Navigating Co-Occurring Disorders: Advanced Clinical Strategies for Substance Use Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

COURSE:  Navigating Co-Occurring Disorders: Advanced Clinical Strategies for Substance Use Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

                  Friday, September 12, 2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  

This presentation will explore the treatment of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Participants will learn strategies for conducting thorough assessments, making accurate diagnoses, and developing effective and integrated treatment plans. The presentation also aims to address common pitfalls clinicians face in this complex field and provide practical tools to overcome these challenges. Designed to enhance clinical competency, this session equips clinicians with evidence-based approaches to deliver comprehensive and effective care for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Sharon brings a diverse and extensive background to her role as Chief Clinical Officer at La Ventana Treatment Programs, with over 25 years of experience working with at-risk youth, couples, families, and adults in the fields of mental health and addiction. She's worked in numerous rehabilitation centers, addressing addiction and its underlying psychological factors in both youth and adults. Sharon has also served as a crisis hotline operator, and worked directly with the unhoused population, helping them stabilize severe mental health and substance dependence issues while securing housing and employment.

Sharon has had a private practice in Westlake, California, and is a Clinical Supervisor for registered associates pursuing licensure. Her treatment approach is comprehensive and multi-modal, addressing the biological, psychosocial, spiritual, and nutritional dimensions of addiction and recovery. Sharon is a published author in professional clinical literature, as well as in local and national magazines, where she writes about trauma, mental health, and resilience in addiction recovery. As a national speaker and guest on shows such as the Meredith Show, she is recognized for her expertise in these areas.

In addition to her professional work, Sharon is deeply engaged in her community. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Co-Leader of the Malibu Chapter of the Women’s Association for Addiction Treatment, and a Board Member of Insight to Teen Culture. She previously co-led her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, promoting empowerment and leadership among young girls.

EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• • Diagnostic Assessment: Learn how to identify and assess for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders to improve diagnostic accuracy.
  • Integrated Treatment Planning: Gain skills in developing comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that address both substance use and mental health challenges.
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Understand the common mistakes clinicians make and develop competency with client care and outcomes
  • Navigating Complex Treatment Dynamics: Develop interventions to address the unique challenges of treating co-occurring disorders.

 MEASURABLE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• • Participants will be able to identify and differentiate at least three key diagnostic criteria for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Participants will be able to prepare a comprehensive treatment plan for a co-occurring disorder case, addressing both substance use and mental health components
  • Participants will be able to identify and avoid at least four common clinical pitfalls when treating co-occurring disorders, ensuring more effective treatment outcomes.
  • Participants will be able to explain three interventions for managing co-occurring disorders in a clinical setting.

Please see VC-CAMFT General Meeting Information for full information on collecting CEUs and for information regarding requests for special accomodations.