About this Event
Join us for the launch of the tri-annual Maricopa County Community Mental Health Forum Series. This educational forum brings together behavioral health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, community partners, and residents to explore effective responses to anxiety, depression, and suicide risk.
Through a multidisciplinary panel discussion, attendees will examine common risk factors, appropriate intervention and referral practices, and evidence-based approaches to treatment and ongoing support.
Learning Objectives
Following this program, participants will be able to:
- Identify key signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with depression and anxiety.
- Recognize suicide risk and describe appropriate safety and referral interventions.
- Discuss evidence-based treatment and management approaches for depression and anxiety.
Earn two hours of Continuing Education. Sahara Wellness Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8186. Sahara Wellness Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Continuing education hours offered through qualifying Sahara Wellness Center programs are intended to meet the continuing education requirements applicable to Arizona behavioral health professionals licensed as LPC, LAC, LMFT, LAMFT, LCSW, LMSW, and LBSW, subject to the requirements of the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and the specific program content.
Who Should Attend
- Licensed behavioral health professionals
- Healthcare providers
- School counselors and educators
- Community service professionals
- Individuals, families, and community members
Presented by a Community Panel Featuring
- Ramsen Kasha, MS, MBA, LPC, Chief Clinical Officer at Sahara Wellness Center
- Eric Perry, M.S., LAAC, Executive Director at Avenir Behavioral Health Center
- Brianna King, MBA, Director of Community Partnerships at Vogue Recovery Center
- Dr. Bethany Friedman, PsyD, CEDS, Owner/Psychologist at BraveFull Psychology
- Kathryn M. Kruithoff, LCSW, Therapist/ED IOP at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness
- Paris Mandy, PMHNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Sahara Wellness Center/Sahara Behavioral Health
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community
Agenda
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Info: • Greeting and purpose of the event • Overview of the Mental Health Forum Series • Why managing anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention were chosen as the launch topic • Local mental health context & key statistics • Framing the evening: reducing stigma, building resilience, and practical tools.
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:40 PM
Panel Discussion
Info: Ramsen Kasha, MS, MBA, LPC, Chief Clinical Officer at Sahara Wellness Center
Eric Perry, M.S., LAAC, Executive Director at Avenir Behavioral Health Center
Brianna King, MBA, Director of Community Partnerships at Vogue Recovery Center
Dr. Bethany Friedman, PsyD, CEDS, Owner/Psychologist at BraveFull Psychology
Kathryn M. Kruithoff, LCSW, Therapist/ED IOP at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness
🕑: 04:40 PM - 04:55 PM
Audience Q & A
Info: Open dialogue between attendees and panelists
🕑: 04:55 PM - 05:00 PM
Resource Spotlight and Call to Action
Info: • Overview of local mental health resources • Opportunity to connect directly with service providers • Key takeaways and community commitments • How to stay engaged in the Mental Health Forum Series
Event venue & nearby stays
Sahara Behavioral Health, 5730 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale, United States
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