October 2018, Fourth Annual China Mental Health Summit

The work of Reach Out And Learn volunteers benefits thousands and saves lives!

Register Online

Proposed Event Agenda



Thursday, October 11th

Leave the U.S. for Beijing, China

Friday, October 12th

Arrive in Beijing, Hotel stay in Beijing

Saturday, October 13th

On Saturday morning, we plan cultural and historical training with a visit to the Great Wall.
Late afternoon, bullet train ride to Jinan, arriving in the evening.
Hotel night in Jinan.

Sunday, October 14th

We have a cultural and historical outing to the Thousand Buddha Mountain. In the evening, we have A "YSA China" event planned.

Monday, October 15th

Check out of Quanchen Hotel. Collaborative Meetings with Shandong College Psycological Health Education Professional Committee. Possible presentations from our faculty on best practices and solutions for issues such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Addiction. Afternoon, check in to different hotel closer to Qilu University. Collaborative meetings with Qilu University faculty, learn about and tour their counseling center. Hotel night.

Tuesday, October 16th

ROL Faculty presentations to Qilu University Psychology students on topics listed above. These presentations will focus on giving hope for recovery from these challenges and sparking interest in future career options in the field of Psychology and why this would be so wonderful for them!! Spend time with Cici and Qilu University Professors in planning, coordinating, and discussion groups. Strategic meetings to progress the bridge between Graduate Psychology programs (such as the one at Shandong University) and getting these students to do Job Shadows and Internships at Qilu University's counseling center. Hotel night in Jinan.

Wednesday, October 17th

More presentations from our faculty and additional exciting meetings with key people at several Universities and Medical and Mental Health organizations. Hotel night in Jinan.

Thursday, October 18th

Morning final presenting, collaborations and relationship building with our colleagues in Jinan. Afternoon train back to Beijing. Hotel night in Beijing.

Friday, October 19th

Everyone on their own at this point to either stay in Beijing on their own schedule or take flights back to the U.S. Some of you will be continuing on with us to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. If so, these flight arrangements from Beijing to Phnom Penh will be on your own although we can make suggestions and let you know our itinerary. Michael and I plan to be in Phnom Penh by this evening to greet our larger group of Humanitarians for our Cambodia projects. Those continuing on with us for our Cambodia project will incur an additional registration fee for this week in Cambodia.

Train station in Beijing, China. Some of our group can be seen on the third row.
Making dumplings in Jinan, China
Autism workshop in Jinan, China

Bring Friends and Family

This event is designed so that registrants may bring family and friends to experience a fascinating people and culture that may hold unique and valuable interactions. Planned tours of mental health and/or cultural sites are also included in our itinerary. Event Directors participating in the past have extensive experience in humanitarian service and guiding in fascinating sites. Our in-country Travel Service is based in Beijing, China and they are the best! Many past participants have stated that touring was awesome but the cultural and conference experience were the highlight of the week.

Conference Directors and Faculty


Sheila Huntsman, M.A. Ed. C.

Sheila Huntsman has a Master's Degree in Education Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has also received a State certification in Mediation, studied Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Brain Gym and many other counseling techniques.

Sheila uses Neurofeedback "brain training" to help those who struggle with symptoms associated with ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and sleep issues. She has many years of experience and now utilizes Neurofeedback, using an FDA approved device, to help people overcome challenges in order to function well.

Sheila is married to Michael J Huntsman and they are the parents of five children and have just recently become grandparents. She enjoys spending quality time with her family as well as running, hiking. swimming. playing the piano, organ, marimba and vibraphone.

Ben H. Smith, M.M.F.T., A.S.A.T., P.G.I. Consultant

Through his studies and dedication to the field of Sexual Addiction, Ben contributes a comprehensive perspective on therapy and coaching for individuals, couples and teens in Spanish and English.

In 2013 Ben earned a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. During his internship, he worked with a wide range of clients, including individuals and couples and families. Previously Ben worked at Vanderbilt Medical Center as a Spanish Medical Interpreter for 4 years.

While working on his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Spanish, he became fascinated with the Spanish language and the diversity of Latino cultures. He also served a Mission in Mexico City, where he grew to love and respect the people there.

Ben finished his CSAT training with Patrick Carnes and associates in 2014 and is an Associate Sexual Addiction Therapist (ASAT). He is also a coach and consultant with the Proctor Gallagher Institute, trained and mentored by the greatest teacher of human potential and success, Bob Proctor. Ben now gives presentations and webinars to people all over the world helping them overcome life’s challenges and creating the life of their dreams.

Ben resides outside of Nashville, Tennessee with his beautiful wife and eight children. His hobbies include spending time with family, rustic woodwork, riding horses, camping, fishing and nature.

Chris Beynon, L.C.S.W.

Chris has taught seminary and institute for over 30 years. He was raised in Bountiful, Utah and has been married to the former Cynthia Kolts for over 30 years. They have 6 children, 5 children in laws, and their 9th grandchild is on the way. He served an LDS mission to Indiana and graduated from BYU, received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah and is a licensed L.C.S.W. He has been a clinician for over 20 years and has always specialized in working with youth. He spent 8 years working in New England and coordinated church education throughout New England, including University of Massachusetts, UCONN, Brown University, Yale, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Working for the Sons of Helaman for the last 3 years has been one of the highlights of his life as he has continued to witness the miracles of recovery over and over again and see countless young men fulfill their dreams of life without addiction, of serving a mission, and returning to marry the wife they have been fighting for long before they even knew her.

Chris and his wife have enjoyed working as Session Directors for E.F.Y. Since 2002 and have been able to work with amazing youth throughout the country and Canada.

Chris enjoys restoring things; his 50 year old house, a 52 Ford truck he drove in high school and foremost, the lives of noble and great young men who are haunted with addiction. He loves these young men with all his heart and and is determined to do all within his power to help them reach their goals.

Ryan Christiasen, Social Work/Therapist, L.C.S.W., C.S.AT., E.M.D.R.

Ryan Christiansen, LCSW has over 13 years of experience working in the fields of substance abuse, domestic violence, porn and sex addiction and trauma. He has received extensive training from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), the EMDR International Association and the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute. He is the owner and Clinical Director of ABC Counseling Services in St. George, Utah.

Jamie Christiasen, M. Ed. Psych., A.C. M.H.C.

Jamie Christiansen, MEd, AMHC is the School Counselor for George Washington Academy. She assists parents, families, and staff to set up behavioral plans to help students be successful in the home and school. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in various settings and provides community suicide prevention training for Southwest Behavioral Health. She is a therapist for LDS Family Services and ABC Counseling Services in St. George, Utah.

Ryan and Jamie Christiansen have been married for 18 years, have six children and own and operate ABC Counseling Services in St. George, Utah where they provide mental health services for children, teens and adults. They can be reached for sessions at achievecontrol@gmail.com

Jeff J. Gregson, Counselor, M.A., C.M.H.C.

Experiencing panic attacks, obsessive thoughts or behaviors (OCD), or constant worry? First, if you've been experiencing racing heart, overactive mind, feeling as though you're going to die, this is a panic attack. This is your mind/body reacting to overwhelming anxiety. I can help most client's overcome their panic attacks in the first session. Second, I use research-based, proven techniques to help you quickly overcome feelings of despair, worry and fear. Let me help you reach your full potential and enjoy life to its fullest. It's time to live, not just survive.

"My style of counseling is one of warmth and understanding, while providing insight to overcome obstacles. I enjoy providing my clients with concrete, customized plans to help them meet their goals. My success is measured by how quickly I get my clients back to feeling great and not therapist dependent."

It's important that you feel you've found a good match, so please call or email and we can discuss your situation and needs. *** I'm one of few in the state of Utah certified to treat OCD

Colleen M. Peterson, Ph.D., LMFT

Colleen is a retired professor of Marriage and Family Therapy and Director of the Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has been a marriage and family therapist for over 30 years and has specialized training in Clinical Supervision, EMDR, Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Trauma. She is a former Commissioner (and Chair) for the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and Board member (and President) of the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors.

Colleen enjoys bicycling, singing in a gospel choir, travelling, exploring nature, and spending time with family and friends.


Questions & Answers (FAQs)

Please check back as additional FAQs are added periodically

What is the registration fee?

To view the registration fees, click the green "Register Online" button above. Select a registration type from the dropdown menu, then click the "Details" link when it appears

What is included with my Registration Fees?

Hotel accommodations (two nights in Beijing and five nights in Jinan)
Breakfast each morning at hotel
Some group lunches Sunday through Wednesday
Group dinner, Monday or Wednesday
Ground transportation to the hotel from the Beijing airport
Ground transportation to event venues
Ground transportation from the hotel in Beijing to the airport in Beijing
Not included are your round-trip flight from the United States to Beijing, medical and/or travel insurance, some meals/snacks, personal expenses, or other cultural activities/shopping, and a few dinners.

How do I book and pay for a flight from the United States, to and from Beijing, China?

1. Purchase a ticket through an online travel site (Expedia, Travelosity, Yahoo Travel, etc.), or...
2. Purchase a ticket through specific airline Websites (American, Delta, United, Hainan, etc.) or...
3. Use your frequent flier miles/award points,
4. Call a travel agent at a travel service such as Christopherson Travel. Christopherson Business Travel: 866 327-7606 Toll free, 801 327-7668 Direct line

When should I purchase my USA to Beijing flight?

Check the flight prices daily as prices are known to fluctuate from day to day (specific days of the week may offer a better price). At times specific airlines may offer better prices than other online travel service online sites. We have found that flight prices change significantly (up and down) from day to day.

Is a travel visa required?

Yes, and is available through a travel service such as The Travel Broker: 801-266-6464, 5295 South 300 W (Commerce Drive), Suite G-25, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107. There are also online visa services available.

Should I purchase Travel Insurance?

We recommend that you purchase travel insurance. It is available from various providers. You can search online for travel insurance.

What should I pack? The following list includes packing list suggestions: (It is not recommended that you bring everything on this list)

Small "swag" items to give as gifts to "friends" you will make in China. Items that represent where you're from are great so your new friend will connect you to Utah, Salt Lake and other places they will search for information online to learn more about where you're from.

Additional tourist attire:

Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Nice comfortable attire such as slacks or skirt and dress shirt for sit-down dinner or possible worship services

Personal Medical Pouch (we recommend the following):

Small first aid kit with Band-Aids, ointment, tweezers, medications etc.
Pain reliever
Other personal prescriptions if applicable

May or may not need any of the following...
Diarrhea medication (Imodium/Pepto Bismo, etc.)
Insect repellent & itch-balm plus or other hydro-cortisone-base cream
Sunscreen along with Chap stick or Blistex-type lip ointment
Personal Toiletries:

Personal hygiene items, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, towel, wash cloth, soap, deodorant, etc. (an antiseptic cleanser can be a skin saver)
Antibacterial wet wipes--the equivalent of 80-100 wipes per person. Individual pouches can be very convenient.

Miscellaneous:

Personal snack supply: You will buy your own food/water in country, but if you are a "picky eater" or have favorites you can't live without…bring your snacks you prefer (trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
Headlamp or emergency flashlight (to be used if the electric power ever goes out)
Do I need to sign a Waiver, Release, & Indemnity?

All Reach Out & Learn Volunteers/Participants are required to sign a waiver form. Once you register for an event, we will email you a waiver for you and your family members. Please complete this form, sign, scan, and email it to us at info@reachoutandlearn.org

What can I bring with me as gifts for Chinese friends?

Anything (t-shirts, pins) with printing on it that will help them identify where we're from. (Utah, Salt Lake, BYU, etc.

Passport and Immigration Card

Keep your passport and immigration card in a convenient, yet secure, spot. When checking into hotels, onto planes and trains, some of the tourist sites, leaving the country, etc., you are required to show your passport. Your Immigration form will be required when you leave Beijing for your return flight to the U.S.

Missed flights, missed connections, delayed luggage, etc.

Reach Out And Learn is not responsible for missed flights, missed connections, standby flights, missing luggage, delayed luggage, your late arrival to China or Beijing, or airline change fees. We have learned that it is important to have at least two hours between flights in order to have time to make connecting flights. When making your flight reservations from the U.S. to Beijing, you may choose to select an itinerary that has at least two hours between connecting flights. If your flight from the U.S. to Beijing is postponed or delayed for any reason, we will anticipate that you will join our activities when you arrive in Beijing. We are also not responsible if you miss bus, train, or airline departures in China. We are not responsible for your wake up calls or to make sure you board buses, trains, or flights in time for their departures. However, we will make reasonable effort to make you aware of our itinerary and departure times so you can plan for and anticipate departures so you will be able to continue with the group. During your travel to Beijing, if for any reason you do not arrive in time for the group's shuttle to our hotel in Beijing, please let us know by email as we may be able to work with our in-country travel agent to adjust your schedule and possibly avoid ticket-change fees.

At which hotel should I stay when I arrive in Beijing?

Flights typically arrive in Beijing in the early to late evening (depending on the airline). We will make and pay for your hotel reservations during your time in Beijing. Rooms will be arranged "double occupancy" (at least two people to a room). In order for us to reserve a room for you in Beijing, you must register for the conference by the conference registration deadline, which is 40 days before your arrival in Beijing.

How much cash should I bring?

We suggest you start with $100 cash. You can exchange U.S. dollars from a teller at a bank in China (you must have your passport) into Chinese Yuan (RMB) the morning after you arrive in Beijing, or at the airport in the baggage claim area (they charge a per exchange commission fee ($10 last time I checked). Of course, a bank, such as Wells Fargo in downtown Salt Lake has foreign currencies, or you can use a credit card to get Yuan from ATM machines in China (there is at least one transaction fee (up to $3 last time I checked) I like to have bottled water available when I arrive in Beijing (to drink the first night at the hotel), which is available for you to purchase in China.

Where can I find traveller health/vaccination information?

Please visit the CDC Website http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china.htm to find Traveler recommendations. For general questions, please contact the Reach Out & Learn Office by e-mail: info@reachoutandlearn.org

When can I give items to help those in need?

Reach Out And Learn has found that the best way for us to distribute items is to give them to professionals in our humanitarian conferences and have them give them to people in need. In your practice, you may have tools or supplies that you find useful to help those with mental health or other challenges. Local professionals can use these items in their practice or they typically know who is best able to ditribute items to those in need. In a previous trip to China one of our participants from the U.S. had a young women's group make colorful fleece scarfs and we presented them to our host to give to those who live in a small-poor village.

Early Registration Deadline

The early registration deadline is Monday, September 25, 2017. After that date, the registration fees increase $100, since, with less time to make hotel, transportation, and other arrangements, the costs to us for those items increases.

Registration Cancellation Policy

Conference cancellation requests received 70 days before your arrival in China, will receive a full refund minus a $300 cancellation fee. Conference registration requests received after 70 days before your arrival in China, wll receive no refund. Please send cancellation requests to info@reachoutandlearn.org. You must receive a cancellation confirmation (e-mail) from us to confirm your cancellation.

Where can I find information About Traveling to and getting around in China?

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china

Reach Out And Learn Event Cancellation Policy

Please register as early as possible, as the Expedition Planning Committee may cancel the expedition if a minimum number of registrants is not reached.

Changes

Reach Out And Learn reserves the right to change information on this Web page as well as arrangements associated with our agenda or the conference or expedition agendas, as necessary.

Paying by Check?

If paying by check, please make checks payable to Reach Out And Learn and mail to 188 W. 2000 S. Bountiful, Utah 84010-5553.

Continuing Education Information

Each conference participant will receive a certificate of attendance/participation.