Youth Mental Health Conference

Friday, February 7, 2025

The Westin Pittsburgh

The Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Registration Opening Soon

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s annual Youth Mental Health Conference will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at The Westin Pittsburgh. This event is one of the only conferences in the country specializing in children, adolescents, and transition age youth. It’s geared toward parents and caregivers, mental health professionals, educators, and students.

The conference provides information on the newest research, innovative supports, and best practices to assist and advance the mental health needs of youth. The event will feature keynote presentations, workshop sessions, and an exhibitor hall. Continuing Education Credits and Act 48 Credits will be offered.

Pursuant to the ADA, if you require specific aid or services, please contact Sara Levine Steinberg by email at slsteinberg@namikeystonepa.org or call 412-366-3788 Ext. 122. Please make all requests for accommodations at least three weeks prior to the conference date.

Conference Brief

Social media has taken center stage in the conversation surrounding the youth mental health crisis. There have been congressional hearings over its safety, lawsuits filed by school districts over its role in the crisis, and even attempts by states to regulate its usage among minors. This summer, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wrote an op-ed in the New York Times calling for social media warning labels.

But social media can also be beneficial by helping youth find other people their age with common interests or concerns and providing access to helpful information. One thing is for certain – the attention to social media and the youth mental health crisis has mobilized advocates of all ages to recognize the different ways its harmful and helpful features are impacting young users.

During the keynote presentation, The Clock is TikToking: The Urgent Need to Understand Social Media and Teen Suicide Risk, Jessica Hamilton, PhD, will present research and teen perspectives to help us better understand the role of social media in both risk and protection in suicidal thinking.

The afternoon plenary will feature a conversation with NAMI’s Associate Medical Director, Dr. Christine Crawford, a leading child psychiatrist and author of NAMI’s second book, You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Your Child’s Mental Health. Dr. Crawford will highlight important takeaways from her book including how parents can navigate crucial mental health conversations with their children. The conversation with Dr. Crawford will be moderated by Dr. Charma D. Dudley, licensed psychologist, Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services at Carelon, and First Vice President of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s Board of Directors.

All attendees will also receive a toolkit with resources to help young people navigate trauma and challenging emotions, and information for parents, caregivers, and educators on how they can support these youth. The toolkits are made possible by a NAMI Macy’s grant.

Jessica Hamilton, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Rutgers University- New Brunswick

The Clock is TikToking: The Urgent Need to Understand Social Media and Teen Suicide Risk

As social media gains attention related to adolescent suicide risk, it is critical to understand the state of the science behind social media and suicide risk among adolescents. Dr. Jessica Hamilton will present ongoing research leveraging technology and incorporating teen perspectives to better understand the role of social media in both risk and protection in suicidal thinking. She also will discuss important considerations when working with teens about social media and practical tips to promote teen mental health.

Workshop Session One

1. Empowering Black Youth: Navigating Mental Health, The Suicide Crisis, and Community Support

2. Why (and How) to Support Youth Changemakers

3. “But does this child need meds?” A Workshop for Parents and Teachers

4. Why We Didn’t Tell You: Learning From Lived Experience of Those With Suicidal Thoughts

5. AFN: Supporting Parents With Children in an Acute Clinical Crisis

6. The Cycle of Student Mental Health Needs and Chronic Absenteeism: How to Break the Cycle

Workshop Session Two

7. The Effects of the School to Prison Pipeline on Vulnerable Students’ Mental Health

8. Helping Parents Support Youth Mental Health

9. Plot Twist: When Difficulties With Concentration and Attention Are Not ADHD

10. Applying a Trauma-Informed Lens to Substance Use Disorder Services for Youth

11. Small Talk: Age-Appropriate Mental Health Education for Elementary Level Students

12. Redefining Trauma Treatment: Integrating EMDR Therapy and Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)

Hotel Information

The Westin Pittsburgh
1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Special Event Rate: $199.00 per night
Start Date: Thursday, February 06, 2025
End Date: Friday, February 7, 2025

Last Day to Book: Friday, January 10, 2025

Book Now

Marketing Opportunities

There are a number of marketing opportunities available for companies and organizations to showcase their mission and resources at the 2025 Youth Mental Health Conference.

Sponsor

Sponsors can choose from several categories, and each option gives companies and organizations an acknowledgment at the conference and in marketing materials, an exhibitor’s table, and ad space in the virtual conference program book.

Sponsorship Details

Exhibit

Secure your resource table today at one of the country’s only conferences specializing in youth mental health. Exhibit tables are located outside of the main ballroom to ensure visibility and high traffic volume.

Exhibitor Information

Place an Ad

All ads will be featured in our virtual conference program book that participants will access via the conference app. The app will also feature a schedule of the day’s events, bios on the main presenters, and workshop descriptions. Placing an ad is an opportunity to highlight your company or organization’s mission, promote your book or research study, or spread the word about an important initiative.

Place an Ad

For questions on conference marketing opportunities, contact Sara Levine Steinberg, Senior Manager of Grants and Fundraising, by email at slsteinberg@namikeystonepa.org or by phone at 412-366-3788 ext. 122.