NLBHA

Breaking the Stigma - A Review of Barriers and Culturally Grounded Approaches for Serving Hispanic/Latinx Populations
2026-03-17 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Denver)
In this training we explore cultural concepts of distress and values unique to Hispanic and Latinx communities, discuss the pertinence of cultural idioms of distress in mental health treatment, and review culturally appropriate approaches to working with Latinx/Hispanic clients while applying an ethical lens in rural practice. Offered in English and Spanish. Free CEU’s. This training is 90 minutes.

About the Presenter

Lucila Beaton, LISW-CP/S, LCSW, LCSWC

Lucila Beaton, LISW-CP, graduated with an MSW degree from Yeshiva University. She is an independent licensed clinical social worker specializing as a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist. She is also a certified mental health first aid instructor for the National Council on Behavioral Health and a Living Works trainer who provides suicide prevention and intervention training such as ASIST and Safe Talk. She also offers Triple P parent trainings for levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 and Fearless training in English and Spanish. She is bilingual and bicultural and embraces the intersectionality of being Afro-Latina and all that it entails. She never forgets that she began her career as an ESOL student in the Brooklyn, New York, public school system.

1.5 CEUs will be provided

View Flyer

ACE’s and Community Resilience – Understanding Trauma Toxic Stress
2026-03-24 09:00 - 10:30
This 90-minute training examines the ACE Study and how cumulative trauma affects brain development, stress response systems, and long-term health. Participants will explore how trauma exposure impacts individuals and communities, including those frequently encountered in crisis response. The session highlights protective factors and resilience-building approaches that support both community members and responder wellness.

About the Presenter

Lucila Beaton, LISW-CP/S, LCSW, LCSWC

Lucila Beaton, LISW-CP, graduated with an MSW degree from Yeshiva University. She is an independent licensed clinical social worker specializing as a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist. She is also a certified mental health first aid instructor for the National Council on Behavioral Health and a Living Works trainer who provides suicide prevention and intervention training such as ASIST and Safe Talk. She also offers Triple P parent trainings for levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 and Fearless training in English and Spanish. She is bilingual and bicultural and embraces the intersectionality of being Afro-Latina and all that it entails. She never forgets that she began her career as an ESOL student in the Brooklyn, New York, public school system.

1.5 CEUs will be provided

View Flyer

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care: Foundations for Practice
2026-03-27 09:00 - 10:30
This 90-minute introductory session provides a foundational overview of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and its role in improving patient and organizational outcomes. Participants will explore the six core principles of Trauma-Informed Care as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), including safety, trust, connection, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness. The training will examine how trauma impacts behavior, engagement, and health outcomes, and introduce practical strategies to improve provider–patient relationships while minimizing distress and promoting autonomy. Participants will gain tools to begin assessing services through a trauma-informed lens and understand what it means to build a trauma-informed organization.

About the Presenter

Lucila Beaton, LISW-CP/S, LCSW, LCSWC

Lucila Beaton, LISW-CP, graduated with an MSW degree from Yeshiva University. She is an independent licensed clinical social worker specializing as a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist. She is also a certified mental health first aid instructor for the National Council on Behavioral Health and a Living Works trainer who provides suicide prevention and intervention training such as ASIST and Safe Talk. She also offers Triple P parent trainings for levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 and Fearless training in English and Spanish. She is bilingual and bicultural and embraces the intersectionality of being Afro-Latina and all that it entails. She never forgets that she began her career as an ESOL student in the Brooklyn, New York, public school system.

1.5 CEUs will be provided.

View Flyer

Verbal Intervention – Crisis Prevention Institute
2026-04-02 09:00 - 13:00
Parents, peer specialists, promotores, and behavioral health professionals working in family, community, and clinical settings. This 4-hour interactive workshop introduces participants to Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)–aligned, nonviolent de-escalation principles and prepares community-based helpers to model and teach foundational crisis prevention skills within their roles. Participants will learn how crisis behaviors develop, how to respond early using verbal de-escalation, and how to maintain personal safety, boundaries, and dignity in emotionally charged situations. The training emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches appropriate for families, peer support, outreach, and behavioral health settings. This workshop also introduces trainer readiness concepts, supporting participants who may later pursue CPI Instructor (Train-the-Trainer) certification when sponsored by an organization. This training is preparatory and educational. It does not certify participants as CPI Instructors and does not include physical restraint techniques.

About the Presenter

Enrique López-Escalera, JCL, STL, LMSW

Enrique was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Since the age of nine he has resided in New Mexico, except for a few years living abroad pursuing higher education. He deeply identifies with the Borderlands. He is fully bilingual and bi-cultural. Enrique is a life coach (certified by Transformation Academy). He has post-graduate degrees in Social Work, Canon Law, and Theology as well as a minor in philosophy. He has 25+ years of experience of serving people directly in southern New Mexico. His range of experience includes spiritual counseling and mentoring in mental and behavioral health. His delivery method is characterized by professionalism, warmth, and simplicity – communicating important concepts in easy-to-understand terms.

1.5 CEUs are provided.

View Flyer

Mental Health Community Fair
2026-04-11 08:00 - 17:00
A mentally healthy community starts with all of us: clinicians, caregivers, small businesses, faith groups and YOU. Every year, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) honors mental health equity champion Bebe Moore Campbell through the APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative to champion access to culturally responsive care for all.

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, APA is bringing that mission to life again with a Mental Health Fair, in partnership with NLBHA.

Join us for the following:

Information and resources

Free health sreenings

Interactive workshops

Family-friendly activities

Snacks, music and raffles

Talk Saves Lives
2026-05-01 09:00 - 10:30
This 90-minute suicide prevention training addresses mental health, suicide risk, and prevention strategies through a culturally responsive lens focused on Latinx and Hispanic communities. Participants will gain an understanding of the scope of suicide nationally and within Hispanic populations, common risk and protective factors, warning signs, and how to have supportive conversations with individuals who may be struggling. The session explores cultural strengths, community connectedness, family dynamics, stigma, and barriers to care that influence help-seeking behaviors. Participants will leave with practical tools to recognize risk, respond with confidence, and connect individuals to appropriate resources. This training is designed for professionals, community leaders, promotores, educators, healthcare providers, and anyone serving Latinx and Hispanic communities.

About the Presenter

Enrique López-Escalera, JCL, STL, LMSW

Enrique was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Since the age of nine he has resided in New Mexico, except for a few years living abroad pursuing higher education. He deeply identifies with the Borderlands. He is fully bilingual and bi-cultural. Enrique is a life coach (certified by Transformation Academy). He has post-graduate degrees in Social Work, Canon Law, and Theology as well as a minor in philosophy. He has 25+ years of experience of serving people directly in southern New Mexico. His range of experience includes spiritual counseling and mentoring in mental and behavioral health. His delivery method is characterized by professionalism, warmth, and simplicity – communicating important concepts in easy-to-understand terms.

1.5 CEUs are provided.

View Flyer

2026 National Latino Behavioral Health Conference
2026-09-09 08:00 - 2026-09-11 17:00
The National Latino Behavioral Health Association is proud to host the 2026 National Latino Behavioral Health Conference in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, from September 9 to 11, 2026!

The 2026 National Latino Behavioral Health Conference will provide the best and most effective interventions and knowledge in Latino behavioral health, including Community-Defined Evidence Practices, Evidence-Based Practices, promising approaches, and traditional healing practices, to expand and strengthen the toolbox of methods, programs, and practices serving Latino communities across the U.S.

This incredible event will host Plenary Sessions with nationally recognized Keynotes on session days; workshops in English and Spanish; Continuing Education opportunities; a Super Exhibit Hall with booths and information tables full of information on Latino Behavioral Health resources; evening receptions featuring local performers; continental breakfast, breaks, and delicious luncheons; an evening of music and dance with a soon to be announced celebrity performer to raise scholarship funds for Latino students pursuing a college degree in behavioral health!

This 2026 National Latino Behavioral Health Conference is for behavioral health practitioners, psychologists, social workers, medical practitioners, community health workers, peer specialists, policymakers, administrators, and leaders in behavioral health!
