UMB Digital Archive

Recent Submissions

  • ItemOpen Access
    Working with First Responders
    (2026-03-10) Fay, Joel
    This presentation will provides information about the law enforcement culture, challenges for treatment and treatment approaches that are culturally competent and accepted by responders. Goals: Goal 1: Develop cultural competency in working with law enforcement personnel. Goal 2: Recognize the impact of chronic and acute stress on law enforcement personnel. Goal 3: Understand effective therapeutic approaches for law enforcement personnel. Objectives : Objective 1: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify three unique occupational stressors that impact law enforcement mental health. Objective 2: By the end of the presentation participants will be able to describe at least two evidence-based counseling approaches effective with law enforcement personnel. Outline: Law Enforcement Attitudes and Careers; Over time, police officers often feel trapped or hopeless about their job, which has important implications for both their personal and professional lives, including their mental health; Police personality traits often prevent them from asking for help and from getting the help they need to live a full and rewarding life; Clinical Issues in Treating Police; There is a significant prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorders among active-duty police, much greater than the general population; Treatment approaches with this population must include self-disclosure, experience working with the population, and knowledge of the culture and associated treatment best-practices.
  • ItemMetadata only
    Supporting Federal Workers: A Conversation on Providing Social Work and Mental Health Services for the Federal Workplace through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
    (2026-04-27) Frey, Jodi J.; Chen, Eva; Hardy, Gary
    In recognition of Mental Health Month, join the University of Maryland School of Social Work for a timely conversation on how social workers and Employee Assistance Professionals support federal workers, their families, and the agencies that serve our country. This one-hour webinar will feature UMB SSW alumni Eva Chen and Gary Hardy, who have built distinguished careers in workplace social work and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in federal settings. Through a moderated panel discussion by Dr. Jodi Frey, also a UMB SSW alumna with federal EAP and workplace social work experience, speakers will share their professional journeys, insights into the behavioral health needs of federal employees and families, and the important role of EAP in promoting well-being, reducing stigma, and strengthening organizations. With experience spanning the U.S. House of Representatives, the National Institutes of Health, military and federal service systems, and support for active-duty service members, first responders, and their families, panelists will offer a unique perspective on social work careers in public sector workplace settings. Eva Chen brings leadership and consultation experience from the House and NIH, while Gary Hardy brings a 30-year federal career supporting those in service-related professions including the U.S. Army and USAID. The session will also highlight career pathways for current MSW students and alumni interested in workplace social work, employee assistance, and federal service. Gary Hardy will briefly share how participants can connect with EAPA to learn more, build professional networks, and get involved in the field.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Comprehensive Approaches to Workplace Well-being in a Newly Established Organization
    (2026-04-09) Tamura, Santa; Tamura, Rika; Kitagawa, Fumi; Yaguchi, Satoko; Uemura, Kazuhiro; Ishiwatari, Mayu; Tanoue, Nanae
    The Minna no Care Station Nerima Visiting Nurse Agency, newly established in 2025, upholds the credo: “Everyone defines well-being differently. We pursue your well-being together.” Interpreting the inclusive concept of “everyone” as a multi-layered entity encompassing employees, the organization, and the community, it practices well-being support in a comprehensive and multi-layered manner. This presentation reports on practices targeting the three layers mentioned above: 1- Employee-Level Initiatives (Micro) A nickname system was introduced to foster smooth interpersonal relationships. 1-on-1 meetings facilitated dialogue about well-being and future aspirations. 2- Organizational-Level Initiatives (Mezzo) A CEAP holder has been appointed as Chief Well-being Officer (CWO) and is working alongside the administrative director, public health nurse, occupational physician, and social insurance labor consultant to promote workplace environment improvements, including enhancing psychological safety. As part of this initiative, we have introduced quantitative assessment using “The TOMH Well-being 24 Scale” to visualize well-being status. Furthermore, we are promoting DX to enhance operational efficiency and improve the quality of information sharing. 3- Regional-Level Initiatives (Macro) Beyond the scope of Visiting Nurse Agency, we conducted seminars on dementia, a resilience workshop for human services professionals, and seminars on supporting the balance between medical treatment and work. This initiative is a practical model aimed at enhancing well-being across all levels—micro, mezzo, and macro. Moving forward, we will combine this with institutional approaches such as stress checks to pursue the continuous improvement of occupational health systems.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Integrating AI into Mental Health Clinical Workflows: A Clinician's Field Guide to Doing it Right
    (2026-04-24) Wallace, Scott
    This article examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mental health care, highlighting its potential to enhance assessment, treatment planning, and patient engagement. It discusses emerging applications such as AI-assisted screening, chat-based support tools, and predictive analytics, alongside the benefits of improved access and efficiency. The author also addresses key challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, bias, and the limitations of AI in replicating human clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on the importance of responsible implementation, with AI positioned as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, mental health professionals.
  • ItemOpen Access
    Peer Recovery Supports for Behavioral Health in Rural Communities
    (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2026-04)
    Rural America is facing a behavioral health crisis—marked by high rates of suicide, substance use, and limited access to care. Workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and stigma make it harder for individuals to get the help they need. This SAMHSA advisory highlights peer recovery support as a powerful, community-driven solution.