NOTE: FREE CE for NASW-NY members. In collaboration with NASW-NY C.A.R.E.S. Social Work Month Series

Mental & behavioral health professionals in practice often find it hard to be active policy advocates, because we are uncomfortable, and/or lack the skills and experience to engage. This workshop highlights the importance of engaging in social and political action. Knowledge vital to interacting with various levels and systems of government will be provided. Communications with elected and non-elected officials will be explored. Coalition building will be highlighted. We will brainstorm advocacy areas ripe for professional involvement of mental and behavioral health professionals, make a plan for social and political action, get the work started, and prepare for future action.

Note: Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI) Program Equine Therapy Series (2 March CEs). Each session is 2 hours and offers 2 free CEs. Sessions are stand-alone—participants may register individually. 

This session explores equine-assisted therapy with veterans as an experiential approach to building trust, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and communication skills. Through education and an interactive lived-experience panel, veterans and presenters share clinical insights, personal experiences, and community-based applications that support holistic mental health recovery through progressive, somatic, and peer-informed methods.

Note: Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI) Program Equine Therapy Series (2 March CEs). Each session is 2 hours and offers 2 free CEs. Sessions are stand-alone—participants may register individually. 

Explore how equine therapy supports veterans in building trust, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and healthy relationships. This session blends education with a lived-experience panel of veterans, sharing practical, experiential approaches to holistic mental health recovery. We’ll cover key insights, clinical applications, peer support, and real-world impact—especially within rural and upstate communities where access to care can be limited.

NOTE: FREE CE for NASW-NY Members. In honor of Autism Awareness Month.

Individuals with autism have an increased tendency to experience trauma and post-traumatic disorder compared with the general population. Dealing with trauma and its effects can be multi-faceted and devastating for those who have experienced a traumatic event or circumstance. For those with autism, experiences with trauma may be different, and processing and treating trauma may also require an added layer of specialized support. This training will discuss trauma experiences, as well as trauma expressions and responses among individuals with autism. Best practices and implications for practice to support individuals with autism who have experienced trauma and other co-occurring mental health conditions will be discussed.