Claritycon2026: Full Schedule

10:10am CDT

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

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

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 →

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

Breakout session

12:50pm CDT

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

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

304 A

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 and the Bexar County System of Care, 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.

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 →

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

Breakout session

2:40pm CDT

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

Monday July 13, 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 →

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

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

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

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.

Speakers