University of Nebraska at Omaha
additional resources.
substance abuse training initiative (sati).
Welcome to the Substance Abuse Training Initiative (SATI) in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service. Established in 2006 to promote education and training of substance abuse and mental health professionals, SATI is committed to providing innovative, practical and high quality training programs and resources for treatment professionals and criminal justice professionals who work with substance abusers. Its purpose is to facilitate the implementation of evidence based practices in these fields.
SATI is committed to helping agencies and organizations develop the infrastructure necessary to implement evidence-based practices. Through technical assistance and support, SATI helps treatment providers make the process changes necessary to support and administer evidence-based practices. Technical support includes refinement of assessment and documentation practices, conceptualization and improvement of referral and reimbursement streams, and maximization of the interaction between public policy and provision of services. SATI is working to identify ways in which technology can be leveraged to improve the provision of treatment services.
In early 2008 SATI began collaborating with the Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC). This collaboration will further enhance SATI’s ability to bring high-quality, state-of-the-art training to professionals throughout Nebraska.
Recent projects completed by SATI include:
- The facilitation of in-depth Motivational Interviewing Training Courses.
- Completion of the training curriculum implementing SAMSA’s Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Nebraska.
Nicki Kennedy is the program coordinator for the Substance Abuse Training Initiative. SATI employees Graduate Research Assistants each year. For more information about SATI and its activities please contact us directly.
UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
There are no training opportunities at this time. Please check back regularly to learn of new training opportunities.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a method of communication that has been shown to engage, retain and motivate clients toward making positive behavioral changes. MI is currently being used in treating a variety of clients such as those with substance abuse disorders, mental health disorders, medical issues and those in the corrections and social services systems. MI is especially helpful with angry clients and those who are not yet ready to make changes. It can be integrated into existing programs and helps prepare clients for more action-oriented treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and twelve-step facilitation.
The Matrix Model is a 16-week intensive outpatient treatment protocol developed by the Matrix Institute in Los Angeles, California in response to the need for effective treatment for stimulant users. The Matrix Model incorporates a number of treatment approaches including relapse prevention, cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. The Matrix Model has been recognized as an evidence-based practice for treating stimulant users.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in its Counselor’s Treatment Manual describes the Matrix Model in this way. “The Matrix IOP approach provides a structured treatment experience for clients with stimulant use disorders. Clients receive information, assistance in structuring a substance-free lifestyle, and support to achieve and maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol. The program specifically addresses the issues relevant to clients who are dependent on stimulant drugs, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine, and their families.”
