Brook Lane

CE Course: Autism as a Co-Occurring Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment
2025-08-20 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
A 3 CE Hour Course for Mental Health Licensed Professionals

Segment 1: State of the ASD Union in Washington, Frederick, and Allegany Counties re diagnosing, treatment and available community resources

Segment 2: Understanding neurodiversity, autism criteria and diagnostic techniques for differential diagnosis

Segment 3: A toolbox of sensory/coaching/social skills techniques and training that therapists can incorporate in their practice to treat kids/adults with co-occurring ASD

Featuring:

J. Emmet Burke, PhD, JD Clinical Psychologist, Brook Lane. Dr. Burke holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law.

Margaret Kocak, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist providing psychological testing and therapy in the Brook Lane Thrive North Village and Cumberland outpatient offices. Dr. Kocak has experience diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions across the lifespan, including autism, ADHD, PTSD, and mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. Kocak received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. She went on to earn her Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Immaculata University in Malvern, PA.

Karley Hensley, PhD, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and the Director of Outpatient Services for Brook Lane. She earned a PhD in Counseling and Human Behavior Sciences through Capella University, receiving the President’s List award for an outstanding GPA of 4.0.

Check back soon for more information!

This program is funded in part by the William B. and Sylvia A. Hunsberger Fund.

Adult Mental Health First Aid
2025-06-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
Would you know how to help if an adult in your life was experiencing a mental health or substance use issue?

Join us for a free Adult Mental Health First Aid training!This nationally recognized, evidence-based course teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults.

What you’ll learn:✔️ Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use issues✔️ How to approach someone in need and offer support✔️ Strategies for crisis and non-crisis situations✔️ How to connect people with appropriate resources✔️ Ways to reduce stigma and foster a culture of support

Perfect for employers, faith leaders, first responders, community members, caregivers, and anyone who wants to help.

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Trauma and the Brain: Understanding Neurobiology, Coping Mechanisms, PTSD, and EMDR Best Practices
2025-06-20 08:30 - 16:00 | Robinwood Professional Center (142), 11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742, United States
Course Description: This comprehensive CEU course offers a deep dive into the complex relationship between trauma, neurobiology, and the profound impact trauma has on an individual’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Designed for mental health professionals, this course provides a thorough overview of trauma and its effects on the brain, including how adverse experiences shape neural pathways and influence behavior.

Participants will learn about the neurobiological mechanisms involved in trauma and how they contribute to the development of PTSD, poor coping mechanisms, and other mental health challenges. The course also explores the multidimensional effects of trauma, highlighting how trauma can impact various aspects of a person’s life, including relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning.

In addition to foundational knowledge, the course will delve into effective evidence-based practices for working with individuals with PTSD. Best practices for trauma treatment, including cognitive-behavioral approaches and trauma-informed care, will be discussed. A significant portion of the course will focus on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), offering a deeper understanding of this powerful therapy, including its theoretical underpinnings, techniques, and research evidence supporting its efficacy in treating trauma and PTSD.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the neurobiological impact of trauma and its effects on brain function and behavior.

Recognize how trauma affects an individual across multiple dimensions of their life, including emotional, cognitive, and relational aspects.

Identify common maladaptive coping mechanisms associated with trauma and PTSD.

Implement best practices for the treatment of PTSD, including trauma-focused therapeutic approaches.

Gain in-depth knowledge of EMDR, including its techniques, applications, and evidence supporting its effectiveness in trauma recovery.

Integrate trauma-informed care into their clinical practice to provide compassionate and effective support to clients with complex trauma histories.

This course is ideal for clinicians, therapists, and counselors working with trauma survivors, as well as those interested in expanding their knowledge of trauma treatment modalities.

Featuring Speaker: Sal Schittino, NCC, LCPC, a Certified EMDRIA Therapist. He earned his BA in Clinical Psychology at Washington College and his MS in Community Mental Health Counseling from McDaniel College. He has a deep commitment to continued education, earning advanced certifications in EMDR through The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy under the tutelage of Deany Laliotis who worked closely with Francine Shapiro, founder of EMDR therapy.

He also serves as a MD board certified supervisor and is an executive board member of The Mental Health Association in Frederick, MD. Sal is licensed in both Maryland and Virginia. He is a Maryland native, born and raised in Ellicott City and is a proud first-generation Sicilian-American.

Sal has provided mental health services in diverse settings. For five years, Sal worked on the acute dual diagnosis unit at Sheppard Pratt Mental Health Hospital caring for patients suffering with psychiatric disorders in combination with substance abuse. For six years, he provided mental health services in private practice, counseling teens and adults with adjustment, trauma, and anxiety disorders.

Robinwood Building Map

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Mental Health First Aid Training for Your Organization
2025-06-11 08:00 - 17:00
Empower Your Team with Lifesaving Skills

Mental health challenges are at an all-time high, affecting people of every age, background, and walk of life. Now more than ever, it’s essential to know how to recognize when someone is struggling—and how to offer help.

Brook Lane offers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to equip individuals with the tools to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. These evidence-based courses are ideal for businesses, community organizations, schools, faith communities, and churches looking to foster a culture of care and resilience.

Training Options Available:

Youth Mental Health First Aid: This course is designed for adults who interact with youth—such as teachers, school staff, coaches, and youth group leaders. It teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adolescents (ages 12–18), with a strong focus on early intervention and support.

Adult Mental Health First Aid: This training is geared toward individuals who work with or support other adults, such as coworkers, friends, family members, or clients. Participants learn how to recognize the signs of common mental health conditions, respond to someone in crisis, and connect them to appropriate professional care and community resources.

Whether you’re a small team or a large organization, we can bring MHFA training to you or host at one of Brook Lane’s locations.

Why Offer MHFA to Your Group?

Create a safer, more supportive environment

Improve understanding and reduce stigma

Equip staff, volunteers, and members with actionable skills

Let’s work together to build a more mental health-informed community.

👉 Interested in learning more or bringing Mental Health First Aid training to your organization?

We’d be happy to talk with you about options and next steps. Please feel free to contact Nettie Blowers, Community Health Education Specialist, directly.📧Nettie.Blowers@BrookLane.org | 📞 call 301-733-0331 x1228.

These trainings are fully sponsored by Brook Lane with no cost to participants. Each attendee receives comprehensive Mental Health First Aid course materials. When hosted at a Brook Lane location, the day also includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
2025-06-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
Do you live, work, or volunteer with youth? Want to feel more confident supporting young people facing mental health challenges?

Join us for a free Youth Mental Health First Aid training!This evidence-based course teaches you how to recognize the signs of mental health or substance use challenges in youth (ages 12–18), offer initial support, and guide them to appropriate help.

What you’ll learn:✔️ Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges✔️ How to respond in a crisis or non-crisis situation✔️ Ways to connect youth with support and resources✔️ Tools to reduce stigma and promote mental wellness

Open to parents, teachers, coaches, youth workers, and caring adults.No experience needed—just a willingness to learn.

Course taught by Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors: Art Castro and Nettie Blowers

Download Brook Lane Parking/Community Room Map

Register Today!

Youth Mental Health First Aid
2025-05-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) is an 8-hour program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions related challenge or crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD) and eating disorders. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Presented by Certified Instructor: Art Castro and Nettie Blowers

Register Here

Brook Lane Map

Adult Mental Health First Aid
2025-05-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Includes Grab ‘n Go breakfast and lunch

Presented by Certified Instructors: Art Castro and Nettie Blowers

Join us today to become a Mental Health First Aider!

Register Here

Adult Mental Health First Aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem, or is in a mental health crisis. After completing this course, you can give this first aid until the person has received appropriate professional treatment or the crisis is resolved.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Executive Function in Children and Adolescents: Best Practices and Approaches for Non-Medication Treatment
2025-05-02 08:30 - 16:00 | Robinwood Professional Center (142), 1110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740, United States
In school and home, one of the most common referrals is for symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). And we know the challenging behaviors that coincide with these symptoms – tantrums, meltdowns, non-compliance, arguing, yelling, which make treatment difficult.

Dr. Jason Mathison will offer targeted interventions for these behaviors. He’ll cover ODD subtypes, causes, and provide strategies from both clinical and educational perspectives, including motor memory, emotional labeling, executive functioning, CBT, and REBT.

Featuring: Jason, Mathison, PsyD, NCSP, ABSNP, is a licensed psychologist and certified school neuropsychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents in Maryland and Virginia. He is the owner of Psychoeducational Consultants, where he provides neuropsychological testing and executive functioning coaching. Dr. Mathison has published works on executive functioning and served on an expert panel at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He has also worked as a school psychologist for Prince George’s County Public Schools and earned his doctorate in school psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Participants Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate effective communication on the biological basis of oppositional and maladaptive behaviors to families, caregivers, and teachers to promote effective collaboration and support.

Identify various subtypes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and tailored treatment approaches for each.

Better understand differential diagnosis and determine how and when to implement IEPs and 504 plans in school for ODD and related disorders.

Apply strategies for Harvard’s 3 levels of executive functioning in school and at home to promote functional performance.

Register

Robinwood Facility Map

Adult Mental Health First Aid
2025-04-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Includes Grab ‘n Go breakfast and lunch

Presented by Certified Instructors: Art Castro and Nettie Blowers

Join us today to become a Mental Health First Aider.

Download Brook Lane Map

Adult Mental Health First Aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem, or is in a mental health crisis. After completing this course, you can give this first aid until the person has received appropriate professional treatment or the crisis is resolved.

Register

Fourth Annual Bridge to Hope Affair
2025-04-26 18:00 - 22:00 | Beaver Creek Country Club, 9535 Mapleville Rd, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
Join us for another year of raising awareness and funds for mental health services in the Washington County and surrounding areas! Together, we can be a bridge to hope. Don’t miss your chance to attend our flagship mental health awareness fundraising event!

EVENT SCHEDULE

6:00 pm: Welcome Reception/Cocktail Hour

7:00 – 8:30 pm: Dinner & Program

8:30-10:00 pm: Dessert & Coffee, Music, Dancing, Silent Auction Winners Announced

For Tickets & Sponsorships

Printable Sponsorship Book

35th Annual Child Welfare Workshop
2025-04-15 07:30 - 15:30 | The Maryland Theatre, 21 South Potomac St, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740, United States
The 2025 Child Welfare Workshop planning committee invites you to join us for a day of learning and networking with colleagues. This event will cover a variety of topics, carefully selected to provide relevant, practical, and valuable information to help you better serve “Our Children in Our Community.” Attendees who participate in the full workshop will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion for 5.5 educational/continuing education units (CEUs) for counselors/therapists (NBCC), and Maryland licensed social workers and psychologists. Please note: partial credit will not be awarded.

Register below today and share the word. See you on April 15th!

Registration Closed

This annual workshop is funded in part by an educational grant secured by the Washington County Department of Social Services.

Workshops Descriptions

Remediating Relationships: Navigating Divorce, Blended Family Dynamics, and Infidelity Recovery
2025-03-21 08:30 - 11:45 | Robinwood Professional Center (142), 11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742, United States
This informative and interactive workshop will provide participants with concepts and interventions to promote healthier relationships within family systems experiencing infidelity, betrayal, divorce, or the blending of families. Tools and resources from attachment-based models, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy and Connected Recovery Model will be shared and highlighted. Case examples and mindfulness techniques will be used or discussed throughout the course to illustrate interventions that promote healing, safety, and connection within couples and families.

Featuring: April Haley-Wilson, M.M.F.T., LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of her private practice, Winds & Waves Counseling PLLC in Fort Worth, Texas, also also partners with Avanti Counseling and Consulting in Southlake Texas. April specializes in counseling couples, pre-teens, adolescents, young adults, and blended families. She is an active member of the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT) and a certified Prepare-Enrich facilitator for pre-marital and marriage counseling and assessments.

Download Venue Map

Register Here

Event Flyer

Youth Mental Health First Aid
2025-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) is an 8-hour program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions related challenge or crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD) and eating disorders. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Presented by Certified Instructors: Leslie Henriquez and Nettie Blowers

This event is sponsored by Brook Lane at no cost

Download Brook Lane Map

Register

Adult Mental Health First Aid
2025-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Robinwood Professional Center (122B), 11110 Medical Campus Rd, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742, United States
The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Includes Grab ‘n Go breakfast and lunch

Presented by Certified Instructors: Art Castro

Download Robinwood/Meritus Map

Register

Youth Mental Health First Aid
2025-02-21 07:30 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) is an 8-hour program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions related challenge or crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD) and eating disorders. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

This event is sponsored by Brook Lane at no cost

Presented by Certified Instructors: Leslie Henriquez and Nettie Blowers

Registration will close Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Anti-Oppressive Seminar: Cultural Humility in Clinical Practice
2025-02-19 09:00 - 13:00
Course Description:Cultural humility is an ethical obligation critical to an appropriate therapeutic alliance. This interactive training will aid practitioners in developing and implementing strategies to courageously identify their biases and beliefs regarding diverse identity groups.

Training participants will be challenged to embrace an ongoing process of self-exploration and self-critique to facilitate safety when supporting the clinical needs of others deemed “different.” This training aims to foster client-driven practitioner learning while dismantling various forms of oppression and the power imbalances that often impede successful therapeutic outcomes.

Participant Learning Objectives:

Describe the relationship between trauma and intersectionality

Identify differences between cultural competency and cultural humility

Summarize the connection between cultural difference and bias and its impact on clinical service provision and outcomes

Identify strategies for enhancing cultural self-awareness and diversity appreciation amongst service providers

Examine the practitioners’ obligation to dismantle client/clinician cultural power imbalances

Featuring: Chandra Dawson, LISW, LCSW

Chandra is an Independent Social Worker with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to serving marginalized populations with extensive experience designing, managing, and implementing programs to meet the diverse needs of underserved communities. Her work includes crisis intervention, supervision, group facilitation, training, consultation, and senior leadership roles in organizations supporting vulnerable groups, particularly those affected by gender-based violence.

$ 85.00 per Registrant

Register Here

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Adult Mental Health First Aid
2025-02-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Robinwood Professional Center (122B), 11110 Medical Campus Rd, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742, United States
Sign-in opens at 7:30 am

The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Includes Grab ‘n Go breakfast and lunch.

Taught by certified instructor: Art Castro and Curt Miller

Enhancing Clinical Supervision: Advanced Skills and Strategies for Effective Practice
2025-01-24 08:30 - 11:45
This seminar provides licensed counselors and social workers with essential insights into effective clinical supervision practices. Participants will explore the roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations involved in clinical supervision, emphasizing the development of supervisory skills that support both client well-being and supervisee professional growth. The course will cover strategies for establishing strong supervisory relationships, setting clear expectations, and providing feedback that promotes competence and confidence in supervisees. Additionally, participants will learn to address challenges in supervision, such as managing boundaries, navigating ethical dilemmas, and maintaining culturally responsive practices.

Participant Learning Objectives:

Define the core roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards required in clinical supervision for counselors and social workers

Describe key techniques to foster a productive supervisory relationship, including setting goals, establishing clear expectations, and cultivating open communication

Identify best practices for providing constructive feedback that enhances the clinical skills and professional development of supervisees

Recognize and address common challenges in clinical supervision, such as boundary management, dual relationships, and ethical decision-making

Apply culturally responsive supervision practices that consider diversity, equity, and inclusion to support a safe and affirming environment for supervisees and clients alike

Evaluate their supervisory approach and make adjustments that align with current professional standards and evidence-based practices

Featuring:Julie Fleagle, MS, LCPC, Clinical Supervisor, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified professional counselor supervisor in the state of Maryland. She has been working in the mental health field for more than 20 years and currently co-owns Willow Tree Counseling Center, a group private practice in Maryland. In 2015, Julie started specializing in working with children as young as 3 years old and is now a sought-after child and family therapist.

This seminar will be held virtually via Zoom. Link will be sent to attendees the week of the event.

Download Flyer

Adult Mental Health First Aid
2025-01-18 08:00 - 17:00
The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Presented by Art Castro, Certified Instructor

Location: Robinwood Professional Center, Room 122B, 11110 Medical Campus Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21742

Registration will close on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

The Neuroscience of Addiction and Prevention
2024-12-05 08:30 - 11:45 | Beaver Creek Country Club, 9535 Mapleville Rd, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
The growing gap between biological and environmental evolution presents a unique opportunity for exploring the human brain, its strengths and vulnerabilities in an interactive and stimulating way. To really understand substance use disorders (and use that understanding to increase resiliency) we must first understand the brain, especially the evolutionary constraints that have shaped its fundamental structures and functions. This presentation builds on the growing neuroscientific understanding of human behavior to explain the intrinsic vulnerabilities that emerge from the interaction of biological and environmental substance use actors and the impact that drug abuse has on brain circuitry and behavior. It also will explore the rationale behind the development of evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches in addiction. (3 CEUs)

Participant Learning Objectives:

• Have a greater understanding of the structure, function, & evolution of the human brain

• Understand the effects of addictive drugs: focus on the dopaminergic synapse and the neurophysiological changes that underlie substance use disorders

• Explain inter-individual differences in risk: the multifactorial phenomena behind the fact that not every person exposed to an addictive substance develops a substance use disorder

• Recognize leveraging the current understanding of the brain and the allure & effects of addictive drugs to develop effective prevention strategies and programs

• Describe the nature & role of various evidence-based interventions designed to alleviate and/or reverse the devastating impact of addictive drugs

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Featuring:

Dr. Ruben Baler, PhD, joined the Science Policy Branch in NIDA’s Office of Science Policy and Communications in October 2004 as a Health Science Administrator. He has gathered critical insight from diverse disciplines, which he combines to advance NIDA’s scientific mission as it intersects with cellular and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, neuroscience, and neuroethics. Dr. Baler’s many contributions to other dissemination efforts include scientific writing, teaching, public speaking to lay audiences, and fielding interview requests. He received his PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from the University of Miami.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
2024-12-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Robinwood Professional Center, 11110 Medical Campus Rd, Ste 122B, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (YMHFA) is an 8 hour program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions related challenge or crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD) and eating disorders. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
Presented by Chris Herman and Leslie Henriquez, Certified Instructors
Location: Robinwood Professional Center, Room 122B, 11110 Medical Campus Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21742
Registration will close on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Register Today

Adult Mental Health First Aid
2024-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is an 8-hour program appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. The adult course teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help an individual in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
Presented by Art Castro, Certified Instructor
Registration is now closed. The next Adult MHFA class will be held on January 18. Registration will be opening soon for the January class.

Play Therapy: The What, The Why and The How
2024-11-08 08:30 - 11:45 | Beaver Creek Country Club, 9535 Mapleville Rd, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
This hands-on seminar will discuss the history and development of play therapy as well as basic play therapy skills. It will explore numerous ways in which play therapy strategies can be incorporated in the therapeutic process, providing children with the opportunity to present and resolve psychosocial difficulties. Seminar attendees will learn diagnostic play themes, specific play therapy interventions and indicators for adjunctive or alternative services for treating children. (3 CEUs)
Participant Learning Objectives:
• State important milestones in the development of the play therapy field as an effective intervention• Review the core principles of play therapy• Identify and discuss four basic play therapy skills• Identify basic tools for the playroom• Recognize diagnostic play themes• Identify five specific play therapy interventions• Describe how play therapy can help with assessment, therapeutic goal setting and treatment.
Featuring:
Terri Lancaster, LCPC, NCC, RPT-S, is a licensed clinical professional counselor practicing at The Mental Health Center of Western Maryland in Hagerstown, Maryland. She is also a national certified counselor and a registered play therapist-supervisor and is an active member of the Association for Play Therapy. Terri has over 28 years of experience working with children, families and community mental health.
Download Seminar Flyer
Registration is now closed.

Psychiatric Pharmacology Update
2024-10-17 08:30 - 11:45 | Beaver Creek Country Club, 9535 Mapleville Rd, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
This 3-hour psychopharmacology update will provide comprehensive information on the psychopharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders most commonly encountered in clinical practice. Discussion will include complex and challenging conditions as well as medication-assisted treatment of alcohol and substance use disorder. The latest advances in treatment will be presented. (3 CEUs)

Participant Learning Objectives:

• List major diagnosis of psychiatric disorders
• Describe the essential components of a psychiatric assessment
• Identify various types of psychiatric medications
• Summarize the management of depression and anxiety disorder
• Explain the importance of integrating psychopharmacology and psychotherapy into patient care
• Apply current evidence-based clinical treatment options for various psychiatric disorders

Featuring:

Jamal Fawaz, MD, LFAP, is an adult psychiatrist practicing with Brook Lane Health Services in Hagerstown, Maryland. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, and is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. His special interests include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic disorders, and psychopharmacology.

Download Seminar Flyer

Register Today

Youth Mental Health First Aid
2024-10-10 07:30 - 17:00 | Brook Lane Community Room, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (YMHFA) is an 8 hour program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions related challenge or crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Presented by a Certified Instructor
Register Today
Registration will close on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Fall Into A New Career
2024-10-04 11:00 - 14:00 | Valley College – Martinsburg, WV Campus, 287 Aikens Center, Martinsburg, WV, 25404, United States

Fall 2024 Job and Internship Fair
2024-10-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Shippensburg University – ShipRec, 533 Lancaster Drive, Shippensburg, PA, 17257, United States

Mental Health Law and Ethics: Day-to-Day Treatment Challenges
2024-10-02 08:30 - 11:45 | Beaver Creek Country Club, 9535 Mapleville Rd, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, United States
Annual Clinical, Legal and Ethics Seminar

This program will provide 3 hours of continuing education in ethics, law, professional conduct and risk management to satisfy Maryland licensure requirements.

A suicidal patient refuses treatment. A therapist meets a client for coffee. Divorced parents disagree about a therapist’s recommendation for their child. A client asks to see progress notes. An attorney wants a progress letter. Threats of harm. Out of state clients. Terminating treatment. Complaints to a Licensing Board. The internet sexual exploitation of children and the vulnerable. Join this annual review of what is required ethically and legally in each of these and other day-to-day treatment situations. Judge Dana Moylan Wright will add insights from a legal and judicial point of view. Guests from the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Department of Human Services and the Sheriff’s Department will discuss, from their experience, the mind and strategies of sexual predators to assist therapists as advocates of patient safety. (3 CEUs)

Participant Learning Objectives:
• Understand the ethical concepts of autonomy, privacy, fidelity and public good as underlying mental health treatment and Codes of Ethics
• Apply the Ethics Codes of the Boards of Social Work Examiners and of Professional Counselors to every day treatment challenges
• Identify Maryland and Federal laws and regulations governing mental health practice
• Respond to the HIPAA mandate of patient access to the full treatment record
• Understand the thinking and strategies of sexual predators to assist therapists as advocates of patient safety

Featuring:

J. Emmet Burke, PhD, JD, Clinical Psychologist, Brook Lane. Dr. Burke holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland
School of Law.

The Honorable Dana Moylan Wright, Circuit Court, Washington County, Maryland. Judge Wright has a special
interest in mental health and has participated in Brook Lane’s annual clinical, legal and ethics seminars for the last
10 years to share with clinicians some of the court’s insight regarding issues of mental health.

Download Seminar Flyer

Register Today

Maryland Pennsylvania Job and Internship Fair
2024-10-01 12:00 - 17:00 | McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD, 21157, United States
This event is intended for McDaniel students and is not open to the broader public.

75th Anniversary Fall Festival
2024-09-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Brook Lane, 13121 Brook Lane, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
