Recovery Animals

Topic:	Animals in Mental Health Recovery					Alicia & Tella at the Alternatives Conference Presented “Animals in Mental Health Recovery” December 2013 Austin, TX
Length:	1 – 2 hours
Description:	You probably know, or have read about, incredibly strong bonds between humans and animals. We know that when dogs have a job to do they often exhibit behaviors that seem extraordinary.  Like humans, when asked to do more than you feel is possible, you can truly amaze yourself.  Expectation of success fuels the process.
	Partnering with an animal can add resiliency and longevity to one’s recovery, facilitate social interactions and increase outings. These relationships can allow the handler to gain more confidence and be more engaged in life. We’ll cover important information for anyone considering an animal as part of his/her recovery.
	This program is dedicated to three specific categories of Animals, who work with their handlers in very specific ways:
		-Emotional Support Animals	-Therapy Animals	-Service Animals
	These three categories of animals often exhibit both good behavior and steady temperaments.  Some have access in settings where animals are not otherwise allowed, such as businesses and airplanes.  Others have all that, plus additional training to assist humans in a myriad of settings.
Objectives:	Learn the rules, regulations, laws and agreements that give each category of animal their rights and limitations.
	Know generally when each category of animal is indicated or contra-indicated.
	Understanding the rights of the handers, animals and businesses.
Alicia & Tella w/ Bruce Knutson, Veterans Liaison with US Senator Jon Tester, Montana
Resources	http://aliciasmith.com/recoveryanimals/resources/
Fee:	None, although travel expenses* are required.
Engage Alicia:	If you are interested in Alicia speaking to your group, on one or two topics, please click Engage Alicia to make your request.
Presentations:	August 22, 2015:  Animals in Mental Health Recovery – NAMI Washington State Conference, Richland, WA May 17, 2014: 2014 NAMI Wyoming Consumer Conference Sponsored by NAMI Wyoming and WYSAGE in Casper December 6, 2013:  2013 Alternatives Conference in Austin, TX Alicia & Tella at 2013 Alternatives Conference, Austin, TX November 28, 2013:  Heritage Christian School, 2nd Grade, Bozeman, MT September 24, 2013:  International Bipolar Foundation Webinar September 21, 2013: Regional Animal Behaviorist Conference, Bozeman, MT January 2013:  Montana Murray Kennels, Belgrade, MT April 11, 2012: Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter Staff Presentation, Bozeman, MT November 4, 2011:  2011 NAMI Montana Conference on Mental Illness, Great Falls, MT June 11, 2011:  Central Service Area Authority Congress, Helena, MT May 20, 2011:  Children’s Mental Health Conference sponsored by Mental Health America of Montana, Great Falls, MT May 18, 2011:  Disability Rights Montana Staff, Helena, MT October 29, 2010:  2010 Montana State Conference on Mental Illness, Billings, MT 2010 NAMI Montana Conference on Mental Illness, Billings, MT 2010 Livingston Drop in Center, Livingston, MT Alicia & Tella at 2013 Alternatives Conference, Austin, TX
Testimonials:	“It was a very educational webinar and Alicia was very thorough, knowledgeable, and easy to understand.  Thank you!!” “Thank you for the opportunity to attend, I found the webinar very informative, and learned useful information.”  ~Marcia Amino

We are pleased to provide a website with information about supplemental treatment’s for mental illness. However, please remember that the internet is a dynamic resource and that we cannot guarantee that all of the outside links provided will work or that the content will not have changed over time. As a result, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or availability regarding these resources. It is important that you do your own research to seek out further information and to consult with your professional provider for your unique circumstances. If you, a family member or friend is suffering from mental illness and/or in crisis please seek appropriate professional help.