NASMHPD manages a diverse portfolio of programs focused on effectively identifying and responding to the training and technical assistance needs of an array of entities, including: state and local mental health agencies and other systems serving persons with mental health needs; provider organizations; consumers; families; planning and advisory councils, and systems of higher learning. This assistance covers a variety of administrative, policy, financial, clinical, and program areas. Examples of frequently-addressed topics include: the prevention of coercive practices such as seclusion and restraint; the planning and implementation of evidence-based practices; successfully achieving the goals of the Federal Mental Health Block Grant Program; promoting an understanding of the impact of trauma and the need for trauma-informed care; clinical protocols and program design that support recovery and enhance resilience for individuals across the lifespan; financing strategies, including Medicaid; workforce development; cross-system collaboration; strategic planning; and consumer empowerment, including the use of consumer-directed care and the expansion of meaningful roles for consumers in all stages of program/service planning, delivery, and evaluation.
The ultimate goal of such training and technical assistance is the development, implementation, and improvement of policies, programs, services, and supports that facilitate the well-being of individuals with mental health needs. NASMHPD's approach recognizes that in order to achieve these goals, training activities must: be customized to meet the unique needs of each group; include the highest levels of subject matter expertise with an unwavering commitment to quality; and involve a broad range of key stakeholders, including consumers who can offer unique knowledge and perspectives.