Summary
DALLAS, TX (January 23, 2024) – Mental Health America of Greater Dallas (MHA-Greater Dallas) is proud to announce the upcoming 48th Annual Adolescent Symposium of Texas, a two-day event that will bring together leading experts in the field of child and adolescent mental health. This symposium aims to address the pressing challenges faced by today's youth and provide valuable insights and tools for mental health professionals, counselors, teachers, parents, and advocates.
DALLAS, TX (January 23, 2024) – Mental Health America of Greater Dallas (MHA-Greater Dallas) is proud to announce the upcoming 48th Annual Adolescent Symposium of Texas, a two-day event that will bring together leading experts in the field of child and adolescent mental health. This symposium aims to address the pressing challenges faced by today's youth and provide valuable insights and tools for mental health professionals, counselors, teachers, parents, and advocates.
The symposium will feature presentations from 50 experts who are at the forefront of research and practice in youth mental health. Attendees can expect impactful discussions on a wide range of topics, including anxiety and eating disorders, depression, LGBTQ+, the impact of technology, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, substance abuse prevention, and treatment strategies.
One highlight of this year's event is the two powerful keynote speeches. The first keynote will be delivered by former Major League Baseball player Drew Robinson. Robinson's story as a suicide survivor offers a powerful message about the importance of mental health and the stigma surrounding it. The second keynote speaker is Drew Myers, an intentionality coach and author who generates hope, inspires action, and reminds people to make the important things important – starting with themselves.
Pennie Beauchamp, Interim Executive Director of MHA-Greater Dallas, said: "This symposium represents an important opportunity for us to come together as a community and tackle the complex issues of youth mental health head-on. We believe that creating a brighter tomorrow starts with equipping our community with the tools they need to support and advocate for our youth effectively."
According to a recent study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately one out of six Texas kids between 6 and 17 years old suffers from a mental health disorder annually. Another recent study by Mental Health America found that Texas currently ranks last in mental health access for adults and children. It is crucial now more than ever to prioritize early intervention strategies that support our youth struggling with mental health issues.
Deborah Cohen, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Dell Med’s Department of Psychiatry and co-lead for the Center for Youth Mental Health, stated: "Through interviews and surveys with our partners, we've learned that young adults view mental health services with a scarcity mindset, thinking 'I should figure this out on my own. Someone has it tougher than I do, and I don't want to take space from them.” It's important for us to understand what care should look like for adolescents and young adults and shift this narrative to show young people that seeking help is a sign of strength.
To learn more and register for the 48th Annual Adolescent Symposium of Texas, February 14-15, 2024, visit www.mhadallas.org/adolescentsymposium. Registration closes on January 31. For exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, contact Pennie Beauchamp at (214) 871-2420 x109 or pbeauchamp@mhadallas.org.
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About Mental Health America of Greater Dallas:
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, founded in 1947, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to promote mental wellness through community education and policy advocacy. MHA-Greater Dallas serves as a catalyst to identify, assess, and respond to mental health needs in the community. As a facilitator and coordinator for local mental health service providers, MHA-Greater Dallas operates through long-range strategic planning along with immediate responses to community crises as they arise. In addition to our efforts to supply information, education, and advocacy related to mental health issues, we also provide preventive programs designed to equip high-risk populations (including children, adolescents, the homeless, and the indigent) with information and skills to combat stress and adversity. Learn more: www.mhadallas.org.