Description

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting children and adults throughout the lifespan. While often associated with inattention and hyperactivity, ADHD also impacts executive functioning, emotional regulation, impulse control, and decision-making. When left unrecognized or untreated, these challenges can contribute to difficulties in school, work, relationships, mental health, and increase the risk for substance use and suicidality.

This session will explore the neurobiology of ADHD, how symptoms evolve across the lifespan, and the ways ADHD can influence thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Participants will also review current diagnostic considerations, common co-occurring conditions, and evidence-based approaches to treatment and support.

Participants will explore:

• ADHD across the lifespan
• The neurobiology of ADHD and executive functioning
• Diagnostic criteria and common co-occurring conditions
• How untreated ADHD contributes to substance use, suicidality, and other adverse outcomes
• Evidence-based treatment and intervention strategies

Featured Speaker | Dr. Yvette Goebel

Dr. Yvette Goebel is a clinical psychologist with ThedaCare Behavioral Health who has more than a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of behavioral health settings. Her clinical practice focuses on helping individuals navigate mental health challenges across the lifespan, bringing practical experience and compassionate care to her work. Dr. Goebel earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Palo Alto University.

Description

Chronic pain can affect every aspect of a person’s life, influencing mental health, daily functioning, relationships, and coping strategies. This session explores the complex relationship between chronic pain, suicide risk, overdose, and alcohol-related harm. The session will begin with lived experience perspectives to help ground the discussion in the realities faced by individuals and families navigating chronic pain and substance use challenges.

The presentation will provide evidence-based education on the impact of chronic pain, including how it can contribute to emotional distress, substance use, and long-term health risks. The session will explore practical approaches to chronic pain management, warning signs and risk factors for suicide, overdose, and alcohol-related harm, communication strategies for working with individuals experiencing pain and distress, and opportunities for referral and multidisciplinary support.

This session examines:

• The relationship between chronic pain, mental health, and deaths of despair
• Lived experience perspectives on chronic pain and recovery
• Warning signs and risk factors for suicide, overdose, and alcohol-related harm
• Evidence-based approaches to chronic pain management
• Communication strategies and referral opportunities that support compassionate, multidisciplinary care

Featured Speaker | Tricia Snow Nault

Tricia Snow Nault is a board-certified nurse practitioner with Aurora Pain Management, where she specializes in helping individuals manage chronic pain through compassionate, evidence-based care. She combines medication management, interventional pain therapies, and patient education to develop personalized treatment plans that improve quality of life and empower patients to take an active role in their care. Tricia earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and her Master of Science in Nursing from Marian University in Fond du Lac.

Description

Sleep is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health. Achieving adequate sleep helps regulate mood, restores energy, and improves cognitive function. Left untreated, chronic insomnia remains a top driver of suicide and can increase vulnerability to substance use and other maladaptive coping strategies.

This session will explore first-line treatment recommendations for insomnia, including evidence-based interventions for evaluation, prevention, and treatment.

Objectives:

• Understand the importance and benefits of sleep
• Enhance knowledge of sleep processes
• Recognize insomnia as a significant risk factor of suicide
• Understand the connection between sleep, mental health, and substance use
• Learn about evidence-based interventions for sleep disturbance and how to implement interventions within your role

Featured Speaker | Abbey Bernier

Abbey Bernier is a licensed clinical social worker and Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the John H. Bradley VA Outpatient Clinic in Appleton. With more than 13 years of experience serving veterans through the Veterans Health Administration, she specializes in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, sleep health, and evidence-based behavioral health treatment. In addition to providing direct clinical care, Abbey partners with community organizations to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and leads education on best practices for identifying and responding to suicide risk.

Description

Traumatic brain injury can affect emotional regulation, impulse control, cognition, and coping — increasing vulnerability to suicide, substance misuse, and overdose.

This session explores emerging understanding of TBI as a risk factor and examines opportunities for prevention, screening, and support.

Topics include:

• Recognizing long-term impacts of TBI
• Connections between TBI and suicide risk
• Implications for screening and care
• Prevention opportunities across systems

Featured Speaker | Dr. Jerry Hoepner

Dr. Jerry Hoepner is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he teaches neuroscience, acquired communication disorders, counseling, and clinical practice. A nationally recognized expert in traumatic brain injury and neurogenic communication disorders, he has developed innovative brain injury support programs that help individuals and families navigate life after injury. Dr. Hoepner is the author of several textbooks and numerous publications on neuroscience, brain injury rehabilitation, counseling, and clinical education.