Last year, The Juniper Center partnered with Plena Mind Center, Therapy Etc., and Newport Healthcare to launch the inaugural Innovations in Mental Health: Treating Children, Teens, and Families Conference. Together, we set out to bring fresh ideas, practical resources, and meaningful connections to the mental health professionals who support young people and their families. With 55 attendees, the conference provided valuable learning opportunities, introduced new therapeutic approaches, and fostered connections among clinicians and organizations across the region. The overwhelmingly positive response confirmed the need for an event dedicated to children, teens, and families, inspiring us to come together once again for a second year. As we prepare for this year’s conference, our planning committee remains committed to building on the foundation of the inaugural event by preserving the elements attendees loved while introducing new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth.
Seeing the Response from The First Year
One of the first steps in planning the second conference was taking a close look at the inaugural event in October 2025. We reviewed every aspect of the experience—from attendance and session topics to speakers, giveaways, and meals—to better understand what resonated most with attendees and where there were opportunities to grow. The feedback made one thing clear: there was a strong desire for a space where clinicians could learn, connect, and discuss the unique challenges of supporting children, teens, and their families. The energy and engagement throughout the day reinforced the importance of bringing professionals together to explore the complexities of working not only with young people, but also with the families, schools, and systems that support them. Combined with the opportunity to earn continuing education credits, the success of the first conference confirmed that this was an event worth continuing and expanding in its second year.
What Attendees Can Expect for This Year
As the planning committee began meeting for the second year, we focused on an important question: What conversations would be most valuable to the clinicians attending this conference? We know that every attendee brings a different background, area of expertise, and clinical experience, so we wanted to create a program broad enough to offer something meaningful to everyone while still providing practical takeaways they could bring into their work. This year’s conference will feature a broader range of topics, additional speakers, and insights designed to introduce new perspectives and expand each clinician’s growing toolbox. While a one-hour presentation cannot make someone an expert, it can spark curiosity, increase awareness, and provide strategies that clinicians can continue exploring long after the conference ends. Ultimately, our goal is to give attendees concrete ideas they can apply to assessment, treatment planning, intervention, and collaboration—and to encourage continued learning that can strengthen outcomes for children and families.
What the Attendees Will Take Away This Time Around
At the heart of the conference is a simple goal: we want every attendee to leave with something new. Whether it is a different perspective, a greater awareness of an emerging approach, or a practical strategy they can incorporate into their work, we want the day to encourage clinicians to think beyond what they already know. This is especially important when working with children, teens, and families, where treatment often requires us to continually adapt our approach and consider new ways of supporting both clients and their broader systems of care. As we build on last year’s conference, we’re continuing to look at what is changing in the mental health field and bringing those important conversations together in one place. We hope that the presentations not only provide useful tools for clinicians to take back to their practices, but also spark curiosity and encourage continued learning long after the conference ends.
Continuing to Grow for Future Conferences in the Coming Years
As we enter the second year of Innovations in Mental Health, we’re excited not only about what we’ve planned for this year, but also about what this conference could become in the years ahead. Each conversation, presentation, and planning meeting has been an opportunity to build on the sense of community created during our inaugural event and strengthen the foundation for an annual tradition in Illinois. Our long-term vision is to continue growing the conference while preserving the connection and collaboration that make it meaningful. As the event evolves, we would love to create even more opportunities for deeper learning, discussion, and collaboration—including the possibility of expanding to an additional day in the future. For now, our focus is on creating another meaningful experience that leaves attendees inspired, better equipped, and eager to continue the conversation long after the conference ends.
We’re excited to welcome you to the second annual Innovations in Mental Health: Treating Children, Teens, and Families Conference in Illinois, co-hosted by Therapy Etc, Plena Mind Center, The Juniper Center, and Newport Healthcare. In one full day, attendees will have the opportunity to earn 6.0 CE credits, learn from experienced speakers, explore innovative approaches to mental health care, and connect with other professionals who share a commitment to supporting children, teens, and families. We’ve brought everything we learned from our first year into this year’s planning, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve created with you. If you’d like to be part of this year’s conference, you can register here: https://app.tpn.health/education/2nd-annual-innovations-in-mental-health-conference-treating-child-7cc7a35e
We look forward to seeing you there!