MAHEC #77659 Open

2026 Henderson County Behavioral Health Conference

2026 Henderson County Behavioral Health Conference

Location

Blue Ridge Community College
49 East Campus Dr
Flat Rock, NC 28731

Dates & Times

Mar 23, 2026 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Contact

Do you have event related questions or need help with registration?

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.

Apply Here

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.

Apply Here


Click the buttons below for more conference details:

Agenda Speaker Bios Sponsors


In Collaboration With:


Henderson County Public Health

Audience

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.

Objectives

check Describe current behavioral health trends and challenges across community and clinical settings
check Apply practical approaches that strengthen collaboration across the behavioral health system of care
check Explain effective strategies for engagement, harm reduction, and treatment support
check Define components of resiliency across individuals, families, and workforces
check Apply practical tools that reduce burnout and strengthen protective factors
check Identify interventions that improve outcomes within each sector
check Identify behavioral health trends affecting youth in schools and community settings
check Recognize the value of youth voice and peer leadership in creating safe and supportive environments
check Identify ways to meaningfully integrate lived experience into program design, policy, and practice
check Identify evidence-based strategies that support early identification, intervention, and continuity of care
check Recognize emerging substance use trends and population-specific risks
check Identify opportunities to improve coordination between behavioral health, healthcare, and community partners
check Identify wellness approaches that support coping, connection, and long-term well-being
check Describe unique challenges and opportunities within healthcare, education, law enforcement, and human services
check Apply collaborative strategies that enhance coordination across the behavioral health system of care
check Describe evidence-based and innovative approaches that support prevention, early intervention, and resiliency
check Describe the role of lived experience in shaping effective behavioral health services and supports
check Apply strategies that reduce stigma and promote person-centered, inclusive care

Fees

Cancellation Policy

Early Registration Fee For Credit

$50.00

Applies 1/6/26–3/1/26

Early Registration Fee for NO CREDIT

$35.00

Applies 1/6/26–3/1/26

Registration Fee For Credit

$75.00

Applies 3/2/26–3/23/26

Registration Fee for NO CREDIT

$50.00

Applies 3/2/26–3/23/26

Available Credits

.000

No Credit Requested

CEU .500

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

Contact Hours 5.000

MAHEC designates this live continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 5.00 Contact Hours.

Speakers

Kara Ashley-Gilmore, LCMHC, ATR-BC, SE
David Chastain, PhD
Philip A. Cooper, CCHW IV, CPSS
Lisa Curtin, PhD
Terrance Dawkins, LISW-CP
Sarah Erdman, MS
Tracy George, MPH, CHES, CYT
Bethany Glueck, PhD, LCMHCS, NCC
Beth Harmer, DSW, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Mark Harvey, PhD
Parisa Kaliush, PhD
Brea S. Kuykendall, MHS
Christine E. Lau, RN, LCSW
Lamarr Lewis, MA, LAPC, NCC, CPRP
Taylor W. Ludwig, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, QS, RYT
Derek Martinez, LCMHC
Sarah Pfau, JD, MPH
Julianne M. Power, PhD, MS
Sarah E. Reives-Houston, PhD, PsyD
Emily Roberts, MA, LCMHCS
Yolanda Robinson, DSW, LCSW
Courtney Rogers, PhD
Sarah M. Ryan, MS, CPSS
Marisa Schorr, PsyD
Cori Search, MA
Jenna Sharrits, MA, GCPH
Shuchin Shukla, MD, MPH
Nate Sowa, MD, PhD
Colleen Tarantino, MA, NBC-HWC
Raymond Turpin, PsyD
Natalie G. West, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Zach T. White, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Jay Wilson, LCSW

Sessions

2026 Henderson County Behavioral Health Conference

3/23 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Additional Resources

Cancellation Policy

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:

  • Cancellations must be in writing (fax, email, or mail).
  • Cancellations received more than two weeks prior to the event will receive 100% refund.
  • Cancellations received between two weeks and five full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a minimum $25 cancellation fee.
  • No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations received less than five full business days prior to the event.
  • No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund.
  • Transfers/substitute(s) are welcome (please notify us in advance of the program).
Ready to continue your professional development? Register
arrow-up icon