This form is now closed. Proposal deadline was February 2, 2024. ​

The 2024 Crisis Intervention Conference is scheduled for Thursday-Friday, September 19-20, 2024. It is anticipated that this event will take place in-person at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Some sessions may be available virtually.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and the conference planning committee are accepting proposals for 90-minute workshops.

Selected workshop presenters will be notified by email no later than Friday, March 15, 2024.

Email questions to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.​

2024 Crisis Intervention Conference Call for Presenter Proposals

The 2024 Crisis Intervention Conference is scheduled for Thursday-Friday, September 19-20, 2024. It is anticipated that this event will take place in-person at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Some sessions may be available virtually.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and the conference planning committee are accepting proposals for 90-minute workshops.

Proposals that demonstrate evidence-based practices, promote strength-based approaches, include the voice of lived experience, address diverse populations, enhance skills, support Crisis Intervention efforts, and energize participants are encouraged. Proposal Deadline is February 2, 2024. Please submit one form per proposal.

UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education and Outreach staff and the conference planning committee review all proposals. Selection criteria includes the following:
 • Demand for the topic.
 • Presenter(s) experience and qualifications.
 • Demonstration of diverse perspective or application.
 • Relevancy (new or advanced level information) and best practices.
 • Alignment with conference objectives.
 • History of the topic at the conference, including frequency of similar offerings.
 • Previous conference evaluation feedback, if applicable.
 • Preference may be given to proposals on topics that have not been presented at recent conferences.
 • Alignment with national best practice standards described in Crisis Now and the National Guidelines for Crisis Care – A Best Practice Toolkit.

The Conference will offer a complimentary registration and one night of lodging for up to 3 presenters. A possible small honorarium will be considered.

The Crisis Intervention Conference is committed to equity and inclusion. UWSP and the conference planning committee recognize that people come from different contexts and circumstances. This means that on a structural level, some individuals have fewer barriers preventing them from speaking at events like conferences and some individuals have significantly more. These systemic barriers are often a function of racial background, class, gender, and ability. The barriers themselves could be financial, physical, geographical, or social. Individual requests for additional compensation to alleviate financial barriers such as travel, etc. are welcomed and will be considered. Indicate your compensation need later in this proposal.​

The Call for Proposals Form asks for the following information:

• Session Title, Description, Learning Objectives
  
• ​Presenter and Co-Presenter contact information, professional credentials/title, short biography.
• 2-3 References who have seen you present or who could speak to the content you would be presenting.
• Optional demographic questions. ​
• Answer the question: How do your personal and professional experiences and formal education connect to this proposal and the conference?
  
• Additional compensation.
  

Selected workshop presenters will be notified by email no later than Friday, March 15, 2024.

Email questions to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

These sessions will be offered virtually and in-person. 

Opening Remarks 

​Presenters: ​William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT​

                     Kirsten Johnson, MPH, Secretary-Designee, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wis.​​

Before Their Time:  Lessons in Crisis Intervention from The Great War to Coconut Grove

Presenter: ​Drew Martel, LISW, CADC, Chief Clinical and Training Officer with Foundation 2 Crisis Services

The essence of 'continuum of care' thrives on the understanding and application of historical lessons, on-going care methodologies, and the anticipation of future needs. "Before their time: Lessons in Crisis Intervention from The Great War to Coconut Grove" embraces this ethos, focusing on the evolution of crisis intervention strategies and how they continue to shape the crisis care continuum. The presentation will weave through a historical narrative, starting from the crisis intervention methods applied to soldiers during The Great War (WW1) and culminating at the disastrous Coconut Grove nightclub fire in 1942.​

Learning Objectives:

       1. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of crisis intervention strategies, starting from The Great War up until the Coconut                Grove Fire, and how these strategies have informed present day crisis care and intervention.

       2. Participants will identify key lessons, including successful strategies and areas of improvement, that can be applied to modern crisis service provision.

        3. Participants will learn how to apply these historical insights to enhance their crisis services, primarily in the realm of crisis intervention.​

​1) Substance Use in Crisis/Suicide

Presenter: William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT, Faculty at Northwestern University and private practice clinician

Learning Objectives:

2) How To Save A L.I.F.E.: In-Field Suicide Prevention for Non-Mental Health Professionals​

Presenter: Jessi Beyer, MA, Crisis Co-Responder and #1 Best-Selling Author, Volunteers of America Western Washington, Marysville, WA

Even in areas with mobile crisis programs staffed with mental health professionals (MHPs), it’s usually police, fire/EMS, and jail, hospital, and school staff who make the first contact with a client in crisis. While MHPs train for years to prevent suicide, first responders often never receive enough training to successfully support clients with suicidal ideation. In this presentation, crisis co-responder Jessi Beyer will teach the suicide prevention framework usually reserved for MHPs to all first responders so they can feel confident supporting a client with suicidal ideation until they can be connected with formal mental health support.

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Identify community resources for DV victims. Participants will be able to identify warning signs and risk factors for suicide. 

2. ​​ Participants will be able to assess a client's safety by asking directly about suicide. 

3. Participants will be able to create a safety plan with the client and reduce access to potential suicide methods.

3) Neurodivergency in Social Work Tools and Strategies for Neurodivergent Social Workers​

​Presenter(s): Raymond Partlo BSW 

                        David Stanely CPS (Certified Peer Specialist)

Learning Objectives:

1.  Learn how to work with their Diagnosis (working against your diagnosis causes burnout and fatigue.​

2. Use tools, tips, strategies to help them over come hurdles that may be present due to a diagnosis. 

3. Seeing Beyond their Diagnosis / They are not their diagnosis.
   
   

4) The Wild West Of Teen Dating Violence - And What To Do About It

5) Introduction to DBT's Crisis Survival Skills for Crises Driven by Emotion Dysregulation

Presenter: Leslie Chapin, Psy.D., DBT-LBC certified clinician, Vice President Pauquette Center for Psychological Services

Crises are acute periods of time causing intense escalation of emotion and often an overwhelming urge to resolve the situation quickly. These crisis situations have a high potential for really negative outcomes and creating additional problems. Individuals who are prone to emotion dysregulation tend to find themselves in crises more often and reach their skills breakdown point more readily. DBT's crisis survival skills address these types of situations in order to help individuals tolerate acutely stressful situations more effectively so as not to make the immediate problem worse. This workshop will introduce these skills and when to use them

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to name at least 3 crisis survival skills.

2. Participants will be able to describe the mammalian dive response and how to activate it..

3. Participants will be able to demonstrate effective use of paced breathing.

6) Nurturing Safety, Dismantling Stigma, and Fostering Support in Crisis Intervention

Presenter(s): Mitchell Sherman, CPS, IPS, eCPR, Manager of Pure Support Delavan Wisconsin

                     Karen Iverson Riggers, Member/Owner, BA CPS​

Embark on a transformative journey with our workshop, "Nurturing Safety, Dismantling Stigma, and Fostering Support in Crisis Intervention." Thisevidence-based session addresses core questions, providing actionable insights through discussions, exercises, and case studies. Participants willgrasp safety dynamics, stigma combat strategies, and practical methods for an inclusive crisis intervention community. Join us in navigating stigma,safety, and support to enhance your role in crisis intervention.​

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Explore evidence-based practices that answer the fundamental question: "Who are we keeping safe through crisis?" Understand the intricate dynamics involved in safeguarding individuals in crisis, ensuring organizational well-being, and prioritizing the mental health of crisis intervention professionals.

2. Investigate the impact of societal stigma on crisis intervention. Uncover the ways stigma hinders effective mental health support and crisis intervention. Through interactive discussions and case studies, gain practical strategies to dismantle stigmatizing attitudes and cultivate a stigma-free environment within crisis settings.

3.  Delve into strategies that enhance collaboration and support across diverse demographics within the crisis intervention community. Learn to navigate and address unique challenges faced by individuals from various backgrounds. Gain practical tools to foster inclusivity and understanding, promoting a unified approach to crisis intervention goals.​​

7) Ethics and Boundaries​

This session will only be offered in-person. 

Presenter: Drew Martel, LISW, CADC, Chief Clinical and Training Officer with Foundation 2 Crisis Services

Learning Objectives:

8) Crisis Intervention and the Law: Requirements, Tips, and Best Practices​

​Presenter(s): Zachary Bosch,  J.D., Senior Attorney, Waukesha County Corporation Counsel, Waukesha, WI

                       Jonathan Martin, J.D., Attorney, Waukesha County Corporation Counsel, Waukesha, WI

Attorneys Zach Bosch and Jon Martin from Waukesha County Corporation Counsel will provide insight into the legal requirements and best practices for emergency detentions (Ch. 51), protective placements (Ch.55), and protective services (Ch.55), when to use each, and other considerations that should be contemplated. We will provide overviews of Chapters 51, 54, and 55 of the Wisconsin Statutes and provide in depth details on the expectations of county attorneys and the court. We will also provide a detailed explanation on how to determine the county of responsibility and ways counties may work more collaboratively with one another.  

Learning Objectives:

1. ​ Participants will be able to understand the intricate legal differences between Chapters 51, 54, and 55.

2. Participants will be able to better serve their respective clients by knowing which legal intervention is best for different situations. 

3. Participants will be able to identify legal problems more quickly and be able to problem solve with the appropriate personnel.​

9) How to Build and Operate a Co-Responder Model: System Breakdowns and Successes

​​Presenters: Sunny Schneider, Specialist Crisis Response Unit Police Officer, Waukesha Police Department, WI

                     Jason Fink, Patrol Specialist Crisis Response Unit and Neighborhood Engagement Unit, Waukesha Police Department, WI

                     Anna Diaz, Waukesha Crisis Response Unit Clinical Therapits, LPC

Co-responder models between law enforcement and crisis clinicians are on the rise throughout the country. Here we will discuss how to begin building your own co-responder model from the law enforcement perspective. We will examine ways to relationship build and collaborate with major community partners such as hospitals, shelters, ADRC, and more. We will explore how a co-responder response approaches memory care, group home, autism, mental health, and other police originating calls for service. We will address ways to "think outside the box" on repeat citizen contacts, exit strategies, 51.15 law, and more. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to make connections with local community partners for positive outcomes.

2.  Understand more about the law enforcement perspective and response to crisis incidents. 

3. Help develop a flow chart to use as a resource for families in crisisGain a better understanding of the system breakdowns and successes occurring in other jurisdictions..​

10) Crisis and Neurodiversity 101​

​Presenter: Cheyenne Ver Voort, BS, MEd, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor, Services Coordinator, Agape of Appleton, Appleton, WI

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe the framework of neurodiversity..
   

2. Participants will be able to identify potential differences in neurodivergent clients experiencing a mental health crisis.

3. Participants will be able to use awareness of potential differences to better assess, support, and assist during crisis situations.

11) Connection is Prevention

Presenter(s): Lynn McLaughlin, Member/Owner, BA CPS

                        Karen Iver Riggers, Member/Owner, BA CPS

Learning Objecives:

1. Participants will learn the fundamentals of connecting with others, especially people in distress or crisis.

2.  Participants will learn how to connect with their own emotions to enhance connection.
   

3. Participants will learn how connection is a fundamental of healing. 

12) IThe Right Kind of Support in the Hardest Times of Life; Parents Supporting Parents​

Presenters: Jill Clopper, Certified Parent Peer Support

                     Beth Trejo, Certified Parent Peer Support

Supporting a youth in crisis should involve supporting the parents or caregivers as well. A Certified Parent Peer Support can meet a parent’s needs in a unique way, unlike any other in a system of care. Two Certified Parent Peer Supports will share about how they work within care teams to address the unique needs of each family with empathy, advocacy, education and more.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of a Certified Parent Peer Support beyond the job description.

2. Consider what healing looks like and how thinking holistically can help to understand this in a different way.

3. Learn how to integrate CPPSs in order to overcome barriers with families and increase engagement with care services.

13) Validation Strategies as a Tool for Managing Conflict​

Presenter: Leslie Chapin, Psy.D., DBT-LBC certified clinician, Vice President Pauquette Center for Psychological Services​

The natural response to invalidation is defensiveness and further emotional escalation. During periods of crisis, this can inadvertently increase tension and polarization, making it more difficult to resolve problems and stabilize the situation. Validation strategies are one of the best tools we have for managing situations where emotions run high. Validation can help to soothe, re-regulate, and engage in interactions more effectively. In this session, participants will learn about what validation is, the many different ways to validate (even when it's difficult), and what NOT to validate. ​

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Participants will be able to define validation..
   

2. Participants will be able to identify the six levels of validation.

3. Participants will be able to identify common "validation traps".​​
   

14) Ethics and Boundaries​

Presenter: Drew Martel,  LISW, CADC, Chief Clinical and Training Officer with Foundation 2 Crisis Services

Learning Objectives: 

​15) Partnerships for Better Outcomes in Crisis: Adult Protective Services and Crisis Programs​​

Presenter(s): Brianne Zaborowske, LCSW​ 

                        Laurie Kohler, MSW, LCSW

Given the complexity of concerns facing adults at risk in crisis, there is often a need for Crisis and APS to work together for the best possible outcome. This session will explore the intersection between Adult Protective Services and Crisis response systems and ways in which a collaborative approach can be beneficial to support individuals at risk in crisis, their families, and care providers. Understanding the roles and resources of the two systems will prepare participants to understand how and when to engage a collaborative approach and the benefits of approach for supporting individuals at risk in crisis.

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Participants will be able to overview of the roles, responsibilities, resources, and guiding principles of both the Crisis and Adult Protective Services Systems.

2. Participants will be able to explore how a teaming approach between Crisis and Adult Protective Services can lead to more comprehensive assessments and better client outcomes.

3. Participants will be able to discuss best practices for collaborative initiatives including how to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones to improve collaboration between Crisis and Adult Protective Services. ​

16) Suicide Intervention by the Co Responder Team​

Presenter: Phillip Antony, Deputy Sheriff, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, Crisis Assessment Response Team, Milwaukee, Wisconsin​

In This session I will discuss principles of negotiations, how to negotiate as a team with suicidal individuals, effective communication skills in negotiations, how to employment negotiation strategies to build rapport and influence behavior, and provide real world examples of my own experiences working within Milwaukee county for the Crisis Assessment Response Team.  

Learning Objective:

1. ​Identify the types of roles within the negotiation team and discuss strategies on how to work together.

2. Identify Active listening skills (ALS) and the role the play in influencing behavior.

3. Identify strategies to incorporate when responding to a person in a suicidal crisis.​​

18) The Psychological Flexibility Model as a Framework for Crisis Intervention Training

Presenter: Drew Martel, Chief Clinical and Training Officer @ Foundation 2 Crisis Services, Licensed Independent Social Worker (Iowa - LCSW equivalent), Site Surveyor - American Association on Suicidology​

Crisis Services Providers often utilize an eclectic mix of theoretical and philosophical components when training staff in crisis intervention.The Psychological Flexibility Model is a core component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Protocols (Hayes, 1982), and has been modified to fit a variety of unique populations and services. Participants will be introduced to the Psychological Flexibility Model based crisis intervention training developed by Foundation 2. Case conceptualization examples, and specific interventions will be demonstrated in this session. Relevancy: Research shows that employees who feel competent in their work are more satisfied and thus more likely to stay in their job. Additionally, sans a few models (Robert's 7 stage, "3C") there are very few concrete models of crisis intervention, and even less that provide tangible skill sets and case conceptualization examples.​

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Identify a framework for training crisis staff.

2. Outline necessary components (topics, duration, standards) of a crisis intervention training.

3. Recognize how to integrate the Psychological Flexibility Model into Crisis Intervention Training​

19) Taking Care of Our Own

Presenter: Chris Prochut, Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention Trainer

Starting with a discussion of suicide and depression warning signs, we examine the paradigm shift taking place within law enforcement and others in the "helping community" in which it is becoming increasingly OK to ask for help. Addressed are the topics of stigma, the “suck it up” attitude, the "I'm Fine" façade, and the myth that seeking help is a sign of weakness all culminating with one simple solution; TALK!​

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Understand how Stigma is a barrier to seeking help.

2. Receive information on specific resources designed for First Responders to seek help.

3. Recognize Suicide and Depression warning signs. ​

20) Improving the Crisis Continuum and Outcomes for Youth in Wisconsin

This session will be offered virtually and in-person. 

Presenters: Elizabeth Rudy, Youth Crisis Coordinator

                     Kim Propp, Crisis Services Manager Jefferson County

                     Sam Seefeld, Crisis Program Supervisor LaCrosse County

                     Cheryl Millard, LCSW

                     Diana Williams

This workshop will inform the audience of the challenges youth in Wisconsin face including data regarding youth mental health. We will discuss efforts being made to improve the crisis continuum for youth in Wisconsin and how it relates to the crisis now model (someone to talk to, someone to respond, somewhere to go). In collaboration with the regions selected for the Collaborative Crisis Intervention Services for Youth grant, we will inform the audience on what is available in each region for youth in crisis including the use of warm lines, access into the crisis system, and mobile and in home crisis intervention. We will also present on the Youth Crisis stabilization facilities including an overview of DHS 50 and information regarding the YCSFs in Wausau, Milwaukee and Ashland. We will discuss how these efforts have improved outcomes for youth in crisis in Wisconsin and what we hope to accomplish in the future.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain better understanding of the crisis now model, specific for youth.

2. Learn more about the Collaborative Crisis Intervention Services for Youth grant and how that funding is improving the crisis continuum for youth in wisconsin.

3. Develop a better understanding of DHS 50 and learn more about youth crisis stabilization facilities.​​
   

21) Lessons Learned from a Wisconsin-based Community Co-Responder Team

Presenters: Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Director of the Division of Suicide Prevention, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI

                   Sarah Bassing-Sutton, Community Suicide Prevention Coordinator, NEW Mental Health Connection, Appleton, WI

Law enforcement are often the first responders in a mental health or suicide crisis, but it has been widely recognized that this model may not be ideal for a variety of reasons, including potential escalation of the situation and further distress and potential harm for the individual in crisis. Other models, including a co-responder model which involves the pairing of a law enforcement officer with a trained mental health provider at the time of the immediate crisis response, have been proposed and implemented across the country. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of these co-responder models from the perspective of individual-level outcomes as well as outcomes related to cost effectiveness. Additionally, co-responder models vary widely in their implementation, making evaluation of their effectiveness difficult. The aim of this project is to pilot a co-responder model in one urban law enforcement agency in Wisconsin and to evaluate the various outcomes of this pilot. This pilot was developed in response to an increase in calls to law enforcement for mental health and suicide crisis within the community of focus and was implemented based on community-level evidence and input. This session will share data and lessons learned from this pilot work as well as plans for growth of this work.

Learning Objective:

1. ​Understand how a co-responder team functions in a mental health or suicide crisis.

2. Detail the implementation of the Community Co-Responder Team in the Fox Valley.

3. Explore future steps for the work of the Community Co-Responder Team.​

22) Holding on With Letting Go: Navigating Grief and Loss in Our Work

This session will be offered virtually and in-person. ​

Presenter: Leah Harris, M.A. 

We are collectively facing loss on a magnitude beyond precedent. In this interactive workshop, Leah will introduce ideas around grief, loss, and burnout drawn from the social-justice inspired framework of Vikki Reynolds and her peer-led team. We’ll look at why discerning between tragic death and dignified death is so important to our sustainability in these times. And we’ll explore the “Holding on with Letting Go” process, a meaningful way of metabolizing the losses we face in our lives and work.

​Learning Objective:

1. ​Differentiate between tragic death and death with dignity.

2. Discuss how grief, loss, and burnout are connected.
   

3. Describe what it means to “hold on with letting go” in our work.
   

23) Youth Mental Health Crisis Resources Created with Lived Experts

Presenter: Andrea Turtenwald, M.A., Family Relations Coordinator, Wisconsin Office of Children'​s Mental Health

                   Nekita (Nick) Kr​isko, Wisconsin Office of Children'​s Mental Health​

                   Shimika Harris, Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health Lived Experience Partner ​​

                   Kate Goedtel-Bennett, DSW, LCSW

The Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health has published a variety of resources for children, young adults, and parents to support their emotional well-being. In this session, learn about the Mental Health ​Crisis Card and the Handling a Mental Health Crisis handout, two resources created by people with lived experience and mental health clinicians. After an overview of the tools, engage in a flexible group conversation with some of the resource creators to identify how to implement and share the information with families across Wisconsin.

Learning Objectives:​

1. ​Understand the purpose of the Mental Health Crisis Card and consider it's application in their daily life.

2. Understand the purpose of the Handling a Mental Health Crisis handout and consider it's application in their daily life.

3. Reflect on what additional resources or information could be useful in their community.​

24) Somatic Decompression for Crisis and Trauma Workers

This session will be offered virtually and in-person. 

Presenter: Cassandra (Cassie) Walker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Working in Crisis and Trauma care is emotionally and physically taxing. Many times, we are not aware of how disconnected we are from ourselves after work. This session is experiential and will provide information about stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout while guiding participants through somatic mindfulness techniques and meditations, including modifications for different abilities and comfort levels.

Learning Objectives:

25) "Why is This Happening to Me?" Crisis and Meaning Making

Presenter: Vic Welle, Peer Support Trainer

Experiences labeled as crisis can happen due to many factors. Often crisis is only seen as a “behavioral health” issue needing a medicalized or psychiatric intervention. But what else might need to be addressed? What other frameworks might help a person understand and make meaning of their crisis? This workshop will introduce concepts and techniques from spirituality, trauma-informed approaches, and peer support models such as the Hearing Voices Network and Intentional Peer Support. 

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Identify the medical model (disease model) of distress and how it impacts crisis response.

2. Explore other frameworks outside of the medical model for understanding and making meaning from crisis.

3. Learn how peer support approaches can be utilized in developing more culturally responsive, trauma informed approach to crisis.
   
   

26) Effective Application of Behavioral Principles in Crisis Situations

Presenter: Lesley Chapin - Psy.D., Board Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy by the Linehan Board of Certification, Vice President and Executive Director of the Pauquette Center for Psychological Services

Ongoing experience of crisis can be one of the most demoralizing aspects of life for clients. Similarly, responding to perpetual crisis and little or not tangible progress to reduce it is one of the leading contributors to clinician burnout and frustration. Understanding and framing client crisis in terms of behavioral principles of reinforcement, shaping, punishment and extinction can be a helpful way to approach crisis situations in order to coach and shape more effective behavior and reduce likelihood of ongoing or future crisis. Within this session, clinicians will learn basics of behavioral principles as well as a consideration for formulating robust behavioral management plans. 

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Be able to define reinforcement.

2. Be able to explain shaping.

3. Explain an extinction or behavioral burst.​

27) Who Cares About the Caregiver?

Presenters: Michael Berge, BS, ADN, Nurse Clinician 2, Nursing Instructor, Winnebago Mental Health Institute

                     Mary Beth Hendrickson, M.S., CCC-SLP

                     Penny L. Boileau, PhD

Promoting the mental well-being of our frontline health workers to foster a strong behavioral health workforce is identified as a top priority for addressing our national mental health crisis. Research has shown that mental health professionals are at an increased risk for caregiver burnout and secondary or vicarious trauma and are furthermore less likely to recognize these symptoms in themselves and/or seek help. This workshop will help participants to learn about ways to identify variables that may be impacting their mental health and focus on ideas to create a safe and inclusive culture to attract and maintain a diverse workforce. This interactive presentation will show participants how the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Winnebago Mental Health Institute, adapted the Safe Person program, first developed by the WISE Initiative for Stigma Elimination, to use a strengths-based approach to increase accessibility of 24/7 peer-to-peer support and connection for caregivers, to increase the quality of care they are able to provide and decrease the stigma surrounding reaching out for support.​

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Learn and identify variables that can impact the quality of care provided by mental health professionals, ranging from burnout to vicarious trauma.

2. Explore the impact of creating a culture that reduces stigma and acknowledges that reaching out for support is a strength.

3. Be introduced to and practice evidence-based methods to connect with colleagues and clients in a supportive manner using strength-based approaches, by completing the Safe Person Training and learning the Seven Promises as developed by WISE Initiative for Stigma Elimination.​

28) Gender Informed Treatment with Substance Use Disorders

This session will be offered virtually and in-person. 

Presenter: William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT

For decades, addiction research only examined drug and alcohol's effect on men as they were the only participants in years of studies. This initial, exclusionary, medical bias reflects some of the particular issues women have faced in addiction. In the 1990s, several U.S. organizations instituted requirements for the inclusion of women as study participants. Since that inclusion, researchers have discovered a number of differences in addiction between various gender identities. This workshop aims to highlight some of those differences.

Learning Objectives:

29) Northwoods COPE Coalition Building Healthy Connections Where We Live and Work to Break the Walls of Stigma and Reduce Suicides

Presenters: Heidi Pritzl, MSW, LCSW, QPR Master Trainer, Co-lead for the Tri-County COPE Coalition, and Psychotherapist for Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health

                     Adam Nowak, BA, Lakeland Consortium School District Project AWARE-Mental Health Coordinator​​

Heidi and Jordyn will share how their Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Subcommittee for COPE coalition establishes goals and initiatives to prevent suicides and break stigma around mental health each year in Forest, Oneida, and Vilas counties.  They will share their current and past workplans, discuss companies they have partnered with to make these initiatives possible, along with connections through media, and community to bring awareness to a topic that has so much taboo.

This session will provide the opportunity for others to share initiatives/strategies they have completed in their community to assist in Wisconsin's goal of zero suicide.  To mirror the theme of the national guidelines for behavioral health crisis tool kit "anyone, anywhere and anytime," we will show you how our team met the person in need where they live, work, and play. These locations include coffee shops, tavern/restaurants, pizza locations, gun shops, etc.

Learning Objectives:

​Community Solutions for Communities and Individuals in Crisis

This session will be offered virtually and in-person. ​

Presenter: Cassandra (Cassie) Walker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Suicide and other mental health crises have ben issues across the United States for decades. However, our understandings of trauma, the body and the roles of various community stakeholders has evolved. The rights and agency of people experiences emergencies is also evolving. This talk will discuss why community is vital in preventing and managing crises and how we can improve crisis prevention, response, and care by involving and building communities of care.

Learning Objectives:

Get recognized as a key partner in a highly regarded training event for crisis professionals!

Your organization can be a partner in keeping this conference affordable to participants and to maintain its relevance and viability to crisis professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. Your support will allow the conference to maintain its reputation for top notch keynoters and important professional training topics.

The conference offers four levels of participation. We would also be happy to consider other arrangements you may want to offer.  

 ​Registration to open soon.​

*To be guaranteed inclusion in the printed conference program and have an exhibit table, sponsorships must be secured by Friday, August 25, 2023.

 Diamond $3,500 | Platinum $2,500 | Gold $1,750 | Silver $1,000 

The Crisis Intervention Conference reserves the right to deny sponsorship, exhibit booth content, and/or donations for any company/organization, or individual it deems unsuitable for the conference. The 27th annual Crisis Intervention Conference and UWSP Continuing Education are not responsible for damages or loss by a vendor during the conference.

Sponsorships are non-refundable.

The 28th Annual Crisis Intervention Conference features an Exhibit Hall available to participants before, during, and after the conference. We encourage all vendors to get creative. Helpful information, self-care ideas, promotional offers, etc., are all welcome!

Registration to open soon

Booth Fee includes the following:​

• *One complimentary registration, including conference content and meals ($275 value!)
  
• One 4'x8' skirted table designed for table-top exhibits
  
• Access to more than 600 consumers and family members, administrators, front-line workers, and community professionals involved in crisis intervention.
  

*Once booth space is secured, UWSP will follow up with your company representative in August to determine who will be utilizing the complimentary registration. Exhibitors that register on or after Saturday, August 26, 2023, are not guaranteed inclusion in print materials. Booth space may still be available on or after Saturday, August 26, 2023; however, exhibit space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu for more information. 

Get to know​ the 2023 presenters by visiting the Speaker Page​! ​

The proposal Deadline was January 12, 2023. This form is now closed.