24TH MENTAL HEALTH SUMMER SYMPOSIUM
THE PARAGON CASINO/RESORT IN MARKSVILLE JULY 15TH – JULY 17TH, 2026
if you need hotel accommodations, please call 1800-642-7777 and use the code TRJ14GR to get a reduced rate.
July 15th – Medical Mimics – Mind or Body (presenter: John C. Simoneaux, Ph.D.)
7:30 am – 8:00 am – Registration/Breakfast
Describe and discuss an overview of those medical conditions that often result in psychological symptoms
Explain the various physiological causes of depression, anxiety, psychoses, confusion/agitation, violence, etc., and how these can often appear to be purely psychological difficulties.
10:00 am – 10:15 am – Break
Describe the need to thoroughly review a patient’s medical history, medication regimen, and overall physical condition before offering a diagnosis of mental illness.
Assess and demonstrate how to decide when a medical consultation is needed, and how to determine the appropriate consultation to obtain.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm – Lunch on your own
July 15th – Autism Spectrum Disorder (presenter: Robert A. Wright, Ph.D., LBA, BCBA-D)
1:15 pm – 3:00 pm
Explain and demonstrate a foundational understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder as outlined DSM-5-TR and elsewhere.
Describe Applied Behavior Analysis and an emphasis on fundamental principles and practices in its application
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm – Break
Discuss the empirical evidence described in peer reviewed professional literature supporting ABA interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Design strategies to foster and facilitate collaboration(s) across professional disciplines in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Create a professional atmosphere and dialogue that encourages professionals and laypersons to advocate for quality services relating to Autism Spectrum Disorder
5:30 pm – Adjournment
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Pool Party!!
July 16th – Clinical Interview/Mental Status: A Deep Dive (presenter: David Williams, Ph.D., M.P.)
7:30 am – 8:00 am – Registration/Breakfast
Describe the basic elements of the clinical interview/mental status examination and explain their importance for diagnostics and decision making.
Integrate historical information (written and otherwise) with the mental status examination to facilitate the diagnostic process
10:00 am – 10:15 am – Break
Utilize mental status information to confirm and explain the presence/absence of mental illness and create a useful narrative for patients and their referring providers.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch on your own
July 16th – At the Intersection of Culture, Trauma, Resilience and Recovery (presenter: Byron Simoneaux, Ph.D.)
1:15 pm – 3:00 pm
Explain how culture influences interpretations of experienced trauma and recovery across the lifespan
Describe trauma-informed care, and the challenges of incorporating culture.
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm – Break
Describe current state of science regarding trauma, resilience, and recovery from trauma
Discuss how to incorporate and utilize the published research about the influence of culture on experienced trauma into practice.
5:30 pm Adjournment
July 17th – It’s a Zoo in Here (presenter: Sasha Lambert, Ph.D.)
7:30 am – 8:00 am Registration/Breakfast
Examine relevant research demonstrating the impact of both companion and working animals on mental health for differing conditions and populations
Describe the history of animals working in mental health care, including an examination of how roles, policies, and legal requirements have evolved over time
10:00 am – 10:15 am Break
Define and distinguish Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals with particular emphasis on current state and federal guidelines and laws
Discuss the mental health professional’s role in assisting patients with obtaining an emotional support or service animal, including current models for evaluation and potential pitfalls
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm – Lunch on your own
July 17th – ETHICS: Professionalism (presenter: John C. Simoneaux, Ph.D.)
1:15 pm – 3:00 pm
Explain the meaning of a “fiduciary” relationship, and how presumed responsibilities related to that relationship translate into ethical practice
Describe professionalism and explain how it relates to conduct, dress, language, and interactions while delivering support services.
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm – Break
Critique your communications with other professionals – can you criticize or not?
Assess difficult challenges to professionalism and create effective solutions
4:30 pm Adjournment
CE APPROVALS:
Psychologists – Professional Training Resources, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists. Professional Training Resources, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Licensed Professional Counselors – Professional Training Resources, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5829. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Professional Training Resources, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Social Workers – This program has been approved for 16 (clinical), 4 (general) and 3 (ethical) continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter, as authorized by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for licensure renewal. Breakdown of hours: Medical Mimics (4 clinical), Autism (4 clinical), Mental Status (4 clinical), Muti-Cultural (4 clinical), It’s a Zoo in Here (4 general) and Ethics: Professionalism (3 ethical).
Substance Abuse Counselors – approved by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority for 23 clock hours.
NASP – Professional Training Resources is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists. Professional Training Resources maintains responsibility for the program.
Other Professions – may seek apply for education credits through their respective boards. Everyone in attendance will receive a certificate of attendance for 23 clock hours.