claritycon2025: Full Schedule

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9:45am CDT

How to Work with the Media: 5 Proven Tips to Excel as a Mental Health Subject Matter Expert LIMITED

Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:40am CDT

Objectives:

How to use expertise to raise mental health awareness
How to summarize accurate, evidence-based information into TV-appropriate sound bites
How to present information in a way that enhances public perception of mental health professionals as knowledgeable, trustworthy, and valuable contributors to society

Abstract:
Mental health professionals interested in and asked to serve as subject matter experts for TV broadcast interviews should keep several things in mind to ensure they present themselves and their expertise in the best light. Dr. Nicole Clark, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience counseling individuals, couples, and families, plus more that 10 years of experience as an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the nation's first National Mental Health Correspondent offers specific tips to work successfully as a mental health subject matter expert growing your brand, increasing your clientele, and expanding your reach in your community.

Statement of need: Amid the nationwide mental health workforce shortage and increased need for counseling services, mental health professionals are now tasked with finding new ways to reach people in need. One option is working as a mental health subject matter expert with the ability to reaching hundreds of thousands of people in minutes via TV broadcasts. This presentation equips attendees with specific tools to successfully navigate the media landscape and excel during in person and virtual guest interviews.

Speakers

Nicole Clark, PhD

Anchor, National Mental Health Correspondent, Spectrum News

Dr. Nicole Clark is an Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter for Spectrum News in Texas. She feels honored to work for an organization that values credibility and is dedicated to creating diverse coverage and giving everyone a voice on the issues that matter most to them. Nicole... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:45am - 10:40am CDT
302A

Breakout session

11:00am CDT

Understanding Neurological Stress Responses in Foster Youth LIMITED

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am CDT

302A

Objectives:

Explain the neurological mechanisms underlying stress and trauma in children and adolescents within the foster care system, including the roles of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
Apply principles of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) to trauma-impacted youth, identifying how trauma shapes maladaptive relational frames and influences behavior.
Implement trauma-informed verbal behavior strategies to support emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility in children with a history of foster care and disrupted attachment.

Abstract:
Children in the foster care system frequently experience early adversity, leading to heightened neurological stress responses that impact behavior, learning, and emotional regulation. This session explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress and trauma, including the roles of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Participants will learn how relational framing influences cognitive development and self-identity in trauma-affected youth. The session will conclude with practical, trauma-informed verbal behavior strategies that caregivers and professionals can use to help foster children regulate emotions, improve communication, and build adaptive coping mechanisms.

Statement of Need:
Children in foster care are disproportionately affected by trauma and chronic stress, leading to significant behavioral and emotional challenges. Many professionals and caregivers lack training in understanding the neurological underpinnings of trauma and how they influence a child's relational learning and verbal behavior. Without this knowledge, interventions may fail to adequately support these children in achieving emotional stability and academic success. This session addresses this gap by providing an evidence-based framework integrating neuroscience, relational frame theory, and verbal behavior principles to enhance trauma-informed care in the foster system.

Speakers

Steven Gonzalez, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, CCTP

Founder, South Texas Behavioral Institute

Steven Gonzalez, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis at Ouachita Baptist University since 2020. He is a Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Texas-licensed behavior analyst, and Texas License Chemical and Dependency Counselor, and is also owner/CEO... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am CDT
302A

Breakout session

1:30pm CDT

Reimagining Recovery: Harnessing Peer Support for Adolescent Substance Use Treatment LIMITED

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:25pm CDT

302A

Objectives

Understand the unique challenges and systemic barriers faced by youth with substance use disorders, and how peer recovery models address these issues effectively.
Explore the neuroscience behind peer engagement in youth recovery and its advantages over traditional treatment methodologies.
Gain insights into the evolving landscape of substance use among adolescents and the importance of family engagement in the recovery process.

Abstract:
In this session, Evita Morin, LMSW, CEO of Rise Recovery, draws from her extensive experience in youth services to explore the critical role of peer recovery models in addressing adolescent substance use. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by youth with substance use disorders, including systemic barriers and stigma. The presentation will delve into the neuroscience behind peer engagement, explaining why this approach is particularly effective for the youth population. Morin will also discuss the changing landscape of substance use among adolescents, emphasizing the importance of family engagement and holistic recovery approaches. This session promises to provide valuable insights for professionals working with youth, offering innovative strategies to empower young individuals on their journey to recovery.

Statement of Need:
There is a critical need for effective, youth-centered approaches to substance use disorders that address the unique challenges faced by adolescents. Traditional treatment models often fail to engage youth effectively, leaving a significant gap in care. This presentation addresses this need by exploring peer recovery models, which have shown promising results in youth engagement and long-term recovery outcomes. As the landscape of substance use among adolescents continues to evolve, with new challenges such as the rise of fentanyl and high-concentration THC products, it is crucial for professionals in the field to understand and implement evidence-based, youth-focused interventions. This session will equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies necessary to better serve young individuals struggling with substance use disorders, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes and reduced societal impact of adolescent substance use.

Speakers

Evita Morin, LMSW

CEO, Rise Recovery

As the CEO of Rise Recovery, I lead a mission-driven organization that provides comprehensive care and support to youth, young adults and their families struggling with substance use. With over 15 years of experience in the field, I have successfully expanded our program and organizational... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:25pm CDT
302A

Breakout session

2:55pm CDT

Strong Families Strong Forces: Supporting Military Families through Military-Related Separation & Transition LIMITED

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:55pm - 4:45pm CDT

302A

Objectives:

Participants will be able to recognize challenges faced military families experiencing military-related separations and transitions
Participants will be able to describe an overview of the Strong Families Strong Forces program.
Participants will be able to describe best practices for working with military families going through military-related transitions, with implications for all families with children experiencing transition.

Abstract:
For military families, the deployment cycle presents unique challenges at different points for all family members. For children, prolonged separations from caregivers can disrupt parent-child attachment and are related to emotional and behavioral difficulties (e.g., Mansfield, Kaufman, Engel, & Gaynes, 2011). Service members (Milliken, Auchterlonie, & Hoge, 2007) and homefront parents (Mansfiled, Kaufman, Marshall, Gaynes, Morrissey, & Engel, 2010) are also at an increased risk for distress and emotional difficulties, impaired parental functioning (e.g., Lester et al., 2010), childhood maltreatment (Gibbs, Martin, Kupper & Johnson, 2007) and intimate partner violence (McCarroll et al., 2010). Other stressful military-related transitions include permanent change of duty stations, frequent travel for military trainings, and transitioning out of military service. Strong Families Strong Forces is family-systems, culturally responsive, flexible prevention program that prevents adverse reactions and reduces stress associated with the deployment cycle.  The program supports families throughout the deployment cycle and through military related transitions. It utilizes family activities and focused discussions related to coparenting, communication, family rituals, and family relationships to bolster and maintain connection between family members. Presenters will discuss the impact of frequent separations and transitions on military families and provide audience members with key components of the Strong Families program, including best practices for working with military families.

Speakers

Vanessa M. Jacoby, PhD, ABPP

Associate Professor, UT Health San Antonio

Dr. Vanessa Jacoby is an Associate Professor within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UT Health San Antonio, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. She is a researcher, clinical supervisor, and clinician... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:55pm - 4:45pm CDT
302A

Breakout session

claritycon2025

From $306.69