Workshop Description

This introductory course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively support military personnel and veterans in addressing and treating trauma. Attendees will learn about the five most widely used PTSD assessments and how these tools can guide the development of effective treatment plans. Learn about the most common trauma interventions used when working with the military/veteran populations. The webinar will also address common stigmas and barriers to care within military culture, such as concerns about career impact and perceptions of weakness. To enhance cultural competency, participants will be introduced to the structure, mission, and values of military service organizations. Finally, the course will highlight community-based resources available in New York State to further support military and veteran clients.

Learning Objectives

After completing this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe US military services, organizational structure, missions, and values.
• Identify the top five PTSD assessment instruments (interview and self report measures) to help in the development of effective treatment options and periodic assessment of patients and clients in PTSD treatment. 
• Describe common types of trauma experienced by military personnel and veterans, as well as stigma and barriers to seeking help.
• Identify three community resources to connect military/veterans' clients for more support.

Continuing Education Credits: 2.0

This workshop is approved for licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed psychologists.

Fees

• NASW-NY Member - $30.00
• Other Chapter Members (e.g., NASW-NJ, etc.) - $50.00
• Non-Member - $60.00
• NASW-NY Student and Transitional Member (Non-CE Eligible) - $0.00

Presenters: German Sanchez, MA, LCSW, RDT, BCD & Connie Ruyter, LCSW

German Sanchez, MA, LCSW, RDT, BCD is a licensed clinical social worker, registered drama therapist and a Board-Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work in NY state. He is a graduate of the Catholic University of America National School of Social Services, New York University Steinhardt Drama Therapy Program and California Institute of Integrated Studies with a Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy. German has worked with clients in various settings from substance abuse clinics, hospital inpatient/outpatient programs to community mental health clinics. German currently works at HEAT Program in Suny Downstate Hospital as the Clinical Supervisor of Mental Health and Care Coordination and is in the New York Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer in the rank of First Lieutenant. German also currently serves as the NASW-NYC President. German strongly believes that some of the best work that is done in session is when the client and therapist come together to co-create those moments. German is passionate about helping services members and veterans get access to life changing care.

Connie Ruyter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Approved Social Work Supervisor in Maryland. She is a Director of Psychological Health for the New York Army National Guard. In this position, she serves as the subject matter expert in behavioral health, providing direct services to Soldiers as well as consultation to leadership. Ms. Ruyter’s background includes more than 15 years of experience working in the behavioral health field.

She has a long history of working with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use issues. Her fields of expertise include co-occurring disorders, trauma, and intimate partner violence. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Morgan State University.

REGISTER