Heroes of the Opioid Crisis: “Knowledge is essential in all areas related to mental health and addiction” with Dr. Caitlin Simpson of Footprints to Recovery
Education — Maintain an awareness of not only what is happening with regards to substance use in your community, but a general understanding of the risks associated with substance use. Seek out knowledge and ask questions. Knowledge is essential in all areas related to mental health and addiction.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Caitlin Simpson, LCSW, LCADC (MSW Fordham University and DSW Rutgers University). Dr. Simpson has twelve years of experience specializing in the field of addictions and co-occurring disorders, with a focus on the co-occurrence of trauma. Currently, she serves as the Director of Clinical Operations with Footprints to Recovery. Dr. Simpson believes that through the mindful integration of traditional therapy, evidenced-based practice, and complementary holistic approaches, we can restore the well-being of the whole person: mind, body, brain, and spirit. She ensures special attention is paid to effectively and compassionately providing trauma-informed care and believes that the integration of mind, brain and body are essential in this realm.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a bit of your backstory?
I was born and raised in a small beach town in New Jersey, which is where I currently live with my two children. I pursued my undergraduate degree at Monmouth University and quickly found myself engrossed in their social work program which has proven to be an unbelievably fulfilling career path. Following completion of my undergraduate degree, my first position as a social worker was as a substance use counselor. It was there that I found my true passion, which led to the decision to further my education at Fordham University (MSW) and Rutgers University (DSW).
As my career advanced, I found myself in various roles having the opportunity to build clinical programming and being able to innovatively provide clinical care. I began to focus on the co-occurrence of substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress, as well as other co-occurring mental health disorders. My goals became focused on how to effectively integrate evidence-based treatment, holistic approaches, and progressive treatment modalities to treat all aspects of a person, not just the addiction or mental health related symptoms. In my current position as Director of Clinical Operations at Footprints to Recovery, a national addiction treatment provider, I have paid close attention to the interconnectedness of mind, body, brain and spirit, which has allowed us to build a comprehensive paradigm supporting overall health, wellness and recovery.
Is there a story or incident that inspired you to get involved in your work with opioid and drug addiction?
When I was first out of undergraduate school, I was unsure as to which area of social work I wanted to pursue. I began searching for employment in various areas, and the most intriguing offer I received was to provide counseling services to women that were receiving medicated assisted treatment for their opioid use disorder. I was unsure, at first, if this was an area that I could maintain a long-term career in; but it was only shortly after, that I realized my true passion for the field. Hearing the women’s stories and seeing the enjoyment of life as they began to recover was inspiring. It drove me to want to fully understand addiction, the connection to underlying trauma and mental health, the best models of providing care, and to drive effective change in the overall industry to better serve this population.
Can you explain what brought us to this place? Where did this epidemic come from?
The opioid epidemic is a multi-faceted issue stemming from various elements, beginning with the over prescribing of opiate based pain medication. A few things happened in relation to this occurrence; for example, individuals prescribed opioid pain medication that developed a dependence often began turning to heroin because it was cheaper, it was pure, and easy to access. The use of opioid based pain medication became increasingly common, and the younger generations found a level of acceptance to not only the pain medications, but heroin as well. The average person misusing opiates could be your neighbor, your family member, the star football player, the smartest student, the young affluent 18–24-year-old from the suburban town next door. To a degree, the younger population has been desensitized to the severity and the fatality attached to the use of opiates, in particular heroin. In addition, we have seen more and more young adults engaging in treatment with their initial onset of substance use starting with opiates in comparison to starting with alcohol or marijuana.
Can you describe how your work is making an impact battling this epidemic?
At Footprints to Recovery, part of our mission is to provide education and to increase awareness pertaining to addiction and mental health. We continue to serve as an integral part of our local communities to further offer support and to reduce the overall stigma associated with mental health and addiction. In addition, Footprints to Recovery ensures that our admissions services are easily accessible (we operate 24/7, 365 days per year) with immediate availability. Through increasing access to care and continuing to serve as an advocate and educator in the field, our mission is to raise awareness and help individuals achieve a life fulfilling recovery.
Wow! Without sharing real names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by your initiative?
It’s difficult to choose just one. In our work, the successes are so meaningful. Perhaps some of the most inspiring stories are those of the individuals who entered Footprints to Recovery and have gone on to now work with the company. To see people move from a state of despair to living a meaningful life where they’re giving back to a cause that speaks to them is so powerful.
Can you share something about your work makes you most proud? Is there a particular story or incident that you found most uplifting?
The aspect of my work that makes me the proudest is our clinical teams and the quality of care that we provide at Footprints to Recovery. Our integrated care model offers a comprehensive paradigm of innovative treatment modalities aimed at caring for not only the identified addiction, but the underlying issues that are the driving force behind the addiction. Our trauma-responsive care model provides a nurturing, safe, compassionate environment that supports overall wellness and a space for healing and recovery. Something that has always been uplifting is when our patients speak to how safe and supported they feel in our care.
Can you share three things that the community and society can do to help you address the root of this problem? Can you give some examples?
1. Education — Maintain an awareness of not only what is happening with regards to substance use in your community, but a general understanding of the risks associated with substance use. Seek out knowledge and ask questions. Knowledge is essential in all areas related to mental health and addiction.
2. Advocate — Help spread the word that mental health and addiction can impact everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, income, place of residence, etc. Advocate to continue to raise awareness and serve as a voice of change within your community.
3. Seek Help — If you or a someone you know needs help, don’t ever hesitate or be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Know the resources in your area so that if needed, you have immediate access to contact who is able to help you. At Footprints to Recovery, we are available 24/7 and if we are not the best match for the care you need, we will help you find who is.
If you had the power to influence legislation, which three laws would you like to see introduced that might help you in your work?
1. To introduce a law to have behavioral health and substance use prevention and education become a standard and more integral part of the education system.
2. To introduce a law to ensure that access to recommended medical and clinical care, and follow through, become the standard of care across the industry. This would support physicians and care providers in having the opportunity to care for their patients in ways to set them up for lasting recovery.
3. To introduce a law requiring local police stations to have a licensed clinician on their team to increase immediate response, assessment, and linkage for behavioral health needs with the overall goal to increase accessibility to care and reduce overuse of our local hospital systems.
I know that this is not easy work. What keeps you going?
What keeps me going is knowing that every day we are helping individuals to find the reason to achieve lasting recovery, and that we are making a difference; a difference in the community and in the lives of our patients and their families.
Do you have hope that one day this leading cause of death can be defeated?
Yes. I hope and believe that with continued joint efforts from the government, community, professionals in the field; and ongoing prevention, intervention, and increased accessibility to care that we can defeat this epidemic.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
I would define leadership as the art of coordinating a team, creating a positive, inspiring, and empowering work environment, with the overall goal to enhance professional development and growth and to fulfill the mission and values of the organization.
Leadership is about setting an example, creating cohesion and unity amongst your team, problem solving, and fostering a supportive environment where each employee is happy and excited to come to work each day. It is about creating effective change, being a thought leader, and inspiring other to challenge their thinking and to “think outside the box”. A good leader is present, available, and easily approachable.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1. I wish someone told me that I would have the opportunity to meet and provide care to some of the most amazing people.
2. I wish someone told me how many opportunities present to learn something new.
3. I wish someone told me about how many amazingly talented professionals I would meet in this field, many of whom I am thankful to now call my friends.
4. I wish someone told me that, sometimes no matter how hard we try, we can’t always help; because in most circumstances the help has to be wanted, and unfortunately, it isn’t always wanted.
5. I wish someone told me how much fun and laughter this career can bring!!
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
At Footprints to Recovery we believe in helping people and communities #findthereason. If I could inspire any movement, it would be simply that: to “Find the Reason.”
In my experience, many people are in a place of not fully knowing who they are. Some struggle with identifying a career and trying many different things but never sticking with anything; or maybe they are constantly relocating looking for that perfect spot to start their life; or not knowing the type of partner they want in a relationship. It’s hard to identify what you want out of life, how you want to live your life, and the type of people you want in your life if you truly don’t know who you are at your core. We have to “Find the Reason” why. What drives our choices? What is it that we want? What type of person do you want to be? What do you value? All of these things lend to us “Finding the Reason” that propels us forward in to leading a life of worth and meaning. When we “Find the Reason” we find our self-worth and at the core, we find who we are and what motivates us to succeed. I challenge you all to #findthereason and start your journey on a path where instead of existing in life, you are living it each day.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Life isn’t about finding yourself…..Life is about creating yourself.” Anonymous
When I accepted my first position as a clinician, and had my first office, I found a picture with this quote on it. It has traveled with me from office to office over the years and continues to be a source of inspiration for me. It’s important for us to remember the elements of life that we have control of, to continue to remain empowered to achieve your goals, and to be the best version of yourself that you choose to be every day. There is nothing that stands in your way of being who YOU want to be.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
I would enjoy the opportunity to have breakfast or lunch with Bessel van der Kolk, one of the leading researchers and educators pertaining to trauma. Dr. van der Kolk’s research has been influential in my career, and I would love an opportunity to speak with him regarding his areas of study, specifically the use of neurofeedback for treatment of PTSD in conjunction with yoga.
Thank you for all of these great insights!
