A 3-Hour Training with Dr. Foad Afshar

May 15, 2023

8:30am–11:45am 

PRESENTATION: Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD) in an individual. It is quite common for people with mental health disorders to also struggle with substance misuse, and vice versa. 

Co-occurring disorders can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat because the presence of one disorder can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the other. Additionally, co-occurring disorders can exacerbate each other, making it harder for an individual to manage either condition on their own. Substance misuse can increase the severity of mental health symptoms, and vice versa.  

Treatment for co-occurring disorders usually involves a combination of therapies to address both the mental health disorder and the substance misuse. This may include bio pharmacological treatment of SUD, individual and group therapy, and support groups. Successful treatment of co-occurring disorders requires a holistic approach that takes into account both conditions and their interactions with each other. 

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the psychological intersection between Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders;

2. Explain some neurobiological dynamics that link Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders;

3. Interpret the elements of the Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment to ascertain the genesis and severity of each of the conditions;

4. Formulate a treatment plan and select treatment strategies to concurrently treat existing conditions; and

5. Illustrate the team approach and collaborative model of treatment for optimal outcomes. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dr. Afshar has been a professional psychotherapist, trainer and educator for over 35 years.  He received his Doctorate in Professional Psychology (Psy.D.) from California Coast University, his Masters in Counseling from Harvard University and his Bachelors in Psychology from U.Mass-Boston. He is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and School Psychologist. He is also a certified School Principle, and School Counselor.   Dr. Afshar has been a Director of Special Education & Guidance for SAU #37 & 50, Director of Guidance & Advising for Pinkerton Academy has taught courses in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Special Education, School Guidance and Psychology of Design at the graduate and undergraduate levels for the past 35 years. Dr. Afshar’s professional experience in addiction and recovery includes both clinical work as the Admissions Director of the Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center (Later Dorchester Counseling Center) in Dorchester as well Associate Executive Director and Clinical Director of Noddle’s Island Multi-service Agency in East Boston, Massachusetts. He was the addictions consultant at the Massachusetts General Hospital—The Charlestown Clinic in Boston, and has consulted extensively with medical, legal, educational and business organization around the issues of addiction prevention, intervention and recovery He has taught courses on addiction at the graduate and undergraduate levels in topics such as Psychopharmacology of Addiction, History and Socio-Politics of Addiction, and treatment models.   With a wide range of professional expertise spanning nearly 4 decades, Dr. Afshar brings a considerable breadth and depth of understanding of addictions and mental health issues as applicable in a variety of settings, age spans and affected populations.  

3 Contact Hours Available
CRSW Performance Domains: 4
LADC/MLADC Categories of Competence: 5-8, 14-18
CPS Domains: 6
NBCC: LICSW/L-MFT/LCMHC (Category 1) & Psychologist Category A
NH Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider. ACEP No 6754. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NHADACA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

PLEASE NOTE: Only one registrant per form.  For multiple registrants you must register each one individually.  Registration is not complete or guaranteed until payment is received.  Payment by means other than credit card may slow down completion of registration.  Checks and cash are still accepted, however, your registration will be placed on a pending list until payment is received.  We strongly encourage payment by credit card for training of high demand topics.  Thank you.

This training is financed under a contract with the State of NH, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of NH and/or such funding sources as were available or required, e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services.