This presentation focuses on the vital collaboration between clinicians, attorneys, caseworkers, and parents in the reunification process for children in foster care. Emphasizing the essential role of clinical services, particularly Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), we will discuss how these services, combined with reflective consultation, enhance family support and facilitate effective reunification. Participants will gain insights into fostering teamwork and communication, ensuring that clinical perspectives inform practice, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for children and their families.

The neurodiversity movement has revolutionized perspectives on autism and related neurodivergences. Yet, these are also often comorbid with mental health conditions including psychosis. In this workshop we will explore this overlap and strategies for meeting the unique needs of these clients

Learn about county SB40 boards and how they use local tax levies to support people with developmental disabilities through leveraging funds, providing care and coordinating supports.

Youth Behavioral Health Liaisons, or YBHLs, are behavioral health professionals across the state who work to connect youth and their families to behavioral health services. When thinking of YBHLs, their job function is usually explained as a “connector” to services – and they are. But YBHLs also do so much more within their communities. Join us to dive into all the different roles of a YBHL, review the new Community Engagement data that has been collected from YBHLs across the state, and learn how YBHLs can increase community engagement with your organization.

The standard model of the suicide continuum suggest people start with thoughts of escapist ideation, and, if things don’t get better, gradually progress through the dimension of non-morbid escapist ideation, to morbid ideation, to passive suicidal ideation to active suicidal ideation, etc. The research doesn’t support this progression. Up to 75% of those who die by suicide denied suicidal thoughts in their last visit behavioral health visit prior to their death. Many that attempt and survive suicide deny recalling suicide thoughts until just upon their attempt. We clinicians need to have a better understanding of the limitations of our suicide risk models and adopt new approaches when working with our clients.

The foundation for lifelong health and well-being is centered around early relational health with safe, stable, and nurturing relationships they give rise to in an early childhood mental health early relational health emphasizes the importance of early relationships and child development. Early relational health (ERH) is a framework that emphasizes the importance of early relationships and experiences in a child’s healthy development.  By focusing on early relational health, providers and healthcare professionals can create a supportive environment that nurtures the growth and development of infants and young children, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient individuals.

While most individuals with a psychotic disorder will never engage in aggressive or violent behavior, it is sometimes assumed individuals with a severe mental illness are likely to commit an aggressive or violent act. Aggressive behavior, defined as disruptive behavior that harms people physically and psychologically, can be manifested in multiple forms including physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility.
Although, violence risk is elevated in individuals experiencing first episode psychosis (FEP) compared to individuals in the later stages of psychotic illness and the general population, most individuals with psychotic disorder will not engage in aggressive or violent behavior. Myriad factors are implicated in the emergence of aggressive behavior in individuals experiencing psychosis such as personality traits, neurobiology, and the complex relationship with the surrounding environment (e.g., family, friends, socioeconomic status, parent’s economic and educational standing). Literature has shown that an interaction between temperament / personality traits (stable across time), increased family conflict, poor communication, low parental support, and early traumatic events negatively impacts overall development and leads to unfavorable outcomes such as externalizing behavior, delinquency/incarceration, depression, social anxiety, academic failure, and low quality of life.  Therefore, it is essential to understand the trajectories of behavior prior to, and following, the onset of FEP.  This understanding can help identify at-risk groups, inform treatment approaches, and reduce aggressive and violent behavior in individuals experiencing FEP.

Being a Guardian and Conservator is not an easy task. We are faced with a lot of difficult decisions and situations on a daily basis for many individuals. We will discuss how we approach the individuals we serve regarding their situations, why we make the decisions we make, and the actions/consequences or our decisions. We will explain how other people’s roles in our individuals lives also impact how we make decisions.

In addition to the variety of decisions we make, we have other challenges and obstacles we face. We will unpack how we try to handle and possibly overcome some of these unique situations through some case studies. We will also dive into some of the amazing and rewarding experiences we have seen through the years of working with those in need and how we have been able to work on increasing independence and restoring rights of those we serve.

The interactive presentation gives an overview of the CISM Peer Network and engages participants in grounding techniques and a group debriefing simulation. The Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Peer Network program is made up of volunteer staff at each facility, satellite, and regional office across the state. CISM Peers have lived experience with critical incidents, trauma and personal or workplace stress. Peers provide employees emotional support, stress education, link to resources and help with adaptive functioning. This is achieved through confidential support, information, and resources. The presentation will model relaxation activity called grounding and simulate a 7-Phase CISM Debriefing technique designed to support employees after a shared traumatic incident with a goal of mitigation of the crisis response, assist in restoration of the group’s ability to function, and identify individuals who might need additional support.

Behavioral health professionals are vital in addressing the mental health crisis. Conventional approaches focusing on risk factors, access to services, and clinical methods have not effectively reduced suicide rates. Integrating lethal means safety counseling and strategies is essential to creating safer environments. By advocating for safe storage practices, professionals can significantly reduce suicide risk. Conversations for Suicide Safer Homes: A CALM-informed training equips practitioners with the tools to implement these measures, contributing to comprehensive suicide prevention.

 

Dr. Bader will review the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) and its utility for understanding our complex mental health systems. She will also explain what occurs during a SIM mapping and the role that mental health professionals play in the larger system. Lastly, she will highlight the ways that all practitioners, from solo and small group practices to large mental health centers are integral to the stability and improvement of mental health treatment across Missouri.

This session will identify the prevalence of violence within outpatient mental health settings and then provide a framework for enhancing violence prevention. Violence prevention requires assessment and treatment for individual clients as well as assessment of risks in the physical environment. Often violence programs have only focused on individual patient’s risk without viewing the larger context or possible triggers within our therapeutic settings. Examples will address ways that solo practices and large practices can prevent acts of aggression.

The presentation will share the development and current implementation of the Missouri Alliance for Dual Diagnosis (MOADD) ECHO. Expert hub team member will share data showing effectiveness of the ECHO model as well as gap analysis of professional training and knowledge barriers in supporting youth with dual developmental/intellectual disabilities and behavioral health conditions.

In today’s healthcare landscape, integrating behavioral health into primary care is essential for addressing complex challenges such as opioid use disorder, developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and suicide prevention. This session will explore the value of a multidisciplinary approach to care, highlighting how Show-Me ECHO programs foster collaboration between experts and healthcare providers to enhance clinical outcomes. Participants will gain insights into how peer-to-peer learning and mentorship through virtual knowledge-sharing communities can improve their practice. Join us to discover how engaging with ECHO programs can expand your professional network and strengthen your ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Fentanyl and opioids have taken many lives and touched many more in the past decades. In middle Missouri, the problem has been no different. Reducing the burden of overdoses in our communities takes collaboration from multiple sectors along with focused educational interventions, harm reduction, and primary prevention. In this presentation, Health Program Coordinators from Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services will discuss their strategies and lessons learned from years of addressing substance use, overdose prevention, and community outreach.

For decades, the recruitment process has often been treated like an employer-centered transactions what I like to call an us vs. them mentality. Candidates are seen as commodities, as a means to an end, and the focus has been on finding the perfect fit for the job description. But in today’s rapidly evolving talent market, where the demand for skilled workers is at an all-time high, this approach just doesn’t cut it anymore.
We’re going to challenge the traditional mindset and begin to view candidates not as a separate entity or a “problem to solve,” but as partners in the success of our organizations people we want to build relationships with, just like we do with our customers or clients.

By doing so, we can begin making small, intentional changes that have a big impact not only on improving our hiring processes but on fostering loyalty and commitment from candidates who will one day become the very employees who help drive our companies forward.

Upstream Youth Mapping is a collaborative project between DMH, MBHC, the Office of State Courts Administrator, Children’s Division, the National Center for State Courts, and the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association. The project’s goals are to strengthen communities, prevent child maltreatment and out-of-home placement, reduce court involvement, and support safe and healthy families.

Whether your circuit has already held an Upstream Mapping or not, please join us to learn about the goals of Upstream, what Upstream data is showing so far, and how Upstream can help you engage with your local community.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often a misunderstood and stigmatized diagnosis.  This presentation will discuss symptoms and behaviors of BPD, explore the theories DBT clinicians use to understand the diagnosis, identify how DBT is an effective treatment for the diagnosis, and increase compassion and understanding for those who struggle with the diagnosis.

This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the Show-Me ECHO model, a collaborative approach designed to enhance the capacity of healthcare providers in addressing behavioral health and substance use challenges. Participants will gain insights into how this model fosters knowledge-sharing, professional support, and improved patient care.

Key learning objectives include:

Describing the ECHO Model – Explore the history, principles, and impact of the Show-Me ECHO model in expanding healthcare capacity.

Exploring the Depth and Breadth of ECHO Programming – Learn about specialized ECHO programs, including Child Psychiatry, Opioid Use Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Suicide Prevention, and Adult Psychiatry, and their role in enhancing provider knowledge and patient care.

Identifying Key Indicators of Success – Examine essential metrics that reflect the effectiveness of ECHO programs, such as participant engagement, knowledge retention, clinical outcomes, and program sustainability.

Reviewing Outcomes and Benefits – Understand how ECHO participation leads to improved clinical skills, increased provider confidence, and better patient outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.

Perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis, affect up to 1 in 7 women and remain a critical yet underrecognized aspect of maternal mental health. This presentation will provide an overview of the clinical presentation, risk factors, and potential consequences of untreated perinatal mood disorders for both mother and child. Emphasis will be placed on screening tools and best practices for early identification in obstetric and primary care settings.

Attendees will also learn about evidence-based treatment approaches, including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and nonpharmacologic interventions tailored to the unique needs of perinatal patients. The presentation will highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and offer strategies for supporting mothers in accessing care, reducing stigma, and fostering long-term recovery. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools to enhance their care for this vulnerable population.

This presentation will explore how to balance person-centered treatment with effective addiction interventions, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery. Topics will include:
• Understanding the Addiction Mindset
• Exploring how addiction impacts behavior, thought patterns, and motivation
• Best Practices for Individuals in Recovery
• Strategies to support sustainable recovery through individualized treatment plans
• Recognizing Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
• Identifying the physiological and psychological signs of withdrawal to provide timely interventions
• Criteria for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Defining eligibility and treatment goals for individuals using MAT
• Medications and Their Applications, Overview of the medications available (e.g., Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone) and which medications address specific symptoms
• Creating a Person-Centered Healing System, Integrating medical care and counseling to build a customized treatment plan that promotes healing
• Counseling Techniques, Utilizing evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address trauma and improve mental health outcomes
• Understanding Trauma in Addiction, Recognizing the role trauma plays in addiction and using trauma-informed care approaches
• Building a Collaborative Support System, Emphasizing the importance of teamwork among medical, counseling, and peer support professionals to ensure patient-centered care

This presentation covers the basics of how supervisors can support employees when they are dealing with difficult client situations. Sometimes those difficulties are behavioral, sometimes they are medical such as dementia, cancer, or other serious issues. Working in a caring field can take a toll on employees. Supervisors can better support employees through interpersonal principles of support, practical strategies for support and helping employees avoid burnout and to build resilience.

All behavior is communication, from infancy to adulthood. Children in therapy often do not have the words or self-awareness to directly communicate their feelings, frustrations, hopes, and experiences. Through play, children tell us what we need to know. Children also tell us through their behaviors, both positive behaviors and those that challenge us. If we look below the surface of the behaviors, we can see what children are trying to tell us and how we can enter their world. This presentation will use research and current case examples to demonstrate how children communicate through play and actions, rather than words.

Surrounding yourself with a support system is important for anyone experiencing trauma, mental health issues, substance use disorders, disabilities, broken relationships, or other challenges. Family and social support can provide the accountability and encouragement you need to persevere through pain in order to live a purpose-filled life. A support group made up of individuals with similar challenges promotes a sense of community as you realize you are not alone.

This workshop will offer tips and suggestions for leading a support group whether you are a peer or professional. Leaders will learn the importance helping group members choose hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory as they teach relevant material, ask thought-provoking questions, and facilitate group discussions. Based on the presenter’s 15+ year experience as a mental health support group leader, the workshop will include sample scenarios that might occur in a group setting and engage attendees in discussions of appropriate responses.

Let’s talk about the Spectrum and learn to think beyond the stereotypical conceptualization of autism to a deeper understanding of how characteristics present and evolve over time and across individuals. We will discuss the DSM-5 criteria, how it is applied and common co-occurring conditions to screen and manage.

This presentation offers an overview of personality disorders, with a particular focus on distinguishing between Schizophrenia and Schizotypal Personality Disorder (SPD). It will explore the roles of antipsychotics in managing SPD and delve into the diagnostic criteria and underlying causes of Clozapine-Induced Myocarditis (CIM), providing a comprehensive understanding of these conditions and their treatment considerations.

This presentation focuses on helping staff working with individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. It identifies strategies for successful verbal de-escalation of patients who may have difficulty managing their behavior and emotions as a result of struggling with these disorders. It also introduces staff to a different “Lens” to look at both the patients we work with as well as themselves in order to meet the diverse emotional and treatment needs of this population. This training has a primary focus to “inspire change” in both our patients and our approach to supporting recovery from mental health and substance use disorders.

True leaders emerge in times of crises, demonstrating competence, clarity of vision, compassion, and the ability to delegate and work collaboratively with others.  These qualities enable businesses, organizations, and nations to meet the challenges of the moment and transform tragedy into triumph.  While such leadership qualities are often seen as innate and not learned, we now know there are dimensions which can be learned and called upon by all of us.

There is an increasing need for youth to develop social-emotional skills. Integrating mindfulness techniques can help teach youth this learned behavior. In turn, teaching them how to recognize and cope with challenging situations and emotions caused by trauma. This session will add tools for coping to your toolbox and explain the science and research behind the strategies presented. Lead by Candice Swee, MS, ATC, 200-RYT and Stacey Throckmorton, MEd., 200-RYT.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed in the 1980’s for treatment of severe mood and behavioral dysregulation, including suicide and self-directed harm.  It was published in manualized form in 1993.  Since that time there have been approximately 73 randomized controlled trials conducted (38 standard DBT, 32 skills-only applications, and 3 adaptations)  examining the effectiveness of this treatment.  The current workshop will review outcomes of recent studies and meta-analyses in an overview of what we know to date about who the treatment is useful for, what benefits can reliably be seen, and necessary elements for success.

 

This presentation will cover cannabis use as it pertains to public mental health.  The goal of this production is to improve understanding of how cannabis affects behavioral functioning and how to address cannabis use in clinical settings.

This presentation will be reviewing an introduction, addiction and family dynamics, diving deeper into the impact on clients/consumers, and provide information re: skills and strategies to use.  Dr. Theison will use a published workbook as a guide while also incorporating additional skills and therapeutic approaches, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), as treatment options.

A brief history of each of the Missouri asylums will be provided, along with a description of the origin of mental health institutions and their evolution over time.

This presentation looks at how PACEs (protective and compensatory experiences) can aid in buffering the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This presentation also dives into the history of ACEs, the current impact of ACEs, how resiliency is incredibly important when looking at childhood trauma, what PACEs are, and how PACEs can be applied on a practical level when interacting with clients. This includes looking at how PACEs can be applied throughout the lifespan, from birth- adulthood.

This engaging and informative presentation delves into the profound impact of trauma on brain function and behavior, providing essential insights for educators, families, and professionals. Attendees will explore the roles of the Frontal Lobe (Driver’s Seat), Limbic System (Backseat), and Brain Stem (Trunk) in regulating thought, emotion, and survival instincts. The science of “Flipping Your Lid” will be introduced, offering practical tools to recognize emotional versus thoughtful responses, empowering individuals to better navigate challenging situations. Through an understanding of how trauma survivors often operate from the Trunk due to survival instincts, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the behaviors and needs of those impacted by trauma.

Building on this foundational knowledge, the presentation will provide actionable trauma-informed strategies to support emotional regulation and address disruptive behaviors. Participants will learn to implement preventative techniques such as transitional warnings, sensory tools, and structured task lists that promote safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment. The session will also cover a tiered intervention framework, including universal supports (Tier 1), targeted strategies for specific needs (Tier 2), and individualized services (Tier 3) tailored to address complex challenges. By the end of the presentation, attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster a supportive and effective environment for students and families impacted by trauma.

 

Step into a compelling exploration of somatic therapies and trauma, where healing goes beyond traditional cognitive approaches. This presentation dives deeply into the wisdom of the nervous system, unraveling the complexities of trauma responses and embracing the body’s vital role in recovery. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the innate threat response cycle and its pivotal role in fostering resilience. This approach highlights the body’s profound capacity to heal and restore, offering a more holistic view of trauma recovery.

Through experiential exercises, participants will explore interoception, exteroception, and proprioception, cultivating a deeper connection to the landscape of sensation and movement. This lecture provides a roadmap to understanding the language of the body and integrating its wisdom into therapy. By learning how to attune to the nervous system and guide clients toward redefining their relationship with their bodies, practitioners will leave equipped to facilitate self-discovery, resilience, and holistic healing that extends beyond the boundaries of traditional talk therapy.

Individuals who are former or current clients are obtaining jobs or roles as peers on a more regular basis (Krumm et al., 2022). As clinicians, educators, and supervisors, it is important to be aware of ethical considerations regarding peers in the workplace, who may be former clients. Ethical dilemmas may arise due to the potential for dual relationships. As clinicians, it is important to be compliant with applicable laws and ethical codes, cooperate with agencies and boards, and be ethically responsible. A critical aspect is being client-centered and not harming clients. This workshop will provide an overview of ethical obligations as they pertain to colleagues or peers, ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality. Issues such as vicarious liability will be discussed and potential ethical conflicts that may occur will be examined. Finally, strategic ways of managing ethical conflicts will be examined.

Facebook was launched in 2004, and the first iPhone was released in 2007. Even before these massive shifts in communication, mental health researchers were interested in the relationship between internet usage, communication technologies, mental health, and relationship wellness. Dr. Smith and Ms. Smith completed a qualitative thematic review of research literature published since 2004 to better understand these relationships. Together, they reviewed over 75 research. In this presentation, they will summarize research published since 2014 and share the insights this research provides.

Body image dissatisfaction is a leading factor in the development of eating disorders, which are serious mental illnesses associated with numerous health and psychiatric comorbidities. The use of social media has increased body dissatisfaction among women, men, and teens. Additionally, recent studies suggest that people in rural areas may spend more time on social media making them more susceptible to body dissatisfaction. Media and more recently the use of social media has been shown to contribute significantly to increased body dissatisfaction, thus the importance on training people to become mindful media consumers. Additionally, helping people develop healthier relationships with their bodies is crucial, as improving body image can significantly reduce the risk of developing an eating disorder. In this session, we will discuss strategies to create an environment that promotes healthy body image by focusing on the following areas: 1) introducing the concept of body acceptance and understanding its benefits in fostering an inclusive and positive environment, 2) exploring how diet culture influences societal norms and body image, including reviewing information on the potential harms caused by social media, and 3) providing actionable steps that providers can take in their practice as well as resources in Missouri for eating disorders screening, prevention, and treatment as well as training for professionals help their clients develop healthy body image and reduce their risk of developing an eating disorder.

By using experiential exercises, visual symbolic props, emotional age designations, and metaphors, a therapist can begin to reveal the actual dynamics among relations in a couple and their subsequent family.  It also becomes undeniably clear to the clients and bypasses resistance and unspoken issues.  By making the issues visible and tangible, treatment ideas become clearer as well.  This presentation will demonstrate how these techniques reveal nine different types of couples.

All professionals experience burnout at some point in their career. In the helping field, it often feels like burnout is part of our job. But is it? Does it have to be?

Take a break from burnout and come together to receive support, encouragement, and education about preventing future compassion fatigue. This presentation will be an interactive, practical session for practitioners to explore self-care strategies beyond deep breathing and “taking a walk.” Working from a Positive Psychology approach, Gabrielle will provide a refreshing take on helping ourselves in order to help others.