BCMHSUS leading the way in concurrent disorders education

Registration is now open for the B.C. Concurrent Disorders Conference on April 10.

This free virtual event, held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is open to health-care providers, community-service organizations, patients, families and caregivers.

BCMHSUS is a leader in the diagnosis and trea​tment of concurrent disorders, defined as when a person has a substance use disorder and a mental illness at the same time. Many of the clients who access Correctional Health Services have concurrent disorders. And the Red Fish Centre Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction has designed a unique treatment model that helps people living with concurrent disorders regain control of their lives.

Addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable population​​

This year's conference theme is Breaking Barriers in Concurrent Disorders Care: Transdiagnostic Innovations for Complex Needs - Advancing Integrated Solutions for Mental Health and Substance Use. More than 20 workshops and lightning talks will explore the underlying mechanisms behind serious mental health and substance use disorders. Speakers will explore how biology, psychology and social factors play a role in concurrent disorders.

“We want to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind concurrent disorders and how can we bring them to the forefront," says Dr. Vijay Seethapathy, chief medical officer, BCMHSUS, and the lead conference organizer. “This will help us develop clinical pathways that are best able to support people living with concurrent disorders."

The line-up of speakers includes many BCMHSUS staff, as well as Canadian and international experts. The three keynote speakers are:​

• Dr. Nick Mathew, medical director, complex concurrent disorders, BCMHSUS
  • Keynote: Outcome-Driven Tertiary Care Treatment in B.C.'s Red Fish Healing Centre
• Dr. Roberto Sassi, psychiatrist-in-chief, BC Children's Hospital and BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre
  • Keynote: The Significance of Tertiary Care for Adolescents and Young Adults
• Dr. Daniel Vigo, B.C.'s chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders
  • Keynote: Toxic Drugs, and Concurrent Disorders on the Transformation of B.C.'s System of Care for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Event is open to all

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“When we first started the conference in 2021, we offered it virtually due to COVID restrictions and 2,000 people signed up," says Dr. Seethapathy. “We received positive feedback from attendees about the content and the virtual format. It makes the conference more accessible to speakers and attendees alike, especially patients and caregivers. Every year since 2021, we've had about 1,500 participants."

The virtual platform for the conference is hosted by the Addictions and Concurrent Disorders Research Group at the University of British Columbia.

Insights to improve mental health and substance use treatment

“Conferences like this one prepare people working in our mental health care system to tackle the huge challenges presented by the current overdose crisis," says Dr. Michael Krausz, UBC Leadership Chair for Addiction Research. “Being able to share information with providers from other jurisdictions will deepen the knowledge and expertise of B.C.'s health care teams and improve the quality of care they provide​."

The conference not only shares the latest evidence and knowledge about concurrent disorders, it also explores the systemic and policy changes required to address the root causes of these conditions.

“This conference is a unique opportunity for BCMHSUS to raise awareness across various groups of the importance of addressing concurrent disorders and the root causes behind them," says Dr. Seethapathy. “We see this conference as a knowledge translation activity that spreads best practices to more than 1,500 people every year."

The Concurrent Disorders Conference is eligible for continuing medical education credits. Learn more about the complete conference schedule and register to attend ​