*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.
This training is for individuals or groups, especially those who engage in direct service provision for youth and families in Mecklenburg County. (Employees/Staff within education, Healthcare, Faith communities, Non-profit - especially youth-serving organizations, Government, Justice, and MOU partners of Mecklenburg County ReCAST II)
This event is funded through ReCAST II Mecklenburg, a SAMHSA-funded grant initiative.*
ReCAST II Mecklenburg, in partnership with South Piedmont AHEC and Teen Health Connection, is pleased to offer a two-part adolescent mental health webinar series focused on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide prevention. These evidence-based sessions are designed to equip professionals with practical strategies for early identification, intervention, and support of youth experiencing mental health challenges.
Register Today for Session 1- Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents!
Adolescent mental health remains a critical public health concern in Charlotte, across North Carolina, and nationwide. Recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey data indicates that 39% of NC adolescents reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered suicide, and 9.5% reported a suicide attempt. While substantial efforts have been devoted to suicide prevention, including the implementation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and expanded community awareness initiatives, less attention is often given to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), a prevalent and clinically significant behavior among adolescents.
NSSI is defined as the deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent most commonly used as a strategy for emotional regulation. Research estimates that approximately 17.7% of adolescents engage in NSSI, making it one of the most common behavioral health concerns affecting youth. Although NSSI is distinct from suicidal behavior, it is associated with increased risk for future suicide attempts and other adverse mental health outcomes.
For healthcare providers, educators, school personnel, social workers, counselors, and other professionals who work with adolescents, understanding the function and meaning of self-injurious behavior is essential for effective prevention and intervention. Misconceptions about NSSI can contribute to stigma, under-identification, and missed opportunities for support.
This interactive workshop will provide participants with an evidence-informed overview of adolescent NSSI, including current prevalence trends, risk and protective factors, common motivations for self-injury, and the relationship between NSSI and suicide risk. Attendees will develop practical skills for recognizing warning signs, responding to disclosures in a developmentally appropriate manner, engaging families, and implementing early intervention strategies. Participants will also be introduced to local and national resources that support adolescents experiencing self-injurious behaviors and their caregivers. By increasing awareness and promoting best practice, this workshop aims to strengthen participants' ability to respond confidently and compassionately to adolescents engaging in NSSI while fostering early intervention and pathways to care.
Webinar Information
This webinar will be broadcast with Zoom. Instructions to join the webinar will be emailed prior to the event. You can test your computer by going to the Zoom Test Page.
Date and Time
Wednesday, Sept 23, 2026
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Speakers
Betsy K. Thompson, M.Ed, LCMHC
Manager, Behavioral Health Services
Teen Health Connection
Check out Session 2!
Session 2 - Understanding and Responding to Adolescent Suicide Risk: Evidence Based Strategies for Prevention, Assessment, and Safety Planning
Date/Time - Friday, September 25, 2026 (12:00 - 1:00pm)
Continuing Education Credits
(You MUST attend the entire webinar to receive credit).
CEUs
This Activity fulfills the requirement of 0.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Contact Hours
This Activity fulfills the requirements for 1.0 Contact Hours.
1.0 Contact Hours (category A) CE for NC Psychologists
The South Piedmont AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists.
1.0 NBCC Clock Hours
South Piedmont AHEC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. South Piedmont AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
*Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST II) is a program within the Mecklenburg County Department of Public Health. ReCAST II is a 4-year SAMHSA funded program. Its goal is to create a more resilient Mecklenburg County by supporting trauma-informed care in the roots of the community, increasing access to quality mental health care, and supporting the work of community violence prevention. To learn more, visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/recast
Watch this video to learn more about ReCAST II.
Registering for and attending a South Piedmont AHEC program authorizes South Piedmont AHEC to take audio, video, and/or still images to be used for promotional and educational purposes. If you have concerns, please speak with a South Piedmont AHEC team member. By registering for this training you are granting permission for South Piedmont AHEC to share your information with MCPH/ReCAST II.
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