McHenry County Mental Health Board

The Embodiment of Trauma: Somatic Healing Methods | In-Person
2025-07-11 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
The Embodiment of Trauma: Somatic Healing Methods | In-Person | Friday, July 11, 2025 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | Presented by Becky Carter, LCPC. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists and IAODAPCA
SUMMARY

Leading trauma experts have been researching the importance of working with the nervous system and body in response to trauma for several years. As we shift to more decolonizing and humanizing models of therapy, considering and attending to the embodied experience of trauma is necessary. The idea of somatic therapy can seem overwhelming, as it asks practitioners to track nearly unnoticeable shifts in posture, physiology, and movement. However, when the embodiment of trauma is not considered we risk missing crucial elements of our client’s internal resources and trauma and stress-based reflexive patterns.
OBJECTIVES

Participants will learn basic concepts of somatic experiencing including resourcing and regulation techniques. We will discuss how to use body-based, polyvagal interventions – including movement, interoception, titration, visualization, and other somatic exercises to facilitate the healing of trauma. The training will also address the importance of assessing the therapist’s own nervous system and embodied experience in the therapeutic process.
PRESENTER
Becky Carter, LCPC, is a biracial, cisgender, transracially adopted female with West African and Sicilian ancestors. She has two black adopted children. Becky has been a trauma therapist for over 20 years helping heal the wounds of relational trauma that occur in-utero and beyond. She is trained in Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Transformative Touch Therapy for the treatment of Developmental Trauma, and in the Treatment of Complex Trauma and Dissociation.
Becky works with adults, teens, couples, and groups with expertise in healing the wounds associated with Racial Trauma, Complex Trauma and Dissociation, Sexual Trauma and Issues of Trauma and Loss in Adoption. Becky facilitates groups for Male Survivors of Sexual Trauma. She also provides support and community education on Racial Trauma and Decolonizing Therapy Methods; with focus on the somatic impact of the chronic and sustained experience of oppression.

A Trauma Informed Approach | Virtual
2025-07-10 14:30 - 16:00 | Virtual, IL
A Trauma Informed Approach | Virtual | 2nd Thursday of the month, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm – January 9, 2025 through December 11, 2025 | Presented by Gary Rukin, LPC, MA, MS. EVENT FLYER
This is not a series. The same session is repeated monthly.
REGISTER HERE!
Free: 1.5 CEUs for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists, and IAODAPCA.
The presentation, A Trauma Informed Approach, is replacing the monthly ACE Interface Trainings provided by the McHenry County Mental Health Board and differs in several respects. While it incorporates information from the ACE Study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Disease Control, it also explores other causes of childhood and adult adverse experiences. These include the role of genetics and epigenetics in transmission of trauma reactions from one generation to the next, environments in which violence is commonplace, behaviors which result from trauma, and begins to delve into ways to mitigate these reactions, and how we can do better as individuals, organizations, and as a society.
Presenter:
Gary Rukin, LPC, MA, MS, has worked in Community Mental Health for the past thirteen years. He serves as the Trauma-Informed Coordinator for the McHenry County Mental Health Board, and has presented trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Understanding Psychosis, Understanding and Treating Emotional Trauma, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Thresholds, The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Conference, Northwestern University Hospital, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Overdose Education and Naloxone Training | In-person
2025-07-10 13:00 - 14:30 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Overdose Education and Naloxone Training | In-person | Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 1:00 to 2:30 pm | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake | Presented by Teagan Ferraresi of Liv4Lali. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 1.5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists, and IAODAPCA
Summary
Attendees will learn what opioids are and how they work, the opioid overdose epidemic, identify the signs of an opioid overdose & learn how to respond and reverse it, all about Naloxone, a little about Harm Reduction, and overdose prevention and policies.
Presenter
Teagan Ferraresi (she/her) is an Outreach Coordinator in McHenry County. With personal experience with Substance Use Disorder, her desire to make a change locally brought her to Live4Lali. After volunteering for a year, she joined the team as a SMART Recovery Facilitator and Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution (OEND) trainer. She’s a fierce believer in harm reduction and destigmatization through community education, and is passionate about helping others with anything from peer support to treatment navigation.

Intake Coordinators Meeting
2025-07-08 09:00 - 10:15, 2025-06-10 09:00 - 10:15, 2025-05-13 09:00 - 10:15
The purpose of this meeting is to enhance Network Providers’ knowledge of resources to aid families and individuals in service navigation and care coordination.

MHB Special Board Meeting
2025-07-07 17:00 - 19:00

MHB Building Closed
2025-07-04
MHB Building Closed in Observance of Independence Day

LGBTQIA+ Behavioral Health Seminar - Empowering Resilience: Addressing Violence and Mental Health Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Communities | In-Person
2025-06-27 09:00 - 15:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
The LGBTQ+ Professional Network Committee has collaborated with the Mental Health Board to offer this training opportunity for our Behavioral Health Network.
LGBTQIA+ Behavioral Health Seminar – Empowering Resilience: Addressing Violence and Mental Health Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Communities | In-Person | Friday, June 27, 2025 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | Presented by Percilla Madera (NW CASA), Jose Brito (NW CASA), Elissa Crowley (Turning Point), Mo Ferdman (Thresholds), Dywaine Betts (Brave Space Alliance), and Emily Salomon (Cherry Hill Counseling). EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 5 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists and IAODAPCA
This comprehensive training focuses on enhancing awareness and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing critical issues. Participants will engage in breakout sessions covering key topics:
9:00 – 9:45 am | Responding to Sexual Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community
Objectives:

Address difference in statistics of sexual violence for LGBTQ community
Inform the audience how to handle disclosures of sexual assault
Explain our services for the community
Explain prevention methods and consent

9:45 – 10:30 am | Understanding Domestic Violence in LGBTQIA+ Relationships: Barriers, Bias, and Support
Summary:
Exploring the intersection of domestic violence and LGBTQIA+ identity, this session offers a foundational understanding of abuse dynamics and the unique barriers LGBTQIA+ survivors face in seeking safety and support.
10:45 – 12:15 pm | LGBTQIA+ Community and Suicide Risk
Summary:
Understanding the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals is essential for providing compassionate, informed, and effective support. This training equips clinicians with critical knowledge of suicide risk factors specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the impact of social, political, and cultural dynamics. Participants will also learn about protective factors, including the importance of remaining trauma informed. This training additionally focuses on LGBTQIA+ resilience and joy, encouraging participants to support clients in ways that affirm identity, enhance safety, and foster hope. Practical tools, resources, and communication strategies are provided to help staff advocate effectively and sensitively within mental health systems.
Objectives:

Understand the basics of suicide, including warning signs and general risk factors
Gain foundational knowledge of LGBTQIA+ identities
Examine suicide risk factors unique to the LGBTQIA+ community
Analyze current data and sociopolitical factors influencing LGBTQIA+ mental health
Identify protective factors that support LGBTQIA+ individuals’ well-being
Learn practical tools and resources for suicide identification and intervention
Promote affirming care by understanding client preferences and provider safety
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ joy as a protective and empowering force

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm | Hope During Uncertain Times
Summary:
This training explores the history of the Brave Space Alliance, highlighting its mission and values, pivotal moments, and how we’ve been a beacon of hope and resilience, providing dignity and support to community during challenging times. As we cover the changes and current climate of the Administration, we will showcase ways for service providers to provide support and safety measures for ALL families and especially those that are marginalized and affected. Lastly, while together, we will work on action plans/roadmaps that work for our individual organizations and scopes of work to take back after the training.
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm | Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Summary:
Progressive muscle relaxation is a mindfulness exercise that reduces stress and anxiety in your body by having you slowly tense and then relax each muscle.
PRESENTERS
Percilla Madera has worked at the CARE Center since 2024 as a bilingual advocate. She has a passion for educating and training community members on survivor-centered and trauma informed advocacy. In her free time, she heals through art, reading, and dance and encourages others to do the same.

Jose Brito started at NWCASA in 2025 as a bilingual medical/legal advocate. With a medical background and a passion for supporting Latino and LGBTQ communities, Jose is dedicated to providing survivors with the resources and support they need. As a drag queen, Jose uses his platform to inspire others to embrace who they are and create a safe, inclusive spaces across all communities. His mission is to help others heal, feel seen, and find strength through advocacy and self-expression.
Elissa Crowley, has been with Turning Point, Inc. since November 2019 and currently serves as the Director of Outreach and Community Engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Superior and began her career in youth programming, working in schools, park districts, and nonprofits. Prior to joining Turning Point, Elissa spent seven years in leadership roles at the YMCA, focusing on youth development and community-building initiatives.

Mo Ferdman holds a bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following a well-rounded career spanning over a decade of sales, customer service, client services, and small business consulting, Mo transitioned to the non-profit sector. After working as an Employment Specialist with Thresholds IPS program, he joined Workforce Development as a Training Associate in 2023 where he provides in-person and virtual training sessions for internal and external audiences, consultations, and aides in the design and development of eLearnings.
Dywaine Betts, Jr. is a Professional Development Specialist with over 15 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and supporting those seeking opportunities for themselves. Since moving to Chicago in 2011, he has been involved in career readiness, exploration, and employment of opportunity youth and those in juvenile justice. While brokering relationships between employer/business partners and community-based organizations, he trains and connects adults to entry-to-mid-level careers. Dywaine enjoys helping others to see the blind spots in their experience and day-to-day talents, as they navigate the Next. As the Sr. Associate for People, Culture, and Operations with Brave Space Alliance, he continues facilitating engaging lessons to expand participants’ knowledge and cultural competence.

Emily Salomon, MS.Ed, LCPC, is a client-centered counselor with a multifaceted approach to therapy. She believes when working with children, play is their language and toys are their words. In working with teen and adult populations, she aims to use a combination of cognitive behavior therapy, and client-centered approaches to navigate through someone’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a collaborative manner. Emily embraces an open-minded, multicultural, and safe environment empowering clients to speak on one’s life exactly as they see it.

MHB Regular Board Meeting
2025-06-24 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-27 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States

MHB Building Closed
2025-06-19
MHB Building Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

Educación Sobre Sobredosis y Capacitación en Naloxona | Presencial
2025-06-18 11:00 - 12:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Educación Sobre Sobredosis y Formación en Naloxona | Presencial | Jueves, 8 de Enero de 2025 | 11:00 am a 12:00 pm | Junta de Salud Mental del Condado de McHenry, 620 Dakota Street en Crystal Lake | Presentado por Monica Andrade de Liv4Lali. VOLANTE DEL EVENTO
¡REGÍSTRATE AQUÍ!
GRATIS: 1 CEU IDFPR para LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psicólogos y IAODAPCA (Pendiente)

Resumen
Los asistentes aprenderán qué son los opioides y cómo funcionan, la epidemia de sobredosis de opioides, identificarán las señales de una sobredosis de opioides y aprenderán cómo responder y revertirla, todo sobre la Naloxona, un poco sobre la Reducción de Daños y la prevención de sobredosis y políticas.
Presentado por:
Monica Andrade trabaja para Live4Lali en el condado de McHenry proveyendo la naloxona, educación, y su apoyo a las personas que consumen sustancias y sus comunidades. Monica es muy apasionada por la reducción de riesgos y daños respecto al consumo de las sustancias. Monica se ha recuperado de sus propios trastornos con el consumo de sustancias y la salud mental, y está agradecida por poder apoyar a su comunidad.

Intro to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | In-Person
2025-06-17 09:00 - 12:15 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Intro to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | In-Person | Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 9:00 am to 12:15 pm | Presented by Michael Chiarella, LCPC. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 3 IDFPR CEU’s for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists and IAODAPCA (pending)
SUMMARY

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions and has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective, than other forms of psychological therapy. This course is designed to educate participants on the basics of CBT. In addition, we will discuss the ABCs (activating event, beliefs and consequences) of CBT and explore some of the common cognitive errors that can occur with clients and how you can use CBT to help them more effectively process negative thinking patterns. We will also identify ways that CBT helps with multiple mental health conditions and provide tips and tools on how to use CBT with your clients.
OBJECTIVES

Define Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Address the ABCs of CBT
Explore common cognitive errors and how CBT can help
Identify ways that CBT helps with mental health conditions
Provide tips and tools on how to use CBT in the work you do with clients

PRESENTER

Michael Chiarella, LCPC,  holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology and a BA in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University. Michael has over 5 years of professional experience in the field of mental health including providing 1:1 clinical therapy, community outreach, staff leadership, and clinical supervision. As a Training Associate in Workforce Development at Thresholds, he provides trainings and consultations for all levels of the agency, and for external audiences as well. Michael has extensive experience with behavioral therapeutic interventions, diagnostics, clinical skills development and organizational training.

Assisted Outpatient Treatment: Transforming Care for Individuals Living with Psychosis | Virtual
2025-06-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual, IL
Assisted Outpatient Treatment: Transforming Care for Individuals Living with Psychosis | Virtual | Monday, June 16, 2025 | 9:00 am to 10:00 am | Presented by Dr. Robert Laitman. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 1 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists, and IAODAPCA (pending)
SUMMARY

This training will focus on improving understanding and care for individuals living with psychosis. It begins by defining psychosis in a meaningful way, highlighting how it affects perception, thinking, and behavior, and underscores the profound suffering it can cause for individuals and their support systems. The training introduces the EASE model—an effective and compassionate approach to treatment that emphasizes engagement, support, and evidence-based care. Through this framework, the training explores how Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) can play a vital role in promoting recovery, stability, and improved quality of life.
OBJECTIVES

Define psychosis in a meaningful way.
Define the magnitude of the suffering from psychosis.
Explain an effective psychosis treatment approach: EASE

PRESENTER
Dr. Robert Laitman is an internist who specializes in the use of clozapine in an optimal fashion for individuals with schizophrenia or other psychotic spectrum disorders. When his son was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2006, Dr. Laitman became an expert on the treatment of psychosis and expanded his practice to include taking care of people with psychotic disorders. Dr. Laitman uses a biopsychosocial approach in his treatment and prescription of the antipsychotic clozapine and he works to mitigate medication side effects with a wraparound approach that includes other medications. His treatment team includes a social worker, who provides case management and other support services. Dr. Laitman emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise, and he and his staff try to help individuals with housing, education, and vocational training.

A Trauma Informed Approach | Virtual
2025-06-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Virtual, IL
2nd Thursday of the month, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm – January 9, 2025 through December 11, 2025
Presented by Gary Rukin, LPC, MA, MS.
EVENT FLYER
This is not a series. The same session is repeated monthly.
REGISTER HERE!
Free: 1.5 CEUs for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists, and IAODAPCA.
The presentation, A Trauma Informed Approach, is replacing the monthly ACE Interface Trainings provided by the McHenry County Mental Health Board and differs in several respects. While it incorporates information from the ACE Study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Disease Control, it also explores other causes of childhood and adult adverse experiences. These include the role of genetics and epigenetics in transmission of trauma reactions from one generation to the next, environments in which violence is commonplace, behaviors which result from trauma, and begins to delve into ways to mitigate these reactions, and how we can do better as individuals, organizations, and as a society.
Presenter:
Gary Rukin, LPC, MA, MS, has worked in Community Mental Health for the past thirteen years. He serves as the Trauma-Informed Coordinator for the McHenry County Mental Health Board, and has presented trainings on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Understanding Psychosis, Understanding and Treating Emotional Trauma, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Thresholds, The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Recovery Conference, Northwestern University Hospital, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

MHB Finance and Audit Committee Meeting
2025-06-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-20 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-13 17:30 - 18:30 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States

Intro to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy | In-Person
2025-05-30 09:00 - 12:15 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Intro to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy | In-Person | Friday, May 30, 2025 | 9:00 am to 12:15 pm | Presented by Andrew Hannigan, LCPC. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 3 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists and IAODAPCA (pending)
SUMMARY

This training is an introduction to Acceptance and Commitment therapy, one of the “third wave” of behavioral and cognitive therapies currently being used for a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety, PTSD and psychosis. The audience will be exposed to concepts related to using acceptance and mindfulness and the notion of assisting people to develop “psychological flexibility.” How to help clients identify values and how to take committed action towards what is important to them will also be included.
OBJECTIVES

Summarize basic techniques used in ACT.
Describe and demonstrate how to help clients increase psychological flexibility.
Learn how to help clients explore what is important to them and how to take committed action towards living by those values.

PRESENTER
Andrew Hannigan, LCPC, is Assistant Director of Workforce Development at Thresholds and has 15 years of experience in mental health; having worked in residential, community, inpatient and individual counseling. He provides trainings through Thresholds, a large mental health agency in Chicago. Andrew also develops e-learnings for Thresholds and other mental health agencies. Topics range from Evidence-Based Practices in mental health to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

MHB Building Closed
2025-05-26
MHB Building Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

From Compulsion to Connection: Identifying and Treating Relationship OCD | In-Person
2025-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
From Compulsion to Connection: Identifying and Treating Relationship OCD | In-Person | Friday, May 16, 2025 | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | Presented by Laura Miller, LCPC, R-DMT. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 3 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists and IAODAPCA (pending)
SUMMARY

This three-hour workshop is tailored for clinicians who want to expand their understanding of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), a subtype of OCD that involves intrusive doubts and compulsive behaviors centered around romantic relationships. ROCD can also extend beyond romantic relationships, affecting familial or work dynamics through similar patterns of doubt and compulsion. Participants will examine the defining features of ROCD, how it affects individuals and their partners, and effective approaches for treatment.
OBJECTIVES
By the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Define ROCD – Explain the features of ROCD and how it differs from other OCD subtypes and general relationship concerns
Identify Symptoms – Recognize thought patterns and behaviors associated with ROCD, including persistent doubts about the relationship, the partner, and personal emotions.
Understand the Effects – Explore how ROCD impacts individuals and their relationships, including potential emotional strain and relational conflict.
Conduct Assessments – Use effective tools and methods to assess ROCD, distinguishing it from conditions like anxiety disorders and attachment issues.
Introduce Evidence-Based Techniques – Gain an overview of key interventions from therapies like ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Learn 2-3 specific techniques to help clients manage intrusive thoughts and reduce compulsive behaviors.
Address Partner Involvement – Discuss how partners can play a supportive role in treatment and strategies for including them in the therapy process.
Conceptualize Treatment Plans – Understand the key features of effective treatment plans, including psychoeducation, practical interventions, and curated resources tailored for clients with ROCD
Prioritize Clinician Well-Being – Acknowledge the importance of self-care and professional support to prevent burnout and maintain effectiveness in treating ROCD.

PRESENTER

Laura Miller, MS, LCPC, R-DMT, is a licensed clinical therapist, private practice owner, group facilitator, and aerial arts enthusiast. She specializes in helping anxious minds transform fear and self-doubt into confident, purposeful action and healthier relationships. Through her unique blend of skills and passions, Laura connects deeply with her clients, empowering them to embrace their strengths and live boldly.

MHB Building and Grounds Committee Meeting
2025-05-13 17:00 - 17:30 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States

MHB Town Hall | In-Person or Virtual
2025-05-08 17:00 - 19:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
SPANISH flyer
In-Person
McHenry County Mental Health Board
620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake
OR
Virtual: click here to join
with Chat participation
Meeting ID: 863 2829 5722 Passcode: [REDACTED]

Let your voice be heard in matters of…

Mental Health
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Substance Use

This is your chance to make a difference in McHenry County and help shape its future.

MHB Ethics and Compliance Committee Meeting
2025-04-29 17:00 - 18:00

Pharmacotherapy Facts for the Helping Professional: What You Really Need to Know | In-Person
2025-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Pharmacotherapy Facts for the Helping Professional: What You Really Need to Know | In-Person | Friday, April 25, 2025 | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | Presented by Elizabeth Young, PharmD, LPC, NCC. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 3 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists and IAODAPCA (pending)
SUMMARY

Helping professionals are often aware of the psychiatric medications their clients are receiving. Psychiatric medication therapy can be complex. Knowledge and skills related to major drug classes, medication use assessment, and effective communication of concerns to prescribers are critical contributions helping professionals can make to achieve the best outcomes from mental health and medication therapy for their clients. This three-part workshop will empower participants to do all three.
The goals of this workshop are to provide participants with the following:

A current and updated review of major psychiatric medication classes is presented including antidepressants, antianxiety medications, medications for mood disorders, antipsychotics, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Participants receive clinical pearls for psychiatric medications to enable them to more easily identify and act on potential medication misadventures arising in practice.
Participants are provided a structure for how to assess the most critical psychiatric medication use issues. Participants actively role-play outreach to prescribers to learn how to effectively communicate their concerns related to medication use in their clients.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this workshop participants will be able to

provide basic information for the major classes of psychiatric medications,
assess client medication use to identify common potential medication use issues, and
communicate with prescribers when concerned with medication-related problems experienced by their clients.

PRESENTER

Dr. Elizabeth Young, PharmD, LPC, NCC, has been a practicing clinical pharmacist for more than 20 years. She currently also practices as a clinical mental health counselor at Owens & Associates Counseling & Therapy Center in their Lake in the Hills and Schaumburg offices.
Direct patient care in psychiatric pharmacotherapy has been a focus of Dr. Young’s clinical pharmacy practice for many years in community, health systems (including VA health systems), and managed care environments. She also possesses extensive experience teaching pharmacotherapy-related topics to students, residents, and healthcare providers in most practice settings as well as serving as a clinician and faculty member at several universities, including the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy and Medicine.
Additionally, Dr. Young is a certified Health and Wellness Coach and has worked with medical practices as a consultant to address medication-related goals for their patients.

Turning Red Flags Into Recovery: Intervention Techniques for Alcohol Use | In-Person
2025-04-21 09:00 - 11:00 | McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL, 60012, United States
Turning Red Flags Into Recovery: Intervention Techniques for Alcohol Use | In-Person | Monday, April 21, 2025 | 9:00 am to 11:00 am | Presented by Erica Heatley, LCSW, CADC. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 2 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists, and IAODAPCA (pending)
SUMMARY

This presentation will outline effective strategies for addressing problematic alcohol use, focusing on non-judgmental communication, safety, and supportive intervention techniques like Motivational Interviewing (MI), Brief Interventions (BI), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It covers referral options, community support, and managing resistance.
OBJECTIVES

By the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to demonstrate at least two non-judgmental communication techniques to address alcohol use in role-playing scenarios.
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to describe and explain how to implement Motivational Interviewing (MI), Brief Interventions (BI), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to address alcohol use in real-world situations.
By the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to identify and describe at least three referral options and community support resources for addressing alcohol use in their professional practice

PRESENTER

Erika Heatley, LCSW, CADC, is a clinical supervisor at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is a licensed Social Worker and a certified alcohol and drug counselor. She received her undergraduate degree from University Wisconsin- Whitewater with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Family and Health Studies. Erika also completed her Master’s of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health and Addictions from Loyola University Chicago. Erika has experience working in outpatient services including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment in the fields of mental health, addictions and co-occurring treatment. Erika utilizes a person-center and holistic approach. Erika has a variety of experiences including biopsychosocial assessment, admissions and intake, insurance support and clinical services for the adult population in co-occurring mental health and substance use.

MHB Building Closed
2025-04-18
MHB Building Closed in Observance of Spring Holiday

Teen Mental Health and Alcohol Use | Virtual
2025-04-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual, IL
Teen Mental Health and Alcohol Use | Virtual | Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | Presented by Dr. Caitlyn McClure*. EVENT FLYER
REGISTER HERE!
FREE: 2 IDFPR CEU for LSW/LCSW, LPC/LCPC, Psychologists, and IAODAPCA (pending)
SUMMARY

This presentation aims to equip counselors and mental health professionals with advanced knowledge, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies for addressing the dual issues of teen mental health and alcohol use.
OBJECTIVES
1. Attendee will understand and be able to assess for dual diagnosis including alcohol use with teens using DSM-V and other tools.
2. Attendee will understand the interplay of dual diagnosis and be able to identify at least two overlaps of alcohol use exacerbating mental health.
3. Attendees will be able to identify at least three solutions to navigating the nuances of working with teens with alcohol use disorders in terms of rapport building, treatment planning, and working within their support systems.
PRESENTER
Dr. Caitlyn McClure is the Vice President of Clinical Services at Northern Illinois Recovery, where she leads a clinical team focused on trauma-informed, evidence-based practices in addiction recovery. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work, with research published on burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction, and serves on the editorial committee of a peer-reviewed journal. Dr. McClure has presented at local and state conferences on trauma, addiction, and mental health crises, and her work aims to improve both client outcomes and clinician well-being in high-stress environments.
*There is a change in presenters due to a family emergency.
