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.
Chronic Absenteeism is a national crisis.
What if the path back to school begins with something other than asking a student to show up? Turning the tide calls for new perspectives, creative approaches, and deeper connections with young people?
Counseling In Schools returns with its annual youth-based mental health conference, bringing together professionals ready to expand their clinical, academic, and social-emotional toolkit. This year, we're tackling ABSENTEEISM, exploring what's keeping students away and what it takes to bring them back. Join us in person and virtually for dynamic workshops, fresh perspectives, and innovative interventions that go beyond traditional approaches.
We are now accepting proposals HERE!
Connect with colleagues across disciplines to dig into data, challenge assumptions, and discover new ways to help K–12 students reconnect with school. From social work practices and creative arts therapies, mind-body approaches and project-based extended learning time, we'll explore how to move beyond “How do we get students to attend?” toward the more powerful question: “What does this student need to feel supported enough to return?”
WHY ATTEND
- Fresh perspectives. Explore innovative clinical experiential approaches to youth mental health and absenteeism.
- A bigger toolkit. Take home actionable strategies, classroom ideas, and interventions you can put into practice immediately.
- Cross-disciplinary connections. Learn from clinicians, educators, and youth development professionals.
- Interactive learning. Engage in dynamic workshops and discussions designed to spark ideas and inspire action.
- Professional development. Earn 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. What are their experiences telling us, and how can we turn those insights into pathways back to learning, connection, and belonging?
This conference looks beyond attendance numbers to explore the emotional, social, developmental, and environmental factors shaping students' relationships with school. Topics include:
- Grief, social stress, and emotional safety.
- School refusal, anxiety, and school avoidance.
- Creative art therapies, expressive interventions, and embodied practices.
- Medical accommodations and post-hospitalization reentry.
- Vulnerable populations, teen parenthood, and gang involvement.
- ADHD, neurodiversity, and inclusive support.
- The 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.
Rethink the challenge. Discover new possibilities. Help young people find their way back.