PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 8, 2024) — Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and The Verrecchia Clinic at Bradley Hospital are jointly offering an 18-month training program on therapy techniques for children and youth with neurodiversity and mental health challenges. The program is designed for community providers in private practice and integrated care setting and provides a stipend of $100 per hour from BCBSRI.

Children and youth with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities often experience concurrent mental health issues. Current evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy, behavior-based interventions, mindfulness, and others that have been proven effective with neurotypical children may not lead to the desired outcome for the neurodiverse population unless adapted. Through this training program, clinicians will gain expertise to modify, accommodate, and implement these interventions effectively, accounting for the unique needs associated with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

The training program begins with an initial 1.5-day workshop on Sept. 5 (8:30 to 2pm) and Sept. 6 (8:30-12:30pm) at Your Blue Store, 1400 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston. The program continues with group case consultations and quarterly presentations twice a month for one hour, spanning one year. These will take place via Zoom on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 pm. For the final six months, these decrease to one per month.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on July 19 (with decision notices to be sent by Aug. 2). Applications are available online and via the below QR code and may be printed and emailed to kknappines@lifespan.org:

Eligibility criteria include:

• Must be an independently licensed behavioral health provider (PhD, PsyD, LICSW, LMFT, LMHC)
• Must be a participating, credentialed provider in the BCBSRI network
• Must be committed to fully participate in 2-day workshop, engage in all aspects of the training program and implement treatment strategies
• Must work with a patient caseload that includes a significant portion of children and/or adolescent clients 

Rhode Island Continuing Education Credits will be offered for completed workshop and quarterly presentations.