Addressing Behavioral Health Needs of Youth Impacted by SU

From Risk to Resilience: Addressing Behavioral Health Needs of Youth Impacted by Substance Use

Youth impacted by substance use face disproportionately high rates of mental health conditions and trauma, which is shaped by complex and intersecting social, psychological, and structural vulnerabilities. This lecture will provide an overview of the prevalence and patterns of substance use and mental health challenges among youth, highlighting common clinical presentations and co-occurring conditions. Participants will review the biopsychosocial risk factors that contribute to these outcomes, including trauma exposure, housing instability, social service system involvement, negative attitudes, perceptions, and judgement, and barriers to accessing care. 

The session will also review evidence-informed frameworks for promoting well-being and effectively engaging youth in substance use and mental health treatment. Emphasis will be placed on trauma-informed, youth-centered approaches that incorporate shared decision-making, the integration of lived experience experts, and strategies that build trust, autonomy, and long-term engagement in care. At the conclusion, participants will gain practical insights to support more responsive, appropriate, and healing-centered care for youth. A panel discussion will follow this presentation, featuring representatives from SAPC’s specialty provider network. This portion of the presentation is intended to assist SUD providers in identifying real-world considerations related to youth impacted by substance use.

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For trainings that indicate Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available, contact your licensing or certification organization to verify that the credits will count toward the continuing education requirements.