This track is designed to prepare participants to identify, resolve, and share resources for long-term support to avoid remaining in a crisis state. Also, participants should gain an understanding of the physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects of different types of traumas. In this presentation, speakers will discuss trauma, including domestic violence, suicide, childhood abuse, and many other topics. Examples of the presentations we are looking for are:

• Before we consider solutions, let’s think about possible triggers for mental health crises and barriers to getting help when it’s clearly needed.
• What is the difference between a psychiatric disorder vs an undiagnosed learning disability?
• What are some practical ways to cope with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and/or managing stress?
• How to identify your symptoms?
• Where are the Las Vegas resources available for those experiencing mental health and their families?

Presenters in this track specialize in mind-body, holistic approaches to treating anxiety or depression. The worries and sadness we feel in our minds are also felt in our bodies. Many people prefer to use a holistic approach to treat their concerns rather than using a medical model (symptom management, diagnosis, etc.) to address their worries and sadness. Examples of the presentations we are looking for are:

• What is new in the treatment of mental health?
• Why is it important not to diagnose students if you are not their therapist?
• What are the benefits of treating the student’s family?

As students transition from a highly structured high school environment to a less structured, independent college environment, they experience a variety of emotions. During this time, many college students experience their first signs of mental health and substance use disorders. When working directly with college students or their parents, what elements of treatment should be considered? Examples of the presentations we are looking for are:

• How can faculty better understand how mental health presents itself in the classroom?
• How can families continue to support students in their mental health?
• How can students advocate for themselves?
• What are the barriers to seeking help?
• How to promote means for increasing student wellbeing?

A college student's mental health may give rise to a wide range of legal issues. It is important that the presenter provides general information about legal issues. Examples of the presentations we are looking for are:

• Can a college or university require a student to participate in treatment as a condition for remaining in or returning to school?
• How does a college determine whether a student is a "direct threat" and whether the student can safely be a member of the community?
• How does a college manage disruptive and disturbing students within the classroom? What are some of the legal and ethical guidelines?
• How can parents secure medical power of attorney in the state of Nevada? How can a student dissolve a parent’s medical power of attorney in the state of Nevada?

Student experiences are often shaped by their race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic status. In addition to determining stressors, these experiences can also influence how students respond to stressors. Student hesitancy may result from mistrust, cultural competence issues, as well as a lack of diversity in mental health treatment. The presenters will discuss the diversity and inclusion needs, efforts, and successes in mental health treatment. To achieve this objective, presenters will engage with Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) and/or LGBTQ+ participants -- allies are also welcomed. Examples of the presentations we are looking for are:

• Why training on diversity and inclusion are important for understanding and the treatment of mental health?
• Racial Trauma
• How can families support their students with mental health?
• Let’s discuss mental health and LGBTQ+ communities, challenges, and resources.

The Mental Health 360 Conference will be held at CSN's North Las Vegas Campus, inside the Horn Theatre (located inside the H building), and the June Whitley Student Lounge (located inside the N Building).

College of Southern Nevada, North Las Vegas Campus Map

*CEU Approved Session

8:00–8:30 a.m.   
Breakfast/Networking in the Horn Theatre Lobby

8:30–9:00 a.m. 
Welcome Remarks in the Horn Theatre

• Flecia Thomas, Ph.D., CSN Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
• Federico Zaragoza, Ph.D., CSN President

9:00–10:00 a.m.    
Keynote Address in the Horn Theatre

• *“State of Mental Health in Nevada”                                                            
  Sheldon Jacobs, Psy.D., LMFT, Clinician, Author and Mental Health Media Consultant

10:00–10:15 a.m.
Break

10:15–11:15 a.m.
Breakout Sessions #1

• *“Psychological Constructs to Motivate Student Learning and Development" - Room N228
  Shellie Keller, Ph.D., CADC-I, CPC-I, EMDR

• *“Not Treatment of Mental Illness, But Promoting Mental ‘Skillness’” - Room H202
  Colin Pryor, M.Ed., LCSW, LCADC

• *“What Are Some Practical Ways to Cope with Anxiety, Depression and/or Managing Stress?” - Room H207
  Ryan Greenwood, M.S., CPC, EMDR
• *“Family-Centered Safety Planning for Suicidal Youth” - Room N103
  Steven Nicholas, Ed.D., MFT, and Jacquelyn Kleinedler, M.A., MFT
• “In Your Own Voice: What Happened, What Helped, What’s Next?” - Room N216
  Trinh Dang and Annika Roseen
• *“The Healing Power of Storytelling” - Room H211
  Rochelle Hooks, Ed.D.

11:30–12:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions #2

• “Words Matter: How Using Person-First Language CAN Make All the Difference” - Room N228
  Jennifer Hilton
• *“LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care in Mental Health” - Room H202
  Christopher Brace, M.S.W., LCSW
• *“Preventative Mental Health” - Room H207
  Marlene Drake, M.A., and Marbella Alfonzo, Ed.D.
• “Talks Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention” - Room N103
  Mai Tran
• *“Racial Trauma, Coping and Healing” - Room H211
  Flecia Thomas, Ph.D.
• *“Navigating Your W.H.Y.!” - Room N216
  Jazmine Smith, M.S., LMFT-I, and La Shekia Brown, M.S.W., LCSW

*CEU Approved Session

12:30–1:30 p.m. 
*Lunch/Legal Issues Panel in the June Whitley Student Lounge

• Moderator
  Sheldon Jacobs, Psy.D., LMFT, Clinician, Author and Mental Health Media Consultant
• Panel
  Bita Yeager, J.D., Judge, Clark County Eighth Judicial District Court
  Heather Goodlett, J.D., Attorney, Legal Aid of Southern Nevada Inc.
  Trevor Kennedy, Student, UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law
  Martha Dominguez, M.Ed., Acting Registrar, CSN
  Courtney Dandy-Fralick, Ph.D., DMFT, LMFT, LCADC, Founder/Therapist, The Healthy Foundation Center
  Toni Summerlin, University Police Lieutenant

*CEU Approved Session

1:30–2:00 p.m.     
Visit with Vendors Horn Theatre Lobby

2:15–3:15 p.m.    
Breakout Sessions #3

• *“You Are Enough: Trauma and Imposter Syndrome in BIPOC Communities” - Room N228
  Stephanie Flores, M.A., LCADC, CPC-I
• *“Health Inequities Around Mental Health and Cannabis Use” - Room H202
  Carmen Jones, M.D.
• *“Improving Access to Care Through Policy” - Room H207
  Sara Hunt, Ph.D., and Sondra Cosgrove, Ph.D.
• “Understanding and Coping with the Adverse Effects of Trauma” - Room N103
  Sara Cerruto, CPSS, and Ronald Schnese, CPSS
• *“Managing Mental Health Crisis and Trauma in College Students” - Room N216
  Rosalie Montoya, M.S.W., LCSW, ACSW
• CSN Active Minds Student Club - Room H211
  Jacque Veloso

3:15–3:30 p.m.  
Break

3:30–4:00 p.m. 
Conclusion will take place in the Horn Theatre

• “Mental Health Legislation and Resources”                                            
  Susie Lee, U.S. Representative

4:00–5:00 p.m. 
Closing Remarks/Reception in the Horn Theatre Lobby

Alzheimer’s Association

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The Center

College of Southern Nevada: Counseling & Psychological Services

College of Southern Nevada: Department of Recruitment & College Connections

College of Southern Nevada: Division of Workforce & Economic Development

ComPsych Corporation

Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

Desert Winds Hospital

Dignity Health

EmployNV Youth Hub

F.A.I.T.H. Wellness Services Inc.

Foundation for Recovery

Henderson Equality Center: Henderson Wellness Clinic

Lionheart Recovery Center

Miracle Minds Therapy

Mobile Crisis Response Team

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Nevada

Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention

Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

The Phoenix

POWER by UNLV

Spring Mountain Treatment Center

Tilton’s Therapy, Inc.

United Way of Southern Nevada

University of Nevada Las Vegas: Mojave Counseling

University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Public Health: Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition

Sheldon A. Jacobs, Psy.D., LMFT
Clinician, Author and Mental Health Media Consultant
“State of Mental Health in Nevada”

Dr. Sheldon Jacobs is a licensed marriage and family therapist, providing individual, couples and family therapy for the past 17 years. He has worked in inpatient, outpatient and private practice settings and opened his own part-time private practice in 2020.

In July 2019, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak appointed Dr. Jacobs to serve on the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors. He is also the vice president on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)–Southern Nevada board of directors.

He has published several professional journal articles and released “48: An Experiential Memoir on Homelessness” in late 2020, where he went undercover as a homeless man for 48 hours in downtown Las Vegas to raise awareness for homelessness and mental health. Half of the proceeds from his book sales have gone to various Nevada and Southern California organizations that serve the homeless population.

Dr. Jacobs has received numerous community and national awards and is a sought-after speaker at national conferences, community events and college graduations. Also, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at the College of Southern Nevada; the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the University of Phoenix–Las Vegas.

In addition, Dr. Jacobs is a local media consultant, often providing his clinical expertise on various mental health topics.

Susie Lee
U.S. Representative (NV–03)
“Mental Health Legislation and Resources”

Susie Lee was born to a working family of 10 in Canton, Ohio. A product of the public education system, she attended Carnegie Mellon University, where she used a combination of scholarships, loans and part-time jobs to pay for her education.

Lee moved to Las Vegas in 1993, where she became an education non-profit leader. She worked to improve the education system, decrease school dropout rates and provide after-school programming for Nevada students. Her career taught her how to take on tough problems, roll up her sleeves and bring people together to find solutions for Nevada’s problems.

In Congress, she is fighting to improve our education system, honor our promise to our veterans and tackle rising health care costs. Lee believes in working across the aisle and bringing people together to solve problems, which is why she joined the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. She lives in Las Vegas with her two children.