Denver Seminary Counseling Division is an approved continuing education site through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Upcoming Event
Youth Mental Health: An Update from the Field
with Special Guest Dr. Adam Wilson, Associate Professor of Counseling; Director, School Counseling Mental Health Initiative
The session will seek to foster a deeper understanding of youth mental health. First, the session will seek to recalibrate our definitions of health and illness in youth. It will present mental health not as a static concept or merely a statistic, but as a dynamic rhythm. Second, the session will provide a comprehensive review of current research trends and statistics related to youth mental health. Attendees will explore statistics surrounding common diagnoses in youth, with particular attention paid to especially vulnerable populations (e.g., neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, Rural, etc.). Additionally, the talk will explore recent trends surrounding feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness, and suicidality. The session will then discuss evidence-based prevention and intervention programming and treatments. This segment will explore pathways to improve youth mental health, including the importance of connection through technology, family, and extracurricular involvement. It will also focus on fostering social and emotional development through skills like emotional regulation and discomfort tolerance, and enhancing social development by building empathy, social skills, conflict management, and functional communication. A key focus will be on addressing stigma surrounding diagnosis versus negative emotions. Lastly, the effect of adult mental health on youth will be discussed, emphasizing the significant impact of adults on the wellbeing of youth. Finally, the session will conclude with a Q&A session.
Dr. Adam Wilson is an associate professor of counseling and has served as the chair of the School Counseling program at Denver Seminary. He is a licensed professional counselor and has worked in the field of child and adolescent and family counseling for 20 years. He directs the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI), a research initiative seeking to better understand effective mental health interventions in schools. Adam has published numerous articles and book chapters exploring subjects on adult and youth mental health.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will analyze the escalating statistical trends in youth mental health, including the prevalence of emotional disorders, the impact of adverse childhood experiences, and the increases in sadness, hopelessness, and suicide rates (especially among LGBTQ+ youth).
- Attendees will evaluate the intricate interplay of key “pathways”such as connection, emotional development, the impact of stigma, and various aspects of social development to assess their collective impact on youth mental health outcomes.
- Attendees will formulate actionable strategies for fostering a “Culture of Health” by leveraging the foundational role of adult mental health, emphasizing how specific adult behaviors like modeling, authentic relationships, clear expectations, presence, and boundaried empathy can critically influence positive youth mental health outcomes.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
- Time: 12pm-1pm MT
- Location: Denver Seminary
- Virtual: Zoom Option
- *1 Continuing Education credit (in blue font) offered through NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider, No. 3094
Cost
- Student/Staff/Faculty- Free
- Den Sem Counseling Alum- $15
- Non-Alum/Other ministry professional- $25
Future Events
Registration coming soon.
- October 2025: Working with Children through the Attachment Lens, presented by Amy Craig (In-person)
- November 2025: Working with Trauma and Addiction, presented by Jordan Cienski (Virtual)
If you are interested in presenting a continuing education event, please complete this form.
Please consider giving as this helps support the continuing education program offerings.
Denver Seminary has been approved by NBCC as a continuing education provider, ACEP No. 3094 Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Denver Seminary is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth Harper | 6399 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton CO 80120 | 303.357.5834