Written by Zoe Simone

Narrated by Lydia Berger Gray

Artwork by Adrian Cruz

Produced by DMH + UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership

Sidewalk Stories is inspired by real-life relationships between an unhoused person and their mental health outreach provider on the Los Angeles County Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement team, known as HOME. Though identifying details have been changed, the heart of these stories remains intact. Their work is a beautiful reminder that by offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and leading with empathy, we can inspire hope and help others know that they are never alone.

At PMHP, we're honored to share a new narrative podcast of 10 episodes titled Sidewalk Stories each week, inspired by real-life relationships between an unhoused person and their mental health outreach provider on the Los Angeles County Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement team, known as HOME. Though identifying details have been changed, the heart of these stories remains intact. We aim to shine a light on their tireless work and amplify their voices to raise awareness, break down stigma, and highlight a crisis affecting cities across the country. Their work is a beautiful reminder that by offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and leading with empathy, we can inspire hope and help others know that they are never alone.

Presented by Ian McLoone, MPS, LPCC, LADC

This practical training explores the critical intersection between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders (SUDs). With approximately 1 in 5 individuals with SUD also experiencing ADHD, understanding this common co-occurrence is essential for effective support. Designed to support behavioral health practitioners across a range of service lines, this introductory training provides practical strategies for identification, engagement, and person-centered support. Participants will gain foundational knowledge about both conditions, explore the neurobiological and psychosocial factors that contribute to their co-occurrence, and learn culturally responsive approaches for supporting clients who may be experiencing both challenges. Attendees will develop skills to recognize potential signs of ADHD in clients with substance use concerns, initiate supportive conversations, and connect clients with appropriate resources within the constraints of their role as unlicensed providers.

Presented by Madina Wardak, MSW, ACSW and Vanessa Porea, LPC, APCC, NCPRSS

Effective team-based care is essential for positive outcomes in intensive mental health programs. This training explores the critical role of team climate in reducing burnout, fostering motivation, and improving client outcomes. Participants will learn evidence-based tools to assess team climate and identify areas for growth, in addition to strategies that enhance key dimensions such as psychological safety, task orientation, accountability, and innovation. The training also introduces five core ingredients of high-functioning teams, and uses experiential exercises to explore common team pitfalls and how to foster a shared purpose, strong connection, and sustainable success in community mental health settings. 

Presented by Danielle Cameron, LCSW, MSW

The critical time intervention (CTI) model is a time-limited, evidence-based practice that mobilizes support for our communities’ most vulnerable individuals during periods of transition. It facilitates community integration and continuity of care by ensuring that a person has formidable ties to their community and support systems during these critical periods. In this training, participants can expect to learn about the CTI model and develop skills to help clients transition out of intensive clinical programs like Full Service Partnership (FSP). Through case scenarios and discussions, participants will be led in engagement opportunities and activities rooted in CTI to proactively evaluate and plan for client success after intensive community mental health programs.

Presented by Madina Wardak, MSW, ACSW

This presentation explores the observance of Ramadan, highlighting spiritual, cultural, and practical considerations that may affect the needs and engagement of individuals receiving mental health services. Attendees will gain insight into the significance of the holy month, including fasting, prayer, and community obligations, and how these factors influence access to services. The presentation will provide strategies for culturally humble and inclusive support, ensuring that providers effectively meet the needs of clients who observe Ramadan. Community resources will also be provided. This training is intended for field-based mental health and outreach workers in Los Angeles County.

Presented by Maggie Mullen, LCSW

This training will outline the basics of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an evidence-based psychotherapy for emotion dysregulation that helps people become more mindful as they simultaneously work on improving interpersonal relationships, tolerating distress, and regulating intense emotions. This presentation will introduce practical applications of DBT through discussion, vignettes, video clips, and opportunities to practice. By examining the four modules of DBT (distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness), learn how to apply DBT concepts and principles to benefit clients. There will be an emphasis on practical skill-building interventions derived from DBT, rather than on building a full DBT program. The intended audience is any clinician with an interest in DBT.

Presented by Maggie Mullen, LCSW

This training will outline the basics of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an evidence-based psychotherapy for emotion dysregulation that helps people become more mindful as they simultaneously work on improving interpersonal relationships, tolerating distress, and regulating intense emotions. This presentation will introduce practical applications of DBT through discussion, vignettes, video clips, and opportunities to practice. By examining the four modules of DBT (distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness), learn how to apply DBT concepts and principles to benefit clients. There will be an emphasis on practical skill-building interventions derived from DBT, rather than on building a full DBT program. The intended audience is any clinician with an interest in DBT.

Presented by Danielle Cameron & Vanessa Porea.

In this training, providers will gain an understanding of substance use and co-occurring disorders, along with considerations for treatment and resources to refer clients to the appropriate services when needed. Providers will also learn skills and practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI) that can be applied when working with clients who experience these disorders, along with exploring ways providers can engage in their own self-care. This training is intended for field-based mental health and outreach workers in Los Angeles County.

Presented by Danielle Cameron & Vanessa Porea.

In this training, providers will gain an understanding of substance use and co-occurring disorders, along with considerations for treatment and resources to refer clients to the appropriate services when needed. Providers will also learn skills and practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI) that can be applied when working with clients who experience these disorders, along with exploring ways providers can engage in their own self-care. This training is intended for field-based mental health and outreach workers in Los Angeles County.