Larned State Hospital will host its 12th annual Mental Health Conference on August 10-12 at the Larned Community Center.
The hospital conducts the conference each summer to provide professional development for its staff and others who work in the psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work and corrections fields, said Larned State Hospital Superintendent Tom Kinlen.
Conference topics will include assessing sexual offenders who have developmental disabilities, using behavior management procedures with individuals who exhibit psychiatric and aggressive behaviors, overcoming bipolar disorder, and moving from assertive community treatment to rural community reality.
Featured speakers at the conference include:
- Dr. Michael R. Dixon, chief forensic psychologist for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and director of psychology at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center.
- Dr. Leslie Bissell, executive director of the Southwest Guidance Center in Liberal.
- Gina Smith, licensed clinical psychotherapist and instructor at Fort Hays State University.
- Meg Hutchinson, a Boston-based singer-songwriter, poet and recording artist.
The conference will be co-chaired by Kinlen and Travis Reed, a staff training specialist. For enrollment information, contact Reed at travis.reed@lsh.ks.gov or (620) 285-4010.