Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute to host 20th Annual Community Mental Health Conference at ETHS on June 12

The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education will host its 20th Annual Community Mental Health Conference, “It’s Tough Enough”; Adolescent Mental Health in our Changing World, at Evanston Township High School on Sunday, June 12th, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bringing public attention to the dramatic increase in adolescent mental health issues, the conference is for anyone in the community who cares for or about adolescents, including parents, teachers, coaches, individuals, and families directly affected by mental health concerns, as well as mental health professionals (up to 5 CE/CEUs available). Teens 14-18 are also invited.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 adolescents experience mental health conditions yet many go unrecognized or untreated. According to CDC data, more than 1 in 3 high school students had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40% increase since 2009. In 2019, approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, an increase since 2009. The Surgeon General of the United States issued an Advisory to call attention to this urgent public health issue.

NRCI, a division of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, works to overcome the stigma of mental illness by offering mental health education, trainings, and various outreach programs as well as resources and support to those in need. Our conference agenda includes a presentation panel followed by lunch and afternoon breakout sessions focused on timely issues such as eating disorders, substance abuse, bullying, queer teens and identity, school violence, the impact of COVID-19 and teen suicide prevention. There are 20 sessions to choose from led by Chicagoland experts, along with a session specifically designed for teens.

NRCI welcomes James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB of St. Nicholas Parish to provide an opening message and the diverse panel of experts includes Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW, Marcus A. Campbell, EdD, and author Emily Her, a person with lived experience. The panel, moderated by Keeshawna Brooks, PhD, NCSP, LP will share experiences, expertise and insights into ways we can support and advocate for youth as they navigate mental health challenges. The panel will be live streamed.

An in-person event is planned, with proof of vaccination/negative COVID test required for entry. All federal, state, and local mandates will be followed. Should pandemic conditions prevent an in person gathering, the conference will shift to virtual. Registration is $45 for adults, free for teens 14-18 and includes lunch. Partial and full scholarships are available upon request. For more information and/or to register, please go to https://naomicoheninstitute.org/conferences/2022-annual-conference/

This year’s conference is generously sponsored by: Trilogy, Yellowbrick, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Rogers Behavioral Health, Erika’s Lighthouse, Thresholds, Rebecca’s Dream, and No Shame On U.

Submitted by Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute