Education and Training

Optum Idaho is transitioning their claims system from COSMOS to Facets as of Jan. 1, 2022. The claims system conversion will allow Optum Idaho to continue to pay claims in a prompt manner while improving some of the behind-the-scenes functionality and helps pave the way for future value-based payment arrangements.

The content of this training is ideal for billers, leaders and other back-office staff. We recognize your time is valuable and this training is a quick overview of the changeover, a reminder of best practices for getting claims paid quickly and an opportunity to ask any questions.

To view and sign up for the Claims Converstion training:

1. Log in to Optum Idaho Relias Learning
2. Click on Assignments
3. Click on Browse Elective Courses
4. Search for Optum Idaho Claims Platform Conversion 2022
5. Click the Green Enroll button

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Training teaches providers proven strategies to safely and effectively respond to anxious, hostile, or violent behavior while balancing the responsibilities of care. For additional information on CPI, please refer to the Provider Manual. 

CPI certification is required for all bachelor’s level paraprofessionals prior to the delivery and submission of claims for crisis services. A copy of a valid and current CPI card must be kept in the HR file for review during an audit. 

Optum Idaho offers CPI’s Trauma Verbal Intervention Training and certification at no cost to network providers. The training is completed in a blended learning environment via Relias e-Learning modules and a live webinar.

Registration through the Optum Idaho Education Department is available for the following courses:  

CPI FOUNDATION: Trauma Verbal Intervention Course 

• Initial course intended for providers who have never taken the CPI Foundation Course. 
• Four CEU’s offered. 

Click here to register for the CPI Foundation Course.

CPI REFRESHER: Trauma Verbal Intervention Course

• Must hold a current CPI Certificate to be eligible to take this course. 
• Two CEU’s offered. 
  

Click here to register for the CPI Refresher Course.

*Please Note: Optum Idaho offers Refresher classes for recertification once per quarter. This is only for those providers who have previously been trained by Optum Idaho in the CPI Trauma Verbal Intervention Foundations or Refresher Course. Certificates are valid for two years from the date of course. Renewal of the certificate must occur before it expires. Without a current CPI certification providers will NOT be able to provide or submit claims for crisis services. 

Once registered to take the course, you will receive confirmation of registration. The confirmation includes additional details on required steps to become certified including pre-course work, live webinar and final exam information.  

A complete list of the CPI Verbal Intervention trainings is show below.

For questions, or to change your scheduled training, please contact the Optum Education & Training Team at optum.idaho.education@optum.com

The Optum Idaho Provider Survey in 2023, identified ethics as a popular topic of interest to gain additional training and information about. Please stay tuned for more courses to be added to this page in the near future. See below the Relias courses on the topic of ethics, including course descriptions, the amount of continuing education units (CEU) available for each course and a link to access the courses in Relias.

1. Applying Ethical Decision-Making in Clinical Practice (CEU: 1 hour):

In this course, you will learn about evidence-based ethical decision-making models and how to apply those models to various ethical dilemmas. Vignettes and interactive exercises provide the opportunity to apply these concepts when working in clinical practice.

2. Ethics and Law in Mental Health (CEU: 1 hour):

A local Idaho attorney presents information about how Duty to Warn became a mandated requirement for healthcare and behavioral health professions. The course also includes updated information on how to handle subpoenas and other situations involving providers with involvement with court cases.

3. Ethical and Legal Guidelines for Telehealth Service Delivery (CEU: 1.25 hours):

This course will offer a blend of ethical and legal information, clinical vignettes and strategies that can later be applied in therapeutic settings. The content of this course includes information about informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, boundaries, mandatory reporting and rules for sharing information. The course assumes the learner has a basic understanding of telehealth technologies and formats.

4. Ethics for Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) (CEU: 2.25 hours):

The course is specific to LMFTs and covers a variety of helpful topics, such as responsibility for clients, confidentiality, professional capability, research, advertising and finances, ethics and technology and considerations that an LMFT clinical supervisor should have. 

5. Boundary Risks for Behavioral Health Professionals (CEU: 0.75 hours):

This course provides information about boundaries and examples of how boundaries can be easily violated when working with individuals, especially in home and community settings, and situations when crossing a boundary may be acceptable.

6. Dual Relationships for Paraprofessionals (CEU: 0/75 hours):

The goal of this course is to provide paraprofessionals in health and human services settings with information on dual relationships. Paraprofessionals will learn how to know if they are helpful or harmful.

7. The Basics of Ethical Decision-Making (CEU: 0.5 hours):

This course is short, yet covers well the basics of the ethical decision-making process. It provides examples with scenarios that could likely happen with a paraprofessional with a member and how to best apply the steps of the ethical decision-making process to resolve ethical dilemmas and reestablish boundaries. 

8. Practice for Paraprofessionals for Managing Common Boudary Situations (CEU: 0 hours):

This course provides paraprofessionals in health and human services with case scenarios to practice managing common boundary situations. It covers common boundary situations that paraprofessionals are confronted with and strategies to avoid or minimize risks when confronted with common boundary situations. 

The goal of MHFA is to improve mental health literacy, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and provide people with the skills and knowledge to help individuals in crisis or who are developing a mental health problem. Optum Idaho pays for class registration, training materials and instruction for Idahoans who want to learn how to support an individual experiencing a mental health challenge.

WHY:

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack: we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism. MHFA training helps take the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding. The trainings also provide an action plan that teaches people how to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

Adult Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders.

DETAILS:

Upon completion of the course, a certificate with training hours listed will be available from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Professional Credit for a cost through NNU may be available and CEU’s may also be available. Contact your instructor for more details.

Adult MHFA training (This class is for adults who interact with ages 18 and older) includes: 

• A two-hour pre-course work video is required to be completed 5 days prior to the Live Webinar
• Six hours of virtual instructor led training

Youth MHFA training (This class is for adults who interact with youth ages 12-18) includes:

• A two-hour pre-course work video is required to be completed 5 days prior to the Live Webinar
• Six hours of virtual instructor led training 

HOW:

• If you would like to register for the training, click here. 
• Space is limited and registration closes one week prior to the class date. 
• For any questions regarding MHFA Training, please email Idaho Resilience Project: Katie.francis@idahoresilienceproject.org  and Hailey.clements@idahoresilienceproject.org

This Interconnected Systems Framework: Connecting the Dots of Mental Health in the Schools is a free three-part series specifically geared for providers in Idaho who are interested in delivering mental health services within a school setting. The three-part series includes three Optum Idaho Relias Learning modules each accompanied by a live virtual session.

The training includes three core topics:
· The Impact of Behavior in Schools
· Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Defined
· Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF): Interconnecting School Mental Health and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Exciting changes are coming soon to Mental Health in Schools training, stay tuned!

Research has indicated that approximately 1 in 5 students has a diagnosable behavioral health condition. To increase access to services for youth, Optum Idaho has developed a school-based model for behavioral and mental health service delivery. “A Toolkit for Behavioral and Mental Health Services in Idaho Schools” helps identify the requirements to establish collaboration between educators, family members and mental health professionals in order to provide youth with better access to mental health services. 

A printed copy of “A Toolkit for Behavioral and Mental Health Services in Idaho Schools” is available here. 

The Optum Support and Services Manager (OSSM) Training introduces the OSSM tool to Targeted Care Coordinators and other interested providers. This tool allows Targeted Care Coordinators to communicate with Child and Family Team members, schedule Child and Family Team meetings, and develop and submit person-centered service plans (PCSPs). The training also demonstrates features of the OSSM Individual and Support Team Portal, which is where other Child and Family Team members may view finalized PCSPs. This training is required for Targeted Care Coordinators and is available on Optum Idaho Relias Learning.

If you are a credentialed/endorsed Peer Services provider (including Youth Support, Peer Support, Family Support, Recovery Coaching and their supervisors), you are eligible to enroll in Peer Learning Collaboratives (previously called “Peer Services coaching sessions”). We are excited to announce the new name of these calls, which more accurately describes what occurs. The Peer Learning Collaboratives may be appropriate if your agency is seeking opportunities for your leaders and staff members to put into practice what you have learned in training or to improve your implementation and delivery of Peer Services.  

Goals of the collaboratives include:

· Identifying strengths and needs related to implementation and delivery of services
· Providing constructive feedback about organizational structure that supports implementation and service delivery 
· Noting specific strategies for Peer Services professionals to apply skills learned to real-life scenarios
· Developing additional training and workforce development plans, based on needs 


Below are the dates and topics for upcoming Peer Learning Collaboratives, and each session lasts two hours. To enroll, please register here. These are planned for the third Wednesday of each month from 3-5 p.m. MT. This is an optional opportunity, and you may participate in as many or as few sessions as you like. Topics planned include:    

• March 20, 2024 3-5 p.m. : Family Support Partners; Stephanie Hoffman, CFSP
• April 17, 2024 3-5 p.m.: The Power of Language;  Julie Williams

Optum Idaho has worked with our training partners (En Route, Path to Prime, and the Federation of Families) to develop optional training designed to assist supervisors of all Peer Services in Relias. The topics covered are: 

• Similarities and differences of the roles of Peer Support, Youth Support, Family Support, and Recovery Coaching
• Appropriate referrals for Peer Services
• Essential supervisory skills, functions, and challenges
• Agency readiness for Peer Services

If you are interested in enrolling in this training,
1.   Login to Relias - OptumHealth Idaho
2.   Once in Relias, CLICK on the Assignments tab found on the left-side of the screen.
3.   CLICK on the “Green +Browse Elective Courses” button close to the top of the screen.
4.   SEARCH for the course titled “Peer Services Supervisor Training”.
5.   ENROLL in the course by CLICKING on the Green “Enroll” Button.
6.   CLICK on “Back to My Learning” at the top of the page.
7.   SCROLL down to “Elective Courses”.
8.   FIND the “Peer Services Supervisor Training” and CLICK on “Take Now”.

If you have a question about this or any other Optum Idaho training course, please reach out to the Optum Idaho Education Training Team.

Optum Idaho is committed to recovery, resiliency and person-centered care. To ensure the integrity of the behavioral health care system of Idaho, Optum has created a 35-minute comprehensive training on Program and Network Integrity (PNI) for all Network Providers in an effort to prevent potential fraud, waste and abuse in behavioral health services.

As a provider of services to Medicaid-eligible members and a vital part of the effort to prevent non-compliance, you are encouraged to take our PNI training available in Optum Idaho Relias Learning. This training covers various topics important to maintain program and network integrity and prevent potential issues in fraud, waste and abuse, including:

·  Current trends -- what we're doing well in Idaho
·  Ins and outs of the audit review process, including common audit findings
·  How to avoid common errors
·  How to file corrected claims or void claims
·  Ongoing resources for you as a provider

NOTE: This training can be used to fulfill the annual fraud, waste and abuse training requirements for you and your staff.

To view and sign up for the Optum Idaho Relias Learning course: 

    1. Login to Optum Idaho Relias Learning
    2. Click on Assignments
    3. Click on Browse Elective Courses
    4. Search for Optum Idaho Program & Network Integrity (PNI): Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention
    5. Click the Green Enroll button

The video will present information on Peer Support Services for Youth Support, Recovery Coaching, Adult Peer Support and Family Support.

The Optum Idaho clinical and quality auditing teams have developed a brief Quality of Care (QOC) training for Youth Support, Peer Support, Family Support, and Recovery Coaching services, that focuses on the following topics:

· Service appropriateness
· Strength and resiliency factors
· Recovery plans
· Documentation
· Authorizations/service request forms

This training is now available on Relias and all providers who are currently offering or supervising these services are encouraged to take this 60-minute training. Please follow the below instructions to access the QOC for Peer Services training.

    1. Log into Relias.
    2. Once in Relias, click on the "Assignments" tab found on the left-hand side of the screen.
    3. Click on the green "+ Browse Elective Courses" button close to the top of the screen.
    4. Search for the course titled "Quality of Care for Support Services”
    5. Enroll in the course by clicking on the green "Enroll" button.
    6. Click on "Back to My Learning" at the top of the page.
    7. Scroll down to "Elective Courses".
    8. Find "Quality of Care for Support Services" and click on "Take Now".

Have a question about this or other Optum Idaho training? Please reach out to the Optum Idaho Education and Training team.

Optum Idaho partnered with the REACH Institute to develop a series of training modules designed to assist with children who display disruptive behavioral disorder (DBD) symptoms. These modules provide strategies and guidance to address a continuum of concerns for clinicians and mental health paraprofessionals as they work collaboratively with educators, and parents. Optum credentialled clinicians and paraprofessionals may access these modules on Optum Idaho Relias Learning. 

REACH Disruptive Behavior Training Modules include:

·  Optum Idaho: Understanding Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents
·  Optum Idaho: Supporting Students with Disruptive Behavior Disorders
·  Optum Idaho: Assessing Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents
·  Optum Idaho: Teaching Skills to Support Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Disorders
·  Optum Idaho: Teaching Skills to Support Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders
·  Optum Idaho: Teaching Skills to Support Parents with Disruptive Adolescents
·  Optum Idaho: Teaching Skills to Support Parents with Disruptive Children

As part of the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) program, individual and group Respite services are now available to children and adolescents with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) who meet Medicaid 1915(i) eligibility requirements when established by Liberty Healthcare. To qualify for individual and group Respite, children and adolescents must receive a Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment and a Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment (CDA).  Based on these assessments, diagnostic and functional criteria will indicate Class Membership and a Person-Centered Plan will be developed with the child or adolescent by the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) staff. Respite must be identified on this plan as a necessary service, based on the child’s individual needs.

As a Medicaid reimbursed service, providers interested in rendering this service after June 30, 2018 will be required to be part of the Optum Network, and respite workers must complete a web-based training that outlines the service requirements and expectations. There is also a supervisor-specific training recommended for supervisors of respite workers.

Both trainings are now available on Relias.  To locate, simply search for Respite. Once completed, providers should submit the proof of training to their Provider Relations Advocate so their Optum contract and fee schedule can be updated.

You must have a Relias account in order to access and complete this training, and all Optum Idaho Network Providers are eligible for their own account, free of charge. 

If you have questions, please call your Provider Relations Advocate or Optum at 1-855-202-0983, extension 1

The training required to receive the Optum Idaho Skills Training and Development (STAD) endorsement differs according to the provider's professional role. Please identify which of the options below best represents your qualifications and proceed to follow the related instructions:

Please note: If you do not yet have a Relias account, please visit https://optumidaho.training.reliaslearning.com to create an account before proceeding to identify your qualifications and related training requirements from the information noted below.

STAD Qualifications / Instructions:

This is a new addition to the Provider Meetings & Trainings tab. Listed below are Relias courses on the topic of specific populations including LGBTQ+, Native Americans and older adults. You will find course descriptions, the amount of continuing education units (CEU) available for each course and a link to access the courses on Relias.

Based off the results from the Optum Idaho Provider Survey in October 2021, specific populations were identified as another popular topic of interest to gain additional training and information. Please stay tuned for additional topics to be added on this page in the near future.

1. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Community, Part 1 (CEU: 1.5 hours)

This is a recorded module from the Optum Idaho Conference 2021. This course provides information on terms, skills, and resources to continue learning in relation to providing care for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

2. An Overview of Trauma Disorders in Adults for Paraprofessionals (CEU: 1 hour)

This module presents an overview of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and its contentious history with the healthcare systems. Definitions of key concepts related to sexuality and gender variables and general implications for clinical education, practice, and research will be discussed.

3. LGBTQIA+ Panel (CEU: 1 hour)

This is a recorded module from the Optum Idaho Conference 2021 that includes a panel of members within the LGBTQIA+ community. Panel members provide information on overview of gender and sexuality, the concept of allyship, and address how professionals can support LGBTQIA+ people and their practice.

4. Overcoming Barriers to LGBTQ+ Affirming Behavioral Health Services (CEU: 1.5 hours)

This course will help you to improve your ability to understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ populations and provide affirming care that addresses those needs. It reviews some foundational terms and issues pertaining to inclusive language, discusses the barriers that individuals frequently encounter when attempting to access healthcare, and strategies you can implement to help individuals overcome such barriers.

5. Prevalence and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders in the LGBTQ+ Community (CEU: 1.25 hours) 

In this course, you will learn the best practices for providing relevant, effective substance use treatment to LGBTQ+ populations.

6. Working More Effectively with the LGBTQ+ Community (CEU: 2 hours) 

In this course, you will learn how to practice more affirmatively by addressing the behavioral health needs of LGBTQ+ populations and how to employ relevant, evidence-based interventions effectively. This course will primarily focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer adults but the knowledge you gain can be applied to additional gender identities, sexual orientations and age groups.

7. Working More Effectively with LGBTQ+ Children and Youth (CEU: 1.25 hours)

In this course, you will receive basic information on gender and sexual identities in LGBTQ+ children and youth to better inform your practice. The course will also discuss the effects of institutional, cultural, and social discrimination on LGBTQ+ youth as well as the impact of complex trauma. It will explore assessment practices, treatment models and methods for building resilience in LGBTQ+ children and youth.

8. Behavioral Health Challenges in Tribal Communities (CEU: 1 hour)

This is a recorded module from the Optum Idaho Conference 2021. Through this presentation, you will gain an understanding of disparities in Tribal communities, gain an understanding of the role of historical trauma among Native people and recognize the range of social, political, and economic conditions in Tribal communities.

9. Understanding the Native American Experience: Coeur d’Alene Perspective on Behavioral Health and Wellness (CEU: 1 hour) 

This is a recorded module from the Optum Idaho Conference 2021. Through this presentation, learners will be introduced to a brief history of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and learn what it was like to grow up on a Reservation. Learners will also learn the differences in defining and attaining emotional health from a Native American perspective and what the Coeur d’Alene Tribe is doing to promote health for its membership.

10. Depression and Suicidality in Older Adults (CEU: 1.25 hours) 

This course will provide an overview of some physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors that could be contributing to depression in an older adult, as well as important information on recognizing risk factors and warning signs of depression in this population. Additionally, information related to evidence-based treatment strategies for older adult populations will be discussed along with the importance of monitoring treatment adherence.

11. Identifying and Treating Anxiety Disorders Among Older Adults (CEU: 1.25 hours) 

This course is designed to help behavioral health professionals identify the most common types and hallmark symptoms of anxiety disorders specific to older adults. Didactic information, interactive exercises, and case vignettes will teach you the fundamentals of anxiety disorders among older adults. You will also learn the most effective interventions available. After taking this course you will be better equipped to apply your new skill set by providing appropriate information, support, and resources to the older adults with whom you work.

12. In Session: Practicing Clinical Skills to Prevent Suicide in Older Adults (CEU: 1 hour) 

This course will provide you with an opportunity to apply your existing knowledge of suicide prevention to assess and intervene with an at-risk older adult, Jimmy. By interacting with him in a simulated therapy session, you will see how your selection of responses impacts his level of risk and his outcome. Supervisory input will also help guide you through this simulation exercise. If you have not participated in in-depth training on suicide risk assessment and interventions, we recommend that you review our other suicide prevention courses first. After learning about evidence-based approaches for reducing suicide risk, you can then use this simulation to reinforce your knowledge.

13. Older Adults and Behavioral Health Issues (CEU: 1.5 hours) 

The goal of this educational program is to provide entry-level nurses, social workers, alcohol and drug counselors, and professional counselors in health and human services settings with information on unique stressors experienced by older adults that contribute to behavioral health disorders, challenges of diagnosis and treatment in older adult populations, and strategies to minimize such challenges.

14. Screening and Assessing for Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults (CEU: 1.25 hours) 

In this course, you will learn to screen, assess, and diagnose SUDs in older adults. The goal of this course is to provide professionals in addictions, behavioral health counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing, psychology, and social work in health and human services settings with current information related to diagnosing and assessing substance use disorders in older adults.

15. Strategies for Addressing Loneliness in Behavioral Health Settings (CEU: 1 hour) 

The goal of this course is to provide addictions, behavioral health counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, and social work professionals in health and human services settings with the skills for identifying and intervening to reduce loneliness and its associated negative outcomes.

Requirements: Providers must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a human services field and be operating under supervisory protocol within the Optum Idaho Network. Providers must also complete the required training plan in order to receive the Optum Idaho Targeted Care Coordination Endorsement.

The Training Plan contains the following steps:

1. Optum Idaho Endorsement: General Foundation
     a. Training plan is 11.2 hours and contains 13 courses focused on general behavioral health topics

2. Optum Idaho Endorsement: Targeted Care Coordination
     a. This training plan is 3.5 hours and contains courses focused on the specific TCC service in Idaho
          i. Optum Idaho Targeted Care Coordination (3.5 hours)
             NOTE: Optum Supports and Services Manager (OSSM) Tutorial (.5 hour) is an optional course available upon request in Relias
 

CANS Certification: If the prospective TCC will be completing CANS assessments, they must also obtain their CANS Certification which is accessed through praedfoundation.org.

Enrollment: Providers wishing to enroll as a Targeted Care Coordinator in the Optum Network and start the training process, need to email the Optum Idaho Education inbox at optum.idaho.education@optum.com with the subject line, “Targeted Care Coordination". In the body of the email, providers should include full name, Relias username, agency, and the email they prefer for ongoing communication. The Optum Idaho Education Team will then assign the training plan to the provider in their Relias account.

The Targeted Care Coordination webpage has additional TCC resources:
·  Targeted Care Coordination Toolkit
·  CANS Appendix
·  OSSM Instruction Manual
·  Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) form in English and Spanish
·  PCSP OSSM Consent Form
·  OSSM Platform access
·  Targeted Care Coordination agencies

Additional information on the Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) can be found here.

Therapeutic After-School and Summer Programs (TASSP) are structured programs which consist of a range of individualized therapeutic, recreational and socialization activities for youth. These individual and group therapeutic experiences assist youth in developing social, communication, behavior and basic living skills; as well as psychosocial and problem-solving skills.

Therapeutic After School and Summer Programs (TASSP) are a collaboration between provider agencies, community-based organizations, professionals, and/or other entities. The informational session will explain the goal of TASSP, how to create TASSP programs and services, and new resources for providers to provide structured treatment services during afterschool, summer or out of school time.

We are offering three (3) virtual sessions for you to attend.

Click on one of the links below to register for the session of your choice. You will be emailed a link prior to the session.

June 22, 2021 11am –12pm (MT)

July 13, 2021 11am – 12pm (MT)

August 24, 2021 11am – 12pm (MT)

This is a new addition to the Provider Meetings & Trainings tab. Listed below are Relias courses on the topic of trauma-informed care, including course descriptions, the amount of continuing education units (CEU) available for each course and a link to access the courses on Relias. Based off the results from the Optum Idaho Provider Survey in October 2021, trauma-informed care was identified another popular topic of interest to gain additional training and information about. Please stay tuned for additional topics to be added on this page in the near future.

1. An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care (CEU: 1.5 hours)

In this course you will examine best practices as well as how to avoid actions that may be unknowingly harmful to clients. Importantly, you will learn what it means to provide trauma-informed care, and why you should use this approach with every client you serve as well as with colleagues and staff.

2. An Overview of Trauma Disorders in Adults for Paraprofessionals (CEU: 1 hour)

This course is designed to help you understand trauma and learn trauma-informed approaches to best support your clients. You will learn the basics of trauma disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder and adjustment disorders.

3. Diagnosing and Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CEU: 1.75 hours)

The goal of this educational program is to provide information on the diagnostic criteria for acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), steps in the diagnostic process and psychological and pharmacological interventions to treat PTSD.

4. Engaging Family Members in Crisis Planning (CEU: 1 hour)

The goal of this course is to provide information on current strategies and recommendations for family crisis planning. This course will help you to recognize antecedents to crises so that you can respond more quickly, create a plan to help decrease the number and severity of dangerous incidents and help families use community resources and self-sufficiency to cope with family emergencies. You will learn techniques that can help you work with families as partners in developing a family crisis plan. You will also learn the structure and components of a family crisis plan, as well as when and how to revise these plans.

5. Externalizing and Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents (CEU: 1.75 hours)

This course will provide information about several evidence-based interventions that could help you assist youth and families that are struggling with the impact of externalizing disorders. It will also discuss mitigating factors such as trauma history and how this could impact treatment strategies.

6. Impact of Psychological and Physical Trauma (CEU: 1.5 hours)

This course provides information on specific ways that psychological and physical trauma can impact the developing brain during childhood and adolescence, as well as how trauma affects the mature, adult brain. It also explores some general treatment considerations that you should be aware of, so that you can more effectively support individuals who have experienced trauma.

7. Implementation of Trauma-Informed Care Systems (CEU: 1 hour)

This course will provide information on trauma-informed care, its guiding principles and how it can be applied to systems of care. The Six Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care will be discussed, as well as how to monitor your organization’s progress. Lastly, you will learn critical elements of the organizational change process and how to leverage them to better inform and manage the implementation of trauma-informed care.

8. Interventions for Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CEU: 1 hour)

In this course you will learn about three interventions that are the most supported by research and recommended as first-line treatment for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) (Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.). These three treatments are considered trauma-focused therapies; their primary focus is on the client’s memories or interpretations of the trauma event or events. All three treatment approaches are based on the cognitive-behavioral theory of emotions; however, each treatment type differs in application of the theory. Case examples will be used to demonstrate how the key techniques of each approach can be applied in your setting. 

9. Overview of How Behavioral Health Disorders are Impacted by Trauma (CEU: 1.5 hours)

This course offers you the unique perspective of examining how specific behavioral disorders, such as substance use disorders, eating disorders, depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, are impacted by trauma. It also covers the assessment and treatment of individuals with behavioral health disorders that are impacted by trauma.

10. Self-Care and Trauma Work: What No One Wants to Say (CEU: 1 hour)

This is a recorded module from the Optum Idaho Conference 2021. Learning objective for this course are defining true self-care; the role of self-care in ethical practice; and practicing self-care in the treatment of trauma. 

11. Substance Use and Trauma (CEU: 1.5 hours)

This course provides information on trauma; how trauma can influence the development of substance use disorders; the importance of implementing trauma-informed care; and recommended treatment modalities to address both trauma and substance use.

12. Trauma-Informed Care: Implications for Clinicians and Peer Support Specialists (CEU: 1.5   hours)

In this course you will explore key components to trauma-informed practice, including the move from pathologizing post-traumatic symptoms toward understanding them as adaptive, normal responses. You will examine the core competencies of a trauma-informed practitioner and what it means to apply trauma-informed principles across all stages of treatment. Lastly, you will learn trauma-specific, evidence-based best practices.

13. Understanding and Addressing Racial Trauma in Behavioral Health (CEU: 1.5 hours)

This course will move beyond a discussion of diversity and cultural competence by exploring current research and best practices for identifying implicit bias, understanding cultural contexts and effectively addressing racial trauma with clients.

This course assumes the learner has a basic knowledge of trauma, its characteristics and diagnostic criteria for related disorders.

Optum Idaho is providing an upcoming Youth Support endorsement training opportunity:

• April 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. MT (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. PT)
• Deadline to apply is April 5, 2024

If you are interested in providing this service, you must meet the required qualifications listed below. As a reminder, a Youth Support provider must have an existing Peer Support Certification. Youth Support endorsement is Optum Idaho-issued and only valid within Idaho Medicaid. Select this link to apply.

Provider Qualifications:

• Minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Current Idaho Peer Support Specialist Certification
• Lived experience with serious emotional disturbance (SED) or SED co-occurring with substance use disorder (SUD) as a youth or adolescent (standalone SUD lived experience is not eligible)
• In recovery for a minimum of one year
• Successfully passes the screening process

It is recommended that providers of this service are between the ages 21-30 and have a strong personal connection to current youth culture to connect with youth on a peer-to peer level based on shared knowledge and experience. 

The Optum Idaho Youth Support endorsement is granted upon completion of all the following:

1. Full attendance at a live virtual training over a two-day period
2. Passing of the final exam on the last day of the training

The cost of training is $50 per person for providers who pass the applicant screening process (the remaining cost of training is covered by Optum Idaho). Instructions for payment to the Idaho Federation of Families will be provided upon acceptance into the Youth Support endorsement training.

CANS training opportunities include:

CANS Overview Training Video
In this training video we discuss the CANS Assessment tool, what it is, how it is used, how it fits in with the YES System of Care and when more robust training opportunities will be available. Access the Youth Empowerment Services training video.  

Division of Behavioral Health Education
For questions about upcoming CANS training, email the Division of Behavioral Health at yes@dhw.idaho.gov.

CANS Certification
Providers must complete the CANS certification through the Praed Foundation. The cost to complete the CANS certification online is $12.00 annually. Individuals should allow approximately 8 hours of uninterrupted time to complete the certification.

For information on upcoming CANS certification trainings, visit the Idaho Transformation Collaboration Outcomes Management (TCOM) Institute.

Additional information on the CANS can be found on the Praed Foundation website at Praedfoundation.org.

Agency Listing
Please email Praed at support@tcomtraining.com with your agency name to have your agency added to the dropdown listing of Idaho providers. For more information about the Praed Foundation and the information contained on their website, please reach out to support@tcomtraining.com.

ICANS
To get set up on the ICANS platform, providers are required to sign and submit an Agency Agreement, Authorized User Agreement for each staff, and attend ICANS System training. For more information, please navigate to icans.dhw.idaho.gov for the Calendar of trainings and Resources and User Guide tabs for all system requirements, electronic system manual, and additional information. For help with this process, contact the Automation Help Desk, at the Division of Behavioral Health, at (208) 332-7316 or submit a ticket via email at icanshelpdesk@dhw.idaho.gov.

This Region 10 Opioid Summit is an opportunity for professionals from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Indian Nations, urban Indian health programs and recognized American Indian organizations to meet, learn what others are doing to address the opioid crisis and form new partnerships. Continuing Education Units (CEU) will also be offered to attendees.

Virtual, August 3-5, 2021

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Indian Nations, urban Indian health programs, recognized American Indian organizations

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Behavioral Health covered the registration fee for all Idahoans.

For more information visit http://region10opioidsummit.org/registration-2/.

In two half-day workshops, attendees will review core group concepts and learn ways to use this knowledge to enhance your group members’ experiences. A unique opportunity for attendees is to participate in an experiential group during the training to gain first-hand experience of what it is like to be a member of a virtual group.

September 15 and September 22, 2021

For more information visit https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/423/personal2.asp?formid=nwmeet&c=20210809153515949306.

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI): Verbal Intervention Training -- Multiple Dates 2021

Crisis Intervention services are available 24/7 and provide face-to-face intervention for members experiencing a mental health crisis. Crisis Intervention is provided in the location where the crisis is occurring. Crisis Intervention addresses the immediate safety and well-being of the member, family and community. Crisis Intervention assesses, intervenes and coordinates with the member’s current behavioral health provider and/or provides referrals to behavioral health and/or emergency services.

Up to two providers at any combination of license level (i.e., two CPI-certified paraprofessionals, two master’s level clinicians, one CPI-certified paraprofessional and one Ph.D., etc.) may bill simultaneously for providing Crisis Intervention to a member.

Optum Idaho offers Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Verbal Intervention training and certification at no cost to all in-network providers. These trainings are offered in a blended learning environment with on-demand training modules via Optum Idaho Relias Learning prior to a live (webinar) certification. 

Mental Health in Schools (MHS) -- Multiple Dates 2021

Interconnected Systems Framework: Connecting the Dots of Mental Health in the Schools is a free three-part series specifically geared for providers in Idaho who are interested in delivering mental health services within a school setting. The three-part series includes three Optum Idaho Relias Learning modules each accompanied by a live, virtual session.

To request a printed copy of “A Toolkit for Behavioral and Mental Health Services in Idaho Schools” email mhsidaho@optum.com.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) for Individual Service Planning (ISP), Northwest ATTC Network -- July 2021

Using Motivational Interviewing (MI) in Individual Service Planning is a (virtual) workshop designed to increase providers capacity to deliver evidence-based practice, especially when treating youth who have SUDs. This workshop will explore the value of having an individual service plan (ISP) and build upon foundational MI skills and apply them to service planning.

This one-day virtual training is for individuals who have attended an introductory course in Motivational Interviewing (MI). Participants will have a number of opportunities to practice skills development through interactive group exercises. MI principles and general guidelines for service planning will be reviewed, and participants will be guided to be able to demonstrate ways to use MI to meet the requirements and practice constructing an individual service plan.

July 20, 2021 for Idaho providers only.

For more information visit https://attcnetwork.org/.

Provider Meet and Greet -- Multiple Dates 2021

January 28, 2021

Whether you missed it or would just like to see it again, the January 2021 Provider Meet and Greet recording is available on demand.

May 20, 2021

May 20 2021 Optum Idaho Provider Virtual Meet and Greet Session on Therapeutic After School and Summer Program (TASSP) - Optum Enterprise Video On Demand (uhc.com)

This is a recording of the May 20, 2021 Optum Idaho Behavioral Health Plan network providers meet and greet meeting, which featured a presentation on new resources for providers to add Therapeutic After School and Summer Programs (TASSP) to their practice to support Idaho members. These programs include qualified behavioral health professionals who work in collaboration with community professionals in order to meet each child’s behavioral, emotional and psychosocial goals as outlined on their treatment plan. For more information, email optum.idaho.tassp@optum.com.

Nov. 18, 2021

Nov. 18, 2021 Optum Idaho Virtual Meet and Greet Session on Health Disparities for the LBGTQIA+ Community    

This is a recording of Optum Idaho Behavioral Medical Director Julie Wood, M.D. and general adult psychiatrist, hosting our Fall 2021 Provider Meet & Greet. Dr. Wood shared detailed information about health disparities for the LGBTQIA+ population, discussed a related case history and provided available resources. 

Recovery Coaching Training, Recovery Idaho -- July 2021

Course attendees need to have two years of sobriety. Cost of training was $75.00 for 30 hours of Core and 16 hours of Ethics.

July 26 – 31, 2021 in Twin Falls, Idaho

Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) Equity Summit, Northwest ATTC Network -- June 2021

A three-day interactive summit designed for behavioral health systems and stakeholders to address and navigate the complexities of addressing race equity and the intersection of recovery-oriented systems of care. Participants will leave with an increased understanding of equity and the root causes of behavioral health disparities. It will offer health administrators, organizational leaders and community stakeholders a clear, practical framework for addressing inequities at the individual, system, and community levels.

July 15 – 17, 2021

For more information visit https://attcnetwork.org/.

Therapeutic After School and Summer Program (TASSP) -- Multiple Dates 2021

Therapeutic After-School and Summer Programs (TASSP) are structured programs which consist of a range of individualized therapeutic, recreational and socialization activities for youth. These individual and group therapeutic experiences assist youth in developing social, communication, behavior and basic living skills, as well as psychosocial and problem-solving skills.

Therapeutic After School and Summer Programs (TASSP) are a collaboration between provider agencies, community-based organizations, professionals and/or other entities. The informational session will explain the goal of TASSP, how to create TASSP programs and services, and new resources for providers to provide structured treatment services during afterschool, summer or out of school time.

Youth Support -- Multiple Dates 2021

Optum is providing another opportunity to obtain the Youth Support (YS) endorsement training. If you are interested in providing this service, we encourage you to participate, as you must have your YS endorsement to render this service to members. As a reminder, a YS provider must have an existing Peer Support Certification. Youth Support endorsement is Optum Idaho-issued and only valid within Idaho Medicaid.

Live webinars are scheduled from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. MT. Participants need to attend all four half days of training plus a required technology check.

Completion of an enrollment form is required.

Compassion Fatigue and the Behavioral Health Workforce, ATTC Network -- Multiple Dates 2020

This five-part Curriculum Infusion Package (CIP) on Compassion Fatigue and the Behavioral Health Workforce was developed in 2020 by the Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center (PSATTC). Part 1 provides a brief overview of the behavioral health workforce and associated shortages, and introduces the demands on the workforce. Part 2 focuses on compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress. Part 3 provides a brief overview of how organizations can help individuals avoid experiencing burnout. Part 4 focuses on actions that behavioral health professionals can take to prevent compassion fatigue. Part 5 focuses on self-care as an ethical duty in order to manage compassion fatigue.

For more information on ATTC Pandemic Response Resources, click here. 

COVID-19: ECHO Idaho Training Opportunities -- Multiple Dates 2020

Led by a rotating panel of experts, ECHO Idaho helps participants learn best practices for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Idaho. Connect with colleagues from around the state to ask questions and learn best practices from experts in the field.

Two sessions each week: Tuesdays 12-1 p.m. MT, Fridays 1-2 p.m. MT

Please register at ECHO Idaho for the ongoing sessions.

For more information, visit https://www.uidaho.edu/academics/wwami/echo/covid-19.

COVID-19: Relias Training Courses for Healthcare Professionals and Individuals

Relias is offering a free webinar series to help healthcare professionals and individuals understand, prepare for, and prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Topics include:

• Understanding Coronavirus and How to Keep You and Yours Safe
• Actions Home Health Clinicians Can Take to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19... and more
   

Visit Relias for more information and to register.

The below free healthcare and infection control courses can help ensure that you and your practice are up to date on your pandemic preparedness and infection prevention protocols and are doing your part to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Available courses include:

• Hand Hygiene: The Basics
• Infection Control: The Basics
• Infection Control for Healthcare Professionals
• Transmission-based Precautions
• Preparing for Pandemic Influenza... and more

Visit Relias for more information and to register. 

COVID-19: Various Webinars and Resources -- Recorded Webinars

For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional and policy measures now to address them. To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information for mental health providers, parents and community members.

Webinars and Resources:

• MHA Recorded Webinar: Peer, Friend and Self Support in the COVID-19 Crisis: How to Provide Support for Ourselves and Others Through Times of Fear and Isolat-ion
• PsychU Webinar: Impact of Novel Coronavirus Pandemic on Mental Health
• Yale Webinar: Using Emotional Intelligence to Combat COVID-19 Anxiety

Some COVID-19 topics include:

• Managing the Mental Health Effects of COVID-19
• Telepsychiatry in the Era of COVID-19

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training -- Multiple Dates 2020

Optum offers CPI’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and certification at no cost to all in-network providers. Bachelor's level paraprofessionals are required to have a CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification in order to bill crisis services (Crisis Intervention or Crisis Response). Bachelor's level paraprofessionals working in a Crisis Center are also required to have certification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. Master's level clinicians are not required to obtain the CPI certification to bill for crisis services, but may choose to become certified through Optum at no cost.

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training is offered in a blended learning format, which means that there are two parts to the training consisting of online modules completed prior to an in-person certification. Participants must complete the online modules on Relias before the in-person certification.

*Do not register directly with CPI. Providers who receive the training and certification directly from CPI cannot be reimbursed by Optum for certification costs. Providers who have already been certified directly through CPI are not required to re-take the course through Optum, though this training can be used to renew an existing certification. Please email optum.idaho.education@optum.com for any questions about CPI certification.

Medicaid Expansion: What Providers Need to Know -- Recorded Webinar

This pre-recorded webinar is designed to assist you in supporting your clients as we expand Medicaid coverage in Idaho. The webinar, hosted by Senior Clinical Trainer at Optum Idaho, Rina Lingelbach, provides an overview of Medicaid Expansion eligibility, enrollment and steps to access services. The goal is to help orient providers with the changes that are happening, the transitions that can be expected, and the Medicaid Expansion resources that are available for a variety of questions and needs. Please keep in mind that this is only an overview. Further information can be obtained from the resources provided throughout and at the end of this webinar.

Medicaid Expansion: What Providers Need to Know Recorded Webinar

In order to access the recorded webinar, you will need an active Optum Idaho Relias account.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), ECHO Idaho -- September 2020

Earn your MAT Waiver to prescribe and dispense buprenorphine in this two-part training:

• Live four-hour seminar using video conferencing
• Online modules you complete on your own

Join with Zoom from anywhere! Participants must be able to join using a webcam on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, from 12:30-5 p.m. MT.

The training, led by Dr. Magni Hamso and Dr. Todd Palmer, is for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and anyone interested in auditing the training.

Both portions of the training are free and approved for CME credits. Physicians who complete the training qualify for the waiver to prescribe and dispense buprenorphine. Nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians assistants will also qualify for the waiver after an additional 16 hours of training.

Optum Supports and Services Manager (OSSM) -- Multiple Dates 2020

Optum Supports and Services Manager (OSSM) is the platform used by Targeted Care Coordinators (TCCs) to submit person-centered service plans (PCSPs) to Optum for review of compliance to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Optum has scheduled some monthly calls for TCCs for any questions about OSSM or the PCSP form. These calls will not have a structured agenda, but rather allow for any open-ended discussion with the Optum PCSP team.

If you have PCSP or OSSM questions that cannot wait for the monthly meeting, please contact Optum by emailing optum.idaho.pcsp@optum.com or calling 1-855-202-0983, option 1. If there are other questions that do not specifically relate to the PCSP form or OSSM, please contact your Provider Relations Advocate.

Person-Centered Thinking Training -- Multiple Dates 2020

Optum and The Institute for Person-Centered Practices are excited to offer brand new Person-Centered Thinking training opportunities. At the core of Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) is the notion that treating others with dignity and respect will empower them to set and reach their own personal goals. You can expect to learn the latest techniques and application in Person-Centered Thinking that will allow you to add value to client interaction.  

Any provider working with a client population within the Optum network, regardless of education level or licensure, is invited to benefit from the Person-Centered Thinking training course as a means of increasing skill level that increases patient decision making and empowerment.

The training in PCT consists of two parts:
1.  Optum Idaho Person-Centered Thinking online training modules on Relias
The purpose of the Person-Centered Thinking training modules is to orient you – whether you are a provider, supervisor, or staff of various roles -- to the person-centered thinking philosophy that supports the delivery of person-centered care.

2.  A two-day live webinar learning intensive
We invite you to join us for this one-of-a-kind live webinar training experience -- two full days of learning and practicing how to use a variety of person-centered tools to discover information leading to plans that support a person to have a better life as they define it.

CEUs available
CEUs for both the online modules and live webinar training are approved by the National Association of Social Workers-Idaho Chapter, and by the Idaho Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Other professionals are invited to contact their board and verify that their continuing education plans meet their board’s requirements.

Program & Network Integrity (PNI): Fraud, Waste and Abuse -- September 2020

At Optum Idaho, we are committed to ensuring the integrity of the behavioral health care system of Idaho. To help maintain integrity of our providers and agencies, we are offering comprehensive training in Program and Network Integrity for all providers in the network to understand and prevent potential fraud, waste and abuse in behavioral health services.

As a provider of services to Medicaid-eligible members and a vital part of the effort to prevent non-compliance and possible fraud, waste and abuse, you are invited to attend our upcoming training. Upon attending this training, you will leave with a thorough understanding of various topics important in helping to maintain program and network integrity and prevent potential issues in fraud, waste and abuse, including:

• Current trends -- what we are doing right in Idaho
• Ins and outs of the audit review process, including common audit findings
• How to avoid common errors
• How to file corrected claims or void claims
• Ongoing resources for you as a provider

We will be sending you a handout to supplement the training that is presented during the webinar. Please provide your mailing address to us by clicking here. 

If you are unable to attend one of the training sessions, an on-demand recording of the training will be posted our our Relias e-learning platform within 72 hours of the live sessions.

Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit -- April 2020

In lieu of an in-person event this year, Rx Summit will take place as a virtual experience – full of video content, live streaming with Q&A sessions. This virtual event will be held during the originally scheduled dates of April 14-16. To learn more, visit www.rx-summit.com.

Telehealth: Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network Trainings -- Multiple Resources

The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network, the Center for Excellence on Protected Health Information (CoE-PHI), the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, and the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) at the University of Nevada - Reno (UNR) are facilitating a FREE, national online discussion and resource sharing opportunity for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers and peer support specialists faced with transitioning their services to the use of telephone and videoconferencing methods in response to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

Click here for more information on ATTC's Telehealth Learning Series.

For more information on ATTC Pandemic Response Resources, click here.

Telehealth: ECHO Idaho -- Recorded Webinar

Learn from subject matter experts in Idaho as they discuss using telehealth to treat behavioral health in the time of COVID-19. This webinar includes discussion on regulatory changes in Idaho, clinical best practices and confidentiality concerns, among other topics.

Telebehavioral Health in the Time of COVID-19 Recorded Webinar

Telehealth: Mental Health America (MHA) National Webinars, Live Events, and Workshops -- Multiple Webinars

For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional and policy measures now to address them. To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information for mental health providers, parents and community members.

MHS is hosting Telehealth Learning and Consultation (TLC) Tuesdays. 

More information is available at https://mhanational.org/covid19##WebinarsLiveEventsWorkshops. 

Telehealth: National Council for Behavioral Health -- Recorded Webinars

Engaging Children and Youth in Telehealth

As telehealth and telemedicine become a normal part of our day-to-day life, we’re learning tips and tricks for making virtual sessions more interactive and effective. However, engaging children and youth virtually can require different skills and techniques to ensure a supportive and productive session. This conversation, coming up on Tuesday, May 12 from 3-4 p.m. ET, will build on the previous session focused on children, youth and families. The National Council for Behavioral Health hopes that you can join them to discuss best practices and strategies for delivering telehealth services to youth.

Leveraging Peer Support Skills in COVID-19

During COVID-19, the lived experience and unique skill sets of peer support workers have been critical in supporting outreach and recovery to the most vulnerable. Join the National Council for Behavioral Health for two sessions focused on peer support workers. During these sessions, the National Council for Behavioral Health invites you to share how you’re engaging and supporting individuals and wants to learn how they can support and advocate for you and your peer support team to safely engage in the COVID-19 response.

Visit the National Council for Behavioral Health for more information and additional resources.

Telehealth: Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC) TAO Virtual Conference -- April 2020

The 2020 NRTRC conference will be held virtually in 2020. The conference is titled “Telehealth 20/20: New Perspectives, Innovation Insights and Expanded Vision of Care Delivery.”

NRTRC has 20 presentations to meet a range of interests and needs. Attend the full conference or pick and choose the sessions most relevant to you.

Registration is FREE and More information is available at https://nrtrc.org/. 

Telehealth: Relias Training Courses -- Multiple e-Learning Courses

This telehealth series covers the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.

Five modules cover the following topics:

• Telephone Triage: Informing nurses about the growing specialty of telephone triage nursing.
• Telemedicine: Virtual Visits with Patients: This module providers healthcare providers with information about telemedicine, including types of telemedicine, clinical us-age and supporting technologies.
• Best Practices for Developing Telehealth: Discusses various modalities of telehealth treatment and most effective approaches.
• Implementation Guidelines for Telehealth Practitioners: Discusses the logistical elements of implementing a telehealth program into clinical practice and determining readiness in getting started.
• Telehealth in Clinical Practice: Gain knowledge of using telehealth technologies for behavioral health services, including potential advantages and challenges.

Visit Relias for more information and to register.

Telemental Health (TMH) Live Q & A Sessions -- March 2020

As indicated in the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare communications from March 16 and March 18, providers may temporarily offer services via Telemental Health (TMH) until further notice. In these live Q&A sessions, we are here to answer any questions you may have about offering services via TMH or telephonically.
 

Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) -- Multiple Dates 2019

The CANS is the State-approved functional assessment tool required by July 1, 2019. Optum is offering a series of three separate in-person CANS trainings at four locations throughout the state facilitated by the Praed Foundation. Providers may opt to attend one or all of the available classes based on their interest. The courses do not replace certification, but are designed to support providers who intend to become CANS certified. Network providers will need to be CANS certified and registered within ICANS by June 30, 2019.

To register, click on the location desired. The registration page will open in a new window.

CANS Certification
Description: An overview of the CANS. Designed for providers seeking to become CANS certified. This program has been approved for 5 hours at BSW level, 5 hours at MSW level and/or 5 hours at the MSW-Clinical level by the National Association of Social Workers-Idaho Chapter, and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for social work license renewal.*
 

CANS Booster
Description: A more in-depth look at the CANS. Designed for providers who have previously taken CANS trainings. This program has been approved for 2.75 hours at BSW level, 2.75 hours at MSW level and/or 2.75 hours at the MSW-Clinical level by the National Association of Social Workers-Idaho Chapter, and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for social work license renewal.*

CANS in Practice
Description: Designed for providers seeking guidance on adopting the CANS into their daily practice. This program has been approved for 5 hours at BSW level, 5 hours at MSW level and/or 5 hours at the MSW-Clinical level by the National Association of Social Workers-Idaho Chapter, and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for social work license renewal.*

*CEU preapproval applies to Nampa, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d'Alene sessions.

CANS General Certification: TCOM Pre-Conference -- April 2019

Providers who have not participated in the in-person Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) workshops have one last chance to attend before the July 1, 2019, CANS requirement date! The CANS functional assessment tool is the state-approved assessment tool for children receiving Medicaid behavioral health services starting July 1, 2019. Optum Idaho is offering two FREE in-person CANS General Certification Training Workshops in Boise, Idaho on April 29 & 30, 2019. The Praed Foundation is facilitating this workshop as part of the TCOM pre-conference.

The training will cover the CANS and its purpose, the role of structured assessments, preparation for the on-line certification test and a brief overview of the connection between CANS and treatment planning. The course does not replace certification, but is designed to support providers who intend to become CANS certified through the on-line CANS certification test through Praed. Network providers who serve children will need to be CANS certified and registered within ICANS by June 30, 2019. This training is open to all levels of Optum network providers.

These trainings are FREE and in-person. 

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training -- Multiple Dates 2019

Optum will offer CPI’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and certification at no cost to all in-network providers throughout 2019. This training is offered in a blended learning format, with the training modules completed on-demand via the Relias e-learning platform prior to an in-person certification. The course is available now on Relias.

Participants must complete the online modules before the in-person certification. The deadline for bachelor’s level paraprofessionals to complete the online modules and the in-person certification is April 1, 2019.
 

Optum Supports and Services Manager (OSSM) -- December 2019

Optum Supports and Services Manager (OSSM) is the platform used by Targeted Care Coordinators (TCCs) to submit person-centered service plans (PCSPs) to Optum for review of compliance to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Optum has scheduled some monthly calls for TCCs for any questions about OSSM or the PCSP form. These calls will not have a structured agenda, but rather allow for any open-ended discussion with the Optum PCSP team.

If you have PCSP or OSSM questions that cannot wait for the monthly meeting, please contact Optum by emailing optum.idaho.pcsp@optum.com or calling 1-855-202-0983, option 1. If there are other questions that do not specifically relate to the PCSP form or OSSM, please contact your Provider Relations Advocate.

YES Navigation Series Part 3: Optum's Level of Care Guidelines, Fee Schedule and Provider Manual -- March 2019

The YES Navigation Series reviews information from Optum’s Level of Care Guidelines, Fee Schedule, and Provider Manual. The trainings are beneficial for agency owners, managers, clinicians, paraprofessionals, and billing & administrative staff.

YES Navigation Series – Part 3 Training is offered via two live webinars in March 2019. This training outlines how the individual YES services work within the YES System of Care. The training provides an overview of services being enhanced on April 1, 2019, as well as information on future service implementations. The webinars include time for a live Question & Answer session. 

Please join us for one of the dates and times listed below by registering for the session that works best for you. 

YES Navigation Series Part 4: Regional Training and Targeted Care Coordination Toolkit Training -- May 2019

Please join us for this two-part in-person training opportunity. Providers may attend one or both of these trainings.

The YES Navigation Series – Part 4 will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and outlines how the individual YES services work within the YES System of Care. The training also provides an overview of services that were updated on April 1, 2019 and an overview of Targeted Care Coordination rolling out June 1, 2019.

The Targeted Care Coordination (TCC) Toolkit Training will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and outlines TCC tasks throughout the Child and Family Team process, TCC components, and TCC Toolkit documents. Bachelor level or higher providers, or Certified Case Managers (CCM) with the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) who would like to become Targeted Care Coordinators are required to participate in Toolkit training along with the Optum Idaho Endorsement: General Foundation (on Relias) before implementing the service which goes live June 1, 2019. This is phase one of a two-phased training for TCC.

Lunch will be served (11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and a panel of Optum Clinical and Network subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions.

Youth Support Training -- Multiple Dates 2019

Provider Requirements - All of the following are required for participation in this training:

• Minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Current Peer Support Certification
• Lived experience with a SED diagnosis and/or Substance Use Disorder as a youth or adolescent
• Has been in recovery for a minimum of one year
   

It is recommended that providers of this service are between 21-30 years of age.

Youth Support Training
This in-person training is an intensive all-day training that includes exploration of safe sharing of lived experience as a youth or adolescent with a SED diagnosis and/or Substance Use Disorder, and how shared experience can be used to build mutuality and connection. The online Youth Support training modules are a prerequisite to the in-person Youth Support training.  The successful completion of the online modules and the in-person training will provide a Youth Support Endorsement for qualified individuals only. This training is limited to 30 participants at each location.

This training will cover the following topics:

• Roles and responsibilities of the youth support provider
• Youth support skills and core competencies
• Engaging youth and empowering youth voice
• Strategic use of storytelling
• Working with families, teams, providers and system partners
• Youth support provided in groups

Youth Support Community Engagement/Education Events -- Multiple Dates 2019

The purpose of this training is to educate members, families, providers and other community stakeholders about Youth Support. These events are not required to obtain the Youth Support Endorsement but may be beneficial to agency owners and/or supervisors. These events are limited to 60 attendees.

Children & Adolescent with Disruptive Behavior Disorder -- Multiple Dates 2018

Optum Idaho is excited to announce a series of evidence-based practice webinars and e-learning modules for providers working with children and adolescents with disruptive behavior disorder in partnership with the Resource for Advancing Children’s Health (REACH) Institute. Optum Idaho is partnering with the REACH Institute to offer access to the best, evidence-based therapies to improve the behavioral health of children and adolescents in the State of Idaho.

The CE* based education courses will be offered in a six part webinar series starting in October 2018 conducted by a panel of distinguished REACH National Experts. The trainings will be structured around understanding and assessing disruptive behavior disorder as well as teaching skills to parents, children and adolescents. The webinars and e-learning courses will be targeted to both Master’s level clinicians and certified paraprofessionals teaming together to work within the family system as defined by the member. The primary mission of REACH is to ensure that the most effective, scientifically-proven mental health care reaches all children and families.
 

*Please Note: The Skills Building: Children & Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Disorder is a continuing education series and is meant to be taken in full. In order to receive the full 6 hours of continuing education credit, participants must complete all webinars in the series. If, for some reason, you cannot attend all webinars, you will receive CE hours only for the webinars attended. Certificates will be issued within one week of the final webinar in the series (by 11/21/18).

If a participant or potential participant in any of the Skills Building: Children & Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Disorder webinars would like to express a concern about his/her experience with the REACH Institute (the developer of these webinars), he/she may call or email Lisa Hunter Romanelli, Ph.D. at 646-603-6891 or lisa@thereachinstitute.org.  Although we do not guarantee a particular outcome, the individual can expect us to consider the complaint, make any necessary decisions, and respond within 2 weeks.

Skills Building: Children & Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Disorder has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. The REACH Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-3153.

Presenters:

Eliot Goldman, Ph.D.

Dr. Goldman is a Research Scientist for the Mental Health Innovation Lab at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Assistant Professor at Columbia University. He has extensive experience as a workshop leader, supervisor and consultant to child clinicians. He has been involved in several projects as a senior consultant, program coordinator and/or trainer in disseminating evidence based treatments to community clinicians. He is a co-author of REACH’s Disruptive Behavior Disorders Intervention Manual.

John E. Lochman, Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Lochman, is a Professor and Doddridge Saxon Chairholder in Clinical Psychology at The University of Alabama, where he also directs the Center for Prevention of Youth Problem Behavior (CPYBP). He received the 2011 Distinguished Career Award from the Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association.

Lisa Hunter Romanelli, Ph.D.

Dr. Hunter Romanelli is REACH’s Executive Director and a practicing clinical child psychologist with expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy. Prior to joining REACH in 2007, she worked at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry and Director of School-Based Mental Health Programs at the Center for the Advancement of Children’s Mental Health.

Children's Skills Building/CBRS -- May 2018

In collaboration with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA), Optum provided a training on Children’s Skills Building/CBRS on May 15 and 17.

Skills Building is a service that focuses on members’ identified strengths and functional needs. Specifically, Skills Building is behavioral, social, communication, rehabilitation, and/or basic living skills training designed to build a Member’s competency and confidence while increasing functioning and decreasing mental health and/or behavioral symptoms. Training is related to goals identified in the individualized treatment plan. Examples of areas that may be addressed include self-care, behavior, social decorum, avoidance of exploitation, anger management, budgeting, development of social support networks, and use of community resources.

Topics discussed include: 

• Teaming approach between providers
• Definition of Skills Building and why we are transitioning
• Documentation, including treatment planning, Level of Care Guidelines, and Service Request forms
• Fee schedule and code changes

Both clinicians and paraprofessionals will gain valuable information that will guide implementation and delivery of the new service. 

• May 17 webinar recording
• Optum Idaho Skills Building presentation
• PRA presentation
  
  

Evidence-based Practice (EBP) Series for Children & Adolescents with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) -- Multiple Dates 2018

Optum Idaho is excited to announce a series of evidence-based practice webinars and e-learning modules for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance (SED), in partnership with the Resource for Advancing Children Health (REACH) Institute. The CEU-based education courses were offered in a five-part webinar series starting January 2018. They were conducted by a panel of distinguished REACH National Experts with a focus on: depression, anxiety, trauma, early childhood mental health and disruptive behavior disorders.

The foundational trainings were structured around diagnosis, assessment and treatment, targeted to Master's level clinicians working with children and adolescents with SED. The primary mission of REACH is to ensure that the most effective, scientifically-proven mental health care reaches all children and families. Optum Idaho is partnering with the REACH Institute to offer access to the best, evidence-based therapies to improve the mental health of children and adolescents in the State of Idaho.

Program & Network Integrity: Coding and Auditing for Behavioral Health Services -- December 2018

Optum invites all Optum Idaho providers and their staff to attend our upcoming webinar titled "Program & Network Integrity: Coding and Auditing of Behavioral Health Services."

Please join us as we discuss: 

• Revised approach to Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Error
• Current trends in the Idaho market
• Common audit findings
• Highlights of the audit review process

We have scheduled two sessions in December.
 

YES CANS Workshop -- Multiple Dates 2018

The Praed Foundation developed the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS), which will be the approved assessment tool to measure child and family strengths and needs for children and adolescent Members up to 18 years of age. Beginning July 1, 2018, Network Providers who are CANS certified will be reimbursed by Optum for using the CANS assessment tool, along with the Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment (CDA). It is critical that you transition to using the CANS, as it will be the required state approved assessment tool for all children and adolescents served under the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan as of July 1, 2019. At that time, Optum Idaho will no longer reimburse for the CAFAS, PECFAS, and CALOCUS, and services for child and adolescent Members will not be reimbursed without a completed CANS.

Optum is partnering with Medicaid to assist providers with the transition to CANS by offering FOUR regional training workshops. These sessions will offer flexible, foundational training for clinicians, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff. This will ensure that Providers have access to training, clinical application, supervision, and consultation support to successfully implement key guiding principles of CANS in clinical practice. This information will also be useful in obtaining CANS certification.

(1) Master's level clinicians
(2) Clinical supervisors
(3) Trainer has additional requirements to obtain Praed Trainer certification

The Praed Foundation also offers on-demand training for Providers who may not have the flexibility to attend in-person training or who may live outside the training locations. General information about online CANS training and certification is located at www.praedfoundation.org.[SC1]

All Providers, regardless of participation at the in-person workshops or through on demand trainings, will need to obtain online certification for an annual fee of $12 and can do so at www.schoox.com.

YES Navigation Series Part 1 -- July 2018

Thank you for joining us for further conversation about the YES system of care. A panel of Optum Clinical and Network subject matter experts were on hand to answer questions. If you have a question pertaining to new/updated YES system of care services, please reach out to optum.idaho.yes@optum.com.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were offered. This was the first in a series of trainings about the YES system of care.

YES Navigation Series Part 2 -- Multiple Dates 2018

Please join us for a 1.5-hour webinar: YES Navigation Series Part 2. This webinar will include review of the YES system of care, previously implemented services, and new/updated services and supports that will be available October 1, 2018. The goal is for Providers to have the information and resources needed to incorporate the YES system of care into their practice of current and new services in order to enhance the care of youth throughout Idaho. 

Additionally, please join us for further conversation about the YES system of care. We will be discussing YES Navigation from 10:00-11:30 am MT and Motivational Interviewing training will be from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. MT. Lunch will be served, and a panel of Optum Clinical and Network subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered. Please see the information below about when the training will be in your area:
 

Integrated Treatment Planning for Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) -- October 2017

On October 27, Optum offered a live webinar hosted by Dr. Matt Niece (Director of Counseling Services at Boise State University). This training covers the core competencies required to start, monitor, evaluate, and close out integrated treatment planning for a member who is receiving IOP services. Evidence-based practices are addressed as well as screening and discharge criteria, risk assessment, and best practices for documentation.

You can review the slide deck by clicking on the link below, or find the recorded Webinar on Relias.

• Integrated Treatment Planning for IOP Slide Deck

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Phase 2 -- August 2017

On August 15, 2017 Optum hosted a webinar to inform Providers about the Intensive Outpatient Program and to introduce the Readiness Assessment Tool.  You can review the slide deck below. The link to the Readiness Assessment, which will close August 29, can be found here at  http://respond.altarum.org/s3/iopassessment.

• Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IOP) Presentation

Program & Network Integrity (PNI): Coding and Auditing of Behavioral Health Services -- April 2017

On April 18 and 19, 2017, Optum Idaho hosted a training session providing an overview of current trends in the Idaho market, common audit findings, highlights of the audit review process, and the revised approach to Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Error.

• Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Error Presentation

Relias and OptumHealth Education Information -- July 2017

On July 25 and July 27, 2017, Optum hosted trainings about our eLearning portals -  Relias and OptumHealth Education. Training highlighted Relias Targeted User Curriculums -enrolled by license or job type - and an introduction to the Optum Health Education eLearning portal.

• Relias and OptumHealth Education Information

Virtual Introduction Process -- March 2017

On March 15, 2017, Optum and Altarum Institute hosted a Virtual Introduction  to inform Providers about the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), introduce the Readiness Assessment Tool and explain the credentialing process.

• Frequently Asked Questions -- Virtual Introduction

YES Foundational Training -- November 2017

The State of Idaho is in the process of designing and implementing a new children’s mental health system of care for children and youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) called YES - Youth Empowerment Services. The YES project has been authorized by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) as part of the settlement agreement resulting from the Jeff D. class action lawsuit. The YES system of care will provide a new way for families to access mental health services for their children, will be strengths-based, family-centered, and will incorporate a new collaborative team approach that focuses on providing individualized care for children.

On November 14 and 16, Optum Idaho hosted a two part informational session covering an introduction to the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) project in the State of Idaho, and overview of the system of care, and information on the process to access services.

The webinars have been recorded and are now available in Relias.  

For additional questions regarding YES, please see our YES FAQs Page.

On November 16th and 17th, Optum hosted the Provider Training titled Activation: The "Secret Sauce to Promote Recovery and Wellness"  and its relevance to member care in Idaho. Select the link above to view or dowload the PDF of the trainig slide deck.

Optum hosted a review of Clinical Model 2.1 and one year trends in utilization since the version went into effect in 2015.  To view the slide deck containing data slides, Click to view the Clinical Model- One Year Trends  slide presentation shown during the sessions. 

Optum reviewed the importance of coordinating care, and related provider contractual obligations which concluded on June 24, 2016. Click to view the  Importance of Coordinating Care slide presentation shown during the sessions. 

Optum held Family Support Services training which concluded on April 28, 2016. Click to view the  Family Support Services   presentation shown during the sessions.

Optum held Management of Members with High Care Needs based training which concluded on January 28, 2016. Click to view the Management of Members with High Care Needs  presentation shown during the sessions.

Optum held Recovery and Resiliency based training related to the role of Peer Support Services in an individual’s recovery journey which concluded on October 21, 2015.  Click to view the Peer Support Services presentation shown during these sessions.  For more information on offering Peer Support Services within your agency’s array of services please contact your Regional Network Manager.

Optum offered training sessions on the use of the General Organization Index Scale (GOI) to address an agency’s readiness for Evidence Based Practices concluding October 1, 2015.  Click to view the General Organization Index Scale (GOI) presentation and the GOI Too l shown during these sessions.

William Sonis, MD, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry presented diagnosis, case formulation and nationally accepted practices that relate to the treatment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders which concluded on September 10, 2015.  Click to view the Approach to Treatment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders presentation shown during these sessions .

Training sessions to the 2015 Level of Care Guidelines concluded July 31, 2015. Click to view the Level of Care Guideline presentation shown during the sessions. Additionally, the updated Level of Care Guideline document can be found on the Guidelines and Policies submenu of the “Providers” tab

Clinical Model Improvements/changes sessions concluded July 16, 2015.  View the Clinical Model Improvement  presentation shown during the sessions.  Additionally, the example service request forms mentioned in the training can be found on the forms menu of this website.

Cultural Competency training sessions concluded June 12, 2015.  View the Cultural Competency presentation shown during these sessions.

ALERT Program training sessions concluded on March 25, 2015.  View the ALERT Program presentation shown during these sessions.

Program & Network Integrity: Coding and Auditing of Behavioral Health Services training sessions concluded on February 19th, 2015.  View the Coding and Auditing of Behavioral Health Services presentation shown during these sessions.

Medical Necessity webinars were held December 9th-10th as well as January 6th-7th, 2015. View the Medical Necessity presentation shown during these sessions.

Peer Support Services Requirement overview sessions were held December 2, 2014 through December 4, 2014. View the Peer Support Services Requirement presentation shown during these sessions.

Medical Necessity and Transformation of the Idaho Treatment System provider forums were held February 3rd through the February12, 2014. View the Medical Necessity and System Transformation presentation shown during these sessions.

A Claims Submission and Fee Schedule overview was conducted August 20th through August 22, 2014.  The Claims Submission and Fee Schedule overview training deck is now available - view the Claims Submission training deck .

View the Clinical Model Training slide deck and the Secure Message Center reference guide.

The Cultural Competency overview was conducted May 28th through May 30, 2014. View the Cultural Competency presentation shown during these sessions.

ALERT Program training was held March 11th through March 13, 2014. View the ALERT Program presentation shown during these sessions.

Provider claims training sessions were held on October 2nd through October 4th, 2013.  The Claims Submission and Fee Schedule overview training deck is now available - view the Claims Submission training deck .

IDHW Medicaid Eligibility Program's training sessions were held on October 9th. View the Eligibility Training Presentation shown during this session.

ID Provider Express Eligibility training sessions were held on October 10th and 11th, 2013. View the PE Eligibility Training Presentation shown during these sessions.

ID Provider Express Long Form Claim training sessions were held on October 16th through 18th, 2013. View the PE Long Form Claim Training Presentation shown during these sessions.