Mental health professionals meeting looks at addictions

The monthly "Meet and Greet" sessions sponsored by the Conejo Valley Mental Health Professionals Association will resume at noon tomorrow with a program about addictions, said Judy Wiener, a licensed social worker and a marriage and family therapist in Agoura Hills.

The Sept. 5 meeting will feature a talk by Dr. Daniel Gatlin, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified alcohol and drug counselor who has worked in the field of chemical addiction for more than 20 years. Gatlin is the executive director of Renaissance Malibu, an alcohol and drug abuse treatment center, and an instructor at the UCLA alcohol and drug studies program.

Chemical dependency permeates our society, yet successful treatment of these conditions has been an area of much confusion and controversy, said Gatlin.

"Whether we are speaking of substance addictions or behavioral addictions, clinicians find ongoing challenges in how to address these issues with clients," Gatlin said.

Gatlin will present information on "advances in the treatment of addictions" at the lunchtime seminar. He will provide an overview of the history of treatment, differing approaches and some recent advances in the field.

The "Meet and Greet" series i s sponsored by the Conejo Valley Mental Health Professionals Association for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the topics being discussed, which change each month, Wiener said. The meetings provide an opportunity to learn from the expertise of professionals and to network with people in the field.

The "Meet and Greets" are usually conducted on the first Friday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at the offices of the Teen Scene Outpatient Program, 30343 Canwood Street, Ste. 208A, Agoura Hills.

There is no charge to attend, and registration is not necessary. Participants are welcome to bring lunch to eat during the meeting, Wiener said.

For more information, call Wiener at (818) 870-0435, ext. 3, or send an email to jwiener@sbcglobal.net.