Intergenerational Trauma and Youth Serious Mental Illness (SMI): A Family-Systems Training
Overview
This interactive three-hour training examines the impact of intergenerational trauma on adolescents experiencing serious mental illness (SMI), emphasizing a family-systems approach. Participants will learn to integrate evidence-based tools — such as genograms, psychoeducation huddles, repair conversations, and relapse-prevention planning — into clinical practice. Special attention will be given to culturally responsive care, including the influence of racism, immigration, and disability on family dynamics. The training combines lectures, case vignettes, role-play, and guided reflection to provide immediately applicable skills for engaging youth and families in treatment. This training is intended for field-based mental health and outreach workers in Los Angeles County.
Learning objectives
- Describe at least 3 pathways (behavioral, social, biological/epigenetic) through which intergenerational trauma affects youth with SMI
- Create a three-generation genogram and eco-map for a case vignette, identifying trauma patterns and supports
- Demonstrate a 15-minute family psychoeducation huddle and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing expressed emotion
- Discuss an ABFT-informed repair conversation that promotes trust and emotional safety between caregivers and youth
- Develop a relapse-prevention and safety plan that integrates early warning signs, coping strategies, and culturally relevant community resources
Training times
This training is provided at the time(s) and in the format(s) shown below.
| Date | Time | Format | CE Credits | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
March 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
|
9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Live, online |
3.0 CEs
| Space available |