Claritycon2026: Full Schedule

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10:10am CDT

The Hard Pill to Swallow: Bridging the Gap in Medication Adherence - 1 CE hour

Monday July 13, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

301 C

Objectives:

Gain an understanding of the impact of medication non-adherence on healthcare
Identify reasons for lack of adherence to treatment with medication
Identify interventions that improve medication adherence

Abstract
Medication adherence plays a critical role in achieving positive clinical outcomes, yet non-adherence remains a persistent challenge across healthcare settings. This presentation will explore the impact of medication non-adherence on patient health, treatment effectiveness, and overall healthcare utilization. Participants will gain insight into the multifaceted reasons patients and families may struggle to follow prescribed medication regimens, including behavioral, environmental, socioeconomic, and system-level factors. The session will also highlight practical, evidence-based interventions that clinicians can implement to support and improve medication adherence, ranging from communication strategies and patient education to workflow enhancements and technology-based solutions. By the end of the presentation, attendees will be equipped with actionable approaches to promote safer, more effective medication management.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Lauren Weik, RN, BSN

Clinical Informatics Registered Nurse, Clarity Child Guidance Center

Lauren Weik is a registered nurse, with over ten years of experience working in mental health with pre-adolescents and adolescents at Clarity Child Guidance Center. She provided patients and families education on psychotropic medications and psychiatric symptoms, as well as individualized... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
301 C

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

From Identification to Intervention: Managing Mental Health Crises - 1.5 CE hours

Monday July 13, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

301 C

Objectives:

Describe the physiological and behavioral markers associated with varying levels of mental health escalation
Differentiate between urgent mental health needs and life-threatening crises in a clinical setting .
Explain how outpatient follow-up is an essential component of care

Abstract
This presentation provides clinical insights into managing mental health crises and improving long-term patient outcomes through effective transition care. Participants will first learn to identify physiological and behavioral markers of escalation and intense emotional shifts. The session will further clarify the distinction between urgent mental health needs, which involve distressing but non-endangering symptoms (e.g., severe anxiety without a plan for harm), and life-threatening crises that require immediate emergency intervention due to imminent risk to self or others. Finally, we will examine the critical role of timely aftercare, explaining how early outpatient follow-up within 7 to 30 days of discharge serves as a high-impact strategy to reduce 30-day psychiatric readmission risks and suicide potential by ensuring medication adherence and stabilizing patient transitions back into the community.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

David Garcia, LPC

Director of Crisis Services & Admissions, Clarity Child Guidance Center

David is an LPC with over 14 years of mental health experience. David’s dedication in working with children, families, and community partners has led him to become the director of Clarity Child Guidance Center's Crisis Services & Admissions Department. His leadership has transformed... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
301 C

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Commonly Used Psychotropics on Children - 2 CE hours

Monday July 13, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

301 C

Objectives:

Identify the most common mental health issues in children and adolescents
Discuss psychotropic treatments used in children and adolescent
Review benefits and risks of commonly used psychotropics in children and adolescents

Abstract:
Common mental health issues in children and adolescents include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD, all of which can significantly affect emotional, social, and academic functioning. Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood and behavior changes that are more severe than typical childhood emotional ups and downs, while Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is marked by frequent severe temper outbursts and chronic irritability. Anxiety disorders are among the most common childhood mental health conditions and often go untreated, though early intervention can improve long-term outcomes. Common treatment approaches may include therapy and medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, ADHD medications, and sleep aids.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Lizmarie Gonzalez-Vega, MD

Senior Medical Director, Clarity Child Guidance Center

Lizmarie Gonzalez-Vega, M.D., is the Senior Medical Director at Clarity Child Guidance Center and Vice President at Southwest Psychiatric Physicians. She is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and offers bilingual inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services at the main campus since... Read More →

Monday July 13, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
301 C

Breakout session

Claritycon2026

From $255.74

Tickets

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Claritycon2026

10:10am CDT

Lauren Weik, RN, BSN

12:50pm CDT

David Garcia, LPC

2:40pm CDT

Lizmarie Gonzalez-Vega, MD

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