Conference on youth mental health
April 11-13, 2024 | Atlanta, GA
The NextGen Conference is dedicated to equipping Christian counselors, social workers, teachers, school counselors, pastors, youth pastors and anyone working with the next generation with the tools and insights needed to address the unique mental health challenges facing today’s youth.
Holiday Savings Deadline December 31
$229 AACC Member Price
$269 for Non-AACC Members
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the next generation.
Preconference Workshops
Professional Tracks
Workshops
CE Credits Available
Join us in the heart of Atlanta as we gather experts, thought leaders, and practitioners in the field to explore innovative strategies rooted in faith and psychology. Through engaging workshops, enlightening keynote sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to provide compassionate and effective counseling to young individuals navigating the complexities of mental health within a Christian context. Be part of this inspiring journey towards healing, growth, and renewed hope. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the next generation. Register today and be prepared to make a difference!
April 11-13, 2024 | Atlanta, GA
Keynote Speakers
Chinwé Williams, Ph.D.
Author, Speaker & Therapist
Jay Strack, D.Min.
Founder of Student Leadership University (SLU)
Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.
CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI)
Sean McDowell, Ph.D.
Author, Professor & Speaker
Megan Fate Marshman
Author & Speaker
Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Founder & President of Celebrate Kids, Inc.
Chap Clark, Ph.D.
Youth, Family & Culture Expert
George Barna, Ph.D.
Director of Research & Cofounder of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University
Zach Clinton, M.A.
Vice President of the American Association of Christian Counselors
Tim Clinton, Ed.D.
President of the American Association of Christian Counselors
Pre-conference Workshops
Morning Workshops (8:30 – 11:45 AM)
001. Grace for the Children: Finding Hope in the Midst of Child and Adolescent Mental Illness Matthew Stanford, Ph.D.
002. Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Emotion Regulation Skill Building for Youth Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
003. God Attachment, Self-esteem, and Faith Mercy Connors, Ph.D., and Megan Clunan, Ph.D.
004. Loneliness and Isolation: Keeping Teens Safe in a Technological World Mark Mayfield, Ph.D.
005. When the Pressure is Too Much: Kids, Performance, and Perfectionism in Sports, Academics, and Everyday Life Karl Benzio, M.D., and Zach Clinton, M.A.
006. The Connection Between Non-suicidal Self-injury, Eating Disorders, and Body Image Amy Feigel, M.A.
007. Toxic Stress: The Effects of Childhood Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
008. Ethical Dilemmas and Challenges in the Mental Health Treatment of Children and Adolescents David Jenkins, Psy.D. and Lon Lynn, D.O.
Afternoon Workshops (1:30 – 4:45 PM)
010. Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Youth Chap Clark, Ph.D.
011. Recent Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns Among Adolescents John Eklund, M.S.W.
012. Problematic Internet Use and its Impact on Anxiety, Depression, and Addictions Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.
013. Crisis Point: The Prevalence of Youth Suicide and Suicidal Ideation Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A., and Diane Sharp, Ed.D.
014. A Biblical and Clinical Approach to Homosexuality and Emerging Gender Identities and Ideology Kathy Koch, Ph.D., and Christine Sneeringer, M.A.
015. Bridging the Gap: Opportunities and Challenges to Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Underserved Populations Mark Crear, Ph.D., and Jeff Wallace, Ph.D.
016. Healing through Play: Play Therapy Techniques with Traumatized Children Terra Mattson, M.A.
017. Psychopharmacological Treatment and Collaborative Care for Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Disorders Stephen Grcevich, M.D.
Conference Schedule
Time |
Description |
|---|---|
| 012:00PM – 7:00PM |
Registration Opens |
Time |
Description |
|---|---|
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Registration Opens |
| 08:30 – 11:45 AM | Morning Pre-conference Workshops |
| 12:00 – 1:15 PM | Lunch Break |
| 1:30-4:45 PM | Afternoon Pre-conference Workshops |
| 6:00PM-8:30PM | Conference Kickoff/Keynote Session 1 |
Time |
Description |
|---|---|
| 8:00AM-9:15AM | Workshop 1 |
| 09:45 – 11:45 AM | Keynote Session 2 |
| 12:00 – 1:15 PM | Ticketed Luncheon* |
| 1:30 – 2:45 PM | Workshop 2 |
| 3:15 – 5:30PM | Keynote Session 3 |
*Luncheon tickets must be purchased separately.
Time |
Description |
|---|---|
| 8:00AM-9:15AM | Workshop 3 |
| 09:45 – 11:45 AM | Keynote Session 4 |
| 12:00 – 1:15 PM | Ticketed Luncheon* |
| 1:30 – 2:45 PM | Workshop 4 |
| 3:15 – 5:30PM | Keynote Session 5 |
*Luncheon tickets must be purchased separately.
