CarePlus Foundation to Host Annual Youth Mental Health Conference

PARAMUS, NJ, April 14, 2013 (Press-News.org) On June 10, 2013, CarePlus Foundation will host the "Understanding and Treating the Complex Puzzle of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury" conference at Bergen Community College from 8:30am to 4:30pm. This conference will focus on understanding, managing and treating diverse forms of self-injury. Used as a way of coping for some people, self-injury can manifest during an emotionally difficult time as a coping mechanism to temporarily feel better. In this way, people feel they can physically express and release the tension and pain they hold inside.

Different methods of self-injury will be discussed including: arm and body cutting, self-inflicted burning, excoriation of wounds, and other serious examples. Self-injury will be distinguished from suicidal behavior by identifying key characteristics and will be discussed as a risk factor in suicide attempts.

Barent Walsh, Ph.D. is the keynote speaker. Dr. Walsh has written extensively and presented internationally on the topic of self-destructive behavior. He is the author of the best-selling book, "Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide 2nd edition, Guilford Press" (2012). He is also the co-author of the book, "Self-Mutilation: Theory, Research and Treatment" (Guilford Press, 1988). In addition, Dr. Walsh completed a Self-Injury Prevention DVD and program for High Schools in collaboration with Screening for Mental Health of Wellesley, MA.

The conference is intended for: intermediate level social workers, school counselors, teachers, child study team members, school nurses, mental health professionals, and law enforcement professionals.

Registration fee: $60 includes lunch and 6 continuing education units. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. For more information and to register call (201) 986-5070.

Social Workers will be eligible for 6 credit hours (pending). Participants may not be eligible for continuing education credits if they are they do not participate in the entire training session.

About CarePlus Foundation, Inc. ("CarePlus Foundation")
The CarePlus Foundation - a supporting arm of CarePlus - was created with a mission to decrease the stigma of mental illness and pave the way to accessibility of care for those looking to seek help.

About Care Plus NJ Inc. ("CarePlus")
CarePlus is a northern New Jersey provider of recovery-focused mental health, substance abuse and family services that addresses the unique needs of individuals with a holistic approach to recovery and overall wellness. Operating out of twenty-three sites, including three outpatient centers located in Paramus, Fair Lawn, and Montclair, ten residential facilities, offices at three local hospitals, and seven community offices - CarePlus services are convenient to clients located throughout northern New Jersey.