Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Get Started?

To register for the training or for more information, please email CBHITraining@umassmed.edu.

What is the purpose of the CBHI Assessment & Clinical Understanding course?

The purpose of the CBHI Assessment & Clinical Understanding course is to improve the quality of assessment & clinical understanding throughout In-Home Therapy, Intensive Care Coordination, and Outpatient services in order to improve the overall quality and consistency of treatment for children and their families.

Training Objectives:

  1. Define best practices in Assessment and Clinical Understanding for children and youth.
  2. Disseminate best practice through web-based training for supervisors & clinicians, and a package of resources for provider organizations and higher education.
  3. Provide tools for assessing practice at the case level and the program level.
  4. Provide performance feedback and technical assistance to provider sites to help them meet quality goals.

Who Should Take This Training?

The training is designed for In-Home Therapy (IHT) clinicians, Intensive Care Coordinators (ICC), Outpatient therapists and/or their supervisors working with MassHealth members under 21.

Is the Training Online or In-person?

This is an online training. You can move through the modules at your own pace during the duration of the training (usually 8 weeks). The facilitator will check on learners regularly to provide feedback on the Stop & Apply segments. You do not need to be on-line when the facilitator logs in.

Is There a Charge for the Assessment and Clinical Understanding Training?

The training is free.

Are CEs Available?

Yes. This 10-hour training qualifies for 10 CEs. Learners who complete all 10 modules qualify for the CEs. CEs are $100 for social workers, LMHCs, drug and alcohol counselors and nurses. CE’s for psychologists are $125. Read Important Information About CEs.

What Topics are Included in the Training?

The modules address topics including:

  • how to gather relevant information,
  • how to consider child development in the course of assessment,
  • the role of culture and spirituality in assessment, and
  • how to develop and communicate a case formulation.

The Training includes modules which can be used during supervision or be self-guided; case studies to teach skills; videos to demonstrate the skills; and sample assessment tools.

Are There Facilitators?

There are facilitators who will provide feedback during the Stop & Apply segments. The facilitators are seasoned clinicians and instructors who guide, help, and offer opportunities for learning.

How Long is the Training?

We anticipate the entire training will take learners approximately 10 hours to complete.

Why A New Training?

Assessment and clinical understanding play a key role in the quality of IHT, ICC, and Outpatient services; and MassHealth quality benchmarks for IHT and ICC assessment (derived from MPR data) demonstrate the need for improved assessment skills.

Why Would I Be Interested in This Training?

Depending on your current role, this training provides an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, brush up on skills you already have, prepare to be a supervisor, and/or develop your staff training skills.

Does This Replace the CANS Training and Certification Process?

No. If your role requires that you be CANS Certified, you must still do that via the MassCANS training and certification website: masscans.ehs.state.ma.us. This Assessment & Clinical Understanding training helps clinicians learn how to use the CANS effectively within the context of assessment and clinical formulation.

How Does This Fit in With Other MassHealth Initiatives?

The Assessment & Clinical Understanding initiative meshes nicely with the MassHealth/ Knowledge Center IHT Practice Profile. The Practice Profile describes the practice of conducting the assessment and developing a clinical understanding of the youth and family. The Assessment & Clinical Understanding training teaches clinicians how to conduct an assessment that conforms to the ideal practice as described in the Practice Profile. These principles of a quality assessment apply to Outpatient Therapy and Intensive Care Coordination as well.

The Assessment & Clinical Understanding training also helps clinicians learn how to use the CANS effectively within the context of assessment and clinical formulation.

In addition, like the Yale Supervision and Reflective Supervision initiatives, the Assessment and Clinical Understanding training supports supervisors as they support their staff.

Is there a webinar which provides an overview of the training?

Yes! View the video.