The Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series, which offers presentations focused on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) and mental health needs. The selected presenters share their expertise on best and promising practices as well as provide general knowledge. Session topics, which focus on increasing capacity to serve individuals with dual diagnosis in the community, are chosen based on identified needs and with input from the field of professional stakeholders.
Session Description: Licensed behavioral health clinicians are often contacted when individuals with IDD present with “behavioral” issues or needs and requests for clinical supports, or treatment are typically made with these contacts/referrals. This presentation will provide guidance on modifications to traditional behavioral health interventions including several evidenced-based practices to increase the access and effectiveness of these treatment approaches for individuals with IDD. Information on Louisiana’s approach to developing tools to share information and provide education to clinicians will also be included along with general resources and tips for enhancing the ability to engage with individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the therapeutic interaction from appointment contact through treatment.
Presenter: Brandi Kelly, PhD, Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities Clinical Director.
Dr. Kelly received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from LSU in 1998 and post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Alliant University in 2002. She has worked extensively providing person-centered and wellness focused support planning and behavioral health services to individuals with developmental disabilities and has published research on assessment/treatment of behavioral health concerns of individuals with developmental disabilities. She has been instrumental in key initiatives in Louisiana to increase capacity to support individuals with co-occurring needs to live/work in their communities while navigating the logistics of fiscal/resource challenges in partnership with self-advocates, advocacy organizations, providers, and other state agencies. She received the Bernard R. Wagner Leadership in Developmental Disabilities award, Special Recognition for Enhancing the Wellness of Individuals with IDD from the Arc of Louisiana, and currently sits on the National Association for Dual Diagnosis Continuing Education/Conference Committee.
