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Norman G. Hoffmann, Ph.D.

Brief Program Biography

Dr. Hoffmann, a clinical psychologist, is the developer and co-developer of numerous clinical assessment instruments, some of which are used in Europe in addition to the US and Canada. Over the past 20 years he has evaluated a broad range of addictions treatment programs and conducted research related to alcohol and other drug dependence. His publications include more than 130 articles and book chapters, and he is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences. He is President of Evince Clinical Assessments and Clinical Associate Professor of Community Health at Brown University.


Career Biography

Dr. Hoffmann, a clinical psychologist and president of Evince Clinical Assessments, is an internationally recognized expert in the area of assessment and outcome evaluation. He has produced over 130 publications and is a frequent speaker and workshop leader at regional and national conferences. He consults with corporations, state agencies, and treatment programs on a range of assessment needs, program evaluation issues, and outcomes based treatment. Dr. Hoffmann is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Community Health at Brown University.

He has developed a broad range of clinical assessment instruments. The SUDDS-IV is a diagnostic interview used throughout the US and parts of Europe. Examples of his other instruments include brief screens (TAAD and EWE), interviews to identify co-occurring disorders (PADDI and CAAPE), and treatment planning aids (LOCI-2R).

Dr. Hoffmann lead the team that developed the Cleveland Criteria, which were the first multilevel of care criteria developed for both adults and adolescents. These criteria served as a basis for other placement criteria including the first ASAM Patient Placement Criteria for the Treatment of Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders, of which he is the lead author.

He founded and directed the CATOR (Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Outcome Research) system for evaluating addictions programs throughout the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. Findings from the CATOR system were widely cited in the Institute of Medicine’s seminal report on addictions and were used to inform Congress on treatment efficacy issues.

As a member of the first Joint Prison and Probation Accreditation Panel for the United Kingdom, he has been instrumental in applying current research on addictions to the evidence-based criteria in the accreditation of behavioral health and other offender programs in the British correctional system.


Presentation and Workshop Topics

ASSESSMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE AND
CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS
IN ADOLESCENT POPULATIONS

Program Description

This presentation/workshop provides participants with a basic understanding of how to conduct a thorough, yet practical, mental health and substance use disorder diagnostic interview within the constraints of the traditional 50-minute clinical hour. Data from the PADDI (Practical Adolescent Dual Diagnostic Interview) will illustrate the complexity and interrelationship among mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. Participants will practice administering, scoring, and interpreting the interview. Participants need not have expertise in both mental health and substance abuse. Cross-training and making referrals to other professionals will be covered.

Time and Sequencing

The basic workshop with one practice session per attendee can be conducted in a 3 to 4 hour, half-day training. If more extensive coverage of literature findings on co-occurring conditions or more in depth discussion of mental health conditions or general assessment issues is desired, the length of the workshop is approximately 5 to 6 hours.

The topic can be sequenced with Principles of Assessment workshop. This provides a basic overview of assessment topics plus the specific focus on adolescent assessment.

Sample Learning Objectives

1. Gain an understanding of typically observed prevalences of co-occurring conditions and how they may vary with different populations.
2. Identify some of the more common co-occurring conditions found with substance use disorders.
3. Articulate why some adolescents can meet dependence criteria.
4. Understand some of the genetic and biological underpinnings of addictions and the implications of exposure to substances at an early age.

Comments

All participants are provided a minimum of two copies of the PADDI for practice during the workshop. Manuals and additional copies of the instrument can be provided for an additional charge, which can be included as part of the basic workshop fee or offered as optional purchases. The intensive skill-building component of the workshop requires limiting attendance to no more than 30 individuals.



ASSESSING ADDICTIONS AND CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS IN ADULTS

Program Description

This presentation/workshop provides an overview of the literature on co-occurring disorders in adult populations and a detailed discussion of assessment principles in evaluating individuals for co-occurring conditions. The SUDDS-IV, a detailed diagnostic interview for substance use disorders and the CAAPE, an integrated mental health and substance use disorder interview, will be used to illustrate how a comprehensive DSM-IV-TR based assessment can be conducted in less than an hour and how findings relate to treatment planning and placement in accordance with the ASAM PPC-2R. Participants will have hands-on practice using the interview including administration, scoring, and interpretation. Participants need not have expertise in both mental health and substance abuse. Cross-training and referral to professionals in other areas will be covered.

Time and Sequencing

The basic workshop with one practice session per attendee can be conducted in a 3 to 4 hour, half-day workshop. If more extensive coverage of literature findings on co-occurring conditions or more in depth discussion of mental health disorders or general assessment issues is desired, the length of the workshop would be approximately 5 to 6 hours.

The topic can be sequenced with Principles of Assessment workshop. This would provide a basic overview of assessment topics plus the specific focus on assessment of co-occurring conditions in adults.

Sample Learning Objectives

1. Know prevalence estimates in different populations and why they may vary.
2. Make distinctions between independent vs. induced co-occurring conditions.
3. Gain familiarity with common disorders and how to direct referrals.
4. Understand some of the genetic and biological risk factors operating with co-occurring conditions.

Comments

All participants are provided a minimum of two copies of the CAAPE for practice during the workshop. Manuals and additional copies of the instrument can be provided for an additional charge, which can be included as part of the basic workshop fee or offered as optional purchases. The intensive skill-building component of the workshop requires limiting attendance to no more than 30 individuals.

USING THE DAPPER FOR TREATMENT PLANNING AND PLACEMENT

Program Description

This workshop provides practical training in the use of the DAPPER (Dimensional Assessment for Patient Placement, Engagement, and Retention) in assessing and documenting findings relevant to treatment planning and placement in accordance with the ASAM PPC-2R. Participants will have hands-on practice using the instrument including rating and interpreting key factors for developing proper treatment plans and supporting treatment placement decisions. This workshop is appropriate for both beginning and experienced therapists. It is also valuable for supervisors.

Time and Sequencing

The brief workshop allowing two practice session can be conducted in a 4 hour (half-day) workshop. A full day (6-hour) workshop is recommended for mastery in the use of the instrument and in fully appreciating its utility in implementing the ASAM PPC-2R.

Sample Learning Objectives

1. Develop skills in making DAPPER ratings of constructs relevant to the six ASAM PPC-2R dimensions.
2. Utilize flowcharts based on the DAPPER ratings in making treatment placement decisions.
3. Develop consistency in documenting and supporting placement decisions.
4. Identify the levels of care and treatment planning considerations that will be relevant for the majority of cases in a given treatment or assessment setting.

Comments

The intensive skill building of the workshop requires limiting attendance to no more than 30 individuals. Training requires that each participant have a manual. The costs of manual and training materials will be included in the workshop costs.