Name: Participants in Distress: Developing a framework for mental health response in the field
Start: 2026-10-21T13:30:00-0700
End: 2026-10-21T14:30:00-0700

Main Conference: Tuesday October 20 - Thursday, October 22, 2026

Preconference: Monday October 19 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026

*Schedule subject to change.

Participants in Distress: Developing a framework for mental health response in the field

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Clackamas

Mental health concerns, particularly anxiety and depression, are on the rise in our society, including across college campuses. Many outdoor programs, especially those in collegiate settings, can see the effects of this firsthand through the increase in both number and severity of behavioral and mental health related incidents in the field. At our program, student guides are trained on mental health emergency response and given tools to use to help keep participants physically and emotionally safe in the field. In this workshop we will discuss the importance of being proactive around mental health incident response and how to support trip leaders in gaining confidence and competence in this area. Attendees will have an opportunity to share experiences and successes, and will walk away with resources to help implement similar strategies at their outdoor programs.

Speakers

Tessa Opperman

Outdoor Leadership Programs Manager, UC San Diego Recreation - Outback Adventures

Tessa Opperman has worked in Outdoor Education for eighteen years, and has been in her full-time administrator role for over seven years. She has a Master of Arts in Outdoor Education Leadership from Prescott College. She has experience working in wilderness therapy and as a NOLS... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Clackamas 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, OR 97217

Staff Training & Decision Making, Breakout Session

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2026 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Tessa Opperman

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2026 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Tessa Opperman

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