11th Annual Permian Basin Mental Health Conference

The 11th Annual Permian Basin Mental Health Conference brings together educators, counselors, administrators, and mental health professionals to focus on the essential connection between counselor wellness and student resilience. This year’s theme, Powering From Within, emphasizes the importance of self-care, emotional well-being, and collaborative support systems in promoting healthy learning environments for all students.

Conference Objectives:

• Define and explore the concepts of self-care and resiliency within the context of mental health, emphasizing their relevance for youth and school-aged populations.
• Identify common stressors and mental health challenges faced by K–12 students, especially in underserved or high-need areas such as the Permian Basin.
• Examine the role of school counselors in fostering student resilience through evidence-based strategies, trauma-informed care, and holistic approaches.
• Provide practical tools and strategies for implementing self-care routines among students and school personnel, recognizing the link between adult wellness and student outcomes.
• Discuss culturally responsive methods for building resilience in diverse student populations, with attention to socioeconomic, familial, and community factors.
• Strengthen collaboration between educators and mental health professionals to create school climates that promote emotional regulation, coping skills, and empowerment.
• Review current research and best practices related to self-care and resilience, and explore their implications for school counseling policy and practice.