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9:00 AM
Leadership starts with how we show up—not just the title we hold. In this engaging session, we move beyond traditional definitions of authority to explore how every individual can explore, cultivate, and project their own leadership potential. We explore leadership traits, reflect on our unique strengths, and consider how a proactive mindset influences career paths and organizational impact. By unpacking the common barriers to leadership, such as imposter syndrome and fixed mindsets, we learn to embrace growth and recognize the leadership opportunities that exist in our current roles. This workshop is designed to be deeply reflective and highly practical, providing you with the tools to think and act like a leader regardless of your position in the hierarchy. We explore how to build authentic professional confidence and navigate the transition from a contributor to a strategic influencer. Through interactive discussion and group exercises, participants identify actionable ways to embrace growth and take the next concrete steps toward their leadership goals. You will leave with the tools to improve your confidence, leverage your strengths, and lead with intentionality in your professional environment. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is intended for individuals at all career stages who wish to expand their influence and readiness for growth, including: emerging leaders looking to move into their first formal leadership or supervisory roles; early-career professionals or others who are experiencing "imposter syndrome" or seeking to build the confidence necessary to advocate for their career progression; mentors who want to model leadership behaviors for others and better support the growth of their teams.
1:00 PM
Escape to the mountains for a dynamic conference focused on advancing community oral health. Engage in timely discussions on community water fluoridation, tobacco prevention and cessation, and the use of silver diamine fluoride in minimally invasive care. Learn best practices for providing inclusive dental care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), alongside insights from a teratogen specialist on prenatal exposures and oral health. Explore the role of orofacial myofunctional therapy within interdisciplinary care while connecting with peers in an inspiring natural environment. All oral health and public health professionals are welcome! Agenda Wednesday, August 5, 2026 12:00n---Registration, Exhibitors and Lunch 12:45---Welcome and Program Overview - Andrea Leyland, DDS, Stacie Turpin Saunders, MPH and Katherine Jowers, DDS 1:00---Community Water Fluoridation - Johnny Johnson, DDS and Steve Slott, DDS 2:30---Spreading Success - Oral Health Section Staff 2:45---Exhibitors and Break (provided) 3:00---Tobacco Prevention - Tobin Lee, BS 4:00---Dental Caries and Silver Diamine Fluoride - Miguel Simancas, DDS 5:00pm---Adjourn Optional Activity - Limited Seating 5:30pm - 7:15pm - Asheville Overview Trolley Tour - This historic, fun & informative tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Points of interest include: - The diverse Montford historic district - The stately Grove Park historic district - The legendary Omni Grove Park Inn - Art Deco-rich downtown - The ever artsy and edgy River Arts District - The quaint & historic Biltmore Village Thursday, August 6, 2026 8:00am---Registration, Exhibitors and Breakfast (provided) 8:30---Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)- Betsy White, RDH, BS, FSCDH 9:30---Maternal Oral Health - Lorrie Harris-Sagaribay, MPH 10:30---Spreading Success - Oral Health Section Staff 10:45---Exhibitors and Break (provided) 11:00---Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Health - Anna Reeves, BS, RDH, CDHC 12:00pm---Q&A, Closing - Andrea Leyland, DDS 12:15---Adjourn and Box Lunch to Go Audience - Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Auxiliary Staff, Public Health Professionals and Educators
How can you be an effective team leader in an increasingly complex and high-pressure work environment? This workshop invites you to move beyond traditional command-and-control structures to embrace a leadership style rooted in humility, honesty, and humanity. We start with humanity: fostering care, well-being, and recognizing the inherent value of every team member. We then explore honesty, including promoting clarity and accountability. Finally, we examine how to show up with humility and a commitment to feedback, empowerment, and recognition. By learning to embed these leadership practices, we can build the high-trust relationships necessary to drive engagement, retention, and collective performance. This session is highly participatory and focuses on learning specific relational leadership skills. We spend significant time practicing the "how” showing care and appreciation, taking accountability, providing feedback, and more. You will leave with a practical framework for creating a team culture in which every member feels safe to speak up, take risks, and bring their whole selves to work. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is designed for current and aspiring leaders who wish to lead with greater intentionality and emotional intelligence: leaders looking to shift from transactional management to a more relational leadership style; professionals in clinical settings in which psychological safety is critical for both staff well-being and patient safety; and emerging leaders who are beginning to manage others and want to establish a leadership foundation built on trust and transparency.
8:00 AM
The United States faces a maternal health crisis as mortality rates continue to accelerate at an alarming pace. Many elements impact the increased risk of pregnancy complications that lead to maternal death, yet more than 80 percent of these deaths are considered preventable. Notably, racial and ethnic disparities exist as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities are at least two to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. It is critical to acknowledge that mental and substance use disorders are common conditions that complicate the perinatal period and are currently the leading cause of maternal mortality. North Carolina is particularly affected, having reported disproportionate rates of pregnancy-related deaths from mental health conditions and injuries that are largely attributed to overdose. Moreover, discrimination is recorded as the most prevalent contributory factor. The 3rd Annual Optimizing Outcomes: MMHSUD Summit brings together healthcare and public health professionals from across North Carolina to advance maternal mental health care. The Summit will provide updates on screening, treatment, and integrated care approaches for maternal mental health and substance use disorders, while highlighting strategies that reduce stigma and improve access to care. Participants will engage in peer-to-peer learning across perinatal care regions, explore emerging recommendations and resources, and identify practical strategies to support practice change and improve outcomes for perinatal patients and families. Agenda August 14th, 2026: 7:00-8:00 AM Registration, Networking, Breakfast, and Exhibitors 8:00-8:30 AM Opening: Bridging the Gap in Rural Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Care: Statewide Strategies - Hilary Beeler, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS 8:30-9:30 AM Keynote: Obsessed with Parental Success: Understanding Perinatal OCD - Mary Kimmel, MD, PhD 9:30-10:15 AM Screening and Treating Substance Use Disorders in the Postpartum Period - David Ryan, MD, FASAM, FACOG 10:15-10:30 AM Break and Exhibitors 10:30-11:15 AM Relational Ethics in Maternal Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders Care - Andrea Winkler, MSW, LCSW, LCAS 11:15am-12:05pm Fellows’ Recognition & Perinatal Care Region Projects: Roundtable Discussion 12:05-1:00 PM Lunch and Exhibitors 1:00-1:45 PM Elevating Patient Voices: Lived Experiences Panel - Judith Johnson-Hostler, MA, LCAS, NCC, LCMHC-A, CSI 1:45-1:50 PM Break 1:50-2:35 PM Couples Matter Too: Supporting Partners in the Perinatal Period - Deliesha Durden, LCMHC, LPC, PMH-C 2:35-3:25 PM Keynote: Belly to Bassinet: Connecting Patients from Obstetric to Pediatric Care - Khadijia Tribie Reid, MD, MPH, FAAP 3:25-3:30 PM Closing and Adjourn The conference is being held at DoubleTree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront. Hotel booking information listed on flyer (QR code and reservation link). DoubleTree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront 2717 W. Fort Macon Rd Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 Phone: 252-240-1155 Group name: NC MATTERS Conference Group rate: $178/night Group rate available until Tuesday, July 14, 2026 or until capacity is reached. Audience - Physicians (OB/GYN, family medicine, primary care, psychiatry, specialists), advanced care practitioners, behavioral health and substance use professionals (psychologists, therapists, social workers, counselors), nurses, doulas and support teams, as well as others interested from across North Carolina
How do we create a respectful, safe, and welcoming workplace for every member of our team? In this highly participatory session, we move beyond basic definitions to explore the intentionality and understanding required to build a truly inclusive environment. We examine the role of unconscious bias in our daily interactions and reflect on how intentional communication can bridge gaps in belonging. By prioritizing respect and intentionality, we learn how to model behaviors that ensure every colleague feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work. The session provides a deep dive into the practical strategies to help ensure inclusion of all people, exploring how our choices in language, imagery, and overall communication impact the organizational culture. We engage in robust discussions about the subtle ways exclusion can manifest and practice concrete skills for modeling inclusive, respectful behavior in high-stakes environments. Participants will leave with a clear framework for considering their own communication and a set of actionable steps for building an environment in which belonging is not just a goal, but a daily reality. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is designed for professionals at all levels who are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, including: leaders, educators, health care providers, communications and HR professionals, and others interested in topic.
Restorative practices is grounded in the belief that strong workplace culture is built through intentional relationships, shared accountability, and effective processes for addressing harm and conflict. Instead of using a retributive model of punishment, these practices embed a restorative, often communal process for proactive relationship-building and for repairing harm. This workshop provides an introduction to restorative practices as a foundation for strengthening relationships, communication, trust, and ultimately workplace culture. We focus on how to build shared understanding, values, and accountability that support healthier day-to-day interactions and more psychologically safe teams. Specifically, we examine how using a restorative framework can help teams uncover individual needs and perspectives, strengthen relationships, establish clear norms, align on shared values, and navigate potential conflicts before they escalate. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is designed for leaders and team members committed to proactive culture-building and conflict resolution, including faculty, clinicians, healthcare administrators, social workers, managers, and leaders.
7:50 AM
Join us for a dynamic and highly engaging continuing education conference designed for healthcare professionals committed to improving outcomes for older adults. Aging Strong brings together leading experts to explore the complex, interconnected factors that influence care decisions, recovery, and quality of life in aging populations. Through an evidence-informed and practical lens, this conference will walk participants through the full spectrum of geriatric care—from acute trauma to long-term recovery and preventive strategies. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of trauma in older adults, highlighting unique risks, outcomes, and evolving research that should inform clinical decision-making. We’ll then dive into surgical clearance and decision-making, equipping providers with tools to balance risks, functionality, and patient-centered goals when considering operative interventions. Next, attendees will explore wound care fundamentals, including mobility, nutrition, and early prevention strategies—essential building blocks to reduce complications and promote recovery. Participants will leave with practical approaches to optimize tissue integrity and support healing in complex patients. We will also examine the timely topic of GLP-1 medications, focusing on decision-making considerations, unintended consequences such as sarcopenia, and the critical balance between weight management and muscle preservation in older adults. Our behavioral health session will help clinicians distinguish delirium from psychiatric causes, improving early identification and appropriate intervention for acute changes in cognition and behavior. Orthopedic injuries remain a turning point in aging. We will address hip and femur fractures, including evaluation for total joint replacement and how to determine the best course of action to restore mobility, independence, and safety. Finally, we will highlight the vital role of nutrition with a focused session led by a dietitian on assessing food insecurity. Learn actionable strategies, including what questions to ask patients, to uncover hidden barriers and ensure access to essential nutritional support. Why Attend? • Gain practical, interdisciplinary strategies you can apply immediately • Strengthen clinical decision-making for complex geriatric patients • Improve patient outcomes through early prevention, accurate assessment, and coordinated care • Engage in meaningful discussions with experts and peers Whether you’re in acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient practice, or community-based care, Aging Strong will empower you with the knowledge and tools to elevate the care you provide to older adults. Because better aging starts with better care. Agenda 7:20am Registration, Breakfast, and Exhibitors (Hallway) 7:50am Welcome and Announcements 8:00am The Geriatric Trauma Cascade: A Case-Based Approach to Falls, Fractures, and Functional Outcomes Emmy Yang, MD, MTS 8:45am *GLP-1 Medications and the Older Adult Patient John Batsis, MD, FACP, AGSF, FGSA, FTOS 9:45am Break and Exhibitors (Hallway) 10:00am Fundamentals of Wound Care Paul Wischmeyer MD, EDIC, FASPEN, FCCM 10:45am Surgical Clearance and Decision Making for the Older Adult Sandhya Lagoo-Deenadayalan, MD, PhD, FACS 11:45am Lunch and Exhibitors (Hallway) 12:45pm Medical Versus Psychiatric Causes of Behavior and Delirium Melissa McAllister, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CEN 1:30pm Hip and Femur Fractures and Total Joint Replacement Lincoln Pratson, MD and Alicia Warlick, MD, FASA 2:30pm Break and Exhibitors (Hallway) 2:45pm Assessing for Food Insecurity in Older Adults Parul Kharod, MS, RD, LDN, FAND 3:30pm Closing Comments and Adjourn *Pharmacotherapeutic credit Audience - Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Case Managers, Psychologists, Chaplains, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Home Health Professionals, Nursing Home Administrators, Community Health Workers, Health Educators, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of older adults
In North Carolina, “Any person or institution who has cause to suspect” is considered a mandated reporter of child abuse, neglect, and dependency. Professionals working with children and families are often faced with the uniquely challenging role of serving as a support to families while also navigating complex decision making around reporting possible harms. Issues of trust and maintaining the therapeutic relationship must be factored into decisions to access the ethically and legally approved breaks with confidentiality. The child welfare and law enforcement systems that respond to these reports can be confusing to navigate, at best, especially when the professional is not familiar with the frames of reference and sometimes competing priorities and conflicting values of these systems. In order to support children and families and address immediate safety issues, it is important that professionals understand aspects of the child welfare system and the legal system with regard to reporting and the costs and benefits of involving each of those systems. This session will examine the NC Juvenile Code, demonstrate the flow of response once a report is made to the Department of Social Services, explore the ethical tensions inherent in reporting, and present best practice guidelines on decision making and communication with families. Participants will have the opportunity to work together on case studies and engage in discussion with colleagues over challenges in child maltreatment reporting. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Agenda: 8:50am Zoom Log On 9:00 Introductions, Ethics Discussion Activity 9:20 Program Overview: Agenda, Context and Objectives 9:30 Child Maltreatment Reporting Laws and Statutes 9:45 Nuts and Bolts of NC Child Protective Services interventions 10:00 Ethical challenges to maltreatment reporting 10:20 Best Practices for Reporting Maltreatment 10:45 Case Vignettes and Group Discussion Activity 10:55 Conclusion and Resources 11:00am Adjourn Audience - Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Language Therapists, School Personnel, Mental Health professionals and Health and Human service professionals who work with children and families.
Many of us find it challenging both to give and receive feedback in a genuine, caring, direct, and productive way. In this session, we move beyond the anxiety of "critique" to learn how to provide and welcome feedback as a tool for creating a positive learning and working environment for all. We will explore the specific psychological challenges of both giving and receiving feedback, focusing on the mindset shift required to see these exchanges as opportunities for growth rather than personal attacks. By grounding our approach in transparency and empathy, we can ensure that feedback becomes a high-value asset in our professional relationships. This session is designed to be highly engaging, blending theoretical insights with hands-on practice. We will utilize a simple, repeatable feedback model that incorporates active listening components to ensure both parties feel heard and respected. Participants will learn how to structure the "whole conversation"—from the initial approach to the closing agreement—to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. Through interactive breakout opportunities, you will have the chance to role-play real-world scenarios, allowing you to test these skills in a safe environment and leave with a practical toolkit for immediate application. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is intended for professionals at all levels who wish to improve their communication efficacy and relational intelligence.
This program seeks to educate learners on the history, biology and downstream social effects of cannabis and cannabis induced psychosis. Facilitators begin this program by delving into the initial relationship between humans and cannabis, highlighting medicinal, psychosocial and practical uses. Facilitators will address the neural mechanisms associated with cannabis use as well as the biology behind cannabis induced psychosis. The program also introduces learners to the risks associated with high-potency THC and reviews emerging research on its relationship to psychosis. Attention is given to how broader contextual and structural factors can shape pathways to care, including patterns of misdiagnosis and engagement with treatment. Participants will leave with practical clinical considerations, along with recommendations for future research and areas of needed action. Using inclusive-learning techniques, hands-on activities and powerful discussions, the facilitators will create a learning environment geared to community workers, health professionals, practitioners, community members or anyone with an interest in this topic and desire to deepen their understanding. The presenters are being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is intended for clinicians, community workers/members, students, healthcare or other professionals seeking to learn about this topic.
Have you ever struggled with how to successfully engage in challenging conversations? In this highly participatory session, we’ll consider how to best approach these high-stakes interactions. The training is structured around three critical pillars designed to build both competence and confidence: listening actively and with curiosity, implementing a reliable and simple feedback model, and navigating "whole conversations" from initial approach to successful resolution. By breaking down the mechanics of these exchanges, participants will learn how to maintain professional standards while fostering a culture of psychological safety and mutual respect. This session is designed to be deeply engaging and immersive, moving beyond simple theory into active skill acquisition. To ensure these techniques translate into real-world effectiveness, the course includes three distinct breakout practice opportunities. Participants will have the chance to implement active listening strategies, test the feedback model in a low-stakes environment, and role-play full-length challenging conversations with peers. These interactive blocks allow for immediate application, troubleshooting, and real-time feedback, ensuring you leave with a practical toolkit ready for immediate use in your professional environment. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - While open and relevant to all professionals, this program is specifically designed for individuals navigating complex organizational structures, including Academic Professionals, Healthcare Providers & Leaders, Emerging Leaders.
12:30 PM
The Carolinas and Tennessee Anesthesiology 2026 Annual Meeting is designed to bring together anesthesiologists, CAAs, residents, fellows, medical students, anesthesia technicians and practice managers for a 3-day conference focused on clinical information, leadership and networking. Audience - Anesthesiologists, Fellows, Residents, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, and Medical Students
In the course of working with patients, we inevitably encounter tense moments or inappropriate or harmful behaviors. This workshop is designed to help health care professionals move beyond reactive responses toward a proactive and productive strategy. We will explore how to create an environment that encourages civility and mutual respect from the start, while learning how to approach difficult situations with composure and clarity. And, by understanding the root causes of these behaviors, we can address individual incidents in a way that preserves our relationships and the dignity of all involved. A significant portion of this session is dedicated to the practical application of intervention strategies and "in-the-moment" responses. We will define the spectrum of challenging behaviors and examine the underlying drivers behind them. Then we will explore proactive techniques, how to respond to in-the-moment harmful behavior, and how to successfully navigate the entire conversation. Through engaging practice opportunities, workshop participants will have ample opportunity to practice how to de-escalate tension and maximize successful resolution. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is designed for healthcare professionals who manage challenging patient or client behaviors in medical environments.
8:40 AM
In North Carolina, every healthcare organization that performs invasive procedures, including injections, is required to designate an on-site staff person to receive infection control training and implement an infection control program. The approved infection control curriculum developed by SPICE prepares designated healthcare providers to implement the North Carolina rule, 10A NCAC 41A .0206 Infection Prevention – Healthcare Settings. Learners who complete this activity will be able to ensure and systematically assess that their facility has the appropriate infection prevention policies and procedures in place to allow healthcare personnel to provide safe patient care consistent with the NC communicable disease rule .0206. None of the speakers or planners has any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. Audience - Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses Office Managers and other healthcare professionals working in outpatient, nursing homes and public health departments
This training focuses on structured tools you can use around teaching skills and supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). It explores common needs and skill areas around domains like life skills, executive functioning, self-advocacy, social communication, academics, and more. An important consideration is that every individual has varied support needs across each of these domains and may need more or less support. Participants will learn about structured tools and why they are helpful and effective for individuals with I/DD (as well as for most people!). They will also learn how to individualize a tool for a given individual based on their strengths, preferences, needs, and interests. This training covers a variety of structured tools established by research and evidence-based practices in education. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Direct support staff, social workers, care managers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, mental health professionals, health and human services practitioners, medical professionals, professionals working in the autism and I/DD field, and family members.
5:15 PM
This conference is designed to educate clinicians and medical staff on Radiotheranostics as a safe and effective treatment option in cancer care, leading to improved patient outcomes. Radiotheranostic treatment options, including potential side-effects, patient selection, and optimal sequencing of treatment will be discussed. Actual case studies will be presented to explain the rationale of radiotheranostics in modern multidisciplinary cancer care and patient outcomes will be analyzed. By attending this educational offering, healthcare providers will gain knowledge in the current best practice applications of radiotheranostics and discuss the specialist referral decision making process upon positive imaging findings (PET/CT PSMA, PET/CT Dotatate) in the multidisciplinary clinical setting. Audience - Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers in Internal and Family Medicine, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Urology and Endocrinology
How do we connect with patients in a way that is clear, compassionate, and confident, especially when the stakes are high? In this highly participatory workshop, we move beyond basic bedside manner to explore the mechanics of high-impact clinical communication. We will examine the different levels of listening, shifting from simply hearing data to "listening to understand" the patient's underlying concerns and values. By prioritizing clarity and empathy, we learn how to build the trust necessary to improve patient adherence and outcomes, even within the constraints of a busy medical environment. This session is designed for immediate clinical application, providing dedicated time to "put it all together" through structured practice. We will specifically focus on responding in especially tough moments—such as de-escalating patient frustration—and explore how to communicate complex medical information with absolute clarity. Through engaging breakout opportunities, participants will rehearse specific conversation components and receive peer feedback in a safe environment. You will leave this workshop with a refined toolkit for communicating effectively and the confidence to maintain a compassionate presence. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - This program is intended for healthcare professionals and staff who interact directly with patients and their families, including physicians, nurses, and APP’s, medical assistants and technicians, patient coordinators and social workers, and learners.
Non-substance or behavioral addictions — including gambling, technology use, gaming, pornography, shopping, social media, and sex-related compulsive behaviors — are becoming increasingly common in clinical and community settings. Yet many helping professionals report uncertainty regarding how to recognize, assess, and respond to these concerns, particularly given the evolving research and diagnostic criteria surrounding behavioral addictions. This workshop will provide participants with an overview of the similarities and differences between substance use disorders and non-substance addictions, including shared neurological, emotional, behavioral, and social features. Participants will explore common signs and symptoms, screening and assessment considerations, co-occurring mental health concerns, and practical intervention strategies to better support individuals experiencing compulsive or addictive behaviors. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, substance use professionals, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, parents of adolescents, teachers, and other health care professionals.
Dental professionals frequently encounter patients presenting with facial pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, snoring, fatigue, and other symptoms that can significantly impact oral health, systemic health, treatment outcomes, and overall quality of life. Emerging evidence supports a complex and bidirectional relationship between sleep health, airway function, and orofacial pain disorders, highlighting the important role of dental professionals in the identification and management of these conditions. This webinar will provide an evidence-based overview of contemporary concepts in dental sleep medicine and orofacial pain, with focus on temporomandibular disorders (TMD), sleep-related breathing disorders, and their interactions. Participants will explore current evidence, common clinical presentations, practical screening approaches, and management considerations relevant to everyday dental practice. Audience - Dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians and other interested oral health personnel.
The North Carolina Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Association (NCIMHA) is a statewide, interdisciplinary, non-profit organization established to promote mental health for children birth through age 5 and expectant parents by collaborating to strengthen early childhood systems and developing an effective and supported workforce. The 2026 NCIMHA Annual Conference will convene professionals from all over North Carolina to connect, reconnect, and build meaningful relationships across sectors and systems, with a goal to strengthen and prepare the multiple workforces who support the needs and dreams of all of North Carolina’s children under 6, their families, and expectant families. This event is ideal for folks who work with young children and families, early care & education, early intervention, healthcare, home visitors, parent education and family support, social work, psychology, early childhood policy makers, advocacy and many others. The two-day conference will be held in-person on Thursday, October 8, 2026 and Friday, October 9, 2026 at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC. Virtual Conference will be held on October 15th, 2026 from 9am-3:45pm. Thursday, October 8 8:00am-9:45am—Registration and drop-in activities 9:45am-10:00am—Break 10:00am-12:00pm—Opening Keynote—Nat Vikitsreth (Come Back to Care): “Triggered, Tired, and Still Trying” 12:00pm-1:30pm—Lunch 1:30pm-2:45pm—Breakout Sessions (1) 2:45pm-3:00pm—Break 3:00pm-4:15pm—Breakout Sessions (2) Friday, October 9 8:00am-8:45am—Registration 9:00am-10:15am—Breakout Sessions (3) 10:15am-10:30am--Break 10:30am-11:45am—Breakout Sessions (4) 11:45am-1:15pm—Lunch/Community Recognition 1:15pm-2:30pm—Closing Keynote—Dani Dumitriu (Center for Early Relational Health at Columbia University) 2:30pm-2:45pm—Break 2:45pm-4:00pm—Breakout Sessions (5) 4:00pm-4:15pm—Break 4:15pm-4:30pm—Closing Remarks
Given the increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the likelihood of co-occurring mental health concerns among autistic adults, there are simply not enough autism specialists to meet the needs of this growing population. This workshop aims to build capacity among generalists, supporting them to 1) recognize the characteristics strengths and challenges of their autistic clients; 2) modify evidence-based therapy approaches to better suit an autistic individual's unique learning style; 3) understand this groups particular vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behavior; and 4) know when to ask for consultation and/or refer to another professional. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC TEACCH and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, Therapists and Clinicians working with adults, Individuals working with IDD population, All interested mental health professionals.
The Tar Heel Boot Camp: Cardiac Edition is an intense one-day education event that is designed for nurses and providers in adult acute and critical care settings. It will incorporate EKG Essentials to build confidence and skill in EKG interpretation with an interactive case-based format. The conference will also include POCUS Fundamentals which will build confidence and skill in Point of Care Ultrasound with a four-hour interactive session led by expert faculty to guide physicians and advanced practice providers through ultrasonography using live models. Audience - Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Physicians
In the past fifteen years, suicide has risen to the second leading cause of death for 15 -19 year olds in the United States. Clinicians who work with adolescents who are at high risk for life-threatening behaviors are faced with the challenge of managing multiple problems including disordered eating, substance abuse, high-risk sexual behaviors, as well as suicidal and self-injurious behaviors. Although Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) was originally developed for adults, there is an abundance of research that demonstrates the effectiveness of DBT in treating the complex challenges of adolescents (referred to as DBT-A). This program will review the adaptations made to DBT to address the needs of adolescents and their families. The training will provide a focus on engaging teens and their caregivers, providing skills training and coaching to adolescents and their caregivers, secondary targets and dialectical dilemmas unique to adolescents, and the management of and multi-family skills groups. A combination of lecture, experiential exercises, and role-plays will be included in this program. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program.
Exposure to online pornography is occurring at increasingly younger ages, and behavioral health professionals are more frequently encountering concerns related to compulsive pornography use among adolescents and young adults. Despite the growing prevalence of these concerns, many professionals report limited training and discomfort discussing pornography, sexuality, and related behavioral health impacts within clinical settings. This workshop will provide an introductory overview of problematic pornography use in adolescents and young adults, including risk factors, warning signs, assessment considerations, and the emotional, relational, and behavioral impacts associated with compulsive use. Participants will also explore practical strategies for discussing pornography and healthy sexual development in developmentally appropriate, non-shaming, and clinically supportive ways. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, substance use professionals, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, parents of adolescents, teachers, and other health care professionals.
2:00 PM
Parents and caregivers play a critical role in the success of child and adolescent therapeutic interventions, yet working effective with them can be complex. This training supports clinicians in cultivating strong, constructive relationships with parents and caregivers. Topics include defining roles, maintaining confidentiality, managing resistance, and delivering feedback in ways that promote growth and resilience. We will also explore common challenges in working with families going through separation, divorce, and life transitions. Through discussion, case examples, and interactive exercises, participants will build skills to strengthen therapeutic outcomes through effective parent collaboration. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Mental health, substance use and health and human service professionals
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Skills Training (DBT-ST) is an evidence-based intervention designed to support people to live in the moment, cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. Many autistic adults experience co-occurring mental health conditions, including difficulties with emotional awareness and modulation of emotional expression, which may exacerbate problems in everyday life. This presentation will provide an overview of DBT-ST and recommendations for neuro-affirming modifications to better support autistic adults without co-occurring intellectual disability. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC TEACCH and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Therapists and Clinicians working with children and families, Psychotherapists, Counselors, Social Workers, All interested behavioral health professionals
Adolescence can be a turbulent stage of development, shaped by puberty, hormonal shifts, and ongoing brain maturation. For some teens, these challenges are intensified by a history of trauma, family conflict, emotional sensitivity, or mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These factors can contribute to behaviors such as school avoidance, emotional outbursts, impulsivity, and other high-risk actions. Parents often find themselves feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure of how to respond effectively. This training is designed specifically for professionals who work with parents of adolescents. Grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A), the program focuses on equipping parents with practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce problem behaviors, strengthen relationships, and foster emotional resilience within the family system. Participants will learn how to coach parents in skills such as validation, effective limit-setting, problem-solving, mindfulness, and clear communication. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Mental health professionals or any other human service professional interested in this topic. This program is designed for those who have knowledge of standard DBT.
8:30 AM
Leaders in today's workplace have a tremendous impact on work culture, team and organizational success. This program will provide managers and supervisors with key leadership attributes that promote team excellence and a positive work culture. Agenda 8:00am Registration Check-in 8:25 Welcome and Announcements 8:30 My Success=Team Success 10:00 Break 10:15 Communicating Effectively 11:30 Lunch Break 12:15pm Managing Diversity 2:00 Break 2:15 Managing Conflict 3:45pm Adjourn Audience - Mid level managers and supervisors in healthcare, Oral health professionals, others interested in the topic
10:00 AM
In this training, participants will identify principles of mindfulness and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, explore how mindfulness practices impact the brain, and review research findings on the applications of mindfulness therapies with children and adolescents. Participants will then be introduced to over 35 practical mindfulness activities and 20 resources that clinicians can use in individual and group formats with children and adolescents, targeting depression, anxiety, anger management, and disruptive behaviors. Through experiential exercises and discussion, participants will discover how these mindfulness strategies target problem symptoms. The training will equip participants with a “mindfulness practice toolbox” to enhance their practice with children, adolescents, and their families. Audience - This workshop will benefit mental health practitioners, educators, human service professionals, and community advocates interested in this topic.
Autistic individuals may present with significant social-communication and emotional difficulties despite well-developed cognitive skills. These individuals may also present with a range of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. The complexity of the unique learning characteristics of autistic individuals presents a challenge to professionals when applying traditional therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Despite these challenges, there is a growing body of evidence to support the use of CBT for autistic individuals, particularly when individuals learning differences are considered, and strategies are tailored accordingly. Participants will gain a better understanding of the specific learning style of autistic individuals, leading to better treatment outcomes. A framework for tailoring CBT interventions for autistic individuals with average to above-average intelligence will be introduced. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC TEACCH and the NCAHEC Program. Audience - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, Therapists and Clinicians working with adults, Individuals working with IDD population, All interested mental health professionals.
This conference is designed to address the most current clinical challenges and medical conditions in caring for the male patient. The goal of this conference is to expand the awareness of men’s health concerns and increase appropriate application of screening, prevention, management, and treatment options. Sessions will include topics such as recommended preventative screenings, depression in men, erectile dysfunction, BPH/enlarged prostate, prevention of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, low testosterone, exercise prescription, and sleep disorders. We look forward to seeing you there! Agenda: 7:15am Registration and Continental Breakfast 7:50am Welcome and Announcements Erica Futrell, MSL 8:00 Prevention: heart disease, heart attack, stroke - What Men Should Focus On Speaker TBD 8:45 Erectile Dysfunction: Evaluation, Treatment, and Medication Management Dr. Jordan Foreman 9:30 Break 9:45 BPH/Enlarged Prostate - Evaluation, Treatment, and Medication Management Speaker TBD 10:30 Mental Health: Depression in Men - Evaluation, Treatment, and Medication Management Speaker TBD 11:15 Lunch (provided) 12:00pm Exercise Strategies: Exercise Prescription (Aerobic and Strength Training) Dr. Chris Eschbach 12:45 Sleep Apnea and Other Common Sleep Disorders Speaker TBD 1:30 Break 1:45 Low Testosterone - Evaluation, Treatment, and Medication Management Speaker TBD 2:30 Recommended Preventative Screenings for the Male Patient Speaker TBD 3:15pm Closing Remarks and Adjourn Erica Futrell, MSL Audience - Physicians in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Urology, Sleep Medicine, Psychiatry, and Endocrinology, Hospitalists, Advanced Practice Providers, Nurses, Case Managers, Health Educators, and other healthcare clinicians involved with the care of men
Uncertainty is a constant in today’s work—whether driven by change, complexity, or incomplete information. This interactive workshop helps participants build the skills to stay grounded, make thoughtful decisions, and communicate clearly when answers aren’t yet available. Rather than focusing on eliminating uncertainty, the session centers on navigating it with intention, clarity, and shared responsibility. Through brief teaching, reflection, and hands-on practice, participants will explore how uncertainty affects thinking, behavior, and collaboration. They’ll learn practical tools for prioritizing what they can control, making decisions without full information, and communicating honestly without increasing anxiety. The workshop emphasizes realistic approaches participants can use immediately, even when conditions remain unsettled. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. 8:50am-Zoom Log On 9:00---Psychology of Ambiguity 9:20---Locus of Control and Influence 9:45---Strategic Decision-Making 10:15--Communicating During Uncertainty 10:40--Fostering Team Stability 11:00am-Adjourn Audience - This webinar is intended for health and human service professionals, healthcare providers and health system administrators, operating in dynamic or transitioning environments
Clinical supervision carries ethical responsibilities that are distinct from therapy, consultation, and administrative management. This interactive virtual workshop supports clinical supervisors in clarifying scope and role boundaries, strengthening ethical decision-making, and implementing fair, defensible gatekeeping practices. Participants will apply an ethical decision-making process to common supervision dilemmas involving scope of practice, competence, impairment, and dual-role pressures. The session also emphasizes concrete gatekeeping actions supervisors can take to protect clients while supporting supervisee growth, including documentation practices, remediation planning, and referral/escalation pathways. Audience - This training is designed for LCSWs, LCMHCs, and other clinical mental health and helping professionals who provide supervision in agency, group practice, academic, or community settings.
Healthcare professionals and caregivers of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) can support them through the aging process, specifically when there are indicators of dementia present. In this session, participants will learn about the aging process, including similarities and differences between neurotypical and neurodiverse populations. Special attention will be paid to differential diagnosis and diagnostic overshadowing of individuals with I/DD and dementia. Participants will learn about the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG), which has developed various practice guidelines, national training curriculum, a robust compilation of articles and resources, and a dedicated screening and early detection instrument that is helpful for both I/DD and aging fields. By reviewing the latest research findings and engaging in interactive activities, attendees will identify action steps to support older adults with I/DD and dementia. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Agenda: 8:50AM Zoom Log On 9:00 Introduction to NTG, NAPA, Aging, I/DD, and Dementia Screening, Differential Diagnosis 10:30 Break 10:45 Healthcare Advocacy; Care Strategies, Cultural Considerations 12:15PM Adjourn Audience - Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, Social workers, Care Managers, Psychologists, Counselors, Nurses, CNAs, Direct support staff, Advocates, Caregivers, and other health and human services professionals working with older adults with IDD.
Feedback is one of the most powerful tools in supervision—and one of the most likely to activate threat responses, shame, and defensiveness. This interactive virtual workshop explores practical, supervision-relevant neuroscience concepts that help field instructors, clinical supervisors, and leaders understand what happens in the brain and body when learning feels risky. Participants will examine how threat responses and shame can narrow attention, reduce clinical risk-taking, and interfere with skill development and ethical decision-making. The session focuses on feedback structures that support psychological safety while still holding clear expectations for growth and accountability. You’ll leave with concrete language, a simple structure for delivering feedback, and a repeatable skill-acquisition plan that supports modeling, practice, reflection, and repetition. Audience - pending
This is a comprehensive, community-centered workshop designed to raise awareness, provide education, and foster open dialogue about menopause. This training aims to normalize conversations around menopause, reduce stigma, and equip women, families, workplace supervisors and healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate this natural developmental life stage for women with confidence and support. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program. Program Agenda 8:50AM Zoom Log On 9:00 The Physical Body and the Impact in Real Time 10:30 Break 10:45 The Emotional Impact/Understanding the Aging Woman in the Workplace. 1:15PM Adjourn Audience - Those who work with menopausal women, workplace wellness coordinators, health and human service professionals, partners, families, caregivers, and women aged 35 and older.
Supervision is a relationship shaped by identity, power, and context. When those dynamics are unnamed, they often show up indirectly through feedback tension, avoidance, “stuck” learning, or rupture that is misread as resistance or attitude. This interactive virtual workshop supports field instructors, clinical supervisors, and leaders in building identity-conscious supervision practices that strengthen safety, accountability, and learning. Participants will explore how positionality and power influence supervision dynamics and feedback, especially when supervisor and supervisee identities differ, or when client identities and lived experience are being discussed. The session includes guided practice with language for naming identity differences and their impact without centering defensiveness, minimizing harm, or othering. We’ll also use a clear rupture/repair framework to help supervisors notice early signals of disconnection and respond in ways that support growth, epistemic justice, and ethical care. Audience - pending
The focus of this live webinar is to review nursing implications of common infectious diseases with a focus on clostridium difficile, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin resistant enterococci, tuberculosis, chicken pox and shingles. Additionally, participants will learn about the management and precautions related to the each of these conditions. To receive nursing contact hours, participants must attend the entire activity. 2.0 Nursing Contact Hours will be awarded. Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Nursing Education is approved as a provider of nursing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. None of the planners or speaker for this educational activity have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. Audience - Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Assistants, Public Health Nurses, Primary Care Nurses, Home Care Nurses, and other interested healthcare professionals
Pending Audience - pending
Despite increased awareness, heart disease in women remains underdiagnosed and undertreated due to differing symptom presentation and risk factors often overlooked in clinical training. As autoimmune conditions, mental health issues, and lifestyle risks rise among women, nurses need a sharper lens to recognize and respond to these nuances. This session addresses the gender gap in diagnosis and outcomes, equipping nurses to better identify early signs and understand the physiological and psychosocial contributors to cardiovascular disease in women. To receive nursing contact hours, participants must attend the entire activity. 2.0 Nursing Contact Hours will be awarded. Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Nursing Education is approved as a provider of nursing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. None of the planners or speaker for this educational activity have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. Audience - Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Assistants, Public Health Nurses, Primary Care Nurses, Home Care Nurses, and other healthcare professionals interested in women’s health
The focus of this live webinar course is to enhance the nursing knowledge on common lab values (CBC with a focus on anemia & WBC, labs that need to be considered in patients with sepsis, coagulation profile, liver function test, cardiac markers, thyroid function test, and nutrition labs) for nurses and allied health professionals. Additionally, participants will learn about the implications for patient teaching related to the each of these labs. To receive nursing contact hours, participants must attend the entire activity. 3.0 Nursing Contact Hours will be awarded. Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Nursing Education is approved as a provider of nursing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. None of the planners or speaker for this educational activity have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. Audience - Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Assistants, Public Health Nurses, Primary Care Nurses, Home Care Nurses, and other interested healthcare professionals
** Self-Study ** The guide will provide an overview of current approaches and challenges to supporting older adults with severe mental illness in recovery. Current effectiveness of various evidence-based practices and a guide to implementing coordinated care will be reviewed. Providers will learn explore considerations and strategies when working with interdisciplinary teams that can best support older adults with serious mental illness.
** Self-Study ** The articles provided in this program will review types of domestic violence, signs and symptoms, screening and referrals and important considerations for treatment planning when domestic violence and substance use are involved. Crisis and safety planning best practices will also be explored.
** Self-Study ** This guide goes through prevention strategies, updates on the latest research and statistics when it comes to HIV among people with substance use and mental health disorders, and go into evidence-based treatments for this population. Resources for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment will also be discussed.
** Self-Study ** This program will review the Evidence Based Resource Guide for Treating Concurrent Substance Use in Adults. This guide will look at the statistics and treads, potential outcomes and specific needs of individuals using more than one substance. Considerations and strategies for adding concurrent substance use (CDU) and concurrent substance use disorders (CSUD) will be explored.
** Webcast ** The purpose of this webinar is to provide current information about NC Public Health Law as it pertains to issues such as consent and confidentiality for adolescent health care. Topics will include the types of health services for which a minor can consent, the confidentiality of a minor’s health information, mandatory reporting requirements for healthcare professionals to include legal responsibilities for reporting suspected adolescent abuse and more. (June 30th - annual review date)
** Webcast ** This webinar will provide an introduction to North Carolina Public Health Law. Key topics will include public health legal authority and explain “police power”, public health laws and resources, enforcement of public health laws, identify and explain the NC laws that give legal authority to public health officials. (June 30th - annual review date)
**Webcast** This professional development session is designed specifically for school nurses to enhance their understanding and response to substance abuse among adolescents. The session explores the complexities of teenage substance use, beginning with a foundational overview of substance abuse, including definitions, prevalence, and common substances used by teens today. School nurses will learn to recognize key signs and symptoms of substance abuse and gain insight into the risk factors and underlying causes that contribute to adolescent vulnerability. The session highlights the critical and multifaceted role school nurses play in early identification, intervention, and support for affected students. By the end of this session, school nurses will learn about evidence-based treatment and be prepared to identify and refer students at risk for substance abuse. School nurses will also gain an understanding of the type of treatment typically indicated in this age-group to better support students coming back to school after SUD treatment. To receive nursing contact hours, participants must attend at 100% of the activity. 1.25 Nursing Contact Hours will be awarded. Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Nursing Education is approved as a provider of nursing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. None of the planners or speaker for this educational activity have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.
** Webcast ** This program will provide an overview of mental health and substance use disorders for non-clinicians. Signs and symptoms, common behavioral concerns, and crisis behaviors will be reviewed. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of mental health and substance use concerns so that they can recognize and refer for additional support services when needed.
** Self-Study ** This program is based on the SAMSHA Evidence Based Resource Guide Series for Suicide Prevention Strategies for Underserved Youth. It is designed to support community leaders, behavioral health practitioners, educators, and policymakers in selecting, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based suicide prevention strategies for underserved youth populations aged 10–24. The guide addresses the unique challenges faced by youth from marginalized communities and provides a comprehensive overview of Suicide trends and disparities, Barriers to accessing culturally responsive care, Evidence-based programs and practices, Evaluation strategies and resources.
** Self-Study ** This continuing education course explores the growing behavioral health needs of older adults in the United States and the systemic challenges and opportunities in coordinating care across aging and mental health systems. As the population of older adults increases—particularly those with serious mental illness (SMI)—healthcare providers, policymakers, and service organizations must adapt to meet their unique needs. Participants will examine demographic trends, the impact of social determinants of health, and the fragmentation of services across federal, state, and local systems. The course highlights innovative state-level initiatives, including models from Colorado, Indiana, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee, that demonstrate effective strategies for integrating behavioral health and aging services. Special attention is given to crisis services, long-term care settings, peer support, and workforce development. This course is ideal for professionals in behavioral health, aging services, public health, social work, and policy development who seek to improve outcomes for older adults through collaborative, person-centered approaches.
** Webcast ** There is a high rate of comorbidity between mental health and substance use disorders. Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders can create unique risks and challenges for treatment, which is most effective when it is able to address both concerns simultaneously. This 3 hour recorded program will provide clinicians with an overview of the most common co-occurrences between mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Information on the prevalence, common characteristic and risks and challenges of treating co-occurring disorders will be presented in order to support clinicians in learning to recognize and diagnose these conditions in their practice. Information on best practices in the assessment, treatment, and coordination of care for individuals with co-occurring disorders will also be presented.
** Webcast ** The treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders often involves unique risk factors and treatment challenges that have ethical implications for clinicians. This 3 hour recorded training will provide clinicians with an overview of some of the common ethical dilemmas that can arise when treating this vulnerable population. Information on best practice guidelines and ethical handling of treatment concerns involving autonomy, confidentiality, multicultural competence and informed consent will be reviewed via case studies and examples. Clinicians will learn skills and strategies to communicate effectively, identify and manage risks and ethical breaches and collaborate with patients and other providers to provide a high standard of care for co-occurring disorders.
** Webcast ** This training explores the unique challenges and opportunities involved in supervising clinicians who hold dual licenses in mental health and substance use treatment. Participants will gain insights into supervision models, ethical complexities, and developmental strategies tailored to the needs of dually licensed professionals. Through comparative analysis of licensing requirements, alliance-building techniques, and case-based learning, supervisors will be equipped to foster growth, ensure compliance, and enhance client care across disciplines.
** Webcast ** PENDING
** Webcast ** Crisis Intervention for Co-Occurring Disorders is a specialized educational workshop designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to individuals experiencing crises related to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The program emphasizes trauma-informed care, integrated treatment approaches, and culturally responsive strategies to support diverse populations. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, evidence-based practices, and collaborative techniques to improve outcomes in crisis situations.
** Webcast ** This educational program explores the unique challenges and treatment considerations for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders across diverse and often underserved populations. It emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and integrated care approaches tailored to specific groups, including mothers and parenting individuals, adolescents, LGBTQIA+ communities, individuals with disabilities, and justice-involved clients. The training is designed to enhance provider awareness, reduce systemic barriers, and promote equitable access to recovery-oriented services.
** Webcast ** This course provides an in-depth overview of early childhood development from birth to age five, emphasizing the critical role of attachment, emotional regulation, and developmental milestones across physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional domains. Participants will explore prenatal influences, cultural factors, risk and protective elements, and early warning signs of developmental delays. The session also covers evidence-based interventions, screening tools, and DSM-5-TR diagnoses relevant to early childhood, equipping professionals with strategies to support healthy growth and identify concerns early. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program.
** Webcast ** This program is designed to equip professionals with knowledge and practical skills to support resilience in young children and their caregivers. This program explores the impact of trauma, chronic stress, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on early development and lifelong health outcomes. Participants will learn the principles of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), focusing on the biology of the nervous system and evidence-based strategies to restore balance and well-being. Through interactive exercises and skill-building, learners will gain tools to help children and families widen their “Resilient Zone,” manage stress responses, and foster protective factors that promote emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and positive coping. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program.
** Webcast ** This program will quip professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement proven interventions that support the mental health and well-being of young children and their caregivers. This program introduces participants to leading evidence-based models—including Incredible Years, Triple P, SafeCare, Attachment & Biobehavioral Catch-Up, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy—designed to address developmental, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges in children ages 0–5. Through exploration of model differences, implementation requirements, and practical applications, learners will gain the ability to select and apply interventions that best fit family needs, promote secure attachment, and foster resilience. This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program.
** Webcast ** This professional development program focuses on enhancing understanding and support for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), targeting children from birth to age five. It explores the foundational role of early relationships, emotional development, and caregiver mental health in shaping lifelong outcomes. Participants will gain insights into identifying early signs of social-emotional and behavioral concerns, implementing evidence-based interventions, and connecting families to appropriate resources. The training emphasizes resilience-building through responsive caregiving, routines, and relational health, and addresses barriers to implementation such as access, cultural responsiveness, and system fragmentation.
** Webcast ** This course is designed to help professionals working with young children and families integrate cultural awareness into their practice. It explores how cultural beliefs, values, migration experiences, language preferences, and idioms of distress influence family dynamics and child development. Participants will learn frameworks such as CAMINO and MECA, strategies for culturally responsive engagement, and best practices for language justice and interpretation. The session emphasizes building a culturally and racially conscious self, understanding identity and context, and leveraging community strengths to support resilience and healing.
** Webcast ** This course focuses on equipping supervisors and managers in early childhood programs with the tools to integrate cultural responsiveness into their leadership and organizational practices. It emphasizes the importance of addressing cultural beliefs, values, and experiences as a parallel process in supervision and program development. Participants will explore identity and power dynamics, learn strategies for reflective supervision, and apply models like GROW to provide effective feedback. The session also covers creating culturally responsive services, ensuring linguistic access, and fostering inclusive environments that support staff well-being and resilience.
** Webcast ** This session explores the growing concern of substance use among older adults, a population often overlooked in discussions about addiction. Participants will learn about current prevalence trends, risk factors unique to aging, and the health consequences of substance misuse. The presentation will cover screening tools, treatment approaches tailored for older adults, and the impact of medication–substance interactions. Real-world case studies will illustrate common scenarios, and emerging issues such as cannabis and opioid use will be discussed. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for prevention, early identification, and integrated care to support older adults at risk.
** Webcast ** This module provides a foundational understanding of the developmental stages of aging, with a focus on the physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur across later life. Learners will explore the distinctions between early, middle, and late older adulthood, and examine how these stages influence mental health, identity, and care needs. The course integrates lifespan development theory, gerontological research, and clinical insights to support age-appropriate, person-centered mental health care for older adults.
** Webcast ** This presentation provides an overview of best practices for assessing and screening mental health disorders in older adults. It covers the importance of early identification, challenges in diagnosis, and a comprehensive assessment approach that includes clinical interviews, physical exams, functional and cognitive assessments, and collateral information. Additionally, it highlights validated screening tools and considerations for their use, along with case examples to illustrate practical application. The goal is to equip healthcare professionals with evidence-based strategies to improve mental health outcomes in older adults through accurate assessment and integrated care.
** Webcast ** This program provides an in-depth exploration of grief and end-of-life care, equipping healthcare professionals and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to support individuals and families during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Participants will learn about the nature and impact of grief, including anticipatory, complicated, and disenfranchised grief, and examine the widely recognized Kübler-Ross model. The session also addresses goals of end-of-life care, differentiates hospice and palliative care, and offers practical strategies for compassionate communication, cultural sensitivity, and caregiver self-care. Through case examples and evidence-based practices, attendees will gain skills to foster dignity, comfort, and emotional support for patients and loved ones.
** Webcast ** This training provides a clear, practical overview of the key ethical challenges in mental health care for older adults. Participants will explore autonomy and safety, decision making capacity, informed consent in the context of cognitive impairment, confidentiality and family involvement, elder abuse reporting, cultural and systemic factors, end of life decision making, psychotropic medication ethics, and the impact of technology and resource limitations. The session equips providers with frameworks and strategies to deliver person centered, age friendly, and ethically grounded care.
** Webcast ** As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) live longer than ever before, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community providers are increasingly encountering complex age related needs in this population. This training program offers a comprehensive, evidence informed overview of aging with I/DD, with a special focus on the recognition, assessment, and support of individuals experiencing dementia. Participants will explore the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors that shape aging in adults with I/DD; learn to distinguish typical aging from atypical cognitive decline; and understand how dementia often presents differently in this population. The program also addresses diagnostic overshadowing, healthcare advocacy, communication strategies, care planning, environmental modifications, and cultural considerations. Through practical tools, case examples, and caregiver focused approaches, this program equips participants to provide compassionate, effective, and person centered support to older adults with I/DD and their families.
** Webcast ** This session reviews how major depressive disorder (MDD) presents in older adults, emphasizing how geriatric depression can look different than depression in younger populations (e.g., somatic focus, masked symptoms, irritability, and cognitive changes such as “pseudodementia”). Participants will learn practical approaches to assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment, including medication selection considerations unique to older adults, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation options such as TMS, esketamine, and ECT.
** Webcast ** This educational program provides a comprehensive overview of dementia with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease, current diagnostic practices, and emerging treatment options. Participants will explore the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and progression of cognitive disorders ranging from normal aging to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and major neurocognitive disorder. The session reviews best practice methods for screening, clinical workup, and differential diagnosis while highlighting the role of functional assessment, comorbidities, and caregiver support. In addition, attendees will examine the latest advances in Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics, including anti amyloid infusion therapies and the implications of biomarker testing and monitoring requirements. This program aims to equip healthcare professionals with up to date knowledge and practical strategies for supporting individuals with dementia and their families across the continuum of care.
** Webcast ** Sleep disturbances are common in older adults, yet they are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or inappropriately treated. This program provides an evidence based overview of insomnia and other prevalent sleep disorders in aging populations, with practical guidance for clinicians working in primary care, geriatrics, mental health, and community-based settings. Drawing on current research, clinical guidelines, and real world practice insights, the session explores normal age related changes in sleep architecture, the multidimensional contributors to insomnia—including medical comorbidities, medications, and the impact of racism and chronic stress—and the diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder. Participants will learn best practices in non pharmacologic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT I), the appropriate use of pharmacologic options, and strategies for identifying and managing other common sleep conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorder. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with practical tools to provide safer, more effective, and person centered sleep care for older adults.
** Webcast ** The Early Childhood Mental Health micro-credential is designed for professionals working with children from birth to age five. This program provides foundational knowledge of early childhood development, emphasizing the critical role of mental health in shaping lifelong outcomes. Participants will explore attachment theory, emotional regulation, developmental milestones, and the impact of risk and protective factors. The program also addresses early identification of developmental delays, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based interventions to support healthy social-emotional growth. Through practical strategies and screening tools, learners will gain the skills needed to promote resilience and well-being in young children and their families.
** Webcast ** A micro-credential in co-occurring disorders provides specialized, focused training to help mental health and addiction professionals develop expertise in treating individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. This course will build competencies in areas like assessment, evidence-based interventions, and culturally informed approaches to co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. The following modules must be completed in order to receive credit for this micro-credential: Overview of Co-Occurring Disorders, Best Practices in the Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders, Ethical Considerations in Treatment, Crisis Management and Safety Planning, Considerations for Special Populations, Supervision of Dual Licensure.
This is the 2026-2027 Orientation. This is the Student and Faculty Core Orientation which is developed and maintained by the NC Consortiums for Clinical Education and Practice. This presentation includes common orientation information/concepts required by healthcare agencies for faculty and students participating in clinical experiences in North Carolina.