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Live Webinar

Addressing Ethics & Stigma in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder

Samson Teklemariam, LPC, CPTM
Amanda Jordan, LPC, LPC-S, LAC, CS
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Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify how public, structural, treatment and self-stigma can affect treatment access, engagement and recovery for individuals with substance use disorders.

  • Analyze how implicit bias, personal values and common misconceptions about substance use disorder can influence clinical judgment, communication and treatment recommendations.

  • Explain how ethical principles and professional responsibilities apply when addressing stigma, recurrence and differing definitions of recovery in SUD treatment.

  • Apply practical strategies to reduce stigma and support patient autonomy, psychological safety and engagement in evidence-based treatment.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this presentation is to equip behavioral health professionals to recognize how stigma and bias can influence the treatment of individuals with substance use disorders and apply ethical, evidence-based strategies that promote dignity, autonomy and engagement in care.

Description

Stigma can influence how individuals with substance use disorders are perceived, treated, and supported across behavioral health settings. This workshop will examine how stigma, implicit bias, personal values and common misconceptions about SUD can affect communication, clinical judgment and treatment decisions. Participants will explore ethical responsibilities related to patient autonomy, dignity and equitable access to evidence-based care while examining common areas of stigma, including recurrence of use, medications for opioid use disorder and differing definitions of recovery. Practical strategies will help participants recognize and reduce stigma in everyday practice.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Samson Teklemariam, LPC, CPTM
Samson Teklemariam, LPC, CPTM has demonstrated a great deal of versatility in his career ranging from direct practice, seasoned training expert and leader for some of the largest substance use disorders/behavioral health programs in the nation. As a direct practitioner, Samson worked in prisons, private practice, community mental health, school systems, substance use disorder treatment programs and behavioral health facilities. Samson is an in-demand executive clinical leader and talent development expert. He specializes in clinical initiatives and training on co-occurring conditions, clinical supervision, culturally responsive care, and leadership development. He worked as the Director of Training and Professional Development for NAADAC, where he launched clinical supervision initiatives nationwide, built a certificate training series for counselors who work with the active military and veterans, collaborated with SAMHSA and HRSA on public policy and advocacy-focused workforce development initiatives, and founded NAADAC’s Critical Issues in the Black Community Committee. This committee has educated thousands of addiction professionals on culturally responsive services. In his current position as Vice President of Clinical Services for Behavioral Health Group, he has prioritized counseling within Opioid Treatment Programs, ensuring patients in 22 states are receiving integrated dynamic clinical care. He also serves as the Southeast Regional Vice President for NAADAC and on the NBCC MFP-AC Advisory Council.
Amanda Jordan, LPC, LPC-S, LAC, CS
Amanda Jordan, LPC, LPC-S, LAC, CS is a National Clinical Director with BHG, bringing over a decade of experience in treating substance use disorders and leading clinical teams within the opioid treatment program (OTP) setting. With a Master's of Psychology with an emphasis in clinical counseling, Amanda leads with a strong commitment to harm reduction, individualized care, and counselor development. Her work demonstrates a deep dedication to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of addiction treatment through compassionate, evidence-based practices. As a supervisor, she is equally committed to developing competent, caring professionals in the field of substance use disorder treatment. Through education, outreach, and leadership, she strives to create a more informed and compassionate response to patients with opioid use disorder.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Behavioral Health Group (BHG)