Co-Occurring Disorders and Special Populations: Considerations for The Full Continuum of Care in Treatment
Presented by Ashley Kelly, LPC, MAC and Sarah Overton, LCSW
Skyland Trail
Workshop Overview
This presentation explores the unique challenges and considerations involved in providing effective care for individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, with a focused lens on special populations—specifically the LGBTQ+ community and individuals experiencing psychosis. By examining the intersection of identity, mental health, and substance use, this session highlights how treatment providers can improve outcomes through a more inclusive, responsive, and equity-informed approach across the full continuum of care. Participants will develop an understanding of intersectionality and how overlapping identities impact treatment needs and access. The session will also address common barriers to treatment engagement for these populations, including stigma, discrimination, and systemic gaps in care. Attendees will gain practical strategies to foster more supportive, affirming, and effective engagement with clients from diverse and often underserved communities, including those with severe and persistent mental illness. This presentation aims to support behavioral health professionals in creating environments where all clients—particularly those from special populations—can engage in treatment with dignity, safety, and the opportunity for meaningful recovery.
WORKSHOP INFORMATION
March 27th, 2026
9:00 AM ET to 11:00 AM ET – Training Presentation
LOCATION: Register to receive link information for this online training.
COST: FREE – There is no charge for this complimentary training.
REGISTRATION: Sign-up via Zoom.
The training will cover:
1 – Participants will be able to define intersectionality as it relates to client populations in co-occurring disorder treatment.
2 – Participants will be able to identify common barriers to full engagement in treatment for special populations.
3 – Participants will be able to implement strategies to support effective treatment engagement for special populations in co-occurring disorder treatment.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Ashley Kelly, LPC, MAC
Day Services Director of the Dual Diagnosis and Cognition & First Episode of Psychosis recovery communities – Skyland Trail
Ashley Kelly is the Day Services Director of the Dual Diagnosis and Cognition & First Episode of Psychosis recovery communities at Skyland Trail, a nationally recognized nonprofit residential treatment organization in Atlanta, GA. She holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor. Ashley has extensive experience working with young adults and adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She has a specialized interest in supporting young adult clients with severe and persistent psychiatric illnesses, and helping clients and families navigate the first episode of psychosis or mania.
Sarah Overton, LCSW
Assistant Director of the Dual Diagnosis Recovery Community – Skyland Trail
Sarah Overton is the Assistant Director of the Dual Diagnosis Recovery Community at Skyland Trail, a nationally recognized nonprofit residential treatment organization in Atlanta, GA. She has specialized experience working with adults and families with mental health, substance use, and dual diagnosis challenges and has a special interest in supporting clients from the LGBTQ+ community and other underserved communities achieve recovery and build a life worth living. Sarah holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and has training in DBT, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches. Sarah entered the clinical field with over five years of experience in domestic and sexual violence survivor advocacy.
NCASPPB CREDITS
We have applied to the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) for approval of 2 Substance Abuse Specific credits. Completion of a short, post-workshop electronic survey will be required to receive your certificate.
Workshop Hosted by
