2025 NASW Chapters Virtual Conference:
Mental Health Compassion + Action
Hosted by: NASW-Illinois, Nevada, and North Dakota Chapters
REGISTRATION NOW!
Conference workshops will qualify as continuing education for the following professions*:
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In Illinois: LSWs, LCSWs, PELs, LPCs, LCPCs, LMFTs, RNs, LPNs, APNs, and LCPs.
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In Nevada: Professionals licensed by Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers, Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners, State of Nevada, State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists & Clinical Professional Counselors, Department of Education.
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In North Dakota: Professionals licensed by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
*Subject to change
CONFERENCE DETAILS
Dates: Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6, 2025
Times: Times are the same for both days
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11:00am to 4:00pm Central Time / 10:00am to 3:00pm Mountain Time / 9:00am to 2:00pm Pacific Time
Conference Event Platform: Zoom Events
CEUs Available: Up to 8 CEUs available including CEUs fulfilling requirements for cultural competency, implicit bias, and Alzheimer's (in IL) or diversity, equity, and inclusion (in NV).
Conference Workshops, Descriptions, and Presenters: Click here
DEADLINES:
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Early Bird Registration Deadline: 9:00am Central Time on Monday, September 29, 2025
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Registration Deadline: 9:00am Central Time on Tuesday, October 28, 2025
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Deadline to Request Invoice: Friday, October 17, 2025
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Deadline to Receive Payment: Friday, October 31, 2025
REGISTRATION RATES:
Early Bird Registrants (before 09.29.25)
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Nonmember: $159.00
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NASW Member: $99.00
Regular Registrations (09.29.25–10.28.25)*
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Nonmember: $189.00
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NASW Member: $129.00
* Registrations received AFTER 9am Central Time on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, are not guaranteed staff assistance getting on or navigating the conference platform. We strongly recommend registering BEFORE the deadline.
BSW & MSW Students (not eligible for CEUs):
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Nonmember: $60.00 (includes NASW student membership)
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NASW Member: $15.00
2025 NASW CHAPTERS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY
You may cancel without penalty if written cancellation requests are received up to and including thirty (30) days prior to the start of the conference. Due to financial obligations incurred by the NASW Chapters no refunds or credits will be issue on cancellation requests received less than thirty (30) days prior to the start of the conference. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the NASW-Illinois Chapter office.
GAIN EXPOSURE WITH SPONSORSHIP!
2025 NASW-IL MAILING BROCHURE
Your ad will be featured in a mass mailer printing and sent out to over 10,000 licensed Illinois social workers in late summer/early fall 2025. The guide will serve as a reference resource about the most recent updates in Illinois news and licensure.
Ad Submission Deadline: 9am CST on Monday, July 7, 2025
PRINT AD REQUIREMENTS & PRICING
Four-Color:
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Full page inside back cover (8.5" wide x 10.875" high) . . . . . . . . $1,400.00
*Ad for inside back cover is available on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested, be sure to secure your ad placement early.
Two-Color:
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Full-page (8.5" wide x 10.857" high) . . . . . . . . . . $1,245.00
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1/2-page (7.625" wide by 4.875" high) . . . . . . . . . . $685.00
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1/4-page (3.8125" wide x 2.3125" high) . . . . . . . . $410.00
Submit your conference marketing brochure ad here.
DIGITAL EXHIBITOR SPONSORSHIP
Promote your organization with a digital exhibitor sponsorship listing. Your listing will be fully integrated into the digital conference platform, allowing you to still engage with attendees and for them to engage with your materials during and after the event. Since it's all virtual, there's no set-up or teardown—just you!
Vendors Receive:
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Access to the digital conference platform to interact with attendees, have live chat conversations, and share info on your organization
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A listing in online virtual platform
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A mailing address contact list of attendees (.xls)
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A pre-conference e-mail sent to attendees with your basic contact info
NOTE: Exhibitors may attend virtual education but to receive CEUs, they must purchase conference registration as an attendee.
Fees: For Profit: $450.00 / Nonprofit: $350.00
Submit your digital exhibitor sponsorship here.
SPONSORSHIP
Custom sponsorship packages are available ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. If you would like to elevate your presence at the conference and reach an even larger audience with the chapter, please reach out to NASW-Illinois Chapter Executive Director Joel L. Rubin.
CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
DAY 1 / SESSION 1
SUPPORTING WELLBEING IN PREGNANCY AFTER LOSS
Navigating pregnancy after loss is an emotional and complex journey, requiring compassionate, trauma-informed support. This session equips professionals with practical strategies to address the unique mental health challenges of individuals experiencing pregnancy after reproductive loss. Attendees will learn how to foster psychological safety, integrate culturally responsive care, and empower clients in self-advocacy. Through interactive discussions and realworld applications, this training provides the tools needed to support emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and improve clinical outcomes for families navigating this delicate and deeply personal experience.
ANGELICA QUEZADA (She/Her), LCSW Therapist
Pregnancy After Loss Support
Session TBA
DAY 1 / SESSION 2
NAVIGATING SAFETY FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH (CC/DEI)
This CC/DEI session covers harm reductive ways to keep LGBTQ+ youth safe regardless of the political or cultural climate that one works. Discussed will be intervention for LGBTQ+ youth as well as how individuals can keep themselves centered in the highly traumatizing work.
FAYE SEIDLER (She/Her)
LGBTQ+ Care Coordinator, Canopy Medical Clinic
Session TBA
DAY 1 / SESSION 3
CLINICAL SOCIAL JUSTICE SUPERVISION (CC/DEI)
This interactive CC/DEI session explores integrating social justice principles into the supervisory process for all practitioners in practicum, agency, and university settings. It focuses on addressing power dynamics, privilege, and oppression, aligned with the latest updates from the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers. Key topics include recognizing microaggressions, supporting supervisees of marginalized identities, and developing anti-oppressive supervision frameworks. Role-plays, discussions, and reflection will enhance self-awareness and accountability, promoting transformative change. Participants will gain practical tools to foster inclusive, culturally responsive supervision, and improve overall clinical practice.
SARA CHEARS-MARTINEZ (She/Her)
MSW Field Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Social Work, National Louis University
JOY RICHARDSON (She/Her)
LCSW Adjunct Faculty, National Louis University
GRIEF AND TRAUMA: SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN THE AFTERMATH OF LOSS
Childhood bereavement is a critical issue, with 1 in 11 children in the U.S. experiencing the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. Sudden and unexpected deaths—including those from overdose, suicide, homicide, and accidents—can leave children struggling with both grief and trauma, two distinct yet deeply intertwined experiences. Many social workers feel underprepared to support grieving children. This session will provide the knowledge and tools to effectively support children navigating traumatic bereavement. Participants will gain insight into the complexities of traumatic grief, including shattered worldviews, guilt, and emotional dysregulation.
ALYSSA JESBERGER (She/Her)
LCSW Therapist, Matrescence, LLC
DAY 1 / SESSION 4
A BALANCING ACT: CURATING LGBTQ–AFFIRMING CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN A CHANGING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE (CC/DEI)
This CC/DEI session will provide an overview of LGBTQ populations and the impact that LGBTQ-affirming and inclusive care has upon mental health outcomes. The session will provide guidelines on how to continue (or begin) LGBTQ affirming care during the current changing political landscape.
KATRINA A. HERWEH (She/Her), MASW, LISW-S, CDCA
Doctoral Student, Loyola University Chicago
NORA WYNN (She/Her), AM
Doctoral Candidate, Loyola University Chicago
FROM ASSESSMENT TO ACTION: CRAFTING SUCCESSFUL BEHAVIOR PLANS
Chronic behavior challenges are overwhelming, but this session provides a framework and the resources you need to make the process a breeze. Learn to start with a comprehensive assessment that then informs a data-driven intervention plan and lends itself to easy follow-up. Through case studies and take-home templates, get comfortable with best practices for identifying the root causes of behaviors and designing effective responses that are measurable, practical, and sustainable. Walk away with actionable strategies to implement, monitor, collaborate, and adjust as needed so that you can transform challenging behaviors into opportunities for student growth and success!
JOYCE HARDUVEL (She/Her), LCSW
Private Practice Coach
DAY 2 / SESSION 5
NAVIGATING IMPLICIT BIAS AS A SOCIAL WORKER (Implicit Bias)
Biases are unconscious and everyone has them, like social workers, school presidents, leaders, activists, teachers, police, and clients. Challenge yourself in this implicit bias session to uncover the hidden biases living in your unconscious. Celebrate your new awareness and action steps to change.
CHARISMA S. PRYOR (She/Her), LCSW
CEO & Supervising Clinician, Inspirations of Courage, PLLC
Session TBA
DAY 2 / SESSION 6
TREATING PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE: FOCUS ON PORNOGRAPHY, SOCIAL MEDIA, GAMING, AND GAMBLING
Elevate your clinical practice with this dynamic session on screen addiction. Learn to expertly identify and treat problematic internet behaviors—including gaming, social media, and pornography—through evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies. Explore intersections with LGBTQ youth, neurodivergence, ADHD, and health disparities affecting Black and Brown communities. Gain practical tools rooted in neuroscience, attachment theory, and behavioral interventions, empowering your clients toward balanced, intentional digital engagement. Join us to confidently address one of today's most pressing mental health challenges.
MICHAEL A. EIDEN (He/Him), LCSW, LCADC, CSAT, CCS
Therapist, Eiden Integrative Counseling
UNDERSTANDING GRIEF, ITS IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH, AND EFFECTIVE COUNSELING APPROACHES
Grief is a complex emotional experience that profoundly affects mental health. This engaging session explores the different types of grief, their psychological impact, and evidence-based counseling strategies for providing effective support. Attendees will learn practical approaches including cognitive behavioral techniques, meaning-making interventions, and person-centered counseling. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and role-playing, participants will enhance their skills in compassionate communication and grief support. Whether you work in healthcare, social services, or counseling, this session will provide valuable insights and tools to help individuals navigate loss with resilience and understanding. Join us for an informative and impactful learning experience!
SHAMICA LEWIS (She/Her), DSW
LMSW Social Worker, Life Unexpected LLC
DAY 2 / SESSION 7
IT'S NOT TMI! TAKING AN INCLUSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL HEALTH HISTORY (CC/DEI)
Sex! Now that we have your attention, join us for a CC/DEI session dedicated to learning about how you can provide inclusive and comprehensive client assessments about sex and sexuality. How do you ask about sex? How do you create a safe space for clients to discuss sex? What tools can you utilize to gather a sexual health history? How do you provide care around issues related to sex or sexuality? And, how do you eventually get your client to talk about anything else? This will be a fun, interactive session to learn how to get that "TMI" from your clients!
AMY K. JACOBS (She/They), LMSW
Senior Clinical Social Worker, HIV/AIDS Treatment Program, University of Michigan
JENNIFER SCHWARTZ (She/They), LMSW
Behavioral Health Manager, Lansing Area AIDS Network
STRESS-FREE PROGRESS NOTES: BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT NIGHTMARE SCENARIOS
Learn the most common mistakes clinicians make with their documentation and what leads to these mistakes. Most importantly, learn what to do instead and how to create stress-free documentation for any clinical setting. Come prepared to interact and realize that everyone else has the same embarrassing questions because this workshop is not just a lecture. You will see practical examples of documentation, evaluate real-life ethical conflicts, connect with colleagues, and leave with an actionable plan that instills confidence in your documentation.
MAELISA MCCAFFREY (She/Her), PsyD
Owner, QA Prep
DAY 2 / SESSION 8
EVERYDAY HARM, EVERYDAY HEALING: ADDRESSING MICROAGGRESSIONS IN PRACTICE (Implicit Bias)
This implicit bias session will explore the everyday impact of microaggressions in clinical and organizational settings and gain practical tools to recognize, interrupt, and respond to subtle forms of bias. Through real-life examples, chat-based reflection, and facilitator-guided strategy practice, attendees will strengthen their cultural humility and commitment to equity. This session offers a supportive space to move from discomfort to action, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose in creating healing-centered, inclusive environments.
STACY A. BRICE (She/Her), LMSW
Social Work Faculty
REPRODUCTIVE CARE AND THE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH
Endometriosis. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Fibroids. There are many reproductive health conditions that contribute to our client's mental health. This session will explore reproductive healthcare issues including health concerns, how PTSD can impact pregnancy hormones, abortion care, childbirth and post-partum depression and psychosis, and hysterectomy.
LYNNE L. SCHMIDT (They/She), LCSW
Therapist, Counseling and Trauma Therapy Associates