LSUS Continuing Education and the LSUS Department of Psychology will host the annual Bullying & Suicide Prevention Conference on Nov. 19 and the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Prevention Conference on Nov. 20 on the LSUS campus. These in-person events will provide insight and training for counselors, psychologists, and working professionals by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange through these back-to-back events.
“LSUS Continuing Education has a long history of supporting our mental healthcare workers by providing yearly conferences on bullying and suicide prevention, mental health and substance abuse,” said Tulin Melancon, Director of Conference and Institutes for LSU Shreveport. “This continual training for the professionals in our community is vital to serving the needs of our community.”
The Bullying & Suicide Prevention Conference and Mental Health & Substance Abuse Prevention Conference together provide a consecutive, comprehensive educational experience spanning two days. These conferences provide valuable education regarding two urgent mental health challenges and strengthening local community. Attendees will gain insight into these challenges through expert-led sessions, community resource sharing, and evidence-based practices to support intervention, recovery, and long-term wellness.
“Bullying and cyberbullying can have lasting effects on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being,” said Bullying & Suicide Prevention keynote speaker Dr. Kimberly Mason. “By increasing awareness and equipping professionals with practical prevention and intervention strategies, we can create safer environments where individuals feel supported, connected, and empowered.”
The Bullying & Suicide Prevention Conference features sessions led by Dr. Mason, an LPC-S and associate professor at Walden University, and Dr. Bruce K. McCormick, an LPC and Shreveport native who has served as chairperson of the Louisiana Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Both speakers hold an average of 30 years of professional experience.
This conference is “an opportunity for participants to share experiences and explore new information regarding the ethical responsibilities for and the relationship of psychiatric diagnoses to bullying and suicide risk,” said Dr. McCormick.
Speakers for the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Conference the next day include Dr. Rick Griffin and Thedore “Teddy” Cox, MA and LPC. Griffin is a neuroscience educator and Founder of the Neuro Leadership Academy, while Cox is an LPC and mental health counselor with experience in military service, law enforcement, and ministry.
This conference will focus on recognizing risk and exploring the psychological and emotional functions of substance abuse. This event continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, education, and advocacy designed to support and address critical health needs in the community.
“Every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected,” said Dr. Mason. “Through education, early intervention, and compassionate support, helping professionals can play a vital role in preventing bullying and fostering resilience in those affected.”
The Bullying & Suicide Prevention Conference and Mental Health & Substance Abuse Prevention Conference will cover recent evidence-based practices for strengthening local community and awareness. For details on agendas and registration information, visit the LSUS Continuing Education website at: https://www.lsus.edu/academics/continuing-education/conferences
