Event Descriptions, Speakers, & Learning Objectives

Day 1- June 11th 2026

9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Addressing the Intersection: Navigating HIV in Mental Health Practice

In today’s time, HIV/AIDS is a treatable preventable disease, but still a fatal disease, meaning that there is no known current cure. It is important for mental health professionals to be knowledgeable when it comes to treating clients who may be infected with HIV/AIDS. This interactive course has been specifically designed for mental health professionals to address the basics of STIs HIV/AIDS, Outline strategic objectives and prevention strategies to addressing HIV and STIs, and explore the sociological implications of Societal stigma. Current information about HIV/AIDS, including definitions, transmission, types of virus, how a person becomes infected, progression, evidence that HIV causes AIDS and how, and the origin of HIV/AIDS will be reviewed. This course also focuses on the law versus ethics, reporting ethical violations, and ethical issues specific to mental health professionals. Prevention concerns are addressed by recognizing special populations.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize the current basic information about HIV/AIDS, including definition, transmission, infectious fluids, types of virus, how a person becomes infected, progression, evidence that HIV causes AIDS and how, and the history & origin of HIV/AIDS.
• Discuss the role of the therapist in counseling those with HIV, including how to implement "client-centered" counseling, identify key issues in counseling, and how to address family issues, mental health disorders, legal issues surrounding discrimination and stigma, and end-of-life issues.
• Identify the steps in the ethical decision-making process and apply these steps to professional practice.
• Describe the importance of prevention efforts for HIV disease infection and the special populations that are vulnerable to infection.

Presented By: Cortina D. Peters-Louis, Ph.D., LMHC-QS, LPC, LCPV, QST

Dr. Cortina Peters-Louis, affectionately known as The Girlfriend Therapist®, is an EMDR-trained licensed mental health counselor, certified sex therapist, International Life Coach, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker. Licensed across multiple states, she brings over 20 years of experience in sexual health education and has provided professional counseling services since 2009. Dr. Louis also serves as the Co-Owner and Chief Clinical Officer of S.M.I.L.E. Facilitation Services, providing clinical leadership and oversight of trauma-informed, culturally responsive psychoeducational and therapeutic programs. She is the founder of The NOIR Center for Intuitive Health & Counseling, where she advances culturally responsive mental health care at the intersection of social justice, racial trauma, intimacy, and sexual wellness. A trailblazer in her field, Dr. Louis is the first Black president of the Central Florida Mental Health Counselors Association and the 2023 Mental Health Counselor of the Year. A two-time lymphoma survivor and Lupus warrior, she is also the author of The W.O.W. Effect and the creator of The W.O.W. Effect® framework, empowering individuals to move from surviving to thriving.

Earns 3 HIV CEUs | CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1362927 | Register Here

12:30 PM-2:30 PM | The Do's and Don'ts of Being a Registered Intern

So you FINALY made it, huh? After all those years of readings, lectures, exams, practicum hours, and assignments, you've earned your master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, and you're ready to embark on a 2+-year journey of internship as registered mental health counselor intern. Oh, the places you’ll go! The people you’ll meet! The many things you’ll learn and experience, all inevitably leading to those gleaming, sparkly letters behind your name: "LMHC" (cue angelic voices in the background). But are you sure you know what to do next? Better yet—do you know what NOT to do? Ever been to a 491 board disciplinary hearing? If you have, you’ve probably noticed that a disproportionate number of counselors being disciplined by the board for legal and ethical violations are (gasp)—you guess it---interns! This 2-hour session will offer you practical tips on what to do (and NOT do) to make the most of your internship.

Learning Objectives:

• Match yourself with a qualified supervisor.
• Adhere to laws and rules governing registered interns.
• Expand employment and learning opportunities as a registered intern.

Presented By: Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, MCAP, CRC

Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and forensic psychometry. He serves as executive director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, assistant professor of instruction at the University of South Florida Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, International Counseling Task Force chair for the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. He co-authored the forensic evaluation section of the “AMHCA Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling,” authored the proposal for AMHCA’s Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Forensic Evaluation (CMHS-FE) credential, served on the expert panel that created the standards and written exam for the Florida Certification Board’s Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) credential, and has been published in several journals and professional magazines. He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor.

Earns 2 General CEUs | CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1362098 | Register Here

3:00 PM-5:00 PM | Domestic Violence in Clinical Practice: Screening, Risk Assessment, and Trauma-Informed Response for Counselor Interns

This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of domestic violence and its far-reaching impact on mental health, equipping clinicians with the tools necessary to assess and support both survivors and perpetrators through a trauma-informed, culturally competent lens. Grounded in evidence-based practices and real-world application, participants will gain practical strategies to identify signs and symptoms of abuse, implement appropriate screening tools, and respond with compassion while upholding ethical and legal responsibilities. Through the lens of lived experience and professional expertise, this session will also highlight state and national prevalence data, Florida laws related to DV, and community-based resources to support safety, healing, and accountability. Designed for RMHCI's working across diverse settings, this workshop empowers attendees to confidently navigate the complexities of DV in clinical practice—because what happens behind closed doors deserves informed, empathetic intervention.

Learning Objectives:

• Define domestic violence and identify common signs/symptoms that survivors may present with.
• Describe the impact of DV on mental health and its implications for healthcare systems.
• State the general prevalence of DV at the state and national levels and relevant DV-related laws.
• Describe how to assess for DV in both survivors and perpetrators using common tools.

Presented By: Jessica Straughn, LMHC, LPC, NCC, CCTP-II

Jessica Straughn, MA, LMHC, CCTP-II is the Founder and Owner of Supportive Counseling, LLC, a private practice specializing in trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and Colorado and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida and has over a decade of experience in trauma-informed care. Her professional background includes work as a contracted clinician for Harbor House, Orange County’s domestic violence shelter, where she provides therapy to survivors of intimate partner violence. Jessica has also served as a victim advocate, violence prevention educator, and crisis responder, supporting survivors and consulting with professionals across healthcare, education, and criminal justice systems.

Earns 2 Domestic Violence CEUs | CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1362277 | Register Here

Day 2- June 12th 2026

8:00 AM-5:00 PM | The Legal Edge: Laws and Rules for Sharpening Your Ethical Practice (8 Hour Laws and Rules)

This intensive 8-hour course provides Florida mental health professionals with a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the legal and ethical landscape governing their practice in the state of Florida. Designed to be both informative and engaging, this training will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate complex situations, minimize risk, and ensure ethical and compliant service delivery. In this course, you will master core concepts, including confidentiality, informed consent, duty to warn, mandated reporting, and more. You will get more regarding legislation changes and learn how to track them, you will identify difficulties ethical dilemmas and how to apply best practices to stay within the law, and you will gain confidence through real-world scenarios in how to apply your understanding of the law.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop understanding about the laws and rules that regulate mental health professionals regulated by Chapter 491 in the State of Florida.
• Learn how to define the law and confidentiality and how to work within state and federal rules.
• Understand the Florida Mental Health Act (often referred to as the Baker Act) and develop best practices to approach risk management.
• Learn and distinguish elements of Chapter 397, Substance Abuse Services, (often called the Marchman Act).

Presented By: Logan Bell, MS, LMHC, QS

Logan Bell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida. He works across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum helping patients navigate aspects of development and managing comorbid mental health concerns. Logan specializes in work with severe mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, active suicidal ideation, and death work, operating from a psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral lens. Logan also works with LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups and aims to help other clinicians better understand the law, ethics, and ways to help.

Earns 8 Laws & Rules CEUs | CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1362281 | Register Here