On The Spot Support: Practical Strategies For Substance Use And S/O Needs

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex and often require long-term intervention, yet many professionals find themselves in situations where time is limited, and traditional therapy is not an option. This training will equip participants with practical, evidence-based approaches to effectively engage individuals struggling with substance misuse, even in brief encounters or over the phone.

Participants will also explore best practices for supporting families and loved ones navigating the challenges of addiction.

Through interaction and case-based learning, this session will provide actionable strategies for engaging individuals in meaningful conversations about their substance use, strengthening motivation for change, and fostering a supportive environment for supportive others. Attendees will leave with practical tools for immediate application in their work, whether in crisis response, case management, or clinical settings.

3 CEs available to NYS LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, LMSWs, LCATS , NYS Licensed Psychologists and NYS Licensed Psychoanalysts provided by Hudson Valley Professional Development, LLC upon successful completion of training.

Objectives:

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

-describe at least three brief intervention strategies that can be used to address substance misuse in non-traditional therapy settings.

-apply motivational interviewing and harm reduction techniques in short encounters.

-evaluate effective supportive other approaches and identify ways to empower loved ones to navigate the challenges of supporting someone with a substance use disorder.

In accordance with the NY State Department of Education guidelines, in order to receive continuing education contact hours, a participant needs to be present for the duration of the workshop/training. Therefore, participants who arrive late or leave the event early will not be granted a certificate of completion.

​Cancellation Policy: Refunds/credits will be provided for cancellations made in writing up to the day before the event.

Accommodations and Accessibility: HVPD welcomes participants with diverse abilities. Please contact us at info@hudsonvalleyprofessionaldevelopment.com to request accessibility accommodations. Accommodation requests are considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Jimmy Portner has been a Social Worker in mental health and substance use for 20 years, focusing on advancing Evidence-Based Practices. He is accomplished in Motivational Interviewing (MI), clinical settings, teaching, and research, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in the National MI VA program.

A member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Jimmy has extensive expertise in the core components of MI, fidelity assessment, and effective delivery methods.

Jimmy is also a certified trainer and provider of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), a treatment targeting emotional overcontrol. Since 2014, he has practiced and taught RO-DBT, specializing in its application to complex, treatment-resistant cases.

For over a decade, Jimmy has been a community lecturer at The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work. His professional interests include the intersection of culture and mental health, social signaling, and innovative approaches to challenging conditions.

Outside of work, Jimmy enjoys time with his wife, a fellow social worker, and their two children. He is dedicated to fostering connection and understanding, balancing leadership and mentoring with his passion for supporting the next generation of social workers.