UBC CPD Webinar: Managing Concurrent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Youth

On September 11, 2024, members of the Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use (CYMHSU) working group within Doctors of BC gathered to present a webinar on managing concurrent mental health and substance use disorders in youth through UBC’s Department of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). I was approached by the group via my work with concurrent disorders in Child and Youth Mental Health and was honoured to join them as a speaker for this event tailored to physicians and allied health professionals.

Chaired by Dr. Robert Lehman (family physician), the panel also included Laurie Edmundson (Lived Experience Advocate), Dr. Janice McLaughlin (family physician), Dr. Erin Smith (psychiatrist), and Dr. Carol-Ann Saari (psychiatrist).

During my segment, I focus on the social/emotional aspects of treating “concurrent disorders” in youth, in particular the important of involving the family system or caregivers who are closest to the youth in question. Physicians and allied health professionals play a crucial role as the toxic drug crisis continues in British Columbia - and now more than ever do we need integrated care.

You can view the webinar by clicking on the image above or the title of this blog post. Alternatively, you can access it here.