Are you ready to make a difference in mental health? The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is gearing up for its third annual Mental Health Summit on September 28, 2024. The event will focus on this year’s theme, “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Behavioral Health,” emphasizing the crucial role of collaborative care in addressing mental health disorders.
Register to attend virtually or in person at the USAHS St. Augustine, FL campus. The summit seeks to increase support systems for individuals living with mental health conditions through shared expertise and innovative strategies.
Global mental health change
Mental health remains a critical issue worldwide. As Bakersfield.com reports, “A 2023 survey by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that one in five adults live with a mental illness.”
In light of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged a fundamental shift in how we approach mental healthcare globally. The USAHS Mental Health Summit responds to this call by providing a platform for health sciences students and healthcare practitioners to engage in expert-led discussions and case studies. The goal is to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to implement effective and innovative behavioral health practices in their communities.
Through health events, pro-bono clinics and community engagement throughout the year, USAHS also partners with organizations to enhance mental healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Diverse learning opportunities
The summit’s program is designed to benefit a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), speech-language pathologists (SLPs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and students specializing in behavioral and mental health.
As an institution accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), USAHS offers IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for learning events such as the summit, ensuring participants can apply their learning to enhance their professional practice.
Expert mental health insights
A feature of the event is the keynote address by Dr. Heather Luing, a psychiatrist with over two decades of experience. Dr. Luing is triple board-certified in general psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and addiction medicine. She has established herself as a leader in interventional psychiatry, employing cutting-edge treatments for patients struggling with severe and treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.
Throughout her career, Dr. Luing has served as a medical director and chief medical officer in various Florida-based healthcare facilities, advocating for advanced treatment methods to improve patient outcomes. Attendees will benefit from her extensive experience and insights into advanced treatment approaches.
Explore the full lineup of summit speakers, including expert USAHS faculty-practitioners.
Immerse yourself in a transformative community
The 2024 USAHS Mental Health Summit is an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing behavioral healthcare.
Register here to attend virtually or in person. Learn more about the summit and read the Bakersfield.com article.