remote telepsychology practice
• Company retreats (e.g. Moab)
• Retirement savings with company contribution

Responsibilities Include:

• Conducting psychological assessments for children and adults
• Maintaining a caseload of therapy clients on one of our other clinical teams (Anxiety and Mood, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or Trauma, Stress and Resilience Team). The clinician will have the opportunity to see clients in the age range/modality of their interest(s), including youth and families, couples, young adults, and/or adults
• Managing a caseload within UCEBT expectations (i.e., 24 clinical hours per week for full-time status)
• Willingness to engage in outreach including providing expert talks, presentation of clinical data, or other forms of collaboration with our community partners
• Completing documentation in a timely manner
• Supervising practicum students and/or postdoctoral fellows (not necessary to be 2 years post-licensure to be involved in supervision)
• Exemplifying conduct consistent with UCEBT values of professionalism, collaboration, and compassionate care

Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain a psychology license in the state of Utah
• Have means of transportation
• Specialty training or certification in psychological assessment
• Formal training and expertise in evidence-based treatments
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Basic computer knowledge
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to work effectively on interdisciplinary projects
• Critical decision making/problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnoses/disorders

Workplace Requirements:

• Sitting 70-75% and Standing 25-30%
• Occasionally lifting objects such as boxes or client charts
• Walking up and down stairs
• Need access to Telehealth compliant work area, laptop, private internet access

This position requires a thorough knowledge of law, regulations, and ethics related to the provision of mental health services. Candidate will be expected to acquire this knowledge immediately if hired:

• The operations manual of UCEBT, particularly issues of client relations and privacy.
• HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)- Regulations & Standards Utah State Law regarding mental health, particularly related to consent to treatment and maintenance of health care information-Title 62A Utah Human Services Code: Chapter 15 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Act.
• The American Psychological Association Ethics of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (or field-appropriate equivalent).

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names/contact information of 2-3 professional references to

Applications will be reviewed until one or more positions are filled. Preference will be given to applicants who are available to start by June 1, 2022.

UCEBT is excited to offer pro bono and sliding scale services for clients in need. While the proceeds from our continuing education events currently support these services, we are also accepting donations. Please consider donating an amount of your choosing to support these services for our clients in need of financial support. 

Please note: UCEBT is not a 501(c)(3) organization. While your donation is extremely valuable to helping us support individuals in need of financial assistance, your donation is not tax deductible.

This is part one of a three-part (6 CEU) ethics series (see full line-up here)- This event is free to attend for informational purposes.- CE credit for this event is $50; sign up for all three events at once (6 CEU total) for $120- All proceeds go toward pro bono treatment at UCEBT.- Those seeking CEU credit can attend either synchronously or asynchronously; the CE certificate will reflect accordingly. - Everyone who registers (CE or non-CE) will receive the presentation recording and slides within one week following the event.

Stand for Izzy: Best Practice for Intersectionality of Race, Neurodiversity, and Bullying in Suicide Prevention

Presenter: Kimberly Applewhite, Psy.D.

2.0 Ethics CE hour (UPA, NASW-UT, CMHC)

Hosted by: UCEBT

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/213345658717160

We are thrilled to offer a 3-Part Ethics and Suicide CEU series! 

• Each event counts for 2.0 Ethics or Suicide CE hour (UPA, NASW-UT, UAMFT, UMHCA) for a total of 6.0 CEUs
• These events are free to attend for informational purposes.
• However, payment is required to receive CEU credit for these events ($50 per event or $120 for all three)
• All proceeds go toward pro bono treatment at UCEBT.
• Participants may register for any one or all three events at any time by clicking through the title of an event.

(Past event) Stand for Izzy: Best Practice for Intersectionality of Race, Neurodiversity, and Bullying in Suicide Prevention
Originally presented and facilitated by Kimberly Applewhite, Psy.D. on Friday, January 28, 2022
Available for asynchronous CEU credit

(Upcoming) Walking the Tightrope: Best Practices and Ethics for Treating Suicidal Patients
Presented by Jordan Kugler, Ph.D. on Friday, March 18, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST
Available for live OR asynchronous CEU credit

(Upcoming) Calm and confident approaches for assessing self-harm and suicidality: Best practices for risk and liability management
Presented by Sheila Crowell, Ph.D. on May 20, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MST
Available for live OR asynchronous CEU credit

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/213345658717160