Last year’s CNY Youth Mental Health Summit was completely sold out—and this year, we’re going even bigger! We’re bringing together students, educators, mental health pros, and community leaders to have real, honest conversations about youth mental wellness.

This year’s theme, “Youth Voices Rising: Strength in Every Voice,” is all about amplifying young voices in the mental health space. We know that youth aren’t just the future—they’re the NOW. Their experiences, insights, and ideas deserve to be heard, and this summit is a space to make that happen.

Youth Voices Rising:
Strength in Every Voice

Get ready for a powerful day filled with inspiring keynote speakers who truly understand the challenges of youth mental health and are driving real change. Dive into breakout sessions and hands-on workshops designed to give you practical strategies you can apply in your daily life. Hear directly from young people in youth-led panels and discussions, because no one understands these issues better than those experiencing them. Connect with like-minded peers, educators, and professionals through networking opportunities, and explore a resource fair packed with mental health tools, support systems, and organizations that can help you or someone you care about. 

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Get your tickets today!

 

Who Should Be Here?

  • Mental health professionals & counselors who work with youth
  • Community leaders & advocates who want to make a difference
  • High school students & young changemakers who care about mental health
  • Educators & school staff looking for ways to better support students

 

The CNY Youth Mental Health Summit is back for its second year after last year’s sold-out event!  Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this inspiring and impactful event. 

View Sponsorship Opportunities.

Last year’s CNY Youth Mental Health Summit was a sold-out success, bringing together youth, educators, and mental health advocates for a day of powerful conversations, inspiring speakers, and actionable strategies.

Click here for last year’s sessions and agenda.

You can view last year’s Event Program here.

You can find last year’s event 

Support for Teachers Affected by Trauma Training: a five-module, self-paced course geared toward pre-K thru grade 12 teachers and school administrators. 

Contact Community Services is inviting nominations for Youth Mental Health Leader Awards and Community Leadership for Youth Mental Health Award to be presented at the second annual Youth Mental Health Summit on October 23, 2025 at the Embassy Suites in Syracuse.

Two Youth Mental Health Leader Awards will be presented to high school students or student groups in Onondaga County who have made a meaningful impact through advocacy, education, or peer support in the field of mental health. In addition, the Community Leadership for Youth Mental Health Award will recognize an individual or organization whose work has significantly contributed to creating a more supportive and stigma-free environment for our youth.

Supported by the Central New York Community Foundation, each award includes a trophy, certificate, and $100 cash prize. The awards presentation will take place during the opening session of the summit.

The summit brings together high school students, mental health professionals, and educators for a day focused on mental wellness, learning, and open conversation. The summit’s broader programming includes breakout sessions on topics such as trauma, eating disorders, school prevention strategies, and a panel of youth sharing their lived experiences and mental health insights.

Nominations are open through October 10, 2025. Nomination forms are attached and can be submitted online or via email to [email protected]

Download Youth Application Form

Download Community Application Form

 

 

Event Agenda

7:30 AM -8:30AM Registration
8:30 AM Video Remarks by John Mannion, Opening Remarks & Awards Presentation
9 AM – 9:30 AM Keynote & Youth Awards Presentation
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM Music Exercise with Hannah Pietra, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM Break
10 AM – 11 AM  Session 1 Breakouts
11AM – 12PM Lunch & Small workshop for youth: What Drives You: Youth Mental Health Discussion. Bruce Brumfield, MS, CAS
12 PM – 1:00 PM Youth Panel: Amplifying the Rising Voice: Youth Speak on Mental Health. Facilitated by Reba Hodge, Ph.D.
1 PM – 1:15 PM Break & youth depart
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM Session 2 Breakouts
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Session 3 Breakouts

Breakout Sessions

Session 1 Breakouts

  • The Power of Music for Teen Mental Health Hannah Pietra, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
  • The Body Project Afton Kapuscinski, Ph.D.
  • SCORE: A Student-Led Workshop on Understanding Issues Impacting Youth Today Monica Bacote, CDP
  • Understanding Grief & Trauma in Youth. Rachel Johnson, MSW, LMFT

Session 2 Breakouts

  • From Burnout to Balance: Recognizing and Preventing Compassion Fatigue Rachel Johnson, MSW, LMFT
  • Panel Discussion: Amplifying Prevention: Transforming School Culture to Save Lives Terry Ward, Ed.D, Kristin Moses, Jennifer Parmalee

Session 3 Breakouts

  • Let the Body Lead: An Embodied Approach to Healing Eating Disorders and Other Chronic Stress Responses Holly Lowery-Davis, Somatic Practitioner and Coach
  • Internet Generation and Adolescence: Cell phones, Social Media and Brain Development. Dr Mathhew Mulvaney, Ph.D.

Thank You Sponsors

  • CNY Community Foundation logo

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