HDC Mental Health Conference 2025

Is there a one size fits all solution to crisis events? No. Yes. Maybe?

Find out at the 2025 HDC Mental Health Conference - Beyond The Crisis, as we go beyond the traditional steps of de-escalation and address how we as providers can tailor our approach to crisis intervention in a way that improves our ability to connect with our clients, address more of their needs, and connect them with the kinds of resources that best set them up for long term success in their recovery.

Join us Thursday, May 29th for the 2nd Annual HDC Mental Health Conference: Beyond The Crisis.

Our keynote this year:

Calm In The Chaos: Using CBT For Effective Crisis Intervention

Nicholas Navarro | MSW, LICSW | Assistant Professor and Director, Master of Social Work Program at College of St. Scholastica

Nicholas Navarro has dedicated the last 16 years to the mental health field, working as a school social worker, hospital-based outpatient psychotherapist, private practitioner, and educator. His career has been shaped by extensive clinical experience and leadership roles in the mental health field. Nicholas specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, with a particular focus on applying CBT to anxiety disorders. He is committed to equipping mental health professionals with the tools to provide effective, evidence-based care.

Learn from dynamic industry professionals in workshops addressing topics of Crisis and Addiction, Crisis in the Queer Community, and Mental Health First Aid - An Introduction.

Who is this for?

Mental Health Providers and Health professionals who play a pivotal role in crisis management.

The Mental Health Conference 2025 offers an extraordinary opportunity to:

• Engage with Esteemed Experts: Explore breakthroughs in mental health and crisis service provision with the valuable lessons straight from the forefront of research and practice.
• Collaborate: Share and learn best practices from mental health professionals across the spectrum of care in engaging, meaningful break-out sessions.
• Deepen Your Cultural Competence: Cultivate an environment of empathetic and effective care by deep diving into the nuances of crisis care across diverse backgrounds.
• Combat Substance Abuse and Overdose: Stay at the cutting edge of preventative measures with vital updates on identification, intervention, and support of substance use disorders.

This is an invitation to elevate your understanding, your skills, and your entire approach to mental healthcare. Together, we can create effective and sustainable practices that address the most pressing challenges our community faces.

Conference Date: May 29th, 2025 - 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites - Downtown Duluth

Registration Now Open - Save Your Seat Today!

Tickets Availible at the Door: $75

In an ever-evolving field, staying still is falling behind. The Mental Health Conference 2025 opens doors to a wealth of knowledge specifically in crisis management, ensuring you stay at the forefront of the field. Plus you are eligible for 4 CEUs.

Dive into immersive, informative sessions that cover a variety of cutting-edge issues and strategies. Walk away with tangible and actionable insights to apply immediately in your work.

Forge connections with the most innovative minds in mental healthcare. These relationships can spark collaboration and support that lasts beyond the conference walls.

Continuing education credits will be available for all sessions, ensuring that you can turn your inspiration into certification and career advancement.

Don't miss the chance to be at the epicenter of the future of mental health care. Invest in your expertise, and in doing so, invest in those who rely on your care and commitment. Let's build a community of practice ready to face the future together.

Breakout Sessions that will be available(you can pick 2 of the 3): You will be able to select breakout in checkout.

• Crisis and Addiction
• Crisis in the Queer Community
• Introduction to Mental Health First Aid.

Speakers:

Brad Hoder | LADC | HDC Director of Addiction Services

Michael Furo | Director of Community Collaboration

Session Overview: Join us for an insightful presentation on crisis services and their vital role in supporting individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). We’ll explore how crisis response teams, detox services, and mental health interventions can provide immediate stabilization and connect individuals to long-term recovery resources. Learn how to recognize when crisis intervention is needed, navigate available services, and integrate crisis support into SUD treatment. Whether you're a provider, advocate, or community member, this session will equip you with valuable knowledge to better support individuals in crisis.

Speaker: Alex Lorenz | MSW, LICSW, LADC | HDC Mental Health Provider & Queer/Gender Affirming Services

Session Overview: This presentation will focus on understanding the current needs of Tran’s folk, specifically those in crisis, including challenges with resource utilization and community resources to assist with relapse prevention and long-term connection. During the breakout session, the provider will discuss current statistical information on increased suicide ideation rates, increased service utilization, and comorbid/co-occurring diagnoses that individuals may present. As providers, we need to understand the essentials of community and its impact on long-term relapse prevention from mental illness or substance abuse. Join us as we build on connecting folks with mental health resources, medical providers, and community engagement, such as social events, support groups, and family/friend connections.

Speaker: Haley Rilea | LICSW | HDC Director of Carlton County Services

Session Overview: Mental health challenges are more common than we think, yet many people don’t know how to respond when someone is struggling. In this session, you’ll learn what Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is, why it’s essential in our communities, and how you can become trained to recognize, respond, and support those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. While this is not the full MHFA training, you’ll gain an overview of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE), explore real-world applications, and learn how to register for the full course. Whether you’re a professional, community member, or someone passionate about mental wellness, this session will give you practical tools and resources to help make a difference. Join us to take the first step in becoming a mental health advocate!

Info: Included continental breakfast w/coffee, water, & juice. Visit tables for the various different resources HDC has to offer.

Info: Breakout 1: Crisis and Addiction Breakout 2: Crisis In The Queer Community Breakout 3: Introduction to Mental Health First Aid

Info: Breakout 1: Crisis and Addiction Breakout 2: Crisis In The Queer Community Breakout 3: Introduction to Mental Health First Aid

Info: Buffet style lunch.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, 200 West 1st Street, Duluth, United States