Collaboration in Action: Addressing Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism has nearly doubled since 2019.

National rates jumped from 15% (2019) to 28% (2022) and now sits at ~23% in 2025.

In New York City, roughly 1 in 3 students was chronically absent in 2024-25.

In short, Chronic Absenteeism is a national crisis.



Counseling In Schools returns with its annual youth-based mental health conference, built for providers ready to deepen their clinical, academic, and social-emotional skills. This year, our focus: Absenteeism, offered both in-person and via remote learning days.

Join colleagues and like-minded professionals, in person and virtually, to dig into the data, challenge assumptions, and build approaches that bring K-12 students back into the classroom to thrive and succeed - moving us from “How do we get students to attend?” and move to “What does this student need to feel supported enough to return?” 

WHY ATTEND

- Actionable tactics and a full toolkit of classroom ideas and concrete takeaways from every workshop.

- Developmental-level insights from clinicians and educators across a range of therapeutic and pedagogical disciplines.

- Interactive sessions and discussions; leave with proven interventions ready to use immediately.

- Up to 12 CEUs for LMSW, LCSW, LCAT, and LMHC.

REFRAMING THE CONVERSATION ON ABSENTEEISM

When kids aren't in school, they're present somewhere. This conference reframes absenteeism by exploring where students go instead, and why, uncovering pathways back to the school and the classroom. Sessions will dig into the drivers behind chronic absence, including:

- Grief, social stress, and emotional safety.

- School refusal and school-based anxiety.

- Medical accommodations and post-hospitalization reentry.

- Vulnerable populations, teen parenthood, and gang involvement.

- ADD/ADHD and neurodivergent students.

- Impact of AI, gaming, and virtual friendships.

AUDIENCE

School-based professionals across every role, including social workers, psychologists, creative arts therapists, mental health counselors, administrators, parent coordinators, and teachers. 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this event will offer practical tools, fresh insights, and meaningful connections to enhance your impact.  



OTHER INFORMATION

Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be served.  

Come ready to learn, question, and rethink absenteeism. Reserve your place and be part of the conversation!