HWS News
3 January 2025 Clinical Psychology Students Attend NAMI Conference By Sydney Herbruck '25
Students in Professor of Psychological Science Jamie Bodenlos’ PSY 353 class explored the dual diagnosis of mental health and substance abuse at the National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference.
Students in the Clinical Psychology capstone attended the 2024 National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference in Syracuse, N.Y. with Professor of Psychological Science Jamie Bodenlos this fall. Centered on the theme “Turning Pain into Purpose,” the event focused on pressing mental health topics, emphasizing the intersection of mental health and substance abuse—commonly known as dual diagnosis.
Bodenlos says that “incorporating real world experiences like these into clinical courses helps students make valuable connections between evidence-based treatments and the people they help.”
For psychology major Grace Meagher ’25, the conference proved to be a transformative experience. “I learned how deeply depression and substance use disorder affect so many lives. This makes it critical for clinicians to research and address these issues to provide the support people need,” she says. “It changed my perspective and made me realize this can happen to anyone. It’s important not to judge others based on their situation—a realization I’ve carried into my coursework as I learn about other disorders.”
The conference offered attendees a comprehensive learning opportunity, featuring sessions led by clinicians, family members and individuals with lived experiences. Topics included diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, local resources and family support systems. A highlight of the event was a panel discussion where individuals shared personal stories of overcoming substance abuse, paired with insights from professionals offering actionable resources for recovery.
“Hearing from researchers, family members and clinicians in just a few hours was incredibly impactful,” says Carter Meshanic ’25, a psychology major with a minor in Spanish and Hispanic studies. “The variety of perspectives allowed me to more fully understand the process of treating someone with a psychological disorder and underscored the vital role of social support and evidenced-based treatment,” a theme he says has been discussed in Professor Bodenlos’ class.
Saoirse Higgins-Corbett ’25, a psychology major and English minor, says she found one panel discussion particularly insightful as it stressed the central message that substance use disorders are a “disease of the brain” rather than a bad habit. “There is such a stigma surrounding drug and alcohol abuse but it’s encouraging to see these issues recognized as treatable disorders that deserve compassion,” she says. “The NAMI conference was valuable for gaining different perspectives on SUDs and their treatment. I feel very privileged to have been able to attend.”
Top: Professor of Psychological Science Jamie Bodenlos poses with students while attending the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Syracuse Education Conference.
