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In 2025, CSWE facilitated a five-part webinar series funded by Providers Clinical Support System–Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (PCSS-MOUD). This webinar series invited us to merge results from cutting edge research and clinical experience to inform social work practice. We explored ethics and boundary issues for SUD professionals, addiction and incarceration, substance use disorders and the court systems, and addiction and veterans. Through this webinar series, our goal was to explore ways to address SUD more thoroughly, equitably, and effectively in our clinical practice.
All of the webinars that were part of the 2025 PCSS-MOUD webinar series were recorded and archived in our learning academy. They can be accessed at any time through the learning academy and eligible participants may receive CE credits at no cost. For more information on specific webinars, please see below for webinar details and the on-demand registration link.
About PCSS-MOUD
The Providers Clinical Support System for Medications for Opioid Use Disorders (PCSS-MOUD) is a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It is led by the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) in collaboration with a wide coalition of national professional and healthcare organizations. PCSS-MOUD aims to increase the knowledge and skills of healthcare and counseling professionals about available evidence-based treatment approaches for substance use disorder (SUD) with a particular focus on opioid use disorder (OUD). PCSS-MOUD provides free training and mentoring to practitioners on the use of medications for OUD (MOUD) and the integration of these services into mainstream health care.
For more information on Providers Clinical Support System–Medication for Opioid Use Disorder, please visit the PCSS-MOUD website.
Addiction and Veterans
Thursday, September 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM ETCE Eligible
Veterans with substance use disorders face a unique set of challenges shaped by their military experiences, service-related trauma, and the complexities of transitioning to civilian life. This webinar will explore the intersection of substance use and veteran status, examining the impact of post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and systemic barriers to care. Participants will learn about evidence-based interventions, and resources available to veterans. The session will also highlight the role of social workers in advocating for and delivering services to this important population.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the unique factors contributing to substance use disorders among veterans.
- Describe evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches for working with veterans experiencing substance use disorders.
- Explore the role of social workers in improving access to care and advocating for veterans affected by substance use
Moderator
Dr. Patricia Stoddard Dare, PhD, MSWProfessor, School of Social Work; Women's & Gender Studies, Cleveland State University
Speakers
Dr. Pilar Horner, PhD, MSWAssociate professor, Michigan State University
Tina Blaschke-Thompson, LMSW
Senior Clinical Instructor, Michigan State University
Scott Saghy, MSW
US Army Veteran
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Substance Use and the Court System: Opportunities and Challenges
Thursday, August 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM ETCE Eligible
Substance use and the court system are deeply intertwined. Courts often play a critical role in shaping access to treatment, determining legal outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders, and influencing broader community responses to addiction. This webinar will examine how the court system impacts individuals with substance use disorders, explore the role of social workers in navigating this intersection, and highlight best practices for promoting recovery and justice. Participants will learn about specialized courts (such as drug courts), court-mandated treatment, and the ethical considerations involved in working with this population.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze the ways in which the court system impacts individuals with substance use disorders.
- Describe the role of specialized courts (such as drug courts) and their effectiveness in supporting recovery.
- Identify best practices and ethical considerations for social workers engaging with clients involved in the court system.
Moderator
Dr. Patricia Stoddard Dare, PhD, MSWProfessor, School of Social Work; Women's & Gender Studies, Cleveland State University
Speakers
Dr. Pilar Horner, PhD, MSWAssociate professor, Michigan State University
Erik Wittrup, MSW
Doctoral Candidate, Michigan State University
Addiction and Incarceration: Understanding the Nexus of Substance Use and the Criminal Justice system
Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM ETCE Eligible
Substance use disorders (SUDs) and incarceration are deeply intertwined, with many individuals entering the criminal justice system due to drug-related offenses or behaviors linked to addiction. This webinar explores the complex relationship between addiction and incarceration, examines systemic factors that perpetuate cycles of substance use and imprisonment, and considers the role of social workers in fostering change at both practice and policy levels.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze the relationship between substance use disorders and patterns of incarceration in the United States.
- Identify evidence-based strategies and interventions for working with individuals experiencing both addiction and criminal justice involvement.
- Explore the role of social workers in advocating for policy reforms and alternatives to incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders
Moderator
Dr. Patricia Stoddard Dare, PhD, MSWProfessor, School of Social Work; Women's & Gender Studies, Cleveland State University
Speakers
Dr. Pilar Horner, PhD, MSWAssociate professor, Michigan State University
Reverend Michelle Anne Simmons
CEO, Why Not Prosper
Warden Russell Heisner
Retired Warden, Federal Bureau of Prisons
Progress Over Perfection: Redefining Success
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM ETCE Eligible
Traditional substance use treatment models have historically prioritized abstinence as the solitary goal. However, research and listening to the voices of those with lived experiences have deepened our understanding of the complex relationship individuals have with substance use beginning with their initial exposure to various intervention opportunities. Harm reduction acknowledges this complexity, offering strategies to minimize the risk of mortality and other negative consequences associated with substance use.
More than just a set of interventions, harm reduction is a comprehensive approach and philosophy that values the voices of individuals with lived or living experience. It seeks to improve accessibility to treatment and resources while addressing the stigma surrounding substance use—both in society and within treatment policies and procedures. Rather than an all-or-nothing mindset, harm reduction promotes progress over perfection, empowering people to take steps that work for them while maintaining dignity, respect, and autonomy.
This workshop introduces participants to the harm reduction mindset and how it bridges the treatment gap between full recovery and the process within its core principles and identify some pragmatic ways to integrate harm reduction into their respective settings.
Learning Objectives
- Define Harm Reduction and describe the seven core principles of harm reduction and explore how these can be applied into current service provision.
- Identify examples of current harm reduction interventions.
- Explore the impact of stigma on an individual’s positive health outcomes and how a judgment-free approach fosters trust.
Moderator
Dr. Patricia Stoddard Dare, PhD, MSWProfessor, School of Social Work; Women's & Gender Studies, Cleveland State University
Speaker
Deana Leber-George, M.Ed, LPCC-SCenter for Evidence-Based Practices (CEBP) and the Substance Use Disorder Center of Excellence (SUD COE) at Case Western Reserve University
Ethics and Boundaries for Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM ETCE Eligible
Sound ethics and boundaries are critical to the provision of Substance Use Disorder treatment. Ethical behaviors and boundaries support a client's treatment process, foster a positive client recovery environment, and promote service engagement. On the other hand, challenges related to unethical practices and boundaries can impact the professionals' well-being, resulting in negative job consequences. In this training, participants will reflect on their experiences with ethical dilemmas and explore strategies to deliver effective and professional care to SUD clients.
Learning Objectives
- Examine how ethics and boundaries are critical to competent practice with SUD clients
- Increase understanding of ethical decision-making models to support sound clinical practices
- Identify the difference between boundary crossings and boundary violations to ensure professional integrity and client well-being.
Moderator
Dr. Patricia Stoddard Dare, PhD, MSWProfessor, School of Social Work; Women's & Gender Studies, Cleveland State University
Speaker
Deana Leber-George, M.Ed, LPCC-SCenter for Evidence-Based Practices (CEBP) and the Substance Use Disorder Center of Excellence (SUD COE) at Case Western Reserve University
Continuing Education (CE) Statement Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), provider #1163, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CSWE maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 01/23/2018 - 01/23/2027. For information on how CSWE issues CE Certificates, and other Continuing Education information, please visit our Continuing Education Page.
PCSS-MOUD Funder Statement Funding for this initiative was made possible by cooperative agreement no. 1H79TI086770 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
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