The annual B.C. Concurrent Disorders Conference, hosted by PHSA's BC Mental Health and Substance Services, is dedicated to advancing knowledge and building capacity among mental health and substance use professionals who treat people with complex concurrent disorders. A concurrent disorder describes when a person has both a mental illness and a substance use problem.
The effects of concurrent disorders are far-reaching and impact individuals, families, and entire communities, resulting in the need for integrative service delivery models. The conference offers an opportunity to inspire hope and build a better future for people living with mental health and substance use issues, and their families.
This year's conference theme is 'Beyond Crisis: Working on the Continuum of Care.' The conference will be held virtually in partnership with UBC’s Faculty of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, on March 28, 2024.
2024 keynote speakers, from left: Jennifer Duff, Brian Rush, Vijay Seethapathy, Naweed Syed
• Alternatives to “Crisis Driven" model of care?
Dr. Brian Rush, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health;
• Experiences Overseas, Outreach Crisis Intervention in the UK
Dr. Vijay Seethapathy, BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services;
• An Ecosystem of Innovation in E-Health in Alberta
Dr. Naweed Syed, University of Calgary.
The conference provides a space for over 1,000 virtual participants for in-depth conversations on comprehensive care models, cohesive treatment strategies, and community-driven programs aiding those dealing with co-occurring disorders, from more than 30 treatment providers from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and beyond.
2023 keynote speakers, from left:
David Nutt, Nel Wieman, Christian
Schütz
The theme for 2023 was “Best and promising practices: understanding and celebrating the emerging practices in concurrent disorders in B.C., Canada and globally.” The effects of concurrent disorders are far-reaching and impact individuals, families, and entire communities, resulting in the need for integrative service delivery models.
The third annual conference, held on March 9, 2023, included a full program of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. You can access recorded sessions at the links below:
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Introductions & Welcome (Dr. Vijay Seethapathy, Jennifer Duff, Susan Wannamaker, Dr. David Byres, Honourable Jennifer Whiteside)
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Indigenous-Led Interventions: Indigenous Mental Wellness from the Front Line (Cassie Michell [Bader] – Moderator, Elder Gerry Oleman, Audrey Ward)
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Equipping Teams with Skills in Concurrent Disorders (Justine Dodds – Moderator, Rick Johal, Samantha Robinson, Fabienne Hargreaves, Kris Bews, Asha Maharaj)
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Effectiveness of Psychotherapies in Daily Clinical Practice (Dr. Daniel Vigo – Moderator, Dr. Heather Fulton, Dr. Terri-Lee Seeley, Dr. Heather Fulton)