Social Determinants of Health and HIV

An understanding of social determinants is essential to the implementation of effective HIV treatment or prevention interventions. This engaging and informative one-hour online course, based on our popular two-day instructor-led training, provides an introduction to social determinants and HIV.

Learn more and register

Motivational Interviewing

These modules provides an overview of the rationale and evidence for using motivational interviewing to facilitate change with your clients. We hope that this overview will help and inspire you to communicate with your clients, patients, and communities in a more effective way.

Hiker offering their hand to their partner.

Discover the foundations (Part 1) and principles (Part 2) of motivational interviewing and learn how to apply these to your work with clients, inspiring and empowering them to thrive.

Part one: History and Spirit

Part two: Principles in Action

Family Planning

We provide technical assistance and training to family planning providers and promote comprehensive sexual health education and services for low-income Californians.

Bald woman smiling at the camera

What We Do

Our team of health educators, communicators, and education specialists provides a wide array of capacity-building tools and technical assistance training to health providers in the family planning realm, from online course development to communications strategies, to coordinating and moderating webinars. Currently, our team provides support to California’s Family Planning Access Care and Treatment (Family PACT) Program—an innovative approach to providing free, comprehensive family planning services to low-income individuals, including adolescents.

Who We Are

The ability to plan if, when, and how many children to have is fundamental to the health of teens, adults, and society as a whole. Currently youth, Latinx, and Black communities experience higher rates of unplanned pregnancy, negative experiences in birthing, and barriers to contraceptive and pregnancy options. In some regions of the U.S., abortion may be legal, but it is inaccessible. Fear of stigma dissuades some individuals from seeking family planning services and prenatal care. We work to make all family planning options available to people of all genders so they can control their lives and destinies.

We operate within a reproductive rights framework that recognizes “…the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. They also include the right of all to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence” (World Health Organization).

Woman practicing using a speculum on a dummy pelvis

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Minor Consent and Confidentiality for Sexual Health Services in California

Wed, October 25, 2023 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PDT

This presentation will provide an overview of the laws that impact minors and their access to confidential sexual health and family planning services in California. It will review important exceptions to confidentiality, including mandated child abuse reporting and share some examples of best practices for implementation in difficult situations. Participants will learn about resources to support implementation of minor consent laws and be given an opportunity to test their own knowledge through case studies.

Objectives:
1. Identify when minors in California may consent to their own sexual health care under federal and state law
2. Determine the confidentiality and information sharing obligations that apply when minors seek sexual health care services
3. Describe approaches to implement the basic tenets of inclusive, respectful, and empowering health care provision in line with consent and confidentiality
4. Identify resources for keeping up-to-date with law and best practices related to consent and confidentiality for adolescent health services in California

1.5 CME Credits at no cost available to those who attend the LIVE event.

Learn more and register

Check back here for upcoming trainings!

Learning Resources

Explore these and other online learning opportunities from the rest of the CAPTC’s programs in our Online Learning database.

Webinar

Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices into Reproductive Health Services
August 30, 2023 Description: Exposure to abuse, neglect, discrimination, violence, and other adverse experiences can greatly impact a person’s health for the long term and the way they interact with the healthcare system especially when it comes to family planning services. Because of the potentially long-lasting negative impact of trauma on physical and mental health, […]

Webinar

Reproductive and Sexual Health Considerations for Transgender and Nonbinary People
Reproductive and Sexual Health Considerations for Transgender and Nonbinary People December 16, 2022 Description This webinar is presented by Gayge Maggio, FNP-BC, AAHIVS and will focus on the reproductive and sexual health needs/considerations of transgender and gender non-conforming people. There will be a focus on learning to approach sexual health in a culturally sensitive, non-judgmental […]

Webinar

Person-Centered Contraception Counseling for Family PACT Clients
October 19, 2022 Description Quality contraceptive care is more than just knowing the facts about all available birth control methods. In order for clients to select methods and get what they want from their birth control, it is crucial to provide contraceptive counseling that helps people identify their preferences in the context of their lives, […]

Webinar

Talking with Family PACT Clients About HPV Immunization
August 17, 2022 Description: Since the first HPV vaccines were introduced in 2006, rates of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers have decreased in immunized populations. Family PACT will add HPV immunization as a benefit in July 2022 and will utilize guidelines developed by the CDC Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices (ACIP). This webinar will […]

Clinical Tools and Guidelines

Clinical Practice Alert: Syphilis Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Clinical Practice Alert: Syphilis Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Rates of syphilis have been rising in the US, including in California, which has resulted in a corresponding rise in the rates of congenital syphilis (CS). Fifteen percent of women of childbearing age diagnosed with syphilis are pregnant. These trends mirror a sharp increase in all stages […]

Webinar

Putting New Family PACT Benefits to Work in Patient Care
May 11, 2022 Over the last year, the Family PACT Program has added several new benefits. These include three new contraceptive methods, a diagnostic test for Mycoplasma genitalium, and modifications in STI treatments based on the 2021 CDC STI Treatment Guidelines. In this webinar, a description of the new benefits will be provided and the […]

Webinar

Talking with Family Planning Clients About COVID-19 Vaccination
November 18, 2021 This webinar event is a collaboration between The California Department of Health Care Services Office of Family Planning, the California Prevention Training Center, the California Department of Public Health, and “#ThisIsOurShot” Program. Please join two OBGYNs, Dr. LaTanya Hines and Dr. Michael Policar, for a webinar training on how to effectively communicate […]

Webinar

2021 Implementing the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines: A Conversation for Family PACT Providers
The long-awaited 2021 CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines were published in MMWR on July 22, 2021. This webinar will focus on significant changes from the 2015 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines, including updated guidelines for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, pelvic inflammatory disease, genital herpes, Mycoplasma genitalium, and vaginal trichomoniasis. To assist health care […]

Webinar

Update in Evaluation and Management Office Visit Coding for Family PACT Services
The CPT rules for the use of problem-oriented E/M office visit codes changed significantly on January 1, 2021. Since then, office visits are coded based on levels of medical decision-making or “total time” and the prior rules for using the “three key components” no longer apply. Consequently, Family PACT E/M coding policies were updated in […]

Patient-Facing Resources and Fact Sheets

Birth Control Methods
Information on birth control methods and Family PACT coverage for current and prospective Family PACT clients.

STI Clinical Training

We support healthcare providers in the Western United States (AZ, CA, HI, NM, and NV) to promote health equity and improve clinical outcomes for those affected by sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

Opt-in to receive a periodic newsletter with mpox clinical updates and resources curated by the CAPTC.

2 instructors and 2 learners looking into microscopes

What We Do

We provide virtual training events, technical assistance, clinical tools, and STI clinical consultation via the STD Clinical Consultation Network to support providers in addressing the rise of STIs in their communities. We focus on complex issues in patient care including: evolving PrEP modalities, congenital syphilis management and prevention, and complications of gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Who We Are

The CAPTC Clinical Program has been funded for over 30 years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is part of the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers (NNPTC). Our faculty consists of physicians and nurses who are subject matter experts in the field of sexual health with extensive academic, clinical, and public health experience in STI control and response.

CAPTC also has a long-standing partnership with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) STD Control Branch to deliver training on STI diagnosis and treatment to priority counties experiencing high rates of STIs. CDPH and CAPTC regularly collaborate on issuing statewide guidance related to STI screening/treatment and creating co-branded job aids and educational materials for providers throughout the state.

Ina, Alice, Sharon holding plush toys of viruses

Upcoming Trainings

Check back here for upcoming clinical trainings.

Services Offered

Clinicians: Got a Tough STI Question?

We are a proud member of the STD Clinical Consultation Network (STDCCN) Opens in a new tab operated by the NNPTC.

This service is intended for licensed healthcare professionals and STI public health program staff. We do not provide direct medical care, treatment planning or medical treatment services to individuals.

""

STI Clinical Resources

Access the latest STI guidelines and best practices for STI management geared towards practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health professionals caring for patients with or at risk for STIs.

Online Learning and Trainings

Explore these and other online learning opportunities from the rest of the CAPTC’s programs in our Online Learning database.

Archived Webinars for Viewing

Search the list below of our previously recorded webinars, which can be viewed on-demand.

Live Webinars

Learn more about our upcoming live webinars.

In-Person Trainings

View the in-person trainings catalog and course descriptions below.*

*All In-Person Trainings are on hold due to COVID-19, please check this page for updates.

Clinical STI Trainings

In-Person Training

Examination and Interpretation of Wet Preparations of Vaginal Specimens
Examination and Interpretation of Wet Preparations of Vaginal Specimens Thursday, November 2, 2023 2:00-5:00PM (PDT) The course begins with a fifteen minute didactic presentation on applicable issues of CLIA regulation, quality control, and interpretation vaginal wet mount (VWM) for common causes of vaginitis This will be followed by a fifteen minute video that details through […]

Webinar

California Mpox Update for Healthcare Providers – October 2023
Monday, July 31, 2023 from 12:00PM-1:15PM (PDT) Presented by Drs. Kurtis Mohr and Rosalyn Plotzker Chlamydia is an STI that can manage to damage our body in oh so many places. Watch this webinar to learn Everything about this “cloaked” assailant: from stats & numbers, to pathophys’, fevers, chills, and burning whiz! Plus screening, treatment & prevention, of course!

Webinar

STI Clinical Update Webinar #EverythingChlamydia
Monday, July 31, 2023 from 12:00PM-1:15PM (PDT) Presented by Drs. Kurtis Mohr and Rosalyn Plotzker Chlamydia is an STI that can manage to damage our body in oh so many places. Watch this webinar to learn Everything about this “cloaked” assailant: from stats & numbers, to pathophys’, fevers, chills, and burning whiz! Plus screening, treatment & prevention, of course!

Webinar

STI Expert Hour Webinar: Mycoplasma Genitalium – What’s New?
STI Expert Hour Webinar: Mycoplasma Genitalium – What’s New? January 18, 2023, 11:30 AM-12:45 PM (PST) Presented by Dr. Lindley Barbee This webinar will focus on an update of the clinical and epidemiologic aspects of Mycoplasma genitalium. Learning Objectives:

Webinar

STI Clinical Update Webinar: Syndromic Management of STIs Part 2
STI Clinical Update Webinar: Syndromic Management of STIs – Part 2 Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 12:00PM-1:15PM (PST) Presented by Drs. Kathleen Jacobson and Kelly Johnson A case-based approach to recognizing sexually transmitted infections, with a focus on those that disseminate outside the genital tract. Learning Objectives

Webinar

Syndromic Management of STIs-Part 1
Syndromic Management of STIs-Part 1 October 18, 2022 Presented by Drs. Rosalyn Plotzker, Akanksha Vaidya, and Eric Tang The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to see statewide increases in all reportable sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. For many patients, these STIs manifest as a complex syndrome that involves local […]

Webinar

STI Clinical Update Webinar – Neurosyphilis
Thursday, July 21, 2022, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (PDT) The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to see dramatic statewide increases in syphilis. Neurosyphilis, a syphilitic infection of the nervous system, poses a complex diagnostic and management challenge for providers caring for patients with syphilis. This webinar features Drs. Kathleen Jacobson, Chief of […]

Capacity Building Assistance

We strengthen the HIV prevention workforce in the Western United States to end the HIV epidemic.

Young men walking and laughing

About Our Work

We assess the strengths and needs of local, state, and national health agencies and create tailored plans to build their capacity to best serve their diverse communities.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support the national Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Program, we provide capacity building to health organizations in the Western United States in the areas of HIV/HCV transmission clusters and outbreaks, social determinants of health, integrated HIV prevention and care planning, syringe services, structural condom interventions, and strategic communications around HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

Who We Are

We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care.

We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on current or emerging topics, we facilitate discussion and sharing of best practices from a local and national perspective.

We partner with Cicatelli Associates Inc. (CAI) to deliver High Impact Prevention (HIP) strategies training throughout the country. Valued for our experience and expertise, we work collaboratively to deliver high-quality training to build capacity and support implementation of HIP strategies.

Three people at a table with the middle person talking while the other two are listening

Upcoming Events

Check back here for upcoming events.

Our Areas of Expertise

Due to COVID-19, we are currently conducting our capacity building virtually. The following descriptions highlight our areas of expertise, and the types of capacity building that we offer to health jurisdictions in the Western Region.

Explore these and other online learning opportunities from the rest of the CAPTC’s programs in our Online Learning database.

Online Course

Self-Disclosure
Many clients in prevention and care settings would like to tell others of their status regarding HIV/STI or other health conditions

Technical Assistance

Motivational Interviewing
Discover the foundations (Part 1) and principles (Part 2) of motivational interviewing and learn how to apply these to your work with clients, inspiring and empowering them to thrive. Part one: History and Spirit Part two: Principles in Action

Technical Assistance

Moving from Bias to Engagement Using Cultural Humility
Join California Prevention Training Center Capacity-Building Assistance Specialist Deborah Wyatt-O’Neal to learn how cultural humility and unconscious bias affect client engagement in care. Discover techniques to address biases and practice humility to better support clients and honor their humanity. Utilize the player tools below to navigate through the course.

In-Person Training

Addressing Social Determinants of Health Through Structural Interventions
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

In-Person Training

Cultural Humility
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

In-Person Training

Understanding Boundaries
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

In-Person Training

Strength-Based Approach
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

Technical Assistance

Stigma
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

Technical Assistance

MSM Cultural Sensitivity
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

Technical Assistance

Developing Structural Interventions
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

Technical Assistance

Deconstructing Homophobia and Transphobia
Who We Are We seek to address the root causes of health disparities fueling HIV/AIDS – like stigma, discrimination, transphobia, and structural racism. In order to create more equitable systems, health care leaders must reflect on their own beliefs and those of our society. With the utmost care, our team designs spaces for healthcare workers to do just that, alongside their colleagues, so they can in turn provide more compassionate HIV care. We are also funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Office of AIDS and STD Control Branch to provide training and technical assistance for statewide DIS, HIV navigators, and other HIV/STD prevention staff to build and enhance capacity for working in California health jurisdictions. Focusing on […]

Moving from Bias to Engagement Using Cultural Humility

Developing cultural humility involves understanding the impact that unconscious bias and medical mistrust and distrust have on client engagement.

Being able to recognize and address this can improve your relationships with clients.

Join California Prevention Training Center Capacity-Building Assistance Specialist Deborah Wyatt-O’Neal to learn how cultural humility and unconscious bias affect client engagement in care. Discover techniques to address biases and practice humility to better support clients and honor their humanity.

Utilize the player tools below to navigate through the course.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health Through Structural Interventions

On hold due to COVID-19. Will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

The course demonstrates the intersectional link between HIV, Social Determinants of Health (SDH), and Structural Interventions (SIs). It provides a structured framework and necessary tools to address the SDH and structural barriers impacting the communities they serve.

The conditions in which people are born, live, learn, play and age greatly influence the health of individuals and communities. By critically examining the role of neighborhood conditions, education, income/wealth, and the socio-political climate, this training will strengthen participants’ understanding of the social determinants of health and their roles in shaping health outcomes of diverse populations.

Examples of programmatic, structural, and policy interventions will be discussed to illustrate how public health departments, advocates, and policymakers can effectively address HIV-related SDHand advance equity for populations and communities that have experienced persistent barriers to good health and high rates of HIV infections.

Request more information

Cultural Humility

On hold due to COVID-19. Will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

As individuals, we have our own cultural and life experiences which impact how we view the world, how we make decisions, and how we view others. As providers, it is critical that we are aware of our own personal views and how they may contrast with the beliefs, cultures, and goals of those we serve. These differences can adversely affect our ability to understand the needs of our clients, reach them effectively, and engage them in care and prevention services.

This training provides an overview of the concept and principles of cultural humility, which include lifelong learning and critical self-reflection, recognizing and challenging power imbalances, and institutional accountability. Practicing the principles of cultural humility can improve our ability to meet the diverse needs of the multicultural communities we serve.

This training is appropriate for anyone (direct service provider to policymaker) who is interested in working to address health disparities in their service area.

Request more information

Understanding Boundaries

On hold due to COVID-19. Will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Personal and professional boundaries are an integral part of any provider-client relationship. This is particularly true for those in the medical and social service delivery fields. Boundaries represent invisible structures imposed by legal, ethical, and/or professional standards. The ability to set and maintain boundaries is critical to ensure effective and successful interactions with clients as well as colleagues.

This training explores the importance of personal and professional boundaries. We look at the ways in which maintaining good boundaries improves client relationships and builds self-sufficiency. We define what constitutes personal versus professional, and legal versus ethical boundaries. Through didactic learning and experiential exercises, participants work to identify the most appropriate actions in situations that may arise when working with clients or colleagues.

This training is appropriate for any organization that has experienced challenges with boundaries or would like to proactively develop a boundary-aware culture.

Request more information

Strength-Based Approach

On hold due to COVID-19. Will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Strengths-Based Counseling Model (SBCM) has been used effectively in different settings to promote overall health. This model or approach marks a shift from a traditional deficit-based perspective to one which recognizes clients’ strengths and competencies. It has been successfully implemented via ARTAS to link clients living with HIV to medical care.

This two-day training describes the SBCM and how it can be applied to a variety of concerns and settings related to HIV prevention and care. The principles, techniques, and application of this approach are described, demonstrated, and practiced.

This training builds provider skills in the effective use of the SBCM so they may help clients reduce their risk and promote their engagement and retention in services. The training is appropriate for any community-based organization or health department interested in the application or integration of a strengths-based approach into their service delivery model.

Video

Request more information