Optional Events
Psychotherapy for Substance Use: Brief Interventions
Presented by Dr. Wiplove Lamba
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. MST
Hyatt Regency Calgary
Price: $175 per person (plus applicable taxes) | $125 per student (plus applicable taxes)
Light snacks and refreshments throughout the day.
Attendance is limited to 60 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
We are excited to have you join Dr. Wiplove Lamba and social work colleagues Edwin Wey and Christine Vogt for an in-depth exploration of evidence-based psychotherapies and behavioural tools that improve outcomes for patients with substance use disorders and behavioural addictions. This is the 4th year we are offering this well received program.
The session will introduce you to key concepts in:
- Motivational Interviewing;
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy;
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy;
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy;
- Community Reinforcement Approach;
- Trauma Therapy; and
- Contingency Management.
You will also be introduced to new approaches for treating concurrent trauma and substance use. Participants will be invited to watch pre-recorded didactic presentations online before arriving in Montreal, so that the training session can focus on building competence through experiential exercises. Attendees will receive permission to use the documents provided in the workshop, and will gain access to a community of practice.
Have you participated in this course before?
Would you be interested in helping lead the workshops?
This is the third year we’re offering the psychotherapy for substance use course, and it has gradually evolved to meet the needs of our participants.
For those of you who have joined us in previous years, we are offering 5 free spots for registration. As part of this opportunity, you will be invited to attend planning meetings with the facilitators and assist in leading small group activities on the event day. Open to individuals who speak French, English, or both.
After the psychotherapy session, you’ll be invited to join the debrief discussion, review participant evaluations with the team, and receive a letter outlining your involvement and contribution to the event.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please email .
We’re looking for local champions to help spread this approach to care within your community!
Agenda
Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MST
Hyatt Regency Calgary
Price: $175 per person (plus applicable taxes) | $125 per student (plus applicable taxes)
Light refreshments and snacks included.
Attendance is limited to 50 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
Presented by leading Canadian practitioners, the optional CSAM-SMCA Fundamentals of Addiction Course provides clinicians and students with a solid foundation for continued learning in addictions care and treatment. The course covers biopsychosocial approaches to addiction as well as assessment, diagnosis, brief intervention and referral to treatment.
Hear relevant, practical 30 to 60-minute presentations on the most commonly used substances including alcohol, sedatives, cannabis, opioids and stimulants, and a short introduction to concurrent disorders.
This year, the optional course will include an on-line module on Alcohol Use Disorder to be completed in advance in preparation for the case-based interactive workshop session held during the course that applies these principles in real-world clinical scenarios
Exploring Various Tours
November 13-17, 2024
Discover the offerings of nearby facilities through guided tours offered by different organizations. Engage with fellow conference participants and these organizations. Each tour is arranged by the respective company.
NOTE: You must be a registered conference participant to attend a facility tour.