Instructor-Led Co-Occurring Disorders and Mental Health Issues

Held September 20, 2025 via Zoom

9 am - 12 pm CST (3 CEUs)

This 3.0 CEU workshop aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Attendees will learn to define and recognize these complex conditions, explore evidence-based assessment tools, and apply integrated treatment approaches such as behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment. Emphasis will also be placed on culturally responsive, client-centered care that addresses stigma, trauma, and social determinants of health. The goal is to enhance participants’ ability to deliver effective, compassionate, and equitable care to individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Complexity of Co-Occurring Disorders
• Develop Integrated Assessment and Treatment Skills
• Enhance Culturally Responsive and Client-Centered Care Approaches

About the Instructor:

Sonya Gonzales, LCSW-S, LCDC, SAP works with clients in the mental health field which began when she obtained her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) Certification in 2000. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Houston Downtown, she continued to the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and earned her Master of Social Work in 2009. She works with clients with mood disorders, including depression, anxiety and bi-polar diagnosis, utilizing CBT, EMDR to assist the client with the mental health diagnosis. Her experience includes working with incarcerated persons at HCSO County Jail and substance abuse clients while managing Outpatient Treatments services at local non-profit agencies. While working in both Inpatient and Outpatient treatment programs at area psychiatric hospitals and as a Clinical Team Leader at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, she has experience with mental health clients both in crisis management and treating with psychotherapy. Ms.Gonzales’ work with the LGBTQ+ community began in 1991 when she volunteered as an HIV educator conducting pre-test and post-test counseling for persons who were testing for HIV. In 2007, she began providing substance abuse treatment for LGBT clients through a community program. As a therapist, she provides services for transgender clients through individual sessions, assisting them to be their authentic self. She has been trained and Certified for Standards of Care 8 through World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH.) Ms. Gonzales is a Certified Grief Educator from Greif.com, she is also EMDR Certified, and Council Approved Supervisor (Social Work) provided by Texas Behavioral Executive Council, Social Work Board. She is a member of WPATH, EMDRIA, NASW and NADAAC. Ms. Gonzales has been recognized as one of the 50 Alumni in 50 years at UH GCSW 50, August 2019; Counselor of The Year Issued by Houston Chapter Texas Association of Addiction Professionals June 2009; Jim Keesy Volunteer of the year for Spectrum Conference Issued by Houston Chapter Texas Association of Addiction Professionals September 2005 and 2009.