Black background with white text and graphics promoting the 8th Annual Student Mental Wellness Conference titled 'Wellness Together,' featuring a sailboat and iceberg illustration.

October 9th-11th, 2024

Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim, CA

California Department of Education logo with a sun, book, and oak branch.
Logo for the 8th Annual Wellness Together Conference, featuring a stylized leaf and the Government of the Virgin Islands emblem.

Join the World’s Leading Advocates on

World Mental Health Day 2024!

  • Close-up of a woman with short, wavy pink hair, smiling softly, wearing a navy blue fur coat and a gold necklace.

    Glennon Doyle

    Author, Activist, Founder of Together Rising, and Host of the We Can Do Hard Things Podcast

    Glennon Doyle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller UNTAMED, a Reese’s Book Club selection, which has sold over two million copies. She is also the author of GET UNTAMED: The Journal; the #1 New York Times bestseller LOVE WARRIOR, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and CARRY ON, WARRIOR.

  • Headshot of a man in a dark suit with a white shirt and green tie, smiling against a dark background. Text overlay reads: "this helps LIVE Podcast Recording with Marlon Morgan."

    Patrick J. Kennedy

    Former U.S. Representative (D-RI) and Founder of The Kennedy Forum

    During his time in Congress, Patrick J. Kennedy was the lead author of the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Federal Parity Law), which requires insurers to cover treatment for mental health and substance use disorders no more restrictively than treatment for illnesses of the body, such as diabetes and cancer. In 2013, he founded The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit that unites advocates, business leaders, and government agencies to advance evidence-based practices, policies, and programming in mental health and addiction.

  • Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a white lab coat with embroidered text, and pearl earrings against a gray background.

    Dr. Diana E. Ramos

    California Surgeon General

    Dr. Diana E. Ramos is a renowned public health leader and California’s second Surgeon General and first Latina Surgeon General. As California’s Doctor, she is the leading spokesperson on the most pressing public health issues of the time within the State of California. Her mission is to advance the health and wellbeing of all Californians.

  • A man in a dark suit with a white shirt and blue tie, standing against a dark background, looking at the camera with a slight smile and holding his hands together.

    Alberto M. Carvalho

    Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District

  • A woman smiling with glasses, wearing a bright pink top, in front of a background with books and green plants.

    Fareedah Shaheed (CyberFareedah)

    Award-Winning Internet Safety Expert & Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree

  • Black and white promotional poster featuring Marlon Morgan and Patrick J. Kennedy, highlighting their names in yellow and showcasing a live recording of a podcast. The poster includes photos of both individuals, with Marlon Morgan on the left smiling and Patrick J. Kennedy on the right smiling, set against a dark background with yellow outlines and arrows pointing to each. The bottom text says, "An on-stage conversation with Patrick J. Kennedy for a Live Recording of This Helps Podcast with Marlon Morgan."

    Marlon Morgan

    Founder & CEO of Wellness Together, Inc. and Host of “This Helps” Podcast

  • Jack McBrayer

    Jack McBrayer

    Comedian & Actor on 30 Rock, Hello Jack!, Wreck it Ralph, and more!

  • A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, black glasses, and a gentle smile, wearing a beige lace top with embroidery, a pearl necklace, and earrings, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Dr. Louise Hayes

    International Speaker, Clinical Psychologist, Author, & Adjunct Sr. Research Fellow at La Trobe University

  • A smiling young man with curly dark hair, a beard, and mustache, wearing a beige blazer and a light green shirt against a plain background.

    Joe Toscano

    Award-Winning Designer, Published Author, & International Keynote

  • Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a dark green top against a light gray background.

    Dr. Renee Schneider

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Lead in the Mental Health Center of Excellence at Google

  • A young man wearing a New York Giants baseball cap, winking at the camera with a chain necklace, with a blurred sports stadium background.

    Drew Robinson

    Former Major League Baseball Player & Mental Health Advocate

Session Highlights

  • Event poster with black background and yellow text that says "this helps," highlighting a live podcast recording with Marlon Morgan and Patrick J. Kennedy at the Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference. Features photos of Marlon Morgan and Patrick J. Kennedy, along with event details including date, time, and description.

    LIVE Recording of "This Helps"

    Join "This Helps" Podcast Host, Marlon Morgan, for a special LIVE recording event as he sits down with former U.S. Representative (D-RI) and Founder of The Kennedy Forum, Patrick J. Kennedy. Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from a leading advocate for mental health and policy change, as they discuss critical issues and share inspiring stories.

  • Event poster for CYBHI: A Blueprint for Transforming Student Wellness featuring Dr. Sohil Sud, with his photo in a circle, and details about the main stage at 8:30 AM on Thursday, October 10th, and the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference.

    CYBHI: A Blueprint for Transforming Student Wellness

    Join Dr. Sohil Sud, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Director, along with other CYBHI experts:

    • Lee Angela Reid - Capital Advisors Group

    • Alex Briscoe - California Children's Trust

    • Autumn Boylan - California Department of Health Care Services

    Dr. Chris Williams - Sacramento County Office of Education

    • Dr. Loretta Whitson - California Association of School Counselors

    • Nicole DeWitt - San Diego Unified School District

    • Marlon Morgan - Wellness Together, Inc.

    Gain invaluable insights from these industry experts on how CYBHI is transforming mental health services in schools.

  • brightly smiling man in a navy blue suit with light blue tie, arms crossed, standing against a gradient background, advertising an expert panel discussion on cell phone bans and student mental health at a wellness conference

    Cell Phone Bans & Student Mental Health

    Hear from this diverse panel of experts from the fields of technology, medicine, psychology, and education as they discuss the far-reaching impacts of school-wide cell phone bans.

    • Rob Bonta - Attorney General, California Department of Justice

    • Dr. Smita Malhotra - Chief Medical Officer, Los Angeles Unified School District

    • Joe Toscano - Author of Automating Humanity & Founder, DataGrade

    • Fareedah Shaheed - Internet Safety Expert & Forbes 30 Under 30

    • David Bond, LCSW - Enterprise Behavioral Health Dir., Blue Shield of California

  • Conference banner for a mental health session titled Exploring Rural School Mental Health Approaches, taking place on Wednesday, October 9th at 4 PM, during the Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference, with logos of Stanford Medicine, Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, Two Feathers Native American Family Services, and Northern Humboldt Union High School District.

    School-Based Mental Health ECHO Session

    Join members of the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing team alongside school-based rural and Indigenous mental health leaders to learn more about strength-based, inclusive approaches to student engagement in rural school settings across California.

    A reception featuring light refreshments and beverages will follow the session.

    Please RSVP separately HERE.

  • Event poster for a mental wellness conference featuring a photo of Dr. Louise Hayes and details about an intensive session on DNA-V framework, scheduled for Friday, October 11th at 1:15 PM.

    Flexible Strength: The DNA-V Framework for Wellbeing, Achievement and Connection

    Dr. Louise Hayes, an author, international speaker, and clinical psychologist from Australia, will keynote and lead a focused session on DNA-V, a specific application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and positive psychology.

    Continuing education credits are offered for in-person attendance!

  • Event poster for a session titled 'The Power of Data: 20 Years of Research on Increasing Well-Being, Deepening Engagement, and Enhancing Belonging in Schools,' scheduled for Friday, October 11th at 1:15 PM, as part of the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference.

    The Power of Data: 20 Years of Research on Increasing Well-Being, Deepening Engagement, & Enhancing Belonging in Schools

    School and district leaders are invited to this 2-hour deep dive into the impact of student voice on school improvement and data-driven insights on how to enhance school climate and culture.

    Challenge Success, a nonprofit affiliated with the Stanford Graduate School of Education, will showcase how student-centered, community-driven, and evidence-based, approaches at the systems of level can foster well-being, belonging, and deeper engagement in K-12 schools.

  • Advertisement for a 2-hour trauma-informed assessment session with Dr. Heather Risk, scheduled for Thursday, October 10th at 12:30 PM, at the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference. The ad features Dr. Heather Risk's photo and mentions CE credits offered.

    Trauma-Informed Assessment with Children & Adolescents

    Trauma-informed assessment is important when working with individuals of all ages, in any setting, and regardless of the referral question. While not all individuals will need trauma-focused services, missing those that do can lead to long-term negative consequences.

    This workshop will focus on understanding and identifying trauma-related symptoms in children and adolescents and provide a brief overview of recommended assessment tools and interview questions. Tips for developing a trauma-informed case conceptualization will be provided. Trauma-informed assessment strategies help ensure the youth we are working with are provided with the treatments needed in order to support their healing process.

  • Large conference room filled with diverse attendees sitting in rows. The text overlay reads '100+ Breakout Sessions' in bold white letters.

    Explore 100+ breakouts that will equip and inspire you to support the mental health needs of your students & families.

What to Expect in 2024

Gold-colored number one inside a black circle with a gold border.

3-Day Event

Enjoy an elevated attendee experience focused on unifying and leading the school mental health movement. Expect to cultivate connections, learn from experts, gain valuable tools, and HAVE FUN!

Gold number 2 inside a black circle with a gold border.

100+ Breakouts

Gain valuable skills, receive actionable resources for your school community, and earn continuing education credits for in-person attendees. Topics include tech/AI and mental health, social-emotional learning, employee wellness, mental health public policy, and more.

Number three inside a circle with a gold outline, black background.

Inspiring Keynotes

Hear motivational and thought-provoking messages from some of today’s top experts on mental health, education, policy, and technology. Be inspired by the stories of Glennon Doyle, Jack McBrayer, Chris Gethard, and more!

Golden number four inside a gold circle on a black background.

Laughing Together Comedy Show

Immerse yourself in a night of laughter and self-care at our Laughing Together Comedy Night. Join professional comedians for this one-of-a-kind show that is FREE to conference attendees. You don't want to miss this!

Why attend SMWC?

Professional Development Boost

Attendees gain access to inspiring main sessions, workshops, and intensive training led by leaders in education and mental health. Elevating your professional development isn’t just a step forward—it’s a leap toward excellence. Your job performance becomes a beacon of positive impact for students and clients alike.

Team Collaboration and Bonding

Encourage team attendance to foster collaboration and team bonding. Strengthen team relationships, and enhance workplace morale, productivity, and collective problem-solving capabilities. Teams return to work with a renewed sense of purpose, increased motivation, and a shared vision, resulting in improved performance and outcomes.

Incorporation of the Latest Research

Attendees receive insights into the latest research and practical tools in the mental health and education fields. Elevate your work through insights that spark excitement and transform how you serve your community.

Gain Applicable Skills

Grow your professional toolkit and drive positive change! Attendees gain skills and knowledge that they can apply immediately. Instantly improve the quality of your work and services through newfound inspiration, skills, and information.

A group of five diverse people at a conference, with lanyards and badges, standing indoors. One woman in the front makes a peace sign and smiling at the camera. Others are holding a coffee cup or bags, and some are looking away.

The world’s largest Student Mental Health Conference, connecting school leaders, policymakers, and mental health providers around the world to unify and lead the global student mental health movement.

Download the SMWC8 app for the BEST conference experience!

The SMWC8 App provides:

  • Access to full conference schedule

  • Connection with sponsors & exhibitors

  • Presentation slides & resources

  • Session feedback forms

DAY 2 OF SMWC!

DAY 2 OF SMWC! •

Laughing Together Comedy Show at the 8th Annual Wellness Together Conference | October 10, 2024

Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim, CA

Hall C, 3rd Floor

DOORS: 6PM | SHOW: 7PM

Laughing Together presents an evening of comedy with a fantastic lineup of nationally known headliners. Laughing Together Comedy shows are an unforgettable way to raise awareness and funds for student mental health initiatives. This special event is hosted during the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference.

Tickets to the Laughing Together Comedy Show are included in conference registration.

Featured Comedians:

  • A man with glasses and a black t-shirt standing with his arms crossed in front of a textured blue wall.

    Chris Gethard

    Comedian, Actor, Author, and Host of the Beautiful/Anonymous Podcast

  • A smiling woman with short blonde curly hair, wearing a white sleeveless top and black pants, sitting against a yellow textured background.

    Chloé Hilliard

    Comedian, TV Writer, and Award-Winning Author

  • A young man wearing a navy blue button-up shirt and a baseball cap, standing at a doorway with a bright red door, smiling at the camera inside a room with sound-absorbing foam panels and cardboard signs on the wall.

    Jordan Temple

    NY-Based Comedian, Playwright, Writer, Actor

  • A smiling man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a black shirt, against a light blue background.

    Carmen Christopher

    LA-Based Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Experience the conference like never before!

Attend

Experience SMWC like never before. Click below to register for and learn more about the event.

Exhibit/Sponsor

Invest in the student mental health movement. Grow your brand and make a lasting impact. Click below to view our sponsorship/exhibiting opportunities.

Present

Share your insights, research, and ideas at SMWC. Click below to submit your proposal.

Event Schedule

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Registration

Main Session

Breakouts

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Breakouts

Main Session

Networking

Exhibit Hall

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Laughing Together Comedy Show

Friday, October 11th, 2024

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Breakouts

Main Session

Networking

Exhibit Hall

Sponsorship categories for an event, including Blue California and Sutter Health as premier sponsors, Anthem as platinum sponsor, Kaiser Permanente as gold sponsor, and Pearson, Sierra Health Wellness, and Hazel Health as silver sponsors.
Linewize by Goria logo with a green square containing three black lines and the text 'Linewize by Goria' next to it.
Logo for Sami's Circuit featuring a blue circular high-tech design with the words "SAM'S CIRCUIT" in bold, metallic font.
The word 'Presence' with a stylized gender symbol incorporated into the letter 'P'
Logo for Elev8 online schools with the slogan 'You'll go far'.
Logo for Toolbox Project featuring a toolbox with tools and the tagline 'Tools for Learning - Tools for Life'.
Logo of The Comfort Cub featuring a smiling teddy bear with a halo above its head and purple and beige banners displaying the company's name and description.
Logo with seven circles in shades of blue, green, and navy above the text '7 MINDSETS' in bold navy blue letters.

Conference Exhibitors

Logo of the Transportation Family Support Service featuring a compass with pink and blue sections on a black background, encircled by the organization name.
The words "CHALLENGE" in blue and "SUCCESS" in red with an arrow underneath connecting them, indicating a journey from challenge to success.
Close-up of the Craigslist logo in dark blue text.
Logo for Peer Helpers Plus featuring a multicolored hand making an okay gesture with a small eye symbol in the palm, and the text 'peer helpers PLUS' in blue, purple, and teal colors.
A logo with a circle containing a plant with three leaves in green, yellow, and pink, and the text "SOWNTGROW" underneath.
A crest with a black lion holding a large gold key and wearing a gold crown, inside a shield with a white background and green border. Below, the text reads 'MISSION PREP' in green and navy blue.
Blue California Promise Health Plan logo with a shield and a caduceus symbol inside, and the text 'blue california' and 'Promise Health Plan' underneath.
Sierra Health & Wellness logo featuring a stylized mountain, sun, and hands, with contact information and website.
Logo of Catapult Learning with blue and green leaves above the text.
Childhelp logo with purple and red background, white text, and a dove symbol, along with a message about Courage First Athlete and a helpline number.
Logo for capturing kids' hearts, featuring a stylized heart with 'ckh' inside, and the text 'Capturing Kids' Hearts' with a tagline 'Powered by Flippen Group.'
Plus ME PROJECT logo with the slogan "Where Every Story Matters" underneath.
Logo for Active Minds with white and blue text on a green background and a series of blue dots.
Circular USDA organic certification logo with a red apple with a green leaf on the left.
Logo of West Shield Mobile Security, featuring a shield with a stylized design inside.
Purple brain and orange flame with an ampersand between them.
Casc Campus logo with a lightbulb graphic and the tagline "Advance Your Possibilities" underneath.
Logo for SafeSide, featuring a stylized circular emblem and the text 'SafeSide'.
Logo for Disney Imagination Campus featuring the word 'IMAGINATION' in large black letters, the word 'DISNEY' in red above it, and a small red Mickey Mouse head icon next to a stylized exclamation mark.
A logo with a blue anchor inside a circle on the left and the words "Find Your Anchor" on the right.
Graphic with a comic book style explosion graphic in blue and yellow, with red text saying "The Heroic Journey!" and black outline. Below, black text reads "SEL & Mental Health".
Blue logo with the word 'Autism' and a blue cross with a white circle containing a stylized human figure inside.
Care at Scale logo with purple text.
Logo for Soluna, a CalHOPE program by Kooth, featuring the word 'soluna' in purple with star-like symbols in gold.
A distorted image of a geometric logo at the top and a stack of multicolored books with a large 'C' on the cover at the bottom.
Text reading "WAWFINDER" with a dotted line arrow above and below the text, creating a trail or path effect.
A logo with a large blue circle containing a white question mark, with the word 'Pearson' written below.
A cartoon illustration of a character with a round white face, black eyes, and purple hair. The character is holding an orange banner with the word "Mimbleball" written on it.
Logo for Study Smart Tutors featuring an open book inside a circular orange border
Black and white Warner Bros. logo with a stylized 'WB' inside a circle and registered trademark mark
Logo for Kid Link Treatment Services with stylized human figure in orange above the words 'Kid Link' in blue and green, and 'Treatment Services' in orange below.

 FAQs

  • Anaheim Convention Center

    800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802

    VENUE

    SMWC will take place on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Anaheim Convention Center. Click here to view the map.

    PARKING

    Parking is available at the Anaheim Convention Center for $20-$30 daily. For more information on parking, click here.

  • HOTEL RESERVATIONS

    A limited number of rooms are secured for SMWC at the Hilton Anaheim and Doubletree Anaheim. Click below to view availability:

    Hilton Anaheim

    Doubletree Anaheim

  • There are a select number of breakouts available at the in-person event offering CEs. Wellness Together is a CAMFT-approved provider of CE courses. The CE courses offered during the conference meet the requirements for CEs for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and LEPs licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

    A CE certificate will be awarded at no additional cost to registered attendees present for the entirety of the CE-eligible course. Completion of the course quiz and evaluation are required to obtain a CE. No refunds will be provided.

    NOTE: Not all conference sessions are CE courses. For additional questions, please email CEU@wellnesstogether.org.

  • Interested in Exhibiting or Sponsoring SMWC? View partnership opportunities HERE. For additional questions, please email conference@wellnesstogether.org.

Have additional questions?

Learn More

Don’t miss the 8th Annual Wellness Together Student Mental Wellness Conference and Comedy Night!

Previous Speakers at Wellness Together Events

“POWERFUL! Please keep doing the work you are doing!” - Licensed Professional Counselor

“POWERFUL! Please keep doing the work you are doing!” - Licensed Professional Counselor

"Excellent. Engaging. Thought Provoking." - Director of Special Education

"Excellent. Engaging. Thought Provoking." - Director of Special Education

“Appreciated the urge for connection and to be present during the conference.” - School Counselor

“Appreciated the urge for connection and to be present during the conference.” - School Counselor

Previous Wellness Together Conferences

The views, business practices, and opinions expressed by these individuals, organizations, and corporations do not necessarily represent those of Wellness Together, Inc. or the California Department of Education. Presentations, presenters, and partners are all subject to change at any time for any reason. All keynote presenters planned to be in person unless otherwise noted. The Laughing Together Comedy Show welcomes a wide variety of guest presenters from diverse backgrounds to benefit student mental health. This event occurs during but is separate from SMWC8 and is not sponsored by the California Department of Education.