Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the relationship between financial distress and mental health outcomes associated with diseases of despair, with particular relevance to Appalachian and rural communities.
2. Explain the theoretical foundations of the Biopsychosocial-Financial Model, including its grounding in trauma theory and empowerment theory.
3. Identify practical strategies for integrating financial health into clinical social work assessment and treatment planning.

Presenter Bio:

Brent Metcalf, LCSW, is a Doctoral Candidate in Social Work (DSW). He holds a Master of Science in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Human Services. Brent is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner and Clinical Director of Tri-Star Counseling, a psychotherapy practice serving Tennessee and Virginia.

He is an adjunct instructor in a Master of Social Work program, teaching advanced field practicum courses and supporting the professional development of graduate-level social work students. Brent is active in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), holding leadership positions in the Northeast Tennessee Branch and serving on the Tennessee Chapter’s Legislative and Political Action Committees. He is also a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

His research interests include trauma theory, empowerment-oriented practice, Appalachian and rural mental health, men’s mental health, and secondary traumatic stress. His doctoral Capstone Project, Combating Diseases of Despair in Appalachia through Financial Solutions, examines the integration of financial social work principles into mental health treatment through a biopsychosocial-financial framework aimed at improving mental health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health.

Brent’s practice was voted Best of Tennessee in 2025, and he was inducted into the Tri-Cities Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. His expertise has been featured in national media outlets such as Yahoo News, Newsweek, and Healthline, and he has appeared as a guest on leading therapist podcasts, including Heard Business School.

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.