Pre-Conference Session

The pre-conference session will be held on Wednesday, June 5th, from 8:30AM-12PM, with 3 hours of presentation with (2) 15 minute breaks.  The pre-conference workshop is an additional fee of $75, it is not included in the conference registration fee.  Each session will offer 3 CE hours.

 Establishing a Comprehensive and Effective "Let's Talk" Program

Presenter(s):

Harry Warner - The Ohio State University

Erica Weathers - Mount Holyoke College Counseling Service

Joni Sivey - The Ohio State University

Chelsea Arnold - The Ohio State University

Carrington Mahr - The Ohio State University

Leisha Chiles - The Ohio State University

Abstract: This presentation will resource attendees with the ability to fully implement or improve a "Let's Talk" program at their home institution. Originally developed at Cornell University, "Let's Talk" is an Outreach program that provides college students with the opportunity to meet with mental health clinicians for brief, confidential consultations. The program increases engagement with students while simultaneously helping to solve problems and provide psychoeducation. "Let's Talk" is grounded in a Social Justice approach as it removes barriers to accessing mental health services.   After discussing a brief history of "Let's Talk", presenters will share utilization data, student survey feedback, and a general framework for facilitation with case examples. Presenters will share insights into how students engage with consultative services compared to clinical service utilization. Attendees will engage in interactive role play with case vignettes and leave this session with strategies for training "Let's Talk" facilitators. Specific attention will be given to tailoring the program to better serve diverse populations. Lastly, strategies for promotion and service integration will be discussed. Attendees should expect to leave this session with confidence and a toolkit for full implementation of a "Let's Talk" program in both college and university settings.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the history and original intentions of "Let's Talk" as an Outreach program intended to engage the college student population and promote positive mental health.
• Articulate a rationale with administrators and stakeholders to support the implementation of a "Let's Talk" program with example utilization data and student feedback.
• Establish a "Let's Talk" program at a university or college counseling center and manage day to day operations.
• Train staff to facilitate "Let's Talk" consultations with a diverse college student population.
• Illustrate how a vibrant "Let's Talk" program can help to meet clinical demand, reduce stigma, and provide psychoeducation among a diverse college student population.

From crossroads to competencies: Applying six social justice and trauma inclusive outreach competencies to your work

Presenter(s):
Batsirai Bvunzawabaya - University of Pennsylvania Student Health and Counseling

Rebecca Rampe - The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology

Abstract: In the last thirty years, universities and colleges have been strongly encouraged to consider the impact these systems have on health promoting behaviors for students, staff, faculty, and surrounding communities. Much has been written on how to promote positive mental health on our campuses (Asidao & Sevig, 2014; Brunner et al., 2017; Golightly et. al., 2017; Morrill, Oetting, & Hurst, 1974).   Despite the emphasis on prevention in healthcare, graduate training programs in various mental health fields (i.e., psychology, social work, clinical mental health, etc.) often neglect teaching students the specific skills of engaging in prevention programming through outreach for the improvement of mental health in communities. As a result, we find that many in our field may engage in outreach work but are often unsure whether they are utilizing best practices. To further this work, outreach competencies for practice are vital in the recognition and expansion of the strengths of outreach inherent within the university counseling center, campus, and the local community.   Utilizing a trauma-inclusive and social justice lens, this presentation will focus on outlining six outreach competencies: 1. integrate, 2. scope, 3. collaborate, 4. assess, 5. implement and 6. evaluate. The authors provide application examples for further illustration.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the history and importance of having outreach and prevention standards of practice in our field.
• Describe six outreach competencies that can be used within a university and college counseling center.
•  Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of having standards of practice in outreach and prevention work.