A few weeks back I had the pleasure to attend the ATCPCC in Santa Barbara, CA with my associate Aubrey. Although I have attended something quite similar in Vero Beach, FL this by far exceeded my expectations. It’s a unique concept that enables organizations that specialize in areas such as addiction treatment; eating disorders, mental health, extended care, sober living, private practitioners, interventionists, etc.to come together in a single forum and present in a formal manner their specialty areas and how we as helping professionals can provide the best care possible to individuals who are seeking assistance. It was a networking opportunity of epic proportions if you will. There were plenty of opportunities to re-connect with individuals I have already known and worked with. Many are close friends. As well as opportunities to connect with new individuals representing programs that I have either heard of but didn’t know much about, or new programs that I was unfamiliar with. There were about 57 different programs attending this conference.

I believe that we as professionals have a responsibility to provide the consumer with the most accurate information to help them obtain the best clinically appropriate care in a manner that is compassionate, respectful and cost-effective. I think that attending conferences like this allows each and every one of us the opportunity to increase our knowledge base and to pinpoint exactly what the best program would be when we receive a call from a family in crisis. We all have our specialties. Pasadena Villa’s is for the primary treatment of mood and thought disorders. A program I am very proud to be associated with. When I get a call from a family that is asking for assistance that does not meet the clinical criteria that we have established (i.e. they may be looking for a program specializing in the primary treatment of eating disorders or gender specific addiction treatment), you better be sure that I will provide them with several options that will meet their needs. I have a tremendous amount of passion for what I do and understand personally the needs that families have when in crisis. It’s these types of conferences that allows me to fully understand the philosophies and clinical design of the top programs that are available.

Ok, now that I am off my soapbox I must say that Santa Barbara certainly is a beautiful community. Besides being a little out of my price range to buy a house, it has some stunning views and wonderful restaurants. I hope to be back at this conference next year.
By the way, this was my very first blog…ever. So thank you for reading this.
Tom Maisel, RN, MBA

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Mental Illnesses by ACIdesigns