Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

​The Integrated Behavioral Health Conference, hosted by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and partners, will bring together more than 600 medical professionals, substance abuse prevention specialists, educators, families and survivors.  The conference will take place Tuesday, September 22 through Thursday, September 24, 2015, at the Charleston Civic Center.

"Events like this are so important to our effort to address behavioral health issues prevalent in West Virginia and the entire nation,” said DHHR Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling. “This conference offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage with experts in the field, make important connections and gain valuable knowledge to take back to their organizations and communities."

Nearly 100 plenary and workshop sessions will be offered, including: integrating physical and behavioral health in community settings, canine and equine therapy across populations, motivational interviewing, youth-led prevention and recovery, cross-disability resilience methods for treating trauma, substance use and child welfare. Free family events open to the public, including a Recovery Celebration Concert with country music star Templeton Thompson, and a session on internet safety will be offered for both parents and students.

Attendees from 17 states will be participating.  For the full conference agenda, visit www.dhhr.wv.gov/bhhf/ibhc

Highlights of the conference include:

Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Location: Charleston Civic Center, South Hall

8:30 a.m.                               Conference kick-off by DHHR Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling

9:00 a.m.                               Dr. Joan Gillece, Director for SAMHSA’s National Center for Trauma Informed Care

12:00 p.m.                             William Kellibrew, international advocate for civil, human, women, children and victims’ rights

Location: Charleston Civic Center, Little Theater

6:00 p.m.                               Free sessions open to the public will focus on internet safety, with two separate sessions for youth and parents

Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Location: Charleston Civic Center, South Hall

9:00 a.m.                               Al Killen Harvey, Co-founder of The Harvey Institute

12:00 p.m.                             Dr. Gabor Maté, renowned speaker and bestselling author on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development

Location: Charleston Civic Center, Little Theater

6:00 p.m.                               Free Recovery Celebration Concert with country music star Templeton Thompson, open to public

Thursday, September 24, 2015
Location: Charleston Civic Center, South Hall

9:00 a.m.                               Dr. Mel Pohl, Medical Director of Las Vegas Recovery Center

12:30 p.m.                             Miss West Virginia Chelsea Malone

12:45 p.m.                             Ross Szabo, social innovator and CEO of Human Power Project