Each year, the PASS-SIG holds a Preconvention / Community Forum that pairs with local community members. As ABCT changes location every year, we aim to host a forum that disseminates evidence-based practices for serious mental illness, addresses legal/social/community challenges, offers the insights/perspectives of individuals with lived experiences, and, when possible, provides Continuing Education credits for attendees.
While all are welcome, we aim to serve the local community of that given conference.
2023 Preconvention Forum for Seattle, WA: In Progress
We are currently looking for local coordinators, organizations, and speakers who wish to pair with us for this year’s community forum. Please contact us at SMIResearchGroup@gmail.com.
Past Preconvention Forums
2022 Community Forum for New York City, NY
Unspoken Frictions: A Multi-Perspective Dialogue on Mental Health & Marginalization. Panel discussion with a live performance from comedian/performing artist/choreographer, Stephanie R. Colón.
Speakers: Stephanie R. Colón, NYCPS, CPMC (Peer Specialist, OnTrackNY), Michael Andersson (Social Worker/NAMI-NYC Metro Volunteer), Charlie Davidson, PhD (Akin Mental Health), Michelle Hammer (schizophrenic.nyc).
Coordinators: Elaina Montague, PhD, Emily Hubbard, MA
Sponsor: American Psychological Association Division 18, Serious Mental Illness—Severe Emotional Disturbance Section
2021 Preconvention Forum for New Orleans, LA (virtual).
Building Treatment Pipelines for Psychosis in Louisiana and Beyond
Speakers: Ashley Weiss, D.O., Aubrey Moe, Ph.D., T. Shavaun Sam, Ph.D., Robert Heinssen, Ph.D.
Coordinator: Michael Masucci, MA
Sponsor: NAMI New York City Metro, Akin Mental Health, University of Pittsburgh
2020 Preconvention Forum for Philadelphia, PA (virtual).
Evidence-Based Approaches to Engaging Individuals and Families in Care.
Speakers: Yaara Zisman-Ilani, Ph.D., Shirley Glynn, Ph.D., Steven Burkitt, LSW, CPRP, Shawn Anderson, CPS, Nev Jones, Ph.D.
Moderators & Coordinators: Aaron Brinen, Psy.D., Elizabeth Thomas, Ph.D., Ivy Tran, MA.
Sponsors: Horizon House Inc., American Psychological Association Division 18, Serious Mental Illness—Severe Emotional Disturbance Section
Planning Partners: Gaudenzia, Inc.; Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition; Community Treatment Teams; Evidence Based Practice and Innovation Center (EPIC) of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disability Services
2019 Preconvention Forum for Atlanta, GA.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Involving Family, Friends, and Other Supportive Persons in Recovery.
Speakers: Laurie Daniel, Piper Meyer-Kalos, Ph.D., LP, Rebecca Miller, Ph.D., Susan Walker Goico, J.D., Kim Mueser, Ph.D., Daniel Shapiro, Ph.D.
Coordinator: Charlie Davidson, Ph.D.
Sponsors: Skyland Trail, Atlanta Center for Cognitive Therapy
Planning Partners: American Psychological Association Division 18, Serious Mental Illness—Severe Emotional Disturbance Section