In 2018, Vanessa McNeill launched Montana Social Scientists, LLC (MSS), providing Continuing Education (CEUs) to licensees through state Boards of Behavioral Health (LCPCs, LACs, LCSWs, LMFTs), Boards of Psychology, Offices of Public Instruction (teachers), and Boards of Nursing. Since Covid-19, most states in the U.S. now accept our Certificates for virtual workshops.
In addition, MSS provides objective analysis and evaluation reports (Grant Evaluation Specialist), for local, state, and federal grants, for American Indian Tribes, and for other non-profit entities. McNeill has experience working directly with the CDC and DPHHS for grant evaluations. Over the past 5 years, Vanessa taught live and online at Montana State University-Billings, Montana State University-Northern, and University of Montana-Helena College. Her academic work experience (during her Master’s program and after) comprised rigorous research and subsequent publications. As of 2021, MSS has begun expansion into the Pacific Northwest region.
Suicide Prevention Workshops
MSS partners with a number of organizations to raise mental health awareness and suicide prevention, including the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley (SPCYV) and Montana State University-Billings Let’s Talk suicide prevention program.
MSS offers group rates to provide virtual group workshops, including CEU Certificates for all participants.
MSS customizes classes and workshops to meet your organization’s needs!
MSS contracts with Subject Matter Experts from a variety of disciplines to deliver presentations and education on the latest research and updated mental health protocols.
MSS offers unique virtual workshops (live and recorded) for suicide prevention. Most states now have a minimum CEU requirement in suicide prevention for mental health providers.
Montana Social Scientists has leveraged the research previously done in collaboration with Dr. Keller and Global Health Equity Foundation (GHEF), using Let’s Talk as the vehicle. Let’s Talk suicide prevention program, developed by GHEF, an international non-profit organization dedicated to making tangible improvements to health equity. Dr. Sarah N. Keller, Communications Professor at Montana State University Billings, played a pivotal role in developing the Let’s Talk program funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Idea Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). Let’s Talk employs creative activities to engage participants in coping strategies and healthy options for responding when a crisis occurs. In Miles City, Montana, Let’s Talk Miles City evolved into an after-school program that thrives today. (www.letstalkmilescity.org) Let’s Talk Billings produced four theatre productions in which students, working with dedicated directors, composed their own stories and experiences of depression, suicidal ideation, and loss into unique community theater performances. Professional documentaries were created from this project and are available at: www.letstalkbillings.org
Below is a sampling of MSS workshops:
- Partnered with Reason to Live Native Let’s Talk, Montana—Latest Research in Suicide Prevention, May 9-11, 2019
- Suicide Research Trends & Assessment
- Health Data Analyst with Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council Epidemiology Center
- New suicide assessment and treatment planning model
- Vision 21: Linking Systems of Care (LSOC) for Children and Youth in Montana,
- Building Confidence in our Youth: Understanding the ultimate sacrifices and pain that our ancestors suffered
by LoVina Louie
- Let’s Talk, Montana—Latest Research in Suicide Prevention November 7th & 8th, 2019
- QPR Train-the-Trainer Certification, by Karl Roston, LCSW
- Internet-based Therapy for Rural Communities
MSU Bozeman, CMHRR by Mark Schure, Ph.D. - Psychological Wellbeing & the Pursuit of Happiness
by John Sommers-Flanagan - Advances in Suicide Assessment & Treatment Planning
by John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D. - Trauma-Informed Mindfulness
- Attachment Theory
by Brent Finger, Ph.D. January 6, 2021 - Native American Cultural Sensitivity Training for Suicide Prevention
by Kathleen Little Leaf - Suicide Prevention Basics
Includes Evidence-Based Policies, Procedures and Best Practices
by Kathleen Little Leaf - Holistic Health and Wellness during Covid-19 for Suicide Prevention
by Kathleen Little Leaf - Walking the Red Road: Acknowledging the Trauma of Addiction and the Hopes for Spiritual Recovery from a Cultural, Holistic Lens
by Kathleen Little Leaf - Virtual Workshop on Chemical Dependency
by Kathleen Little Leaf - Introduction to the Psychology of Gender for LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention
by Vanessa McNeill