The Center for Counseling & Consultation staff members who participated in a recent conference are incorporating the information they learned into their regular interaction with clients, said Julie Kramp, executive director.

The gathering was hosted by the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas at Wichita.

“This conference was important for multiple reasons,” Kramp said. “It provided our healthcare staff with information about evidence-based practices, and new methods and technologies.

“It also was an opportunity to network with peers from all across Kansas. This leads to the exchange of ideas, while inspiring us to refresh and recharge. This was the first time since the pandemic that we have been able to interact with other professionals in our field. It meant a lot to all of us.”

The most important aspect, Kramp noted, is The Center’s clients benefit from the new information.

“When staff members sharpen their skills and increase their knowledge, our clients directly benefit,” she explained. “With new and innovative resources, staff members have more tools and greater confidence in their ability to serve.”

Conference topics included: the influence of social media on mental health; substance use treatment; mobile crisis; and ethics.

There also was up-to-date information about the status of the state’s plan to implement a new mental-health model by July 2024. It is called the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model.

Thirty-one staff members from the four counties The Center serves attended the gathering and are sharing the new information with colleagues.

Participants in the 43rd annual conference included therapists; case managers; a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; advanced practice registered nurse; program development director; financial officer; and other leadership-team members.

The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.