Washington Mental Health Counselors Association upcoming events

Gettin’ By: How Poverty Changes the Brain, Which Changes Everything presented by Linda Riddell MS (08/26/2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Description:

The most important and overlooked aspect of poverty is how it changes the brain. In this session, you will experience how poverty changes the brain by playing the game Gettin' By. Developed by an epidemiologist who specializes in poverty, and after five years of testing, this training is shown to shift attitudes toward poverty. You will learn the science behind the game, and the hidden impact of poverty on the brain, body, and behavior. Using a research-based checklist, you will learn how to look at your own work with "awkward" eyes and how to think about what you don't naturally.

Once we know better, we can do better. With more knowledge about poverty’s impact, we can find ways to more effectively help people living in the crisis of poverty. You will leave this session seeing poverty in a new way and with new tools to make your work more effective.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

Describe how poverty influences brain function, decision-making, and health and education outcomes.
Explain factors that interfere with a person’s ability to receive, process, and act upon new information while living in poverty.
Demonstrate applying an evidence-based framework to evaluate the mental and other demands that a service imposes on people

About the Presenter:

Linda Riddell is an epidemiologist specializing in poverty. Writing about and presenting brain science concepts has been a focal point for her work. From her years working as an epidemiologist and specializing in poverty, she created “gettin’ by”, a training program to help professionals work more effectively with low-income people. The centerpiece of the program is a game that puts the players’ brains through the same changes that happen to a person living in poverty.

In 2019, after five years of testing and development, she brought the program to national and regional conferences. She is an experienced and enthusiastic public speaker. She speaks at several events each year and gets positive reviews.

Her undergraduate degree is in English from the University of Cincinnati. She earned her master’s degree in health policy and management at the University of Southern Maine, Muskie School for Public Service. She has also completed courses at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in social epidemiology and biostatistics.

Registration closes August 22nd, 2026

This course is approved for 2 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all associate-level licensees in Washington State

Washington Mental Health Association (WMHCA) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2079. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

WMHCA Cancellation Policy

To receive a refund, less a $15 cancellation fee, cancellations must be made by contacting WMHCA at least 48 hours prior to workshop date. There will be no refunds within 48 hours of the workshop date. Please make sure you have the link 24 hours prior to the event starting.

AI, Attachment, and the Counseling Relationship: Understanding Subtle & Acute Risks of Large Language Models in Clinical Practice and Supporting Ethical, Trauma-Informed Use Presented by Jocelyn Skillman, LMHC MHP CMHS (09/11/2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Description:

Clients are increasingly turning to AI chat platforms and companions for emotional support, identity exploration, and relational processing. This training provides counselors with foundational understanding of how large language models (LLMs) function in relational contexts, how synthetic attachment forms, and how to recognize when AI use is stabilizing versus when it introduces subtle or acute psychodynamic risk. Participants will learn how to assess client AI use during intake, provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive AI literacy, and support clients in reconnecting to human relational networks. The workshop also highlights ethical innovation pathways through real-world examples including the presenter’s work innovating ShadowBox and TendMessages.io.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

Explain how large language models differ from human understanding.
Distinguish acute safety risks from subtle cumulative mental health risks in client AI use.
Assess client AI use through curious, non-shaming clinical inquiry.

About the Presenter:

Jocelyn Skillman, LMHC, MHP, CMHS is a psychology instructor, therapist, clinical supervisor, and relational design ethicist based in Washington State. She specializes in the psychological and developmental impacts of AI-mediated communication, particularly among youth, trauma-impacted populations, and clients navigating attachment needs being met through AI conversation. Jocelyn develops trauma-informed AI relational tools including ShadowBox and TendMessages.io, and teaches clinicians how to assess, understand, and safely educate emerging AI issues into therapeutic treatment with cultural, ethical, and relational care at the center.

Registration closes September 7th, 2026

This course is approved for 2 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all associate-level licensees in Washington State

WMHCA Cancellation Policy

Conference Committee Meeting (09/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Help WMHCA plan our second annual conference in May 2027 designed to foster vital connections within our therapeutic community! To make this event a resounding success, we need your help. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with various aspects of getting the conference up and running. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful event, connect with fellow members, and gain valuable experience. If you're eager to lend a hand and help us create an unforgettable experience, please sign up to join us! We can't wait to see you there.

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (09/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

Are you passionate about shaping the future of ethical, liberative, and culturally responsive clinical practice? The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) invites all WMHCA members to join us in advancing high-quality and accessible continuing education presentations rooted in decolonized principles and cultural humility.

Our mission is to increase competency, challenge oppressive systems, and support counselors in reducing suffering through thoughtful and timely educational opportunities. We actively seek to uplift diverse voices and perspectives—both in our committee and through the presenters we recruit.

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Integrating Social Justice into Child-Centered Play Therapy: Building Inclusive Spaces for Growth presented by Lauren Chase LCMHC, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH, PMH-C (10/02/2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Description:

This interactive training introduces participants to ways Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) can be applied through a social justice lens. Participants will explore how systemic influences, cultural identity, and advocacy intersect with children’s mental health. The course provides strategies for fostering equity in therapeutic playrooms, supporting resilience in marginalized children, and empowering clinicians to engage families and communities.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify three systemic influences impacting child clients and their families.
Apply two CCPT strategies to create culturally responsive and inclusive play therapy environments.
Demonstrate three ways to integrate advocacy into clinical practice and community partnerships.
Describe two strategies for building resilience and empowerment in children from marginalized populations.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Lauren Chase, PhD, LCMHC, PMH-C, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and educator specializing in child-centered play therapy, perinatal mental health, and supporting high-achieving women. She is the founder of Climbing Hills Counseling and a faculty member at Walden University. Dr. Chase integrates clinical practice, teaching, and advocacy, with a focus on equity and empowerment. She has presented at national conferences, trained graduate counseling students, and developed continuing education programs for professionals.

Registration closes September 28th, 2026

This course is approved for 1 CE hours for LMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, and all associate-level licensees in Washington State

WMHCA Cancellation Policy

Conference Committee Meeting (10/05/2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (10/05/2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (11/02/2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (11/09/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (12/07/2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (12/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (01/04/2027)

Mon, 04 Jan 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (01/11/2027)

Mon, 11 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (02/01/2027)

Mon, 01 Feb 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (02/08/2027)

Mon, 08 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (03/01/2027)

Mon, 01 Mar 2027 19:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (03/08/2027)

Mon, 08 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (04/05/2027)

Mon, 05 Apr 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Conference Committee Meeting (04/12/2027)

Mon, 12 Apr 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (05/03/2027)

Mon, 03 May 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.

Bridging Connections: Navigating Inclusive Care in an Evolving Landscape (05/13/2027)

Thu, 13 May 2027 14:30:00 GMT

WMHCA’s 2027 Conference, Bridging Connections: Navigating Inclusive Care in an Evolving Landscape, will take place May 13–15, 2027, in Yakima, Washington. The conference will bring together mental health professionals committed to strengthening connections and fostering inclusive, affirming spaces for healing and growth.

Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, the conference offers a timely opportunity to recognize the importance of mental health, reduce stigma, and strengthen our collective commitment to accessible, equitable, and culturally responsive care. As conversations about mental health continue to evolve, clinicians play an essential role in ensuring that individuals and communities feel seen, supported, and connected.

Registrations	Early Bird	Jan. 15, 2027	March 31, 2027
Student Members	$249	$249	$349
Members	$349	$449	$549
Non Members	$549	$549	$649

Tickets go on sale Sept 8, 2026

Get your tickets in advance as it is likely to sell out - registration closes April 30th, 2027.

Single-Day Tickets: Single-day registration will be available beginning in April, space permitting.

Pre-Conference Session: An optional pre-conference session will be available for an additional fee.

Schedule Posted by January 6, 2027

Become a WMHCA Member

No refunds will be given.

Conference Committee Meeting (05/17/2027)

Mon, 17 May 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Professional Development and Education Committee Meeting (06/07/2027)

Mon, 07 Jun 2027 18:30:00 GMT

Join the WMHCA Professional Development and Education Committee!

As a member of the committee, you’ll help:

Vet and select workshop presenters and topics
Plan and host continuing education events
Ensure Washington State CE requirements are provided with clarity to WMHCA members
Contribute to the development of impactful educational curricula for Washington state counselors

Whether you’re curious about our work or ready to get involved, we’d love to have you join a meeting and explore how you can contribute.