Southern Illinois Behavioral Health Summit

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Last Updated: Jul 28, 2026, 03:44 PM

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First Annual Southern Illinois Behavioral Health Summit

September 24-25, 2026 | Southern Illinois University

Join us for the premiere in-person behavioral health continuing education event in the Midwest! The Southern Illinois Behavioral Health Summit brings together nationally recognized experts and local professionals from the fields of social work, counseling, nursing, medicine, education, and addiction treatment.

Joseph T. Monahan - Keynote Presenter

Joseph T MonahoanJoseph T. Monahan (Joe) is founder of the Chicago law firm, Monahan Law Group, LLC. Trained as a social worker before going to law school, Joe has been an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for decades.

Over the past three decades as an attorney, Joe and the firm have been involved in groundbreaking legal issues impacting social workers and their clients.

Joe successfully argued a case in the Illinois Supreme Court concerning the confidentiality of records in domestic relations proceedings, was lead trial counsel on the first same-sex adoption case in Illinois and also was the plaintiff (then later appointed co-chair of the Rule 706 expert panel) in the largest lawsuit ever brought against DCFS. Joe and the firm represent approximately 90 hospitals in the Chicago metropolitan area and provide legal representation and advocacy to numerous outpatient mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, and social workers throughout the state.

  • Dr. Onoriode Evwaraye - Featured Presenter

    Dr. Onoriode Evwaraye is Licensed Therapist and Mental Health Advocate based out of Atlanta, Georgia. "Dr. Ono" has over 20 years of experience in mental health and higher education, having worked in various settings with diverse populations. Through his private practice, he provides support for Individuals, Couples, and Family. His specialties include Black Mental Health, Relationships, and Male/Masculinity Concerns.

    Onoriode Evwaraye

  • Featured Topics Include:

    • Innovations in Treatment: New trends, approaches, and evidence-based practices.
    • Trauma-Informed Care: Best practices for working with trauma survivors across various settings.
    • Mental Health Crisis Management: Strategies for de-escalation, intervention, and community resources.
    • Peer Services in Behavioral Health: Leveraging lived experience for support, advocacy, and empowerment in recovery.
    • Cultural Competency in Behavioral Health: Addressing disparities and improving access to care for marginalized populations.
    • Ethical Challenges : Navigating dilemmas and ensuring client-centered care.
    • Burnout Prevention and Self-Care: Techniques for enhancing resilience and mental wellness for professionals.

  • Event Highlights:

    • Networking Opportunities with peers, experts, and thought leaders.
    • Continental Breakfast & Lunch Included in your admission.
    • Exclusive Access to the latest behavioral health research and practices.

Event Schedule

  • Thursday, September 24

    8:00 - 9:00 am Check-In, Continental Breakfast, and Vendor visits
    9:00 - 9:15 am Welcome
    9:15 - 10:45 am Keynote Presenter: Joseph T. Monahan, Part 1
    10:45 -11:00 am Break/Vendor visits
    11:00 - 11:50 am Session I Breakouts
    12:00 -12:30 pm Lunch (Tedrick Welcome Center)
    12:30 - 2:00 pm Keynote Presenter: Joseph T. Monahan, Part 2 (Tedrick Welcome Center)
    2:00 - 2:30 pm Break/Vendor Visits
    2:30 - 3:20 pm Session II Breakouts
    3:20 pm End of Day One
    3:30 pm Networking Reception

  • Friday, September 25

    8:00 - 9:00 am Check-In, Continental Breakfast, and Vendor visits
    9:00 - 9:15 am Welcome
    9:15 - 10:45 am Onoriode Evwaraye, ASWB
    10:45 - 11:00 am Break/Vendor Visits
    11:00 - 11:50 am Session III Breakouts
    12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch and Vendor Visits
    1:00 - 1:50 pm Session IV Breakouts
    1:50 - 2:05 pm Break/Vendor Visits
    2:05 - 2:55 pm Session V Breakouts
    3:00 pm Prize Drawing

    Schedule subject to change.

Registration Options

$130 Early Bird (thru August 21)
$160 Regular (After August 21)
$80 One Day Rate
$30 Student Rate
Sponsorship rates vary by level

Online Registration: 

Participant Registration Sponsorship Registration

If you need a PDF of the registration forms or have any questions, contact Rebecca Dycus (rdycus@siu.edu or call 618-536-7751) for assistance.

Contact Information

Joe Harper

Assistant Lecturer

School of Human Sciences