UT Tyler to Host 2024 Bilingual Mental Health Matters Seminar Sept. 27
Event provides professional development for those in mental health professions
TYLER, Texas (September 25, 2024) – The University of Texas at Tyler will host the 2024 Bilingual
Mental Health Matters Seminar, which will provide tips and tools mental health professionals need
to help empower their clients.
The seminar, in collaboration with Sense of Self Counseling in Tyler, is 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Friday,
Sept. 27, at the UT Tyler Alumni House, located at 3000 Alumni Circle in Tyler. Cost is $35 per
person and includes lunch. The event will be conducted in both English and Spanish.
“We are proud to once again partner with Sense of Self Counseling to provide a day of networking,
learning and empowerment for our mental health professionals here in East Texas,” said Rich
Kenney, UT Tyler professor of practice and Bachelor of Social Work program coordinator. “Not only
is the conference a valuable networking opportunity for bilingual professionals in the community,
but it is also an opportunity for UT Tyler social work students to learn firsthand how to plan and
implement a real-life conference.”
Continuing education credits for professionals are also available. To register, visit
soscounselingtx.com/events/etxbilingualmentalhealth-seminar.
Among keynote speakers will be Ana Barnson, Sense of Self Counseling owner and a licensed
professional counselor, who has served the East Texas region for 11 years. She is a counseling-
therapy companion on the healing journey for many trauma survivors, families, caregivers, children
and professionals in East Texas.
“This event fosters a meaningful space for bilingual professionals to connect, exchange valuable
resources, and leave with enhanced self-awareness and strengthened community ties,” said
Barnson. “Their work is vital to the mental health and well-being of the Latin community, and this
seminar aims to provide them with the tools and network needed to continue making a lasting
impact in our community.”
For additional information about Sense of Self, visit soscounselingtx.com/.
UT Tyler’s Bachelor of Social Work program covers such areas as social welfare, human behavior
and the rural environment, interviewing techniques, child and family support, group practice,
communities and organizations, and critical thinking in social work. For more information, contact
Kenney at richkenney@uttyler.edu or visit uttyler.edu/academics/programs/social-work-bsw.php.
