Our understanding of how to treat mental illnesses, and what can contribute to developing mental health problems, is constantly evolving. On September 26th, 2017 we will look at some of the current factors at play in the world today–from the role social media plays in our lives, especially the lives of children and teenagers, to identifying those among us most vulnerable or at-risk of developing mental health issues.

Join us to hear from experts in the field of mental health and how it has evolved from clinical, neurological, and practical points of view.

Orson Morrison, PsyD is the Director of the DePaul Family and Community Services (FCS) and is an Affiliate Clinical Associate Professor at DePaul University. Morrison provides staff training, clinical supervision, and is involved in program development and oversight of clinical services at FCS. Morrison has spent his career working with children, adolescents, and families that are involved in the child welfare system and those impacted by poverty, social exclusion, violence, and abuse. Morrison previously held positions as Vice President of Child and Family Services at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, Clinical Director of Hartgrove Hospital’s outpatient psychiatric clinic and Director of Psychology Training at Riveredge Hospital. In addition he has taught graduate level psychology courses as an adjunct professor and maintains a small private practice in Oak Park, Illinois. Morrison’s professional interests and areas of expertise include clinical management, psychotherapy with under-served children, adolescents, and families, psychological assessment, multiculturalism, and working within a social justice/empowerment framework. Morrison holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Masters Degree in Counseling from Niagara University and a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Psychology from McMaster University.

T. Celeste Napier, PhD, is a Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, where she also is the Director for the Center for Compulsive Behavior and Addiction. Her scientific interests include the neuroscience of motivational behaviors, including those that regulate healthy decision-making versus those associated with drug and behavioral addictions. Her work also encompasses addiction co-morbidity with other mental and neurological diseases. She has over 200 publications in on topics that span molecular biology, biochemistry, neurophysiology and behavior. Her research directly translates into medication development for mental health disorders. She has provided expert testimony to the US Congress Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology, and to Illinois House of Representatives, Heroin and Youth Task Force Hearing. She is frequently sought after by the news media on matters related to neuropharmacology, drug addiction and the adolescent brain. Dr. Napier received her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at Texas Tech University.

DETAILS: Parking is available at 202 E. Huron parking garage. The Lurie-Baldwin auditorium is also easily accessible via public transportation.