Date: November 8, 2024
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
CE Hours Available (APA Approved)
The
Innovative Approaches to Rural Mental Health: The Power of Integrated Care Annual Conference highlights the critical integration of behavioral health and primary care to improve outcomes in rural communities. Key sessions will explore how fully integrating these services enhances care for substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, and overall mental wellness. National experts like Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Dr. Diana Prescott, Dr. Nancy Ruddy, and Dr. Patricia Goodhines will share innovative approaches to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care, tailored specifically to meet the needs of rural populations.
Speakers:
Arthur C. Evans, PhD
CEO of the American Psychological Association
Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr. is a clinical and community psychologist known for his innovative work in healthcare. As the CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA), representing over 146,000 members, he has led initiatives to advance psychological science and improve society. Before joining APA in 2017, Dr. Evans served as commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, where he implemented a population health approach that saved over $110 million and set a national standard for behavioral health reform. He is a strong advocate for social justice, engaging marginalized communities, and his efforts have been recognized by the White House and the American Medical Association.
Diana Prescott, PhD
Dr. Diana Prescott is a psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience, focused on advocating for rural and underserved populations. As the Federal Advocacy Coordinator for the Maine Psychological Association (MePA), she has been instrumental in shaping policies to meet the mental health needs of marginalized groups. In recognition of her efforts, she received the prestigious Heiser Award from the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2024. Raised on a farm, her passion for rural mental health is deeply personal, and she has shared her expertise internationally. Dr. Prescott holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializing in rural community psychology.
Dr. Nancy B. Ruddy, PhD
Dr. Nancy B. Ruddy is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Antioch University New England, where she leads the Emphasis in Clinical Health Psychology program. A pioneer in integrating behavioral health into primary care, she has spent her career advancing whole-person care and expanding access to mental health services. Prior to her role at Antioch, Dr. Ruddy worked extensively in medical education, serving as faculty in Family Medicine residencies and focusing on healthcare communication, chronic disease management, and team-based care. She also consulted at Stanford Health Care on residency and fellowship programs.
Dr. Patricia A. Goodhine
Dr. Patricia A. Goodhines is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maine, where they lead research on the relationship between substance use and sleep across human development. Their work focuses on understanding risk factors for youth substance use and sleep disturbances, with attention to sociodemographic disparities, particularly among racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ populations. Dr. Goodhines’ research explores the self-medication of sleep problems with non-prescription cannabis in adolescents and emerging adults, using advanced longitudinal methods to inform prevention and intervention strategies. Prior to joining the University of Maine, they completed a residency in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and serve as a consultant for the NIH-funded Sleep and Circadian Methods Research Core. Dr. Goodhines earned their PhD in Clinical Psychology from Syracuse University, specializing in addiction and developmental research.
Register now: mepa.wildapricot.org/event-5793611
