Mental Health and Wellness Webinars
AUGUST 2022
8/25 3 P.M. ET
With children going back to school, it is crucial we continue to support their mental and emotional well-being as
they continue to grow and learn. In this webinar we will discuss the importance social-emotional learning (SEL)
has on the mental health of school-aged children. Throughout this webinar we will review relevant statistics,
discuss opportunities for creative SEL partnerships, look at current programs and partnerships used by Mental
Health America of Hawai’i, and discuss how your communities can provide similar opportunities.
Speaker: Mestisa Gass
SEPTEMBER 2022
9/6 1 P.M. ET
surrounding the risk of youth suicide. Through a panel-style discussion, we will review relevant information about
youth suicide in the U.S., discuss the importance of early intervention and what that looks like in practice, and hear
about what organizations are doing to prevent youth suicide.
Speakers: Dr. Shairi Turner, Barbra Barlow, Colbie Caughlan, and Melanie Eley
9/13 2 P.M. ET
social media use became more common during the pandemic because of social distancing and COVID-caused
isolation. Social media can provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body
image and sources of popularity, and normalizing risk-taking behaviors, and can be harmful to mental health.
However, if adolescents use social media in a purposeful and positive way, it can enhance their self-esteem and
help create meaningful social connections.
This webinar will focus on helping school and community leaders understand the association between social
media use and adolescents’ mental health and explore what actionable steps are being taken across the country
to help address these challenges.
Speakers: Adam Lustig, Dr.Jinghong Cai, and Sheronda Helton
Where Do I Fit In? Creating Spaces Where Youth Feel Connected
9/20 3 P.M. ET
feel comfortable in can be extremely challenging and have an impact on their mental health. The discussion
of this panel-style webinar will be led by young leaders, who will share their experiences in finding a sense of
belonging and how to create intentional and inclusive spaces for youth to feel connected and seen.
As we continue to evolve with an ever-changing world, mental health challenges have become more prominent than ever. In this “I Don’t Know How” Series presented by the Center for Resilient Families at Arizona State University & Mental Health America, we explore difficult topics such as trauma, depression and more to equip parents with tools to navigate and provide support for various mental health conditions. Funding for this series is provided by SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
In part one, “I Don’t Know How to Navigate My Child’s Worries About Bullying”, we’ll learn about how a parent can recognize warning signs, seek resources and become a resourceful ally to children starting the school year with social challenges.
Speakers: Dr. Ruben Parra-Cardona, Dr. Abigail Gerwirtz, and Jaimee Virgo
Recovery is a lifelong process that can pose new challenges at different stages. Whether recovering from anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, PTSD, substance use, or other mental health conditions, roadblocks are bound to come up. A challenge that many face throughout recovery is feeling alone. This can present in many ways, such as feeling like you don't fit in, being triggered in social settings, or navigating the difficulties of recovery with pressures in certain situations.
During 2022 Recovery Month in September, join MHA and partners for this free 60-minute webinar where we will:
- Discuss how to navigate the social challenges of recovery
- Identify how to find healthy social support
- Identify how to find healthy social support
- Explore how individuals can provide support and friendship to those in recovery
This webinar will be recorded and available to the public within one week. We do not offer CEUs, but certificates of attendance will be available upon request after the event.
Speakers: Lisa Radzak, Keegan Wicks, Luis Cornejo and Lori Poland
Registration Link:
https://mhanational-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V36NvZ7YTeyeO_Kip_c3rw
OCTOBER 2022
Join us for this 60-minute webinar where we will:
- Discuss the importance of seeking help
- Identify the barriers to seeking mental health diagnosis and treatment
- Explore ways individuals can take the first steps to finding care
- Recognize and discuss mental health disparities BIPOC communities face
Tam T. Nguyen, Ph.D., serves as the director of ambulatory care, mental health and addiction care, for Sutter Health. An expert in developing, implementing, and running large-scale mental health care projects and programs, she is passionate about identifying needs within communities, creating innovative services, and executing solutions with an entrepreneurial approach.
Brittany Phillips, LPC, is a New Orleans, Louisiana, native and a current resident of Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a master’s of health sciences in clinical counseling, and has worked in numerous placements within the mental health field, including psychiatric hospitals, community therapy, substance abuse, school systems, and private practice, and is currently a behavioral therapist at Brightline.
Pierluigi Mancini, Ph.D., is the president of the Multicultural Development Institute, Inc. He is one of the most sought-after national and international consultants and speakers about mental health and substance use disorders. His areas of expertise are cultural and linguistic responsiveness, immigrant behavioral health, social and racial justice, health equity, and health disparities.
Palesa A. Osei-Tutu is a licensed clinical social worker with 21 years in the behavioral health field. Osei- Tutu has worked in leadership positions, supervised interns, provided direct services, and has used her expertise to advocate for BIPOC communities with regard to health equity in the behavioral health realm. Her current focus is training and clinical supervision, as well as cultural competencies in social work and behavioral health as the owner and operator of Sit Awhile & Heal LLC.
Registration Link:
https://mhanational-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d-pmtlfmRheUkfY3MVWpmg
Depression Looks Like Me
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 1pm ET
A Webinar Hosted by MHA in Partnership with Janssen Neuroscience
Depression is complex and different for each person it affects, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. It is essential to share our experiences and broaden our understanding of what depression looks like to break the stigma surrounding it and other mental health concerns. We all deserve to be seen, heard, and empowered to ask for help. Every individual's story matters, which is at the center of the Depression Looks Like Me campaign.
Join MHA in partnership with Janssen Neuroscience for this free 60-minute webinar where we will:
- Have an open and honest discussion about depression and what it looks like
- Hear from LGBTQ+ individuals about their lived experiences and personal mental health journeys
- Discuss how to find safe spaces and a community when struggling with depression
- Identify how to be an ally and provide support to those living with depression
Amir Ahuja (he/him), M.D., psychiatrist; director of psychiatry, LA LGBT Center
As a member of the LGBTQ community himself, Ahuja is driven to make sure LGBTQ+ patients and providers are treated fairly and respectfully, and that health disparities are eliminated. He is a leading voice in the LGBTQ mental health community and has published many papers on LGBTQ mental health.
Ren Fernández-Kim (she/they)
Fernández-Kim is a nonbinary Korean Peruvian American artist, educator, and content creator (influencer). As an individual thriving within the intersections of multiple identities, they specialize in bringing seemingly separate conversations to a unified place. Approaching the world from a "both and" perspective rather than an "either or" mindset has allowed them to embrace their multitude as a person and incorporate this into their everyday work.
Amanda Martinez (she/her), MPH
Martinez is currently the training program manager for Mental Health America of Hawai'i (MHAH). Since 2017, she has instructed thousands of youths and adults in Hawai'i with MHAH's youth suicide and bullying prevention and mental wellness trainings. She is also a certified trainer for Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings, and she is interested in mental health wellness promotion among youth and young adults, especially among sexual and gender minorities.
Registration Link:
https://mhanational-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HziBBYHETxaG4kIXN1XSRw
My Child is Suicidal and I Don't Know How to Help
Tuesday, October 20, 2022 12:00pm ET
An alarming increase in suicidal thoughts and death by suicide among America’s youth over the last years indicates an enormous need to act now. In this webinar presented by the Center for Resilient Families at Arizona State University & Mental Health America, we will explore personal experiences faced by
- Parents who learn that their child is struggling with suicidal thoughts;
- Teachers who support youth struggling with suicidal thoughts in school;
- And providers who help youth and families negotiate recovery from suicidal ideation.
Speakers:
Shannon CrossBear, Parent Advocate
Shannon CrossBear articulates her purpose as: To demonstrate and promote gentle healing. Her own community and family history propelled her to develop leadership in order to address disparities that have led to poor outcomes for friends and relatives. Shannon’s work has included facilitating and consulting with the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Georgetown University, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the University of Montana’s National Native Child Trauma Center. Ms CrossBear is skilled in trauma informed community engagement. She has worked with supporting organized stakeholder voice and representation at local and national levels through various behavioral health initiatives.
Lanee Higgins, Parent Advocate/Expert
Lanee Higgins is a Mental Health Writer for Mental Health America National. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hood College and holds a current highly-qualified Maryland educator certification. Previously, Ms. Higgins was a middle and high school English Language Arts and AVID educator in Baltimore County and District of Columbia Public Schools. Her advocacy and passion have led to changes on a classroom, school-wide, and district level, and to quote a former principal, “helped inspire hundreds of students to find their voices.” Her writing has been featured in Blavity, The Educator’s Room, and several other digital platforms. Ms. Higgins is a passionate mental health advocate who believes that meaningful storytelling has the power to change lives.
Dr. Steve Cozza, Expert
Stephen J. Cozza, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University where he serves as Associate Director, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) and is responsible for the Child and Family Program. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He received his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2006 after 25 years of military service. Dr. Cozza’s professional interests have been in the areas of clinical and community response to trauma in both military and civilian communities, including the impact of deployment and combat injury, illness and death on military service members, their families and their children.
DECEMBER 2022
Conquering Recovery: Managing Mental Health Medications
Tuesday, December 6th
12:30 pm ET / 9:30 am PT
For those living with a mental health condition, medication is often discussed as a form of treatment. While medications can provide great benefits for our mental health, you may experience new challenges when starting them. It is important to learn about your medications and options to ensure the best course of treatment for your individual needs. In this webinar, we will be specifically discussing SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Join MHA and Sutter Health for this free 60-minute webinar where we will:
- Discuss both pros and cons of mental health medications
- Review what to expect when starting a new medication
- Learn about the potential side effects SSRIs may cause and how to recognize if a medication may not be right for you
- Discuss recommendations for treatment beyond a medication-only model
JANUARY 2023
Tuesday, January 12, 2023
7:00 pm ET / 4:00 am PT
Chronic disease not only affects an individual’s physical health but can take a toll on one’s mental health. Searching for a diagnosis, going through treatment, trying to manage pain, and the socioeconomic strain of care can all have a significant impact on one’s stress levels and mental well- being. Mental Health America has partnered with the National Pancreas Foundation to further explore this connection in order to better understand, address, and educate on the impacts chronic disease can have on one’s mental health.
In this webinar, we will hear from professionals working within various areas of chronic disease on the connection to mental health that they have seen or studied. We will also hear from an individual with lived experience on how their diagnosis has impacted their life.
Join us for this free, 75-minute webinar where we will:
- Gain knowledge from experts on the connection between chronic disease, quality of life, and mental health
- Explore how different chronic diseases impact the mental health of those living with the disease and their caregivers
- Hear firsthand from an individual with lived experience about their mental health journey while living with chronic disease
This webinar was made possible through a partnership with the National Pancreas Foundation.
FEBRUARY 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
8:00 pm ET
Webinar Description: The presentation explores different parenting styles so that parents can better understand their own parenting style and how their style influences their child/children. Attendees will learn about characteristics that contribute to each type of parenting style, and how each impacts parental responses. Parents will also learn more about their parenting style.
Objectives:
Participants will learn about the four parenting styles
Parents will learn about characteristics that contribute to each parenting style
Parents will be able to differentiate between the four styles and how style impacts parental responses
Parents will gain insight about the preferred parenting style
Speaker: Dr. Francyne Zeltser, Clinical Director and Child and Adolescent Psychologist (Manhattan Psychology Group)
Black Joy: Impacting the Mental Health of Black Communities
Thursday, February 16, 2023
1:00pm ET
February is Black History Month, and MHA is highlighting the rich culture, joy, and vast contributions that continue to come from our Black communities. We recognize that learning about the history of systemic racism, particularly in the mental health system, and how it harms Black communities in the U.S. and around the world is key to creating a mentally healthier world. This panel-style webinar will focus on how Black culture and joy have a positive impact on individual and community mental health.
Join MHA and guests for this free, 90-minute webinar where we will:
- Hear from panelists about what Black History Month means to them
- Discuss the many strengths of Black communities and how that directly impacts mental health
- Explore how Black joy and cultural practices create space for mental health to flourish
Speakers
Minaa B. is a writer, speaker, licensed mental health professional, and author of “Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World.” She is also the founder of Minaa B. Consulting, a mental health consulting practice that helps organizations develop psychological safety and become mental health inclusive. Her work has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including Red Table Talk, Peace of Mind with Taraji, BBC, Essence, and more.
Radiance Basden is a trailblazing well-being consultant, professional life coach, yoga instructor, NASM- certified personal trainer, and lululemon ambassador. As a champion of human development, she enlightens others about the mental, spiritual, and physical benefits of internal wellness and body movement. Basden's mission includes creating channels to amplify underrepresented voices, service marginalized communities, and champion DE&I, health, and well-being topics.
Morgann Noble is a rising sophomore marketing major at Howard University and is passionate about business, social justice, and reading. Recently, Noble starred in Dove’s national campaign, The Real Cost of Beauty, where she recalls a time when her hair and skin was ridiculed by her peers. As an intern at The AAKOMA Project, Noble works with different partners to move the conversation surrounding mental health from concept to action. She plans to pursue a career in sports marketing, public relations, or advertising.
Marlisa B. Nixon is a person living in long-term recovery … LOUDLY! She is the director of employee experience and DEI lead facilitator at Aspire Behavioral Health; a Georgia Recovers Billboard ambassador, recovery champion, and coach; certified addiction recovery empowerment specialist; certified peer specialist for addictive disease; and certified Science of Addiction Recovery (SOAR) trainer. She gets to use her voice to contribute her lived experience and voice of recovery in and around her community while on the journey for healing and wholeness.
