For decades, stigma has surrounded the subject of mental illness and how we talk about it — or in many cases, how we don’t talk about it. This
Finally, the narrative around mental health is slowly changing for the better, although we still have a long way to go. With 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiencing a type of mental illness, awareness and education surrounding mental health is crucial.
It’s time that we all become educated, learn the warning signs, and support those that have mental health conditions. There are so many ways we can do this, and one of them includes attending conferences to keep up to date on the various mental health issues that are prevalent today and up-and-coming treatments.
We’ve rounded up some of the largest events to help you choose which event is best for you.
- When: June 14-16, 2018
- Where: Washington, DC
- Price: $525–$700
The year’s Mental Health America conference asks the question: “Is mental health in the U.S. fit for the future?” If you want to find out the answer to that and more, register here. The information sessions and speakers will discuss the link between fitness and nutrition as it pertains to treating mental illness, early intervention, recovery, and the policies to implement them. Anyone can attend.
- When: June 27-30, 2018
- Where: New Orleans, LA
- Price: $160–$385
Every year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) holds their national convention to help spread the word that recovery is possible. The NAMI National Convention focuses on mental health education, as well as connecting people to the resources they need. Attendees include those with mental illnesses, as well as families, caregiver, policymakers, mental health advocates, researchers, and medical professionals. Register on-site.
- When: August 1-3, 2018
- Where: Orlando, FL
- Price: $299–$549
This conference, held by the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), is geared toward people in the mental health industry, including students and professionals. The event has a variety of tracks with multiple sessions for each one. These tracks also include a Diplomate option that allows you to earn Continuing Education (CE) credits for those that meet the requirements. Register here.
- When: July 15-16, 2018
- Where: Loews Hollywood, CA
- Price: $310–$410
Self-proclaimed premier event in correctional mental healthcare, this two-day conference will focus on the unique needs of mental health in corrections. The Correctional Mental Health Conference is ideal for mental health professionals practicing in corrections. It’ll feature sessions and speakers discussing therapeutic interventions, recovery, best practice policies, as well as re-entry. Special networking events to promote partnerships are also scheduled. Register online.
- When: September 6-9, 2018
- Where: Dallas, TX
- Price: $599–$699
Join the 9th annual Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference to learn about more holistic approaches to diagnosing and treating the underlying issues of mental health conditions. Holistic approaches explore the possibility that there may be a biomedical cause for some mental health symptoms. Learn how combining this approach with nutrition, special testing, and traditional therapies can help ensure better outcomes. CE and Continuing Medical Education (CME) accreditations are available. This conference is primarily for mental health professionals. Register now.
- When: March 28-31, 2019
- Where: Chicago, IL
- Price $860
At the Anxiety and Depression Conference 2019, an expected 1,400 clinicians and researchers will converge on Chicago to learn and collaborate in an effort to improve current treatments for mental health conditions. Put on by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, over 150 sessions and keynote speakers will discuss cutting-edge research and clinical practices. CE and CME credits will be available. Check back for registration information, coming soon.
- When: 2019 (exact date TBA)
- Where: TBA
- Price: TBA
In February 2018, over 900 educators joined with policymakers, school mental health professionals, and school administrators at the Wellness Together Conference. This conference, organized in partnership with the California Department of Education, is for anyone interested in learning more about combating mental health issues facing students. This two-day event includes sessions focused on providing evidence-based tools to advocate for the mental well-being of students and their families. Check back here for information regarding the 2019 event.
- When: September 19-21, 2018
- Where: Split, Croatia
- Price: 370 EUR ($430) – 695 EUR ($809)
The 7th annual European Conference on Mental Health is the place to learn more about mental health and wellness in Europe. Located in Croatia in September, this conference will feature speakers discussing a wide range of mental health topics, including peer support, risk assessment, and pragmatic psychology. It’s primarily attended by mental health professionals. Register here.