Bridging the Gap Between Behavioral Health

Call for Papers

17th Annual Management Conference

Bridging the Gap between Behavioral Health

and Physical Health

Dear Potential Case Management Conference Presenter!

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, along with the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, is pleased to announce the “17th Annual Case Management Conference” (MA75). The conference will be held June 17-19th, 2008at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, PA. The theme of this coming year’s conference is Bridging the Gap betweenBehavioral Health and Physical Health: Balancing Life, Work and Wellness

We are sending this “call for papers” to look for potential presenters who can contribute their expertise and make this a valuable educational and networking opportunity for the 400 professionals, consumers and family members who will attend. We therefore invite all of you to submit conference workshop proposals that promote the provision of behavioral health-physical health partnerships, and explore strategies to improve the overall wellness and quality of life of both case managers and consumers.

Within this framework, we are looking for workshops that address integrated behavioral health and physical health services, workplace wellness programs, complementary therapies, research, program development, and personal growth and advancement. Topics highlighted may include stress reduction techniques;nutrition,exercise and weight management; biorhythm and sleep patterns; comorbidities with chronic illness; holistic approaches to treatment; andcreative and expressive art therapies.

We will be happy to waive the conference tuition fee for the primary presenter in your workshop only. Tuition for co-presenters, as well as, all presenters’ travel, accommodations and non-conference meals will not be covered. The primary presenter of each accepted proposal will be notified by letter prior to the production of a conference brochure to confirm the date and time of the accepted workshop. All presenters need to register for the conference.

If you are interested in presenting a workshop, please complete the enclosed form and emailor fax (email: /FAX: 412-802-6910)it to our office no later than October 15, 2007. You are welcome to share this information with colleagues who might be interested as well. Additional copies can be found on our website If you require further information, please contact the conference coordinator Maria Peña-Jordan at or at 412-802-6917.

With your help, we look forward to another successful and enjoyable conference.

See you at the Springs!

Joanne Slappo, PhD, CRC

Program Coordinator, WPIC/OERP

Dennis Kerr, M. Ed.

Director, Case Mgmt. Services, WPIC/SRRSMI

Susan Coyle, RN, MPH

Clinical Administrator, WPIC

Bruce Gnesda, RN

Housing Director, WPIC/SRRSMI