Identifying and treating PTSD and Complex-PTSD at the Suffolk County House of Corrections

This is a two-part course designed to provide training on traumatic stress disorders, their assessment, and a brief trauma intervention focused specifically on those with mental health challenges in correctional facilities. The first part of the course will provide education on background on traumatic stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). After this, attendees will be taught how to administer two tools to systematically measure traumatic experiences and PTSD/CPTSD criteria and have the opportunity to practice the assessment in the session. The second part of the course will review the implementation of the assessment so far and then provide training on a brief interventions for trauma: BREATHE. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice the intervention with their peers and receive feedback.

Target Audience

Mental health staff in two correctional facilities in Greater Boston.

Learning Objectives


Session 1

  • Describe the development of traumatic stress symptoms, PTSD, and CPTSD
  • Administer the trauma assessments (ITQ and TLEQ)
  • Interpret the trauma assessments


Session 2

  • Describe the key aspects of the brief trauma intervention (BREATHE)
  • Understand the core components in the BREATHE intervention which aid in reducing trauma symptoms
  • Provide the key components of BREATHE intervention
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 3.50 Social Workers

    The Collaborative of NASW, Boston College, and Simmons College Schools of Social Work authorizes social work continuing education credits for courses, workshops, and educational programs that meet the criteria outlined in 258 CMR of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers

    This program has been approved for 3.50 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. Collaborative of NASW and the Boston College and Simmons Schools of Social Work Authorization Number D 90404

  • 3.50 Participation

    This course allows other providers to claim a Participation Certificate upon successful completion of this course.

    Participation Certificates will specify the title, location, type of activity, date of activity, and number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ associated with the activity. Providers should check with their regulatory agencies to determine ways in which AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may or may not fulfill continuing education requirements. Providers should also consider saving copies of brochures, agenda, and other supporting documents.

Registration opens: 
05/25/2021
Course closes: 
07/08/2021
Rating: 
0

Session 1: (2 hours) Dr. Jose Hidalgo and Dr. Abigail Wright

  • Background to trauma (biological and psychological development) (30 minutes)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (15 minutes)
  • Break (10 minutes)
  • Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (15 minutes)
  • Assessment for trauma, Trauma Life Event Questionnaire, International Trauma Questionnaire (30 minutes)
  • Workshop: Practice assessment (20 minutes)


Session 2: (2 hours) Dr. Jose Hidalgo

  • Review session 1 and quiz on traumatic stress, PTSD/CPTSD and assessment (20 minutes)
  • Feedback on assessments (10 minutes)
  • BREATHE (background, core components, and implementation) (20 minutes)
  • Break (10 minutes)
  • Workshop: Practice BREATHE intervention (45 minutes)
  • Wrap-up (15 minutes)

Available Credit

  • 3.50 Social Workers

    The Collaborative of NASW, Boston College, and Simmons College Schools of Social Work authorizes social work continuing education credits for courses, workshops, and educational programs that meet the criteria outlined in 258 CMR of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers

    This program has been approved for 3.50 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. Collaborative of NASW and the Boston College and Simmons Schools of Social Work Authorization Number D 90404

  • 3.50 Participation

    This course allows other providers to claim a Participation Certificate upon successful completion of this course.

    Participation Certificates will specify the title, location, type of activity, date of activity, and number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ associated with the activity. Providers should check with their regulatory agencies to determine ways in which AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may or may not fulfill continuing education requirements. Providers should also consider saving copies of brochures, agenda, and other supporting documents.

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