Yellowstone Conference 2026: Mental Health in Motion — Innovation, Compassion, and Change
Join us for a day of learning, conversation, and collaboration exploring the changing landscape of mental health care and the ideas shaping it.
Yellowstone Conference 2026 at a Glance
Topic: Mental Health in Motion: Innovation, Compassion, and Change
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Location: Chapel at the Ranch in Billings, 1701 Ray of Hope Lane
Tickets: Purchase tickets on Eventbrite
Credits: 5.75 CEUs & 6 OPI credits available
Format: In-Person or Virtual | Lunch & Snacks Provided
This year’s Yellowstone Conference brings together clinicians, educators, community providers, researchers, and advocates to explore some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in mental health care.
Through panel discussions and a special keynote, attendees will explore supporting neurodivergent individuals and special populations, addressing vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, navigating the growing role of technology and AI in mental health treatment, and strengthening collaboration to improve outcomes.
Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or community provider, the conference offers practical insights and meaningful conversation to help move mental health care forward with innovation, compassion, and purpose.
Panel Topics & Descriptions
Neurodivergent and Special Populations
Panelists: Rose Smith, Parent & Head Start | Jim Cottingham, Teacher | Carrie Hall, RMC PA Director | Beth Ayers, Executive Director, Family Peers for Hope
As neurodivergent and special-needs youth approach adulthood, many face a critical transition as they age out of services, structures, and supports. This panel brings together lived and professional experience to explore the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for building stronger bridges between systems and the people they serve.
Through collaborative conversation, audience participation, and shared problem-solving, attendees will explore practical resources and ways to better support neurodivergent individuals and families through this transition.
Vicarious Trauma & Compassion Fatigue: Sustaining Ourselves While Serving Others
Panelists: MarCee Neary, Program Director, Community Crisis Center | Sam Bofto, Director, Yellowstone County Youth Services | Steve Fanning, Fergus County DES Director | Fran Graham, CEO, International Academy for Crisis Response Training
Working in the mental health field means bearing witness to the pain, trauma, and struggles of others, and that experience can affect our own well-being.
This panel will explore the realities of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, how they contribute to burnout and emotional encapsulation, and how they can affect our ability to remain present and effective in our work. Panelists will share practical strategies for recognizing these challenges, strengthening resilience, and sustaining ourselves while continuing to provide compassionate, ethical care.
Technology and Mental Health Treatment: The Risks and Benefits of AI
Panelists: Garrik Dennis, PhD, LPC | Corwin Sutherin, Director, RMC OTD Program | Tyson Schumacher, COO, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing mental health care, creating opportunities to improve access, efficiency, and personalization while raising important questions about privacy, bias, accuracy, ethics, and the human connection at the heart of effective treatment.
This panel will examine both the promise and risks of emerging technology and consider how mental health professionals can navigate AI thoughtfully and responsibly.
Collaborating for Outcomes
Panelists: Sierra Riesberg, Executive Director, Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana | Kirsten Smith, Bloom Consulting & Gallatin County Mental Health Coalition | Montana State Rep. Jane Gillette | Renae Novak, Children’s Mental Health Bureau
How can collaboration translate innovation into better outcomes?
This panel will explore practical approaches already reshaping systems across Montana, including shared data and referral systems, co-located services, culturally responsive partnerships with tribal nations, and policy changes supporting more integrated care.
Attendees will come away with grounded, replicable ideas for turning innovation and compassion into lasting change.
Special Keynote Speaker
Daniel Champer, MA, LCPC
Director of Clinical and Residential Services, Florence Crittenton
Have Questions About the Yellowstone Conference?
For questions about this event, please reach out to us at info@ybgr.org.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from across Montana, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and YBGR.