MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF THE MIDSOUTH


Ethics &
MENTAL HEALTH LAW:

Protecting Rights, Promoting Safety

December 4, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM CT
3 CEs


Through interactive sessions on supportive housing, fair housing protections, and legal decision-making tools, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively within complex housing systems. Together, we’ll reimagine what it means to build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive at home and in life. 



Intermediate Level Continuing Education Credit Includes:

Social Workers: Approved for 3.0 CEs in Ethics through the National Association of Social Workers, TN Chapter
Counselors: Mental Health America of the MidSouth is an approved continuing education provider through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Attorneys: TN Commission on Continuing Legal Education (CLE)


 

For accommodation requests and grievances or other questions about this course, please contact forinfo@MHAMidSouth.org.


COURSE
OBJECTIVES


DISCUSS the role of stable, equitable housing in supporting mental health, recovery, and overall well-being for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and varying levels of decision-making capacity.  
EXPLORE evidence-based practices, legal protections, and ethical frameworks that promote housing justice, client self-determination, and effective advocacy across housing and behavioral health systems.
APPLY practical tools, strategies, and policy insights from supportive housing models, fair housing protections, and legal decision-making frameworks to improve housing stability and outcomes in professional practice.
LETS GET STARTED
corporation for supportive housing

Leah Werner

Supportive Housing:
From Evidence to Impact 

  • Describe the intersection of homelessness, mental illness & supportive housing 
  • Identify opportunities to expand supportive housing in Tennessee and highlight current approaches to inform future advocacy efforts
  • Explain how supportive housing outcomes contribute to ending homelessness
legal aid society

Madison Baldacci, J.D.
Bailey Choudhury, J.D.

At Home in Court: Protecting Individuals with Competency Concerns 

  • Describe the purpose and appropriate use of power of attorney and conservatorship documents in supporting individuals with competency concerns
  • Identify key housing protections available to individuals with diminished capacity and how these laws apply in various settings
  • Differentiate between types of housing programs and the eligibility or support structures associated with each
  • Recognize how social workers can ethically advocate within legal and housing systems to uphold client rights and self-determination
TN fair housing council

Martie Lafferty

The Fair Housing of People
with Mental Illness

  • Identify and discuss the 7 protected classes covered by the Fair Housing Act
  • Identify common fair housing issues experienced by people with mental illness and substance abuse disorders
  • Apply strategies for addressing fair housing issues and where to turn for assistance with these issues if needed

Our Continuing Education Sponsors

#ThankYou

Meet our

PRESENTERS

Dr. Shane Kuhlman, PhD

Dr. Shane Kuhlman is the Chief Psychology Officer for Centerstone’s Research Institute.  As an integrated clinical and counseling psychologist by training, his primary role at Centerstone is in creating and reviewing evidence based practices, models of care, and innovative trainings across the Centerstone enterprise.  He has over 20 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals with a focus on suicide prevention, substance misuse, and veterans’ help-seeking.
       

Tempest Meriwether, LPC- MHSP
Tempest Meriwether is the founder of Beloved Counseling Services and has over 14 years of experience providing compassionate, client-centered care. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and is both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider. In addition to her counseling work, Tempest has served on the NEXT coaching team for three years, empowering individuals through transformative coaching and mentoring. Known for her holistic approach, she creates safe, supportive spaces that foster resilience, growth, and well-being. 
Karen Morgan,  M.A., P-LPC

Karen L. Morgan is a licensed counselor and clinical supervisor specializing in substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and trauma. She practices at Hope Enrichment Center, where she incorporates Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT) to help clients address the lasting impact of early attachment and emotional experiences. In addition to her clinical work, Karen partners with EABT founder Doug Smith to provide training and consultation for clinicians and treatment centers. She also offers individual and facility-based supervision, supporting professional growth while upholding high ethical standards. As a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), Karen is approved to conduct federally regulated DOT evaluations, ensuring workplace safety through comprehensive assessments and referrals. With over a decade of experience, she is dedicated to empowering both clients and clinicians to heal, connect, and thrive.

Christina Gillim, M.S.

Christina Gillim received her Masters in Psychology from Lipscomb University and is currently working on her PhD in International Psychology with a concentration in Trauma. She began working in community mental health with individuals in crisis in 2017. Christina has also worked closely with the Metro Nashville Police Department, providing training on Crisis Intervention. She joined the Clinical Education team at the Centerstone Research Institute in March of 2022. Her research areas of interest include complex trauma in children, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention.