Claritycon2026: Full Schedule

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7:30am CDT

Attendee check-in

Tuesday July 14, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT

Check-in opens for Tuesday-only attendees.

Tuesday July 14, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Henry B. González Convention Center 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

8:30am CDT

The Importance of Vicarious Trauma - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:30am - 9:50am CDT

Stars at Night Ballroom

Objectives:

Define Vicarious Trauma, Burnout, and Controlled Empathy & become aware of the impact that Vicarious Trauma has on their team members and themselves
Discover the ways to internally best handle stress within their lives and best assist others that are experiences Vicarious Trauma
Better recognize “red flags” that appear in others and themselves when stress seems to be weighing on them

Abstract
This Session will understanding the importance of Vicarious Trauma on an individual. This session will not only explain recognition of Vicarious trauma, but also the differences that it has with Burnout and Controlled Empathy. This session will allow each person to inner evaluate themselves and to also better equip themselves with being able to help others that are dealing with Vicarious Trauma in their lives before it is too late.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Gregory Williams, PhD

Senior Leadership Team at Baylor College of Medicine’s OB/GYN Department, Baylor College of Medicine

Dr. Gregory Williams is on the Senior Leadership Team at Baylor College of Medicine’s OB/GYN Department located in Texas Children’s Hospital in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He has a PhD in Counseling and is a well-known speaker/teacher. He travels the... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 8:30am - 9:50am CDT
Stars at Night Ballroom

Keynote session

10:10am CDT

Adolescent Substance Use: Addiction & The Juvenile Justice System - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

302 A

Objectives:

Discuss emerging drug trends in the community
Identify techniques to engage adolescents
Analyze the effectiveness in addressing the needs of the community

Statement of need:
In the Juvenile Justice system we address the individual and family needs and not just the substance use.

Abstract
There are many reasons that may contribute to an adolescent using drugs so we look at the full picture of the child, their family, trauma, mental health, criminal history, and many other factors before making a recommendation to the court. There are many resources available within the community and within the juvenile justice system that we can use to aid in recovery. We will explore substances used by adolescents, how substance use affects the life of the child and those around them, resources, and treatments available to those within the community and those involved in the Juvenile Justice system.

Speakers

Gilbert Hernandez, LCDC

Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department

Gilbert Hernandez is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with over 25 years of experience helping adolescents navigate the challenges of substance use and recovery. He provides compassion, support, and guidance to adolescents suffering substance use. Gilbert is currently serving... Read More →

Tanya Jopling, MA

Supervisor, Behavioral Health Services, Bexar County Juvenile Probation

Tanya Jopling has a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology from UTSA, after working several years in her career she returned to UTSA for a Master’s in Counseling. Tanya has 29 years of experience working at Bexar County Juvenile Probation. She has worked in detention, the court unit... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
302 A

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

Gentle Pathways to Regulation: Music, Movement, and Relaxation - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

303 C

Objectives:

Participants will identify how rhythm, breath, and gentle movement support nervous system calming and stress reduction. (Knowledge 5A-4, Task 53)
Participants will experience one music-integrated movement intervention that promotes relaxation in adolescents. (Knowledge 3A-7; 3A-11; Task 31)
Participants will adapt relaxation interventions for different clinical, school, and community settings. (Knowledge 3A-1, 3A-3; Task 31, 36)
Participants will identify trauma-informed movement best practices. (Knowledge 1B, 2D9; Task 2, 3, 23, 30)

Statement of need:
Music therapists need developmentally appropriate, body-based interventions that help adolescents actively relax and regulate stress through engaging, accessible music and movement experiences

Abstract:
Adolescents seeking mental health support experience high levels of anxiety, depression, agitation, and general mood dysregulation. They experience high levels of stress and emotional activation but often lack accessible tools for relaxation. This experiential session introduces music therapy–based movement strategies that help teens relax through rhythm, breath, grounding, and gentle motion. Participants will engage in practical interventions designed to support tension release, and emotion regulation, with brief clinical framing connecting the experience to adolescent development and trauma-informed practice. Attendees will leave with adaptable, ready-to-use relaxation techniques for school, clinical, and community settings.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Ariel Green, LPC, MT-BC, RYT500

Founder, Peace Play Therapy

Ariel, an LPC, MT-BC, RYT500, has been providing counseling and music therapy to Texas residents. As a millennial therapist, former teacher, and lifelong learner she helps adults find peace during life’s transitions. Ariel works with young adults, millennials, and teachers navigating... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
303 C

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

Grief Without a Death: Helping Children Mourn the Loss of Family While Family Still Exists - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

301 A

Objectives:

Identify and clinically distinguish ambiguous loss in child welfare placement from traditional grief frameworks, recognizing how the physical presence but functional absence of caregivers creates a unique and often unrecognized grief experience in children and adolescents.
Identify at least three behavioral or emotional indicators of placement-related grief in children and adolescents.
Implement at least two trauma-informed interventions that support grief expression in short-term shelter or crisis-care environments.

Abstract:
When a child is removed from their home and placed into emergency shelter care, they experience profound loss — of family/support systems, routine, pets, community, and identity — yet receive little cultural or institutional permission to grieve. Unlike bereavement following death, this form of loss exists in a relational limbo: caregivers are alive but inaccessible, home exists but is no longer available, and family continues but in a fractured and uncertain form. Pauline Boss's foundational construct of ambiguous loss provides a critical lens through which placement grief can be understood, named, and therapeutically addressed. This presentation draws from grief theory, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practice to equip emergency shelter counselors and child welfare clinicians with a conceptual framework and practical intervention strategies for helping children and adolescents mourn losses that the systems around them often minimize or fail to recognize altogether. Attendees will leave with both a clinical vocabulary and an actionable practice toolkit for honoring grief that has no funeral.

NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Mary T. Martinez-Gonzalez, M.Ed., MA, LPC

St. PJ’s Children’s Home

Mary Martinez-Gonzalez is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience providing services across the lifespan, from early childhood through older adulthood. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
301 A

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

HIPAA: Current Trends for Privacy and Security Requirements and What You Need to Know to Comply - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

305

Objectives:

Participants will outline proposed changes to the HIPAA Security Rule to increase cybersecurity protections
Participants will describe specific changes to current HIPAA documentation that may be necessary, particularly for “Part 2” entities
Participants will preview potential future actions by the administration to enforce and further update HIPAA

Statement of need:
Any entity that deals with medical information must be aware of the evolving requirements of HIPAA privacy and security. This session will provide a current look at recently passed and soon-to-be implemented changes that will affect the way you handle information.

Abstract:
The vast majority of current HIPAA issues revolve around cybersecurity. Medical records continue to be one of the most sought-after targets of hackers and cyber criminals. The healthcare industry suffers more data breaches, and more costly breaches, than any other commercial sector. The HIPAA enforcement agency, HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, has recently published, and will likely soon finalize, revisions to the HIPAA Security Rule to add more specificity to the safeguards healthcare entities must take to protect patient information. Additionally, HHS has already made changes relating to “Part 2” entities that will require some revisions to long-established HIPAA forms. This session will provide information on which entities will need to change their HIPAA documentation and how. In addition, we will discuss the new cybersecurity rules and how they may impact the way you currently operate your business.

Speakers

Jeffery Drummond, JD

Partner, Jackson Walker

Jeffery P. Drummond’s areas of focus include representing hospitals, physicians, laboratories, surgery centers, and other healthcare providers in transactional and regulatory matters. Jeff is involved in drafting contracts, negotiating business relationships, and analyzing healthcare... Read More →

Cheryl Camin Murray, JD

Partner, Jackson Walker

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
305

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

RPC Method: True Freedom and Resilient Success for High Achievers - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

301 B

Objectives:

Understand the neuroscience of performance, reward, and burnout
Explore how high achievers can obtain a sustainable and resilient drive for success
Apply the RPC Method (Reflect, Protect, Connect) as a practical framework for a self-nurturing and burnout-resistant mindset

Abstract
This session examines the neuroscience behind performance, reward, and burnout, helping leaders understand why achievement can both motivate and deplete. Participants will explore how high performers can cultivate a sustainable, resilient drive for long-term success. The RPC Method—Reflect, Protect, Connect—will be introduced as a practical framework for nurturing emotional well-being, strengthening self-leadership, and building a mindset that prevents burnout while supporting healthier, more effective performance.

Speakers

Uejin Kim, MD

CEO, Founder, Board-Certified Child & Adult Psychiatrist, Uejin Kim LLC & Restore Psychiatry MD PLLC

Dr. Uejin Kim is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, an entrepreneur, a podcast host, and a public speaker. More importantly, she is a wife, a mother of two, and a woman of faith. Using the wisdom that is grounded in both clinical expertise and compassionate vulnerability... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
301 B

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

Shifting the Good-Bad Gridlock: Fostering Psychological Flexibility in Children and Teens - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

302 BC

Objectives:

Understand the impact of polarized thinking on children’s mental health and relationships
Learn practical tools to help youth increase psychological flexibility and navigate conflict
Gain strategies to reframe “good vs. bad” thinking and support complex identity development

Statement of need:
In a particularly polarized culture where more and more families are estranged and instant gratification and technology leads us away from tolerating discomfort, attendees will learn why developing psychological flexibility is critical for children’s social and emotional well-being and how to implement practical interventions that foster resilience.

Abstract
Children today are growing up in an environment marked by polarization and rigid thinking, making it harder for them to connect, resolve conflicts, and develop healthy relationships. This session introduces the model The And Way to help children and teens build psychological flexibility, tolerate discord, and break free from “good-bad gridlock” thinking patterns. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to hold complexity and compassion.

Speakers

Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S

Clinician, Speaker, Author

Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, is a clinician, speaker, parent and author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World. Her work focuses on helping others navigate polarization, build psychological flexibility, and foster resilience in challenging environments. Her group therapy... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

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

Tuesday July 14, 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 →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
301 C

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

Trauma Informed Care, Why It Matters: Repairing Harm & Restoring Safety & Belonging - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

304 A

Objectives:

Define trauma-informed care (TIC) and explain its significance in clinical and non-clinical service delivery settings.
Discuss how a TIC implementation plan will improve employee satisfaction and improve retention rates
Analyze the impact of trauma on long term health outcomes and why the need for TIC is essential

Abstract
We have heard the phrase “first do not harm” written by Hippocrates in his work, Of the Epidemics. By pursuing certification in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), our organization moves closer to the ideal goal of providing care that is safe, helpful, and comforting. The journey toward TIC certification offers far-reaching benefits beyond improved patient well-being. TIC organizations offer enhanced patient care by ensuring services are safe and avoid re-traumatization, TIC organizations have deeper operational insight as the process naturally reveals the hidden gaps in existing services, leading to process improvements, and these organizations benefit from additional staff retention since overall workplace environments are improved.
This presentation will dive into the TIC core principles, why they are important and offer tangible opportunities for improvement which were discovered as we became more fluent in the TIC process. We did not fully understand the far-reaching benefits of becoming a Trauma Informed Organization when we began our certification process, this presentation provides first-hand information on our organizations experiences and offers real-world insights.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Carol Carver, MSN, RN

Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Clarity Child Guidance Center

Carol began her work at Clarity as an RN staff nurse in 1982. She obtained a Masters in Nursing at Walden University and has held several leadership positions over the past 42 years including Nursing Supervisor, Director of Nursing, Acute Care Program Director and Quality Assurance... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
304 A

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

Trendy to Be Depressed: The Hidden Reasons Our Teens Aren’t Getting Better and How to Help - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

303 AB

Objectives:

The audience will be able to define and identify hidden rewards, which are the subconscious reasons people hold onto mental suffering rather than getting better. The audience will learn how teens are particularly vulnerable to mental health hidden rewards and that addressing them in treatment brings successful outcomes.
The audience will learn how the increase of audiovisual-based, algorithmic social media platforms (like TikTok) and AI programs have perpetuated teen’s hidden rewards. The audience will learn the connection between social media’s mental health trends and teens' limited motivation to get better.
The audience will learn, and practice in session, interventions to help teens impacted by hidden rewards. The interventions practiced will support the concept that hidden agendas are a sign a teen is suffering, not that they are manipulative or lazy.

Statement of Need:
Adults are starting to feel just as stuck as the teens they work with due to misunderstanding what it's like to be a teen in the 2020's, and due to a lack of training on how our unique current socio-cultural environment intersects with teen mental health. Cue in burnout!

Abstract:
This workshop reviews the hidden rewards or benefits a teen may get from suffering or being mentally unwell. Audiences will learn how a multitude of factors like development, the unique setting of the 2020's, AI programs, and social media perpetuates these hidden rewards in teens. This makes mental health issues like ADHD and depression “trendy.” This will be accomplished through video examples, exploring research, case study exploration, and unique activities that give the audience the opportunity to put themselves in a teen's shoes. Audience members will walk away with an increased understanding of a teen's unique experience, skills to identify hidden rewards, and tools and interventions that help teens combat their suffering and embrace a mentally healthy life.

CBMT Approved

Speakers

Leanne Foell, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Leanne is a licensed clinical social worker who practices mental health therapy with teens in Dallas Texas. Leanne has worked with teens in almost every place you can find them, this includes high schools, juvenile detention centers, inpatient behavioral hospitals, pediatric centers... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
303 AB

Breakout session

10:10am CDT

Understanding Secondary Trauma in Military Families - 1 CE hour

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT

304 B

Objectives:

Identify secondary trauma patterns in children of veterans.
Use trauma-informed language in therapy and education.
Coordinate care with VA and DoD family support systems.

Statement of need:
Military-connected families face unique and often underrecognized pressures that significantly influence children’s well-being, creating a critical need for professionals to be prepared with the knowledge and skills to support them effectively.

Abstract:
Military life brings unique challenges that shape the functioning of the entire family, from repeated relocations to the stress of deployments and shifting support systems. These disruptions can strain routines, alter parental roles, and create uncertainty at home. For children, these pressures often surface as anxiety, difficulty maintaining friendships, academic interruptions, and emotional strain during transitions or separations. This session examines how these realities influence both family dynamics and child well-being, and offers practical strategies for professionals supporting military-connected youth.

Speakers

Maria Gonzales, MS, PhD Candidate

Founder, CEO, Virtara Solutions

Maria Gonzales is a public health professional with over 15 years of experience developing programs and conducting research to improve health outcomes for underserved populations. As a military spouse and veteran caregiver, she is passionate about supporting the military community... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:10am - 11:05am CDT
304 B

Breakout session

11:35am CDT

Relationships: Reclaiming Our Reason for Being - 1 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:35am - 12:30pm CDT

Stars at Night Ballroom

Objectives:

Participants will understand the evolutionary foundations of social neuroscience.
Participants will learn how relationships shape our development and wellbeing across our lifetimes.
Participants will consider strategies to improve the state of relationships at both individual and population levels.

Abstract
This presentation explores the vital role human relationships play in shaping wellbeing across the lifespan, drawing on peerreviewed research from neuroscience, evolutionary biology, health psychology, and social science. We examine how the brain is fundamentally wired for connection, how social bonds evolved to enhance survival, and how strong relationships contribute to longevity and resilience through measurable biological pathways. The session also highlights the growing impact of modern systems on social networks—both strengthening and weakening relational depth—and offers interactive opportunities for participants to reflect on their own circles of connection. This presentation demonstrates that relationships with ourselves, our family, peers, and wider communities are not just beneficial, but essential to human thriving.

Statement of need:
While modern definitions of connection and social networks are broadening, the need to establish and strengthen face-to-face relationships is more important than ever for human wellbeing and cooperation.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Lauren Geraghty, MA

Chief Strategy Officer, Communities In Schools of San Antonio

Lauren’s professional background began in organizational development with a private investment firm before she made the transition into education and spent over 4 years supporting the launch of a San Antonio based education non-profit and an education-consulting firm with national... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:35am - 12:30pm CDT
Stars at Night Ballroom

Keynote session

12:50pm CDT

Believe: Normalizing Language, Assessing Suicide Risk, & Responding with Care the "Lasso Way" - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

301 B

CBMT Approved

Objectives:

Participants will learn to use neutral, non-stigmatizing language around suicide, fostering openness, trust, and authentic disclosure.
Participants will gain practical, universal skills for suicide risk assessment and safety planning applicable across multidisciplinary settings.
Participants will understand how curiosity, collaboration, and empathy support effective responses to suicidal ideation, helping people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Statement of Need:
With youth suicide rates rising and many providers feeling unprepared to ask directly about suicidal thoughts, there is a critical need for practical, evidence-based training that equips multidisciplinary teams to engage in compassionate, confident, and life-saving conversations. .

Abstract:
In 2023, over 49,000 people died by suicide, with one death every 11 minutes, and millions more seriously considered or attempted suicide. Yet many providers across disciplines report discomfort and fear when discussing suicide directly with clients or patients. This interactive 90-minute session equips participants to approach suicide prevention with curiosity, compassion, and confidence, inspired by Ted Lasso’s principle: “Be curious, not judgmental.” Participants will learn to normalize language around suicide, apply a universal, human-centered risk assessment framework, implement multidisciplinary collaborative responses, and develop practical safety plans. Combining evidence-based practice with the presenter’s professional experience across inpatient, outpatient, and youth detention settings, this session emphasizes relational, hope-centered care and prepares providers to engage in life-saving conversations with clarity and confidence.

Speakers

Marissa A. Peña, LMSW

Juvenile Detention Counselor

Marissa A. Peña is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a passion for trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and empowering marginalized youth. She blends clinical expertise with a decade as a secondary educator, where she led award-winning speech/debate and academic programs... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
301 B

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

Exploring Verbal Processing and Assessments within the Lens of Music Therapy - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

301 A

Objectives:

Explore current musical and nonmusical communication tools within music therapy sessions using hands on methods.
Introduce current Music Therapy Assessment tools within mental health.
Discuss and evaluate clinical communication techniques as a tool for redirection and increased engagement within music therapy sessions.

Statement of Need:
Music therapy is an evidence-based practice rooted in theory, assessment, and research. As the practice continues to evolve and continues to integrate psychotherapy approaches, it is important to explore and evaluate current assessment tools while building confidence in the unique approach to verbal processing within music therapy.

Abstract:
Creative arts therapy, therapeutic recreational therapy, expressive art therapy, rehabilitation services. Music therapy frequently falls under various categories of therapeutic services and programs. With our unique educational background and flexible medium, it’s easy to see why our services can bring value to many programs. Through a case-based, research driven approach, we will review the unique educational experiences of a music therapist, assessments and processing within a music therapist framework, and the importance of implementing verbal skills to stay within our scope of practice

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Jasmyne Marshall, MM, MS, MT-BC, LPC-A

Clarity Child Guidance Center

Jasmyne Marshall is an experienced music therapist from the colorful city of San Antonio, Texas. Driven by advocacy, she takes pride in providing quality music therapy and counseling services to populations with limited voices. She holds a dual Masters in Music therapy and Counseling... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
301 A

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

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

Tuesday July 14, 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 →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
301 C

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

From Screen to Teen: Evaluating the Impact of the New AI Virtual Environment on Teen Mental Health - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

303 AB

Objectives:

Audience members will learn about the world of AI apps, games, chat rooms and programs, including how youth are currently engaging with these platforms. This includes AI character games, AI therapy apps, and AI search engines. They will better understand how these programs potentially interact with a teen's social and emotional development.
Audience members will learn the current research on AI platforms and their effect on developmental and mental health outcomes, including dangerous AI interactions, the creation of harmful stigma, and a need for more research on effects.
Audience members will gain practical skills to assess and address a teens online experience. The workshop will provide ready-to-use talking points, questions, and activities to facilitate interventions and conversations with teens.

Statement of need:
A critical environmental influence on teen mental health—their interaction with apps and AI—is being overlooked due to lack of awareness. It is currently unscreened in our intakes, absent from treatment plans, and missing from our clinical conversations.

Abstract:
Teens are interacting with AI and the virtual world in more ways than just getting answers for their homework assignments. Every professional or adult that works with teens should understand how new AI apps and the virtual world interact with a youth’s social and emotional development. This training exists because harmful virtual and AI experiences are happening, and we haven’t been trained on how to screen for them. Audience members will be taught how to address this new virtual environment in their evaluations, and in everyday conversations with teens. They will learn how assessing a youth’s virtual environment will create more relevant, effective, and tailored treatment for our youth. This workshop will include virtual and Ai experiences, stories, case studies, and ready-to-use skills to take home and use with teens.

Speakers

Leanne Foell, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
303 AB

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

Purpose and Resiliency: Building Strong Minds and Soft Hearts - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

305

Objectives:

Participants will learn to cultivate cognitive resilience and mental agility
Participants will foster emotional intelligence and self-compassion
Participants will understand nurture empathy, connection, and ethical living

Statement of Need:
Anti-Bullying campaigns have failed, we need to shift to teaching and training up kids to have strong minds and soft hearts.

Abstract:
Today’s teenagers face unprecedented academic pressure, social media comparison, and social anxieties, often leading to a focus solely on "grit" or mental toughness. While academic performance is important, it is often prioritized at the expense of emotional health and empathy. This presentation, "Building Strong Minds and Soft Hearts," argues that true success requires a balanced approach: developing Strong Minds (resilience, critical thinking, and mental endurance) alongside Soft Hearts (empathy, emotional regulation, and self-compassion).

Speakers

Nickolas Raczek, LPC

Clinic Administrator for CHAAT, CHCS

Nickolas Raczek (Nick) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Clinic Administrator for CHAAT at CHCS, dedicated to advancing mental health care with a compassionate, relational leadership style. With a career rooted in mental health since 2015, Nick has a proven track record... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
305

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

Strong Roots, Strong Families - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

304 A

Objectives:

Identify key stressors impacting military family mental health and explain how transitions, separations, and reintegration challenges influence overall family resilience.
Evaluate the role of support systems, early intervention, and culturally informed care in strengthening emotional well-being within military households.
Apply strategies that reinforce family connection, adaptability, and readiness to promote long-term resilience across the military community.

Statement of need:
Military families face dis nct stressors that create a clear need for accessible, culturally competent mental health support to strengthen resilience and sustain readiness.

Abstract:
Strong Roots, Strong Families explores how nurturing the mental health of military families builds resilience at every level—from the individual service member to the broader community. This talk highlights the unique stressors military families face, including frequent transi ons, separa on, and reintegra on, and emphasizes the importance of strong support systems, early interven on, and culturally informed care. By strengthening the “roots” of emo onal wellbeing, we empower families to adapt, stay connected, and thrive in the face of uncertainty, ul mately reinforcing the readiness and strength of the en re military community.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Crystal Sperber, MEd, MS, LPC

Owner, Aloe Vera Counseling

Crystal Sperber is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with over 10 years of experience working with children and adults in various educational settings. Crystal is the owner of a small boutique private practice, Aloe Vera Counseling. As a private practitioner, Crystal’s desire... Read More →

Timothy Kidneigh, LPC-A

Aloe Vera Counseling

I am an LPC-A and a veteran who understands that life doesn’t come with a set of instructions. At times, it can feel like walking through the dark, with no map and unsure of the way ahead. With a flashlight in hand, my goal is to bring some light to the dark. Utilizing existential... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
304 A

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

The Healing Power of Play: Using Play to Foster Connection, Regulation, and Growth - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

302 A

Objectives:

Describe how play naturally supports healing and connection.
Explain how play engages the brain and body to promote regulation, integration, and growth.
Apply play-based strategies to foster trust, co-regulation, and resilience in children and families.

Statement of Need:
Children and families benefit from play as a tool to build connection, regulate emotions, and foster resilience, making this session essential for caregivers and clinicians seeking practical strategies.

Abstract:
In this interactive session, participants will explore how play can be used as a powerful tool to strengthen connection and support emotional and physical regulation in children and families. Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, or community member, play offers meaningful ways to build trust, co-regulate, and foster resilience — especially for children navigating emotional or behavioral challenges. Drawing from attachment theory, neuroscience, and play therapy, this session will offer developmentally informed strategies that can be applied in both therapeutic and everyday settings.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Priscilla Reyna-Vasquez, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, BC-TMH

Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, St. Mary's University

Priscilla Reyna-Vasquez, Ph.D., is an LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S™, and a Board Certified- TeleMental Health Counselor. Priscilla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at St. Mary's University and serves as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC... Read More →

Anahi Esquivel, MA, LPC-A, NCC

CES Doctoral Graduate Student, St. Mary's University

Anahi Esquivel, MA, LPC-Associate, NCC, is a Ph.D. student in Counselor Education and Supervision at St. Mary’s University. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Baylor University. Her clinical and research interests include grief and loss, play the... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
302 A

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

The Perfect Storm - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

302 BC

Objectives:

This session will present the current “stress storm” that is appearing on the horizons for so many people & allow the listeners to understand how individuals respond, react, and are affected by the daily toxic stress in their lives.
This session will give the listeners some additional communication tools to best communicate with those that are experiencing high levels of stress.
The listeners will learn the importance of become more Trauma-Informed within the office, community, and at home.

Abstract:
The session will help the listener to understand that developing a trauma-informed mindset is critical to help children deal with a world filled with stress. This session will open up an understanding for the need for equity and understanding in quality care and treatment for all communities.

NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Gregory Williams, PhD

Senior Leadership Team at Baylor College of Medicine’s OB/GYN Department, Baylor College of Medicine

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

Therapeutic Recreation & The Power of Play: The Impact of Recreational Therapy - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

303 C

Objectives:

Discuss how and why RT utilizes activity based interactions to connect with patients/clients
Discuss the relationship between automatic thoughts which trigger emotional responses
Demonstrate hands-on strategies for increasing stress tolerance that can be used by everyone.

Abstract:
While often mistaken for simple leisure, Recreational Therapy (RT) serves as a purposeful clinical intervention that bridges the gap between activity and recovery. This session explores how and why RT utilizes intentional, activity-based interactions to foster deep connections with patients and clients, transforming "play" into a vehicle for clinical change. Participants will examine the cognitive-behavioral framework of RT, specifically the relationship between automatic thoughts and the emotional responses they trigger during active engagement. Finally, the session transitions from theory to practice by demonstrating hands-on, universal strategies for increasing stress tolerance—tools designed for immediate application to improve resilience in both clinical settings and daily life.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Bryan Mosier, CTRS

Lead Recreational Therapist, Clarity Child Guidance Center

Bryan Mosier, CTRS, is a dedicated, compassionate lead Recreational Therapist at Clarity Child Guidance Center, with over a decade of specialized experience in pediatric and adolescent mental health. A graduate of Texas State University with a BS in Recreation Administration with... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
303 C

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

Together We Are Better: How Our Bexar County System of Care Keeps the Community Afloat - 1.5 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT

304 B

Objectives:

Explain how SOC/CRCG-aligned care coordination improves behavioral health access and continuity of care Attendees will be able to describe how cross-system coordination (schools, juvenile probation, mental health providers, Region 20, nonprofits, and the Health Collaborative) strengthens timely connection to services, including wraparound supports and intensive outpatient referrals, to improve stability and follow-through.
Identify the mechanisms by which coordinated, wraparound supports reduce risk and improve youth/family outcomes Attendees will be able to map how reducing service duplication, closing gaps in care, and actively addressing barriers to support (transportation, eligibility, scheduling, engagement) improves engagement in treatment and supportive services for youth with complex mental health needs.
Apply an integrated Systems of Care pathway to expand reach and measurably improve outcomes at the community level Attendees will leave able to outline how integrated SOC/CRCG workflows expand reach, meet state-mandated expectations, and drive improved outcomes for youth and families through coordinated service planning and shared accountability across partners.

Statement of Need:
To meet growing demand and fulfill state mandates, integrated systems of care are needed to expand reach, close service gaps, and improve outcomes for youth and families.

Abstract:
This session highlights the collaborative partnership between the Community Resource Coordination Group (CRCG) and the Bexar County System of Care (SOC), which strengthens a state-mandated framework supporting youth with complex mental health needs and their families. Through cross-system collaboration with schools, juvenile probation, mental health providers, Region 20, nonprofits, and the Bexar County Health Collaborative, this approach enhances care coordination, wraparound services, and access to intensive outpatient referrals. The collaboration aims to reduce service duplication, address gaps in care, and guide families in identifying and overcoming barriers to receiving needed supports. There will also be an opportunity for you in representation of your organization to join our local CRCG and or how to receive support for the clients that you serve.

NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Janell Garcia, MA

Project Director, Bexar County System of Care

Janell Garcia is currently serving as the Project Director for the Bexar County System of Care within the Bexar County Public and Behavioral Health Department. She possesses over ten years of experience working collaboratively with families, stakeholders, community partners, elected... Read More →

Elizabeth Lutz, MBA

CEO, The Health Collaborative in San Antonio

Elizabeth Lutz, MBA, serves as CEO of The Health Collaborative in San Antonio, Texas, where she leads community-driven strategies to improve access, coordination, and outcomes for individuals and families with complex needs. Her work centers on care coordination, multi-partner collaboration... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 12:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
304 B

Breakout session

2:10pm CDT

Coffee Break

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:10pm - 2:40pm CDT

Henry B. González Convention Center

Complimentary coffee, tea, water, and snacks are available for all attendees.

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:10pm - 2:40pm CDT
Henry B. González Convention Center 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

2:40pm CDT

Beyond Acceptance: Building Inclusive Mental Health Frameworks for LGBTQ+ Youth and Their Families - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

304 A

Objectives:

Identify the key mental health disparities affecting LGBTQ+ youth and the evidence-based factors — including family acceptance — that serve as protective buffers & apply trauma-informed, affirming clinical frameworks when working with LGBTQ+ young people across diverse cultural and family contexts.
Engage families at varying stages of understanding and acceptance using developmentally appropriate, non-judgmental communication strategies & recognize the impact of minority stress, internalized stigma, and systemic barriers on LGBTQ+ youth mental health presentations.
Develop institutional or practice-level changes that signal safety and inclusion to LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

Statement of need:
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for integrating affirming practices into their clinical work, fostering family engagement, and advocating for systemic change within their institutions.

Abstract
LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionate rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality — yet research consistently shows that affirming care and family support are among the most powerful protective factors for this population. This session explores evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches for mental health clinicians working with LGBTQ+ young people and their families, with an emphasis on creating environments where youth feel genuinely seen and supported.
Presenters will examine the unique stressors facing LGBTQ+ youth — including minority stress, family rejection, school climate, and systemic barriers to care — while offering practical tools for engaging families across a wide spectrum of acceptance. The session emphasizes a strengths-based lens, recognizing the resilience of LGBTQ+ youth and the critical role clinicians play in bridging gaps between youth and their caregivers.

NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Lex Loro, MS, MFT

Executive Director, The Pride Center

Lex has more than 12 years of experience working in sexual health education and advocacy, curriculum development, and training facilitation aimed at supporting queer and disabled youth, adults, and their families. They have spent the last six years serving the Pride Center, first... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
304 A

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Commonly Used Psychotropics on Children - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 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 →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
301 C

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Designing Adolescent Psychiatric Hospitals for Healing and Safety: Evidence-Based Strategies to Benefit Patients and Staff - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

301 B

Objectives:

Evidence-Based Design Creates Dual Healing Environments: Architectural design isn't one-way—it simultaneously improves patient recovery AND staff well-being/safety
Adolescents Have Unique Developmental Design Needs: Adolescents (12-18) differ fundamentally from children and adults in psychiatric settings—they need autonomy, peer socialization, and control opportunities
Actionable Design Strategies Are Implementable Now: You don't need a complete new building—evidence-based strategies apply to both new designs AND renovations

Abstract:
This presentation explores the critical architectural design qualities that support both adolescent patients and staff in psychiatric hospital settings, based on evidence from literature review and field interviews with clinicians and care teams across three state hospitals. Key findings will be shared on how elements such as atmosphere, lighting, natural environments, flexibility, wayfinding, and safety can shape spaces that balance autonomy with supervision, create a homelike and supportive campus, and promote well-being, recovery, and workplace satisfaction. Attendees will learn about specific design strategies, ranging from open and adaptable floor plans to biophilic features and staff respite areas, that address the unique developmental, therapeutic, and operational requirements of adolescent psychiatric care. The session will offer actionable insights for mental health professionals, designers, and administrators seeking to build and renovate adolescent psychiatric hospitals that advance trauma-informed, person-centered healing environments.

Speakers

Neda Norouzi, PhD

Associate Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio

Dr. Neda Norouzi is an accomplished Associate Professor at the UTSA School of Architecture and Planning, specializing in healthcare facilities planning, mental health environments, and universal design. With dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Urban Regional Planning, and... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
301 B

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Ethics and the Therapeutic Relationship: Building Trust Within Boundaries - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

302 BC

Objectives:

Describe how establishing and maintaining clear ethical boundaries fosters safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship.
Identify effective ways to communicate confidentiality limits and mandated reporting responsibilities to clients and families.
Recognize how ethical self-awareness and management of countertransference contribute to maintaining professional boundaries & explain strategies for balancing client autonomy with professional and ethical obligations in clinical practice

Abstract:
This presentation explores how ethical practice strengthens, rather than restricts the therapeutic relationship. Participants will examine how clear boundaries and transparent communication about confidentiality, reporting obligations, and professional limits create safety and trust. Emphasis will be placed on ethical self-awareness, managing countertransference, and supporting client autonomy even when reporting is required.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Priscilla Reyna-Vasquez, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, BC-TMH

Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, St. Mary's University

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
302 BC

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Ice-Breakers, Energizers, & More - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

303 C

Objectives:

Professionals will have a general understanding of the Facilitated Wave Model and the importance of sequencing interventions.
Professionals will learn how to engage your target audience using experiential interventions.
Professionals will walk away with a healthy knowledge of new experiential interventions.

Statement of need:
Whether you are a mental health professional directly working with clients or in a supervisory role, seeking new ways to engage your staff, this workshop is for you.

Abstract:
“Ice Breakers, Energizers & More” will provide practitioners with a foundational understanding of the Facilitated Wave Model. This model aims to guide the practice of adventure group therapy and outlines the steps facilitators take to intentionally plan and facilitate these experiences for change. This workshop will teach interventions that can be adapted to various populations and settings. In addition, this highly interactive workshop will invite participants to interact with each other in community building activities, providing them with the opportunity to engage as a facilitator and client.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Roxanne Castillo-Beckett, MA, LPC-S

Founder, Adventure Mind, PLLC

Roxanne has extensive experience spanning over 16 years working with at-risk populations in various settings. Her background includes roles in residential treatment centers, providing bilingual services to unaccompanied minors, crisis assessment and intervention in hospital settings... Read More →

Araceli Marquez, MS, LPC

Adventure Mind, PLLC

Araceli is a proud Texas veteran and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a focus in experiential and outdoor behavioral healthcare. Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Araceli pioneered TF-CBT experiential groups at the Children’s Advocacy... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
303 C

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Navigating Psychoeducational Evaluations: Advancing Achievement Among Diverse Learners - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

302 A

CBMT Approved

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of psychoeducational evaluations in educational settings & identify disabilities as defined by The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
List sections of psychoeducational evaluation reports & summarize and identify assessments used in each section
Understand how psychoeducational reports are used to inform student’s learning

Statement of Need:
To effectively support students with learning disabilities, professionals must be able to translate psychoeducational evaluations into practical and implementable plans. Understanding the nuances of these reports allows stakeholders to leverage data-driven strategies, ensuring that every educational plan is optimized for student success and achievement.

Abstract:
Psychoeducational evaluations are a foundational component of supporting students with diverse learning, cognitive, and emotional-behavioral needs in educational settings. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the psychoeducational evaluation process, including its purpose, structure, and the critical role it plays in educational decision-making. Attendees will learn the purpose of psychoeducational evaluations and understand IDEA disability criteria. Key report sections are explored in depth and inform commonly used assessment tools. By navigating each step of the psychoeducational evaluation process, mental health professionals will gain practical strategies for integrating assessment findings into holistic student support and educational planning, ultimately enhancing outcomes for diverse learners.

Speakers

Almendra Reyes, MS

School Psychologist, The Winston School of SA

Almendra Reyes is a dedicated and experienced Licensed Specialist in School Psychology with a strong commitment to fostering student academic success through collaborative efforts. She holds a Master of Science in School Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Almendra has served as an LSSP across several districts in San Antonio, including Edgewood ISD, Southwest ISD, and San Antonio ISD. In these roles, she provided vital support to multiple schools by conducting comprehensive evaluations, participating in ARD meetings, and working closely... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
302 A

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Navigating the System: Understanding 504s and IEPs - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

305

Objectives:

Participants will develop an understanding of how needs align with IEP and Section 504 eligibility, services, and legal requirements within schools.
Earticipants will learn how to translate assessment findings, diagnoses, and therapeutic insights into appropriate school-based supports, accommodations, and interventions.
articipants will identify strategies to effectively collaborate with school teams (ARD/504 committees) to advocate for and implement supports that improve students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning.

Statement of need:
Attend this session to strengthen your ability to advocate for students by turning your insight into effective school-based supports that improve student outcomes through the IEP and 504 process.

Abstract
This session explores the relationship between children’s mental health and educational supports within the IEP and Section 504 processes in schools. Participants will gain a practical understanding of eligibility, legal frameworks, and how clinical data can inform school-based interventions. Emphasis will be placed on effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to translate mental health needs into meaningful accommodations and services that improve student outcomes across academic, behavioral, and emotional domains.

Speakers

Angelica Medrano, MA

Founder & Educational Advocate, EDU PrepSpace

Angelica has over 20 years of experience in special education and holds teaching certifications in Special Education and English as a Second Language. She began her career as a middle school special education teacher and later served in a districtwide role supporting K–12 campuses... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
305

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Ransomed Life’s Human Trafficking: Training for Healthcare Professionals - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

304 B

Objectives:

Differentiate human trafficking from human smuggling and consensual commercial sex
Recognize vulnerabilities, risk factors, and indicators of human trafficking
Apply patient-centered interventions and strategies for healthcare providers.

Abstract:
State-approved course. Understanding the world of human trafficking (HT) is essential for healthcare providers who interact with patients. This training covers HT facts, as well as common misconceptions, and guides personnel to provide appropriate patient-centered responses within various practice settings. (This presentation is a state of Texas-approved Human Trafficking Course for Health Care Practitioners).

Speakers

Muriel Lanford, MSN, RN, TCRN

Lead Medical Trainer, Ransomed Life

Muriel Lanford, a board-certified trauma nurse, holds both baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and has practiced at multiple trauma centers across the country.

Ms. Lanford served 10 years as Trauma Program and Emergency Preparedness Director for a large healthcare system in Texas. After consulting for several private healthcare corporations, she subsequently worked as a professional speaker, educating healthcare staff around the country

... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
304 B

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Using Music to Support DBT Skills: Practical, Experiential Strategies for Mental Health Clinicians - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

301 A

Objectives:

Explain how core DBT skills (mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness) can be supported through structured musical experiences aligned with behavioral treatment goals.
Apply music-based activities within their professional scope of practice to help clients practice and reinforce DBT skills in individual or group settings.
Assess client engagement and regulation during music-based DBT skill practice and modify interventions to maintain safety, therapeutic intent, and clinical appropriateness.

Statement of Need:
Mental health clinicians and music therapists need effective DBT skills because they frequently serve clients with intense emotional dysregulation, high-risk behaviors, and limited coping strategies, and must offer concrete, repeatable tools that support regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal functioning in real time.

Abstract:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a widely used, evidence-based approach for supporting individuals with emotional dysregulation, high distress, and interpersonal challenges. Many mental health clinicians seek experiential strategies to reinforce DBT skills beyond verbal processing, particularly for clients who struggle with traditional talk-based interventions. This session introduces DBT-informed uses of music as a structured, accessible modality for skill practice. Participants will explore how music can support mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness through practical, clinician-friendly activities. Clinical examples and guided experiences will emphasize ethical integration, scope of practice, and adaptability across mental health settings.

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Janice Lindstrom, PhD, MT-BC

Chair and Senior Lecturer II, Southern Methodist University

Dr. Janice Lindstrom, MT-BC, is Director of the Music Therapy Program and Senior Lecturer II at Southern Methodist University. She is a board-certified music therapist with clinical and teaching experience in mental health, medical, and community-based settings. Her professional work... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
301 A

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

Utilizing Games and Activities in Family Therapy: Navigating Trauma, Attachment, and Increasing Caregiver Engagement - 2 CE hours

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT

303 AB

Objectives:

Participants will review the relationship between early traumatic experiences, the impact on development, and how this may impact family dynamics and the family therapy process.
Participants will learn how (and why) to facilitate activity-based interventions including ways to provide psychoeducation that will encourage caregivers to support activities and games within session, while working toward identified goals.
Participants will walk through and participate in activities to use during family therapy sessions which build on these concepts. Participants will feel empowered to engage their clients and families in a fun and healing way.

Abstract
This presentation is designed to provide the tools needed for therapists and mental health providers to feel empowered engaging their clients and families in fun, connecting, and healing ways. Presenters will review the neurobiological impact of trauma as it relates to development and attachment, and how this influences the therapeutic environment when working with children, adolescents, and their families. Participants will learn about the benefits of utilizing games and activity-based interventions during the therapy process to enhance engagement and connection, assess the family system, build and practice skills, and how this can pave the way for further growth. Presenters will address ways to provide psychoeducation and increase caregiver buy-in throughout this process. This presentation will provide

CBMT & NCTRC Approved

Speakers

Analyssa Carlson, LPC, NCC

Therapist, San Marcos Treatment Center

Analyssa Carlson is currently a clinical mental health therapist at the San Marcos Treatment Center tending to children, adolescents, and families. Analyssa began her journey with SMTC back in 2019 during graduate school and has continued to feel led helping kiddos and families navigate... Read More →

Ragan Aaron, LPC-S, RPT-S, CCTP

Director of Clinical Services, San Marcos Treatment Center

Ragan Aaron, LPC-S, RPT-S, CCTP, TBRI Practitioner, is the Director of Clinical Services at the San Marcos Treatment Center. In this role she is responsible for the training and supervision of the clinical therapists and the therapeutic treatment delivered to patients. This includes... Read More →

Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
303 AB

Breakout session

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