School Mental Health: Treating Students K-12

Course Overview

Students of all ages continue to struggle with increased mental health issues since the pandemic. The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in late 2021 warning of the stress-related effects on youth of gun violence, climate change, social conflict, racism, bullying, and digital media. A second advisory in 2023 focused on the "increasing concerns among researchers, parents and caregivers, young people, health care experts, and others about the impact of social media on youth mental health." In the midst of such an ever-changing environment it is critical for those who work with school-aged youth to stay current with the latest knowledge and skills that will enhance the emotional well-being of students. 

Our popular course is designed to offer participants practical strategies that address these relevant issues through a mix of lectures, case studies, interactive panels, and Q&A. Topics will encompass social media, youth anxiety, social-emotional learning, ADHD, autism, climate change, marijuana, risk assessment for youth extremism, and lived experience of the mental health effects of familial substance abuse and being an athlete. 

Participants will take away the latest clinical information and practical skills based on emerging research, evidence-based practice, and innovative learning strategies. We welcome all mental health and health clinicians, educators, school administrators, researchers, and others interested in the development and treatment of school-aged children and adolescents. 

Who Should Attend

• Specialty Physicians
• Primary Care Physicians
• Social workers
• Counselors
• Family Therapists
• Psychologists
• Nurses
• Other

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Summarize the latest data on youth social media use and its effect on mental health.
• Outline an evidence-based program to reduce anxiety and OCD in children and adolescents via changes in parental behaviors.
• List strategies to promote friendship-building among digital native children.
• Review key concepts presented in previous years of this conference.
• Differentiate clinical characteristics of ADHD and its common comorbidities.
• Discuss the intersection of autism and gender fluidity, and the pharmacological management of common symptoms.
• Explore how clinicians and educators can support the mental health of athletes and other performers.
• Summarize the current demographics of marijuana use in youth, and how to effectively advise them on risks/benefits.
• Describe ways to effectively communicate with kids and address their concerns about climate change.
• List practical strategies for promoting emotionally regulated students.
• Review how youth become attracted to extremist ideologies, and effective preventive measures for teachers and parents.
• Discuss how substance abuse within families can affect the mental health of children.

For a list of session-specific learning objectives, email cme@challiance.org