Professional Development Conference

The University of Illinois Springfield Counseling Program in collaboration with the Institute for Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Social Justice presents:

The Inclusive Mental Health and Wellness Summit

Friday, February 28th, 2025 from 8:00-5:00pm at the UIS Student Union Ballroom.

This is a “communiversity” event open to Mental Health Practitioners, and UIS faculty and students. With the current sociopolitical climate compounded by the need for quality mental health services, it is essential that mental health providers are equipped to meet these demands by following best practices. This conference will provide education to improve mental health services specifically attuned to marginalized communities.

Counselor and social work attendees are eligible for up to 7 CEUs.

Registration cost:

  • $100 for community mental health providers (registration open)
  • FREE for UIS students and faculty (registration not yet open)

Proceeds will go towards the HDC Gift Fund.

Includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Featuring: IDFPR Approved CEUs (7 total) for Counselors and Social Workers in Alzheimers, Cultural Competence, and Clinical Supervision

You can register for the Inclusive Mental Health and Wellness Summit online.

Registration now open for mental health professionals.

Schedule

  • 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
  • 8:30 Keynote Address
  • 9:15 - 10:45 Education Session
  • 11:00 - 12:00 Education Session
  • LUNCH
  • 12:30 - 1:30 Lunch Session
  • 1:45 - 3:15 Education Session
  • 3:30 - 5:00 Education Session

The conference will host free individual and class Pilates sessions from the Pilates Studio of Springfield.
Additional wellness events will be available throughout the day.

Flyer is available through Canva Link: The Inclusive Mental Health and Wellness Summit Flyer

Student Professional Development

HDC students are encouraged to join both the American Counseling Association (ACA) the professional association serving the counseling profession and the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA).

ACA Student Membership Video

Students preparing for a career in marriage, couple, and family counseling are encouraged to join the International Association for Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC) and the Illinois Association for Couples and Family Counseling (IACFC), divisions of the American Counseling Association. In addition, students can join the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Illinois Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT).

Members of these organizations receive professional literature and are eligible for professional liability insurance. Members also have the opportunity to attend local, state, and national meetings for professional counselors.

Faculty endorsement is required for student membership which is available for one-half the cost of standard membership.