Hidden Factors in Mental Health:
What Every Provider Should Know
June 26-27, 2026 at the University of Oklahoma
Join us for a 2-Day CE Retreat focused on today’s most challenging topics.
14 CEs available, including 3 for Ethics.
Our Purpose
Most continuing education conferences focus on delivering information—but often overlook the nuanced, real-world challenges professionals face every day. At Commander Counseling & Wellness, we saw a need for something different: a space to explore the topics that don’t always make it into traditional CE programming, yet play a critical role in providing high-quality care.
This conference was created to bring those conversations forward. From complex diagnostic presentations to evolving areas of practice, our goal is to offer content that is not only relevant, but immediately applicable.
What truly sets this experience apart is the format. Rather than a lecture-heavy, passive environment, this event is designed to be interactive, engaging, and collaborative. With a retreat-style approach, attendees are encouraged to participate in discussion, apply concepts in real time, and connect with other professionals in meaningful ways.
We believe that the best learning happens through both insight and interaction—and that stronger connections between providers ultimately lead to better outcomes for the clients we serve.
Meet The Presenters
Presentation Line Up
Here's a list of our presentations with their respective learning objectives. There will be 7 CEs available each day.
AI in Clinical Practice: Navigating the New Frontier
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Identify at least three practical applications of AI in clinical and behavioral health settings (e.g., documentation, treatment planning, psychoeducation).
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Describe how AI will impact job security of mental health providers.
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Describe at least three ethical risks associated with AI use, including confidentiality, bias, and informed consent.
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Differentiate appropriate versus inappropriate uses of AI in clinical decision-making.
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Apply guidelines for integrating AI tools into practice while maintaining professional standards and clinical judgment.
Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Cases
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Apply a structured ethical decision-making model to complex, real clinical scenarios.
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Identify at least three common ethical dilemmas encountered in assessment and treatment settings.
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Analyze an assessment-based case to determine ethical risks related to interpretation, feedback, and scope of practice.
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Formulate ethically sound decisions using professional codes (e.g., APA, ACA, NASW) and clinical judgment.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas Using a Virtue-Driven Ethics Model
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Describe the core principles of a virtue-based approach to ethical decision-making.
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Compare virtue ethics with rule-based and principle-based ethical models.
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Apply a virtue-driven framework to clinical dilemmas involving competing values or unclear guidelines.
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Evaluate how clinician character, intent, and professional identity influence ethical outcomes.
Trauma and the Developing Brain
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Describe the impact of early trauma on brain development, including effects on emotional regulation, attention, and behavior.
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Identify at least three behavioral or academic indicators of trauma in children and adolescents.
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Differentiate trauma-related behaviors from willful misconduct or developmental delay.
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Apply trauma-informed strategies to improve engagement and outcomes in school and child welfare settings.
Autism in High-Functioning Youth & Adults: Subtle Signs You’re Missing
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Identify at least five subtle or commonly overlooked indicators of autism in high-functioning individuals.
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Differentiate autism spectrum presentations from social communication disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and personality-related traits.
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Describe common compensatory strategies (masking) and their impact on mental health.
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Determine when referral for formal assessment is clinically indicated.
Neurodivergent Adults: Diagnosis vs Identity vs Coping Style
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Differentiate between clinical diagnosis, self-identified neurodivergence, and adaptive coping styles.
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Describe the benefits and limitations of formal diagnosis in adulthood.
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Identify clinical indicators that suggest the need for assessment versus supportive intervention.
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Apply strategies for working effectively with neurodivergent adults across therapeutic and evaluative contexts.
When Symptoms Lie: Understanding the Overlap of Trauma, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, and Depression
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Identify overlapping symptoms across trauma, ADHD, anxiety, autism, and depression.
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Differentiate at least three key features that help clarify diagnostic distinctions.
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Analyze case scenarios to determine likely underlying mechanisms driving symptom presentation.
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Explain how comprehensive assessment improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
Truths About Social Media and Its Effects on Mental Health
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Describe current research findings on the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes.
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Identify both risk factors and protective factors associated with social media engagement.
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Recognize signs of problematic or maladaptive social media use across age groups.
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Apply practical strategies to help clients develop healthier digital habits and boundaries.
The Culture of Competition: Delivering Culturally Competent Mental Health Care to Athletes
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Describe key elements of athletic culture (e.g., performance expectations, identity, stigma around help-seeking) that influence mental health presentation and treatment engagement.
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Identify at least three common mismatches between traditional clinical approaches and the needs of athletes.
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Apply culturally competent strategies to improve rapport, assessment, and intervention with athlete populations.
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Differentiate performance-related concerns from clinical mental health conditions requiring targeted treatment or referral.
Collaborative Care Model: How Providers Can Work Together for Better Outcomes (Panel)
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Describe the core components of an effective collaborative care model, including roles of mental health providers, medical professionals, educators, and caseworkers.
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Identify at least three common barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration and strategies to overcome them.
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Apply structured communication strategies (e.g., referral clarity, feedback loops, shared treatment goals) to improve coordination of care across providers.
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Analyze case examples to determine when collaboration and/or referral for specialized services (e.g., psychological testing, psychiatry) is indicated.
Psychiatric Medications in Practice: Red Flags, Side Effects, and Athlete-Specific Considerations
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Identify at least three common red flags associated with major psychiatric medication classes (e.g., SSRIs, stimulants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers).
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Describe typical and atypical side effects across medication classes and differentiate between benign versus clinically significant reactions.
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Apply clinical decision-making strategies to determine when medication-related concerns warrant referral, consultation, or changes in treatment.
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Evaluate athlete-specific considerations (e.g., performance impact, hydration, weight changes, regulatory restrictions) when prescribing or coordinating care involving psychiatric medications.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Retreat Information
Continuing Education
14 CEs will be available for attendees, including 3 for Ethics.
Prices
$150 for 2-Day (Early Bird is $125)
$100 for 1-Day (Early Bird is $75)
Lunch
The retreat will break for lunch at 12:00-1:00 on both days. Attendees can enjoy lunches from a variety of restaurants in the Memorial Union and on campus corner.
Parking
The primary parking for the University of Oklahoma (OU) Memorial Union is the Union Parking Center (Asp Avenue Parking Facility), located on the north side of the building on Asp Avenue.
Lodging
Although there will not be any room blocks held for the retreat, attendees can find several possible lodging accommodations near OU and in Norman.
Sponsor Information
