Kimberly May, LPC-S, LMFT
Dear Mental Health Professional
When Jerry was referred to a therapist following a near-fatal fentanyl overdose, he expected the same old story: Get off fentanyl, and then I’ll see you.
Many therapists refer out drug-using clients because they are uninformed about substance use disorders.
Many mental health trainings tend to teach that:
- Our brains get addicted to certain substances
- All drugs are basically the same (i.e. “bad” and addictive)
- One has to stop their addiction before they can be treated for underlying conditions
But what if that information is wrong?
The truth is:
- Mental health and substance use are intertwined
- Putting mental health and substance use in different ‘silos’ is harmful to clients
- People can (and should) get treated for underlying mental health issues even if they’re still using drugs
Kimberly May is a substance use specialist who teaches other therapists about drugs, substance use disorders, and treatment options. Kim was Jerry’s therapist.
Kim will show you how she worked from a place of compassion and knowledge with Jerry to transform misconceptions and judgments about substances (and the people who use them) into effective strategies that empower clients to be safer and lead healthy lives.
When Kim worked with Jerry, she was able to offer options that aligned with his goals. In this course, you’ll learn to look at substance use on a continuum. From abstinence-based, medical, harm reduction, or ancient and emerging treatments, you’ll have more options for your clients and a healthier community.
You don’t have to refer clients out and, in fact, you might just save a life if you don’t.
Creating Connection Through Understanding
Drug overdose deaths have been increasing with alarming frequency; only 6% of people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder receive any kind of support. In this module, you will learn about the foundations of harm reduction, as well as some key concepts related to understanding psychoactive substances, so you can help your clients stay safer.
You will learn:
- The need for safety and connection based on drug use trends
- How to introduce the mission and goals of harm reduction
- Key concepts and terminology related to substance use disorders
- About 6 important neurotransmitters and take a closer look at dopamine and the role it plays in addiction
- How harm reduction fosters safety and connection in the therapeutic relationship
Club Drugs
The so called “club drugs” or “mind expanding drugs” are often believed to be without the same risks as “street” or other drugs. Since “club” drugs are often lumped together, less is known about how the individual substances work and the need for more specific harm reduction interventions to increase safety.
You will learn about the following substances (what they are, how they work, why people like them, their risks, and harm reduction strategies for each):
- MDMA
- Hallucinogens (LSD & psilocybin)
- Dissociative Anesthetics (ketamine & nitrous oxide)
Stimulants
Although stimulants differ from each other, they share many similarities, especially how they impact the central nervous system. Stimulants range drastically in their half-life, creating a range of intensity and user experience.
You will learn about:
- Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Pharmaceutical Stimulants
- How they impact the brain and body and why people like them
- The risks and harm reduction strategies for these substances
Central Nervous System Depressants
CNS depressants vary in drug class, but all pose similar risks of overdose. This module covers benzodiazepines, alcohol, and opioids.
You will learn about:
- Benzodiazepines — what they are and harm reduction strategies
- Opioids, part 1 — what they are, why humans are wired to like them, the experience
- Opioids, part 2 — withdrawal symptoms, the risks, harm reduction strategies, and the importance of Narcan
- Alcohol, part 1 — how it works on the brain and the body, why people like it
- Alcohol, part2 — the risks, and harm reduction strategies
Substance Use and Treatment
All too often, clients with substance use disorders are provided generic referrals for treatment that is unnecessary or does not reflect their needs and preferences. In this module, we explore various treatment options and learn how to support clients into making informed decisions. Also covered is how to incorporate harm reduction interventions into clinical practice.
You will learn about:
- How to determine who needs treatment and the importance of person-centered approaches to choice
- Traditional and abstinence-based approaches
Medical and harm reduction approaches - Ancient and emerging approaches
- How to select a treatment that fosters safety and connection through the implementation of harm reduction plans
In this training you will learn:
Meet your presenter
Kimberly May, LPC-S, LMFT
Kimberly May, LPC-S, LMFT, is a therapist and the founder of Substance Use Therapy in Austin, TX. Kimberly specializes in serving individuals, couples, and families whose lives have been impacted by substance use. She works from a harm reduction model to support people wherever they are on the continuum of use.
Kimberly has worked in harm reduction and community mental health programs since 2009. Her passion is empowering people to make changes on their terms and works to foster this through compassion, pragmatism, and collaboration.
In addition to her clinical work, Kimberly has provided training to clinicians, physicians, paraprofessionals, and law enforcement, all with the goal of enhancing our capacity to do our most important work—helping people be well.
CE Information:
This course is approved for 2.5 CEs through the following organizations: CAMFT, NBCC, NASW MA Chapter.
For complete CE info, please click here.
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