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The Henderson County Behavioral Health Conference is a full-day, interdisciplinary event designed to strengthen behavioral health practice across Western North Carolina. Featuring expert presenters from across the state, the conference highlights evidence-based strategies, innovative models, and emerging trends in mental health, substance use, trauma, prevention, and wellness.
This one-day conference is designed to strengthen the behavioral health system of care by expanding knowledge, building connections, and highlighting strategies that improve outcomes across the community. Sessions will focus on mental health, substance use, resiliency and wellness, and sector-based interventions, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices and emerging trends. Participants will leave with practical tools, new collaborative opportunities, and a deeper understanding of how to support individuals, families, and professionals across the behavioral health continuum.
Peer Support & Community Health Worker Fund
Supported by Pyramid Healthcare Lived Experience Fund, this fund provides complimentary conference registration for up to 50 peers, community health workers, and individuals with lived experience whose roles are essential to the behavioral health system of care. The fund is intended to reduce financial barriers to participation and elevate community and lived experience voices in learning and systems-level collaboration.
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Rural Access Fund
Supported by Dogwood Health Trust, The Rural Access Fund supports individuals who live 90 minutes or more from Blue Ridge Community College by helping offset costs associated with attending the conference, including registration, lodging, mileage, and meals. This fund is designed to promote equitable access for professionals, students, and community partners from rural and remote communities. The fund will support up to 25 people to attend.
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The conference is designed for a wide spectrum of people who are shaping behavioral health in our communities including behavioral health advocates, community partners, and collaborators. It also reaches healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, school systems, and human service organizations who are working to improve access, coordination, and support. We also welcome individuals and families with lived experience whose perspectives guide meaningful and lasting change.
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Describe current behavioral health trends and challenges across community and clinical settings |
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Apply practical approaches that strengthen collaboration across the behavioral health system of care |
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Explain effective strategies for engagement, harm reduction, and treatment support |
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Define components of resiliency across individuals, families, and workforces |
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Apply practical tools that reduce burnout and strengthen protective factors |
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Identify interventions that improve outcomes within each sector |
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Identify behavioral health trends affecting youth in schools and community settings |
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Recognize the value of youth voice and peer leadership in creating safe and supportive environments |
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Identify ways to meaningfully integrate lived experience into program design, policy, and practice |
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Identify evidence-based strategies that support early identification, intervention, and continuity of care |
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Recognize emerging substance use trends and population-specific risks |
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Identify opportunities to improve coordination between behavioral health, healthcare, and community partners |
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Identify wellness approaches that support coping, connection, and long-term well-being |
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Describe unique challenges and opportunities within healthcare, education, law enforcement, and human services |
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Apply collaborative strategies that enhance coordination across the behavioral health system of care |
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Describe evidence-based and innovative approaches that support prevention, early intervention, and resiliency |
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Describe the role of lived experience in shaping effective behavioral health services and supports |
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Apply strategies that reduce stigma and promote person-centered, inclusive care |
Early Registration Fee For Credit
Applies 1/6/26–3/1/26
Early Registration Fee for NO CREDIT
Applies 1/6/26–3/1/26
Registration Fee For Credit
Applies 3/2/26–3/23/26
Registration Fee for NO CREDIT
Applies 3/2/26–3/23/26
No Credit Requested
The Mountain Area Health Education Center designates this entire live continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 0.50 CEUs as established by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit
MAHEC designates this live continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 5.00 Contact Hours.
3/23 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
MAHEC has a pay-up-front policy for all CE programs. The only exceptions will be for pre-approved programs where an individual payment plan is appropriate. Registrations received without accompanying payment will not be processed and participants who have not paid the course fee will not be admitted into the program.
Unless otherwise noted in course materials, the following cancellation policy applies to all programs: