Practice, Policy & Workforce at AACAP Annual Meeting 2026
171 sessions on practice, policy & workforce · October 26–31, 2026, Atlanta, GA. Compare practice, policy & workforce at other meetings →
Monday, October 26
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Institute
Special Education Law: An Intersection of Academics, Clinical Acumen, and Disabilities in Toddlers, Children, and Adolescents
Looks at special education law and how it intersects with clinical practice and disabilities in young children and youth.
13:30–15:00 · Session · Other Programs
Accessing the Hidden Curriculum: A Guide to Thriving Across Career Stages
Jeonghyun Shin · Vybhav Jagannath · Ronke L. Babalola · Sarah H. Arshad · Rameshwari V. Tumuluru
An interactive session on cultural identity, psychological safety, DBT interpersonal effectiveness skills, mentorship and leadership development for child and adolescent psychiatry clinicians at different career stages.
Education & Training · Diverse & Underserved Populations · Psychotherapy
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Consultation to Connection: Transforming the Pediatric Workforce Through Mentalization-Based Innovation
Bekir B. Artukoglu · Serra Nur Mutlu
Explores how mentalization-based approaches can support the pediatric workforce within child psychiatry consultation programs.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Expanding the Scope of Child Psychiatry Access Programs by Supporting Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Amie F. Bettencourt · Grace Mcilmoyle · Lily Stavisky · Rebecca Ferro · Meghan Crosby Budinger · Sara A. Sethness · Emily Frosch
Discusses extending child psychiatry access programs to support psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Development of a Novel Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Training in Pediatric Mental Health
Alison R. Manning · Sarah Hagin
Describes the development of a new training program for psychiatric nurse practitioners in pediatric mental health.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Empowering Staff for Quality Residential Care
Looks at empowering staff to deliver quality care in residential treatment settings.
13:30–15:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement in Residential Treatment Centers
Discusses applying evidence-based practice and quality improvement in residential treatment centers.
14:00–17:00 · Workshop · Other Programs
Leadership Dilemmas in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: You Be the Judge
Anna C. Hankins · Nicholas Carson · Neha Sharma · Meghan Schott · Fareesh H. Kanga · Mary T. Gabriel
Interactive, case-based session in which mid- and experienced-career child psychiatrists work through common leadership dilemmas in breakout groups, including addressing unprofessional behavior, building teams and implementing unpopular policies.
16:00–18:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Partnership With Advanced Practice Providers on Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Units: Innovative Models and Lessons Learned
Covers staffing models and lessons learned from partnering with advanced practice providers on child and adolescent inpatient units.
16:00–18:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Role of Advanced Practice Providers in Residential Treatment Centers
Examines how advanced practice providers contribute to staffing and care in residential treatment centers.
16:00–18:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Clinical Integration of Advanced Practice Practitioners in a Partial Hospitalization Program
Covers integrating advanced practice practitioners into clinical work within a partial hospitalization program.
16:00–18:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Journey as an Advanced Practice Provider Through Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Lessons Learned
A personal account of an advanced practice provider's career path in child and adolescent psychiatry and lessons learned.
16:00–18:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Advanced Practice Providers in Emergency Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Care: Clinical Expectations and Physician Assistant Perspective
Discusses the role and clinical expectations of advanced practice providers, from a physician assistant viewpoint, in emergency child and adolescent psychiatry.
16:00–18:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Best Practices for Integrating Advanced Practice Providers Into Higher Levels of Care: Understanding the Provider Perspective for Innovative Staffing Models
Thomas Ricart · Todd Peters · Yasas Chandra Tanguturi · Joyce Chen · Mollie Quinn Gurley · Elizabeth A. Cook
Discusses staffing models that integrate advanced practice providers into higher levels of psychiatric care, from the providers' perspective.
16:00–18:00 · Session
Navigating the Changing Landscape of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Recruitment: Challenges, Innovations, and Pathways Forward
Yael Kufert · Edwin D. Williamson · Maya Strange · Brandon Johnson · Casey Kelly · Michael Solc
Examines current trends and challenges in recruiting for child and adolescent psychiatry fellowships, including virtual interviews and shifting applicant priorities. Combines presentations, a trainee and director panel, and small-group work on inclusive recruitment strategies.
Tuesday, October 27
08:00–11:00 · Workshop
Starting Smart as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Entrepreneur: Self-Reflection, Financing, and Branding
Edidiong David · Derek Isaiah Sloss · Schemide Zetrenne · Sarah Y. Vinson
A workshop preparing child and adolescent psychiatrists to start a small business, covering business setup and regulatory readiness, financing options, and ethical branding and marketing. Includes a discussion comparing entrepreneurial and academic career paths and peer feedback on participants' ideas.
08:00–11:00 · Workshop
The Application of AI in Clinical Documentation and Coding
Olugbemiga Osoba · Kathryn Egan · Courtney Kandler
A hands-on workshop on using AI tools for clinical documentation and coding in child and adolescent psychiatry. Covers capabilities, limits, ethical and regulatory issues, video simulations, and small-group practice with feedback.
08:00–15:00 · Course · Other Programs
AACAP Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research Institute (CAPRI) Early-Career Research Colloquium, Day Two
Lisa R. Fortuna · Manpreet K. Singh · Daniel P. Dickstein · Elizabeth A. Flook · Debha N. Amatya · Diab Ali · Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy · Aaron Lulla · Thomas K. Pak · Katherine M. Stefani · Musa Yilanli · Yezhe Lin
Two-day mentorship colloquium for early-career child and adolescent psychiatry researchers, covering K-series grant development, NIH funding mechanisms and research career navigation.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Reimagining Pediatric Emergency Care: A Dedicated Mental Health Staffing Model to Reduce Agitation, Restraint, and Escalation
Michael M. Chu · Hoang D. Nguyen · Dani Milliken · Drea Correia · Michelle Won
Presents a dedicated mental health staffing model in a pediatric emergency setting aimed at reducing agitation, restraint use, and escalation.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Mind the Gap: Examining the Intersection of Cannabis Policy and Early Psychosis
Jeonghyun Shin · Hyun Jung Kim
Looks at how cannabis policy interacts with early psychosis care and outcomes.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Innovation Hub Fellowship Overview: Lessons From 3 Cohorts Embedding Academic Expertise in Early Stage Innovations
Overview of an academic-community fellowship and lessons from three cohorts of early-stage family mental health innovations.
11:00–13:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
Telemedicine-Controlled Substance Prescribing, Licensure, Cross-State Practice, and Advocacy
Shabana Khan · Joseph Shotwell
Covers legal and regulatory issues in telepsychiatry, including controlled substance prescribing rules, interstate licensure, and advocacy opportunities for child and adolescent psychiatrists.
11:00–13:00 · Workshop · Wellness Program
Maintaining Aspects of Identity During Medical Training: An Art-Based Reflective Space
Bhavya Appana · Anindita Chakraborty · Elo Okah · Chuchitra Thanigaivasan · Arany Uthayakumar
A facilitated wellness session where trainees use art-making and group discussion to reflect on identity, power and resilience during medical training.
13:00–15:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Scaling Evidence-Based Pediatric Mental Health Care: Training, Workforce Development, and Systems Change Strategies
Peter S. Jensen · Heather J. Walter · Barry Sarvet · John Parkhurst · Gary Maslow · Nathan Copeland · David J. Kolko
Discusses strategies for training, workforce development and systems change to expand evidence-based pediatric mental health care.
Child & Adolescent · Collaborative & Integrated Care · Education & Training
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line: Delivering Statewide Pediatric Mental Health Practice Transformation
Describes a statewide psychiatry access line in North Carolina and how it supports pediatric mental health practice transformation.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Building Care Team and Leadership Capacity to Sustain Doctor Office Collaborative Care Using Implementation Science
Discusses using implementation science to build care team and leadership capacity to sustain collaborative care in pediatric offices.
14:00–16:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
AACAP Clinical Practice Guidelines and Clinical Updates: Current Processes and Future Directions for Integrating AI
Smita Thakkar · Carol M. Rockhill · Raghuram Prasad · Lipi Gupta · Munya Hayek · Laurence Lee Greenhill
Member forum on how AACAP develops clinical practice guidelines and updates, and how AI tools could be integrated with ethical safeguards and clinician oversight.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Failure to Launch: Postimplementation Lessons From Washington’s Adolescent- Assisted Outpatient Treatment Expansion
Reviews lessons learned after implementing Washington's expansion of assisted outpatient treatment to adolescents.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Model to System: Building Child-Parent Psychotherapy Programs and Community Partnerships
Describes how to build Child-Parent Psychotherapy programs and community partnerships.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Navigating the Ethics of Adolescent Outpatient Commitment
Discusses ethical considerations surrounding compulsory outpatient treatment of adolescents.
14:30–16:00 · Panel · Member Services Forum
Parity for Kids: When Coverage Fails the Standard of Care
John N. Constantino · Sarah C. Phillips · Neetu Abad · Jason Bearden · Melissa Haberlen DeWolf
Examines how mental health parity laws apply to pediatric care and how coverage denials and utilization management create barriers for youth. Offers strategies for documenting and responding to parity violations, including a hospital case study of tracking coverage outcomes.
16:30–18:30 · Panel · Member Services Forum
Making Effective Change in Chaotic Times: An Elected Official Panel and Discussion
Avanti Bergquist · Adam J. Sagot · Steve Bergquist · Ryan Matthew White · Eric Lewkowiez
A panel of elected officials, including legislators and school board members, shares effective advocacy strategies, followed by an open forum where members bring local policy concerns and get solutions-focused input. Also reviews AACAP advocacy resources.
19:00–21:30 · Workshop · Media Theatre
“What, Like It’s Hard?”: Using Legally Blonde to Teach Barriers to Women Physician Leadership
Karuna S. Poddar · Natasha Reddy · Nancy Itohan Osazuwa · Juliette Romeus
Uses clips from the film Legally Blonde with facilitated discussion to examine gender bias and barriers facing women physician leaders in child and adolescent psychiatry. Covers strategies such as mentorship, sponsorship and allyship.
Plenary · Plenary Session
Presidential Interview: John T. Walkup, MD Interviews Awais Aftab, MD
AACAP's president sits down with psychiatrist and writer Awais Aftab for a live-streamed conversation on conceptual and philosophical issues facing modern psychiatry.
Wednesday, October 28
10:30–12:30 · Session
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in School-Based Psychiatric Care
Joseph Shotwell · Robin D. Mallett · Alcides Amador · Kaylee Davis-Bordovsky · Claire E. Janes
Case-based conference on ethical dilemmas faced by child psychiatrists working in school settings, including role ambiguity, privacy, emergencies and virtual care. Includes audience polling and a review of AACAP ethics resources.
10:30–12:30 · Lecture
Rules of Engagement: Current Policies Related to Military Recruitment and Service for Individuals With ADHD
Reviews current military recruitment and service policies as they apply to people with ADHD.
11:00–13:00 · Session · Other Programs
Mid- and Experienced Career Psychiatrist (MECAP) Mentorship and Networking Event
Amy Kim · Martin J. Drell · Nicholas Carson · Liwei L. Hua · Neha Sharma · Scott M. Palyo · Meghan Schott
A round-table mentorship and networking event for mid- and experienced-career psychiatrists addressing burnout, leadership, work-life integration and career transitions.
13:00–14:00 · Session · Other Programs
Medical Student and Resident (MSR) Resource Fair, Part 1
Skylar Luu · Phillip Bempong · Himani Jani · Sun Young (Mia) Park
An informal fair where medical students and trainees meet fellowship program directors and AACAP committee members for networking and mentorship. It highlights training pathways and career opportunities in child and adolescent psychiatry.
13:00–14:00 · Workshop · Wellness Program
Hand in Hand: Building Resilience through Creation and Collaboration
Arany Uthayakumar · Michelle Wu · Latoya Frolov · Smita Thakkar · Jennifer Yen
A wellness session using narrative medicine exercises such as close reading, reflective writing and group discussion. Participants also compare their own writing with AI-generated responses to explore human creativity and resilience.
14:30–17:30 · Workshop
Adaptive Leadership: Harnessing Inner Strengths to Master Communication
Afifa Adiba · Jessica J. Stephens · Kiran Khalid · Timothy B. Marcoux · Caitlin Sara Briggs · Hal Kronsberg · Paramjit Toor Joshi · Andres J. Pumariega · Cristin McDermott
Skills workshop on strengths-based leadership and adaptive communication for child and adolescent psychiatrists, using validated strengths assessments and small-group vignette practice.
14:30–17:30 · Workshop
How To Get Published
David C. Saunders · Douglas K. Novins · Anne McBride · J. Corey A. Williams · Oliver M. Stroeh · Justin Schreiber
A hands-on workshop for students, trainees and early-career clinicians on writing and publishing scholarly manuscripts. It combines short talks, small-group skill-building and individualized consultation on participants' own projects, with follow-up plans for accountability.
14:30–16:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Psychotropic Oversight and Ethical Tensions
Discusses oversight of psychotropic prescribing for youth and the ethical tensions that arise in that oversight.
14:30–16:30 · Lecture
Creating and Improving a Division-Wide Measurement-Based Care Initiative
Building and refining a measurement-based care program across an entire psychiatry division.
15:00–17:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
Why and How to Get Involved in Organized Medicine: Leadership, Advocacy, and Professional Sustainability in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Gabrielle L. Shapiro · Cathryn A. Galanter · Victor M. Fornari · Melvin D. Oatis · Louis J. Kraus · Thomas K. Pak · Danielle L. Gutierrez Rivera
A member services forum on how trainees and child and adolescent psychiatrists can become involved in organized medicine. It covers organizational structures, entry points, advocacy and partnerships, with panel discussion and small-group planning.
15:30–17:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Three Specialties, One Doctor: Careers Trajectories of Combined Training Graduates
Mary T. Gabriel · Kristi Kleinschmit
Examines the career paths taken by graduates of combined training programs.
15:30–17:30 · Session
Systemic Challenges to ECT Treatment for Youth: Clinical Cases Highlighting Barriers and Opportunities
Rebecca Marshall · James Luccarelli · H. Yavuz Ince · Neera Ghaziuddin · Joshua Ryan Smith
Case conference on treating youth with catatonia and comorbid illness when ECT access is limited by state laws. Reviews alternative treatments and ways to address systemic barriers to ECT.
15:30–17:30 · Workshop · Other Programs
From Moral Injury to Collective Repair: Healing the Ethical Self Through Brave Mentorship
Sarah H. Arshad · Anindita Chakraborty · Brandon Newsome · Sadiq Naveed · Sonia M. Joy · Abdallah Tom
Interactive session on moral injury among child and adolescent psychiatrists, distinguishing it from burnout. Introduces a brave mentorship framework with breakout groups for moral repair, supervision and leadership.
15:30–17:30 · Session · Other Programs
Starting and Sustaining a Research Academic Career in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Mentoring Mingle
David Cochran · Laura Joan Levy
A mentorship networking event for child and adolescent psychiatrists at all career stages interested in research careers. Small-group round tables cover finding mentors, securing funding, and balancing research with clinical work.
19:00–22:00 · Session
Steve : Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs in a Residential Treatment Facility
Adrian Sondheimer · Geraldine S. Fox · Kathryn Brogan
A film screening and facilitated discussion of the film Steve, set in an Irish residential facility for troubled youth. Covers adolescent dysregulation, staff stress, and the ethical duty of child psychiatrists to provide care in difficult settings.
Plenary · Plenary Session
Opening Plenary: Calling In: Showcasing Your Passion with Compassion
John T. Walkup · Loretta J. Ross
The meeting's opening plenary features activist and scholar Loretta J. Ross in conversation with AACAP President John Walkup on 'calling in' — engaging disagreement with compassion rather than public shaming.
Posters (10)
- Physician Visit Duration and Comprehensive Mental Health Care in Pediatric Outpatient Psychiatry Visits: A National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Analysis — Maithri Goud et al.
- On- vs Off-Label Use of Psychotropic Medications Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States, 2000-2019 — David C. Kim et al.
- Pediatric Psychiatric Consultation Program Expansion to a Clinically Integrated Network Utilizing Quality Improvement Methodology — Evan V. Bianchi et al.
- Reducing Unnecessary Medical Screening for Pediatric Psychiatric Admissions in the ED: A Quality-Improvement Approach to Implementing Choosing Wisely Recommendations — Lara Tang et al.
- Electronic Intake Questionnaire Increases Access to Care — Leticia J. Sefia et al.
- Burnout and Time to Chart Closure: Understanding How Ambient AI Scribes Affect Clinician Practices at Texas Children’s Hospital — Laura D. Valderrábano et al.
- Structural Determinants of Inpatient Access in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A National Clinician Survey From Türkiye — Alper Alnak et al.
- System-Level Factors Associated With Duration of Untreated Psychosis in Adolescents: A Scoping Review — Alex Heo et al.
- Gender Representation and Academic Advancement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Changes From 2019 to 2025 — Arielle S. Clarke et al.
- Impact of State-Level Regulation on Tobacco Use Among Adolescents in Urban Psychiatric Programs: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis — Ella Burguera-Couce et al.
Thursday, October 29
07:30–09:30 · Session · Other Programs
Medical Student and Resident Breakfast: Mentorship, Innovation, and Advocacy: Navigating Careers With Purpose
Danah Atassi · Bisma Masudi · Ilana Rothstein · Alankrita Venkatesh Zutshi · Richard D. Ha · Sarah Y. Vinson · Victor M. Fornari
Early-, mid- and late-career child and adolescent psychiatrists share personal career stories to show trainees how mentorship, innovation and advocacy shape a career in the field.
09:00–12:00 · Workshop
Practicing What You Preach: Positive Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in and out of the Clinical Encounter
Andrew Rosenfeld · Aaron O. Reliford · Hisla Bates · Alan Schlechter
A hands-on workshop introducing positive child and adolescent psychiatry, with practice in strengths-based evaluation, cultural and identity assessment, character strengths, gratitude and wellness goal-setting. It also addresses how these approaches can support clinician well-being.
Child & Adolescent · Lifestyle & Integrative Psychiatry · Psychotherapy
09:00–12:00 · Session · Other Programs
The Time is NOW: Incorporating Advocacy Into Training Programs
Laura M. Willing · Mollie Marr · Debra E. Koss · Alicia A. Barnes · Christopher Rogers · Justin Schreiber
Presents educational strategies and formats for building advocacy curricula in general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs. Includes trainee perspectives, example curricula, and small-group planning of action steps.
09:00–12:00 · Workshop
Claiming Our Place at the Table: Contract Negotiation Skills for Trainee and Early-Career Women Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Elizabeth McGuire · Aditi Hajirnis · Lisa M. Cullins · Eraka Bath · Gabrielle L. Shapiro
Workshop teaching trainee and early-career women child and adolescent psychiatrists job and contract negotiation skills, with attention to structural bias and the gender pay gap. Uses personal narratives, vignettes, and mock negotiations.
09:00–11:00 · Symposium
Advancing a Two-Generation (2GEN) Mental Health Model in Pediatric Primary Care: Implementation, Outcomes, Policy, and Future Impact
Belise Livingston-Burns · James J. Hudziak · Terri McFadden · Sarah C. Blake · Anna Constantino-Pettit
A symposium on implementing a two-generation mental health model in pediatric primary care, covering outcomes, policy and future impact.
09:00–12:00 · Workshop · Member Services Forum
Cultivating Inclusivity From Within: Innovative Approaches to Support Neurodivergent Psychiatrists and Trainees
Stacy Greeter · Lawrence K. Fung · Joshua D. Feder · A. Ning Zhou · Katherine C. Awh · Zachary J. Williams · Nikhil P. Rao
Roundtable-format session on supporting neurodivergent psychiatrists and trainees, covering strengths, disclosure decisions, masking, mentorship and feedback, and workplace culture that promotes retention and well-being.
ADHD · Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders · Education & Training
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Symposium
Postpartum Mental Healthcare Utilization: Insights from Georgia’s Medicaid Postpartum Extension
Examines postpartum mental health service use following Georgia's Medicaid postpartum coverage extension.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
System‑Level Impacts of Youth Crisis Services and Suicide‑Focused Interventions
Meredith R. Chapman · Amber Moore
Looks at system-level outcomes of youth crisis services and suicide-focused interventions.
09:30–11:30 · Workshop · Other Programs
Mind the Gap: Navigating Generational Change, Feedback, and Meaning in Academic Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Afifa Adiba · Manal F. Khan · Misty C. Richards · Julia Girdler · Sansea L. Jacobson · Alexander Krawec
An interactive small-group session on generational differences among Gen X leaders, Millennial early-career psychiatrists and Gen Z trainees. It covers feedback, professional identity amid corporatized medicine, and sustainable practice, with strategies for cross-generational mentorship.
10:00–12:00 · Session
The Impact of New Immigration Laws on Mental Health Care Access and the Physician Workforce Shortage in Rural Communities
Virginia F. Barbosa · Yun Feng · Stacy Cozart Martin · Evan Hunt
Examines how the physician workforce shortage and changing immigration policy for international medical graduates affect access to psychiatric care in rural communities, with administrative and legal strategies to respond.
10:00–12:00 · Lecture
Beyond the Paradox: Scaling High-Need Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry Care in Academic Medicine
Jill Fodstad · Corissa E. Dionisio
Addresses how to scale care for high-need neurodevelopmental patients within academic medical centers.
12:00–13:00 · Session · Other Programs
Medical Student and Resident (MSR) Resource Fair, Part 2
Skylar Luu · Phillip Bempong · Himani Jani · Sun Young (Mia) Park
A networking and mentorship fair where trainees meet fellowship program directors and AACAP committee members to learn about pathways into child and adolescent psychiatry.
12:00–13:30 · Session · Other Programs
AACAP International Medical Graduate (IMG) Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Caucus
Manal F. Khan · Rameshwari V. Tumuluru
A caucus for international medical graduates and others interested in IMG issues to discuss training, practice and certification challenges and AACAP opportunities.
12:00–14:00 · Workshop · Wellness Program
A State of Flow: the Meditative Skills that Turn Fly Fishing into Accessible Wellness
A hands-on wellness workshop where attendees try fly casting, fly tying and water reading as meditative practices that may reduce burnout and distress. Participants also work with local fly fishers to plan continued outdoor activity at home.
12:00–14:00 · Session · Wellness Program
Create or Stagnate: Stress, Burnout, and the Healing Power of Art
Jennifer Yen · Ardis C. Martin · Dale A. Peeples · Kirti Veeramachaneni · Olivia Hindera · Jad Hilal
A wellness program on provider burnout across training stages and how creative arts interventions can reduce stress. Includes a didactic review and hands-on small-group visual, written and performance arts activities.
13:15–16:30 · Workshop · Other Programs
Ekphrastic Poetry and Flash Fiction at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights: A Reflection and Exploration
Daisy G. Bassen · Maya Strange
A museum-based creative writing workshop on using ekphrastic poetry and flash fiction for personal reflection, burnout prevention, patient self-expression and trainee community building. Includes a self-guided tour followed by a hands-on writing session.
14:00–17:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
Perspectives and Practicalities Regarding Gender Care in a Changing Practice Landscape: Kids, Caregivers, Clinicians, Communities, Culture, and Curriculum
Brandon Johnson · Nathalie Szilagyi · Serena M. Chang · Patrick W. O'Malley · Francis J. Yang · Scott Leibowitz
A member forum on how shifting legal, political and practice conditions affect care for transgender and gender diverse youth. It looks at impacts on youth, families, clinicians, communities and trainees, with ethics-focused discussion and practical strategies for continuing to support patients.
14:00–17:00 · Workshop · Other Programs
Hot Air, Hot Water, Hot Topics: AACAP State Advocacy Conference
Avanti Bergquist · Robert P. Holloway · Steve Bergquist · Suzanne L. Don · Jennifer Dorr · Laura M. Willing
An abbreviated state advocacy training that uses current hot topics to teach child and adolescent psychiatrists how to advocate with policymakers, media and the public. It covers AACAP advocacy resources, AI tools for creating advocacy materials, and practice exercises with policymakers.
14:00–17:00 · Workshop · Other Programs
Using an Ethical Framework for Meaningful and Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Arden D. Dingle · Gail Ann Edelsohn · Danae Evans · Khalid Elzamzamy
An interactive session applying the AACAP Code of Ethics to the use of AI in child and adolescent psychiatry across education, clinical care, scholarship and administration. Brief talks are followed by small- and large-group discussion of vignettes.
Child & Adolescent · Digital Psychiatry & AI · Education & Training
14:00–16:30 · Session · Member Services Forum
Growing (Up) in Medicine: The Role of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Evolving Identities and Careers in Ourselves and Others
Ellen House · Catherine Fuchs · Maalobeeka Gangopadhyay · Kara A. Lindquist Lowen · Artie McCarty · GenaLynne C. Mooneyham · Lisa B. Namerow · Lara P. Nelson
Child and adolescent psychiatrists at different career stages discuss how to support professional identity formation in trainees and colleagues while attending to their own growth, burnout and moral injury. Includes short talks on mentorship and career change, followed by small and large group discussion.
14:00–16:30 · Workshop · Other Programs
Motherhood and the Early Career Psychiatrist: Impactful Experiences and Sustainability
Kiran Khalid · Adefolake Akinsanya · Paloma L. Reinoso · Chioma A. Onyejiaka · Soha Suleman · Jenny Tumba
Interactive small-group session where early career child and adolescent psychiatrists discuss balancing pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting with career demands. Aims to share practical tools and build a lasting peer support network.
14:00–17:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
CPT Coding Basics, Audit Avoidance, and Updates on AI and Telepsych
Morgan Fallor · Shabana Khan · Malik Umer Farooq · Olugbemiga Osoba
Forum on CPT evaluation and management coding for outpatient and inpatient care, strategies to prevent insurance audits, and current trends in telepsychiatry and AI in practice.
14:00–17:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
Many Paths, Shared Purpose: Building a Lifelong Research Community in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Laura Joan Levy · Paul E. Croarkin · Ellen J. Hoffman · Jacqueline Alexandra Clauss · Halide Bilge Turkozer
An interactive forum where trainees and child and adolescent psychiatrists at any career stage meet AACAP Research Committee members to discuss finding mentors, funding and opportunities, and sustaining a research career.
14:30–16:30 · Symposium · Clinical Perspectives
Life Members Wisdom Clinical Perspectives: Unplug and Recharge: Factors Affecting Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists Stepping Away From Professional Activities
Ellen H. Sholevar · Martin J. Drell · Peter R. Cohen · Aradhana Bela Sood · James Robert Brasic · Preeti Soi
Life members discuss factors influencing child and adolescent psychiatrists' decisions to step back from professional activities, including retirement and career transitions.
14:30–16:30 · Lecture · Life Members Wisdom Clinical Perspectives
Knowing When to Leave
A talk on how child and adolescent psychiatrists decide when to step away from professional activities.
14:30–16:30 · Lecture · Life Members Wisdom Clinical Perspectives
Journey to Semiretirement: An Opportunity for Psychological Self-Actualization and Integrity
A personal and psychological perspective on moving toward semiretirement as a psychiatrist.
14:30–16:30 · Lecture · Life Members Wisdom Clinical Perspectives
Practice of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Facilitates Success in a Vast Spectrum of Other Careers
Explores how training and experience in child and adolescent psychiatry support success in diverse other careers.
14:30–16:30 · Lecture · Life Members Wisdom Clinical Perspectives
Career Interruptions Among Physicians Due to Childcare and Family Responsibilities
Examines how childcare and family responsibilities lead to career interruptions among physicians.
15:00–17:00 · Workshop
Leadership Trajectories for Asian Women Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Ayame Takahashi · Mary S. Ahn · Consuelo C. Cagande · Eunice Y. Yuen
Panelists share leadership stories and participants network in small groups to build career maps and mentorship connections for Asian women child and adolescent psychiatrists.
Posters (3)
- Enhancing the Behavioral Health Workforce: Longitudinal Impact on Undergraduate Career Trajectories — Brittany N. Schaffner et al.
- Psychotherapy Access in Children and Adolescents With Behavioral Health Diagnoses: A Large, Multisite, Electronic Health Record–Based Study — Raman Baweja et al.
- Clinician Knowledge and Implementation Barriers to Adolescent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS) After FDA Approval: A Cross‑Sectional Study — Katherine M. Stefani et al.
Friday, October 30
07:00–08:30 · Workshop · Clinical Consultation Breakfast
Inside the Black Box: Practical Insurance and Medical-Director Perspectives to Improve Behavioral Health Access for Youth and Families
Olugbemiga Osoba · Vanderlyn A. Sewell
Case-based discussion of insurer utilization management, prior authorization and peer-to-peer reviews, with payer medical-director input and practical documentation and advocacy strategies.
09:00–11:00 · Session · Other Programs
Global Perspectives on Stigma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Innovative Solutions
Hesham Hamoda · Abishek Bala · Suzan J. Song · Ayesha Mian · Elizabeth Allieu · Mohammad Abdel Hakeem Seleem · Andrew W. Jones
Presenters from several world regions compare how cultural stigma affects access to child and adolescent mental health care. The session covers culturally responsive, context-specific strategies to reduce stigma in clinical practice.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Institute
Workflow Superpowers: Practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Clinical Efficiency
Presents practical AI tools that can improve efficiency in clinical workflows.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Institute
Guardrails—Ethics, Risk, and Pediatric-Specific Concerns
Alexandra Ewenczyk · Takahiro Soda
Addresses ethical issues, risks and pediatric-specific safeguards when using AI in clinical care.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Institute
Invisible Artificial Intelligence (AI) Algorithms That Impact Your Practice
Niranjan S. Karnik · Nicholas Carson
Describes behind-the-scenes AI algorithms that affect clinical practice.
09:00–11:30 · Session · Member Services Forum
Open for Business: Practical Tips on Private Practice for Early-Career Psychiatrists
Clara Kim · Cecil R. Webster Jr. · Carlene M. MacMillan · Folake Atewologun · Carl Fleisher · Sudhakar Shenoy
A small-group member forum helping early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists explore, start, and grow a private practice, covering business, administrative, and leadership skills.
09:00–11:30 · Panel · Other Programs
Diversity and Culture Committee Roundtable: Innovative Approaches to Building Community Resilience in Uncertain Times
Rameshwari V. Tumuluru · Melvin D. Oatis · Lisa R. Fortuna · Justine Larson · Brett N. Murphy-Dawson · Sarah Y. Vinson
A committee roundtable on socio-ecological models of resilience and community-based care for underserved, marginalized, immigrant, and gender minority youth, with a focus on prevention, system-strengthening, and advocacy.
09:30–11:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Impact of Firearm Storage Laws on Firearm-Related Injury and Death in Children
Reviews evidence on how firearm storage laws relate to injuries and deaths among children.
09:30–11:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Transition: A Facilitated Conversation on Loss, Belonging, and Values-Driven Work Across Changing Institutions
Jennifer Holton · Consuelo C. Cagande · Milena Hirata Armani · Joya N. Hampton-Anderson · Smita Thakkar
A facilitated members forum where child and adolescent psychiatrists and trainees reflect on changes to DEI programs and share ways to sustain inclusion, belonging and community. It uses small-group discussion and peer learning to identify practical actions.
10:00–12:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Transforming Health Care: Innovation, Inclusion, and Ableism in Clinical Practice
Lisa C. Yeh · Nina Bihani · Elizabeth Margolis · Shikha Verma · Kai Russell · Tamara Palka
Clinical perspectives session on innovation, inclusion and ableism in health care and clinical practice.
10:00–12:00 · Session · Other Programs
Life After Combined Training: Perspectives and Mentorship Opportunities for Triple Board and Postpediatric Portal Trainees and Graduates
Mentorship forum on career paths for triple board and post-pediatric portal trainees and graduates, with guided interviews and small-group discussions.
10:00–11:30 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Future-Ready: Novel Ways to Address Workforce and Training Gaps
Elizabeth Wassenaar · Abigail B. Schlesinger · Steve Crawford · Martine Lamy · Melissa Lynne Wagner-Schuman
Explores new approaches to closing workforce and training gaps in child and adolescent mental health care.
10:00–12:00 · Lecture
Improving Pediatric Psychiatric Crisis Recovery: From Learning Health System to Practice and Policy
Janet R. Cummings · Cristian Ramos · Nikolay Braykov · William E. Copeland · Darja Beinenson
Describes how a learning health system approach can improve recovery after pediatric psychiatric crises and inform practice and policy.
Child & Adolescent · Emergency & Acute Psychiatry · Suicide & Self-Harm
10:00–12:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Combating Prejudice and Promoting Acceptance of Disabled Clinicians in the Workplace
Addresses prejudice toward disabled clinicians and ways to foster acceptance in the workplace.
10:00–12:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Modifying Physical Structure and Technology in Inpatient and Outpatient Settings to Reduce Ableism
Discusses changes to physical environments and technology in clinical settings to reduce ableism.
10:00–11:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Focus on Subspeciality Needs: Developing an Eating Disorder Fellowship for Specialty Care Needs
Describes building an eating disorder fellowship to meet subspecialty workforce needs.
10:00–11:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Training New Trainers
Addresses approaches to preparing new educators and supervisors in psychiatry training.
10:00–12:00 · Lecture
A System Under Strain: An Economic Argument for Investing in Acute Crisis Services
Phoebe K. McCutchan · Nikolay Braykov · Xiaotao Jing
Presents an economic case for investing in acute crisis services for youth.
Child & Adolescent · Emergency & Acute Psychiatry · Suicide & Self-Harm
12:00–14:00 · Session · Wellness Program
Am I "Masculine" or "Feminine" Enough? A Fun and Lighthearted Group Process Exploring Healthy Interpretations of Masculinity, Femininity, and the Full Diversity of Gender Expressions for all Ages, Stages, Genders, and Orientations
Shawn Singh Sidhu · Peter T. Daniolos · Aisha Mariam Omorodion · Liliana Cousins · Dahlin Jackson · Maria Cristina Palomares Castillo · Jacqueline Tasarz · Christine Wahlmeier · Katherine Yoder
A small-group wellness program in which participants discuss how masculinity, femininity and gender diversity shape relationships, work-life balance, aging, culture and wellness. It aims to build connection and reduce burnout and isolation.
14:00–16:00 · Session
Innovations to Reduce Hospital Boarding for Foster Care-Involved Youth: Systems That Work
Lisa Ann Durette · Terry Git Lee · Shannon Barnett · Sherri Marie Broadwater · George Alex Fouras · Diana Pandey
Presents system-level approaches for reducing hospital boarding of foster care-involved youth in mental health crisis.
14:00–16:00 · Session
Innovations to “Shore Up” the US School Mental Health Services Safety Net in 2026
Shirley D. Alleyne · Erika Ryst · Jonathan A. Zalkin · Molly Michelle Wimbiscus · Kristie Ladegard · Ashley Greenwald
Discusses innovations to strengthen school-based mental health services as a safety net for students.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Implementing Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Behavioral and Mental Health Services in a Children’s Healthcare System
Kathleen H. Krause · Kayla M. A. Mays · Katherine M. Daniel · Afrin Jahan · Belise Livingston-Burns · Janet R. Cummings · John N. Constantino
Covers implementing evidence-based behavioral and mental health services across a children's healthcare system.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Creating Comprehensive School Mental Health Frameworks Through Multitiered Systems of Support
Presents building school mental health frameworks using multitiered systems of support.
14:00–16:00 · Session · Other Programs
Still Here and Still Queer: Peer Support and Mentoring for LGBTQ+ Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Emma Banasiak · Reni Forer · Brandon Johnson · Yiu Kee Warren Ng · Amy Curtis · Francis J. Yang
An interactive mentoring program with a panel and small groups offering peer support and career guidance for LGBTQ+ child and adolescent psychiatrists and trainees.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Foster Care Boarding Crisis: Systemic Contributions and Individual Response
Examines systemic factors behind hospital boarding of foster care-involved youth and individual-level responses.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Case Presentation: Cross-System Advocacy to Reduce Boarding
A case presentation on cross-system advocacy to reduce hospital boarding of youth.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Strategies to Decrease Discharge Delays in an Academic Hospital Center
Reviews strategies an academic hospital uses to reduce discharge delays for youth.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Perinatal Support for Physicians With ADHD: Accommodations, Legal Protections, State Licensing Considerations, and Neuroaffirming Practices
Covers workplace accommodations, legal protections, licensing issues and neuroaffirming support for physicians with ADHD in the perinatal period.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Funding and Policy Changes Impacting US School Mental Health Services and School Climate
Shirley D. Alleyne · Jonathan A. Zalkin
Looks at how funding and policy shifts affect school mental health services and school climate in the US.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
“Shoring up” School Mental Health Systems of Care in Northeast Ohio
Describes efforts to strengthen school mental health systems of care in Northeast Ohio.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Crisis to Continuum: Sustaining School-Based Mental Health Services Through Collaborative Innovation
Explores how collaboration helps sustain school-based mental health services.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
From Federal Mandate to Local Practice: Evolving Role of the US Department of Education in Special Education
Reviews how the role of the US Department of Education in special education is changing and how federal policy translates into local practice.
14:00–16:00 · Lecture
Cost-Effectiveness of Medical Workup in Early Psychosis Evaluations
Looks at the cost-effectiveness of performing nonpsychiatric medical workups in early psychosis evaluations.
Schizophrenia & Psychosis · Medical Comorbidity & C-L Psychiatry
14:30–16:30 · Session · Other Programs
Innovate to Elevate: Early Career Psychiatrists Shaping the Future of Mental Health
Jasleen Singh · Anindita Chakraborty · Stephen Mateka · Sudhakar Shenoy · Roxanna De La Torre
Peer-driven breakout forum for early career child and adolescent psychiatrists on career transitions, advocacy, mentorship and leadership development.
14:30–16:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Supporting Organizational Safety for Patients and Colleagues as Immigration Policy Evolves: Considerations for Clinical Leaders
Analise Peleggi · Azeesat Babajide
Considers how clinical leaders can promote safety for patients and staff amid changing immigration policy.
17:00–18:30 · Workshop · Special Interest Study Group
Midcareer and Looking for New Ways to Engage in AACAP? Explore Pathways to Leadership and Engagement With a Diverse Group of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists!
Liwei L. Hua · Shawn Singh Sidhu · Afifa Adiba · Scott M. Palyo · Adam J. Sagot · Yiu Kee Warren Ng
An interactive study group for mid- and experienced-career child and adolescent psychiatrists to assess their career goals and find ways to get more involved in AACAP. Panelists lead a self-assessment survey, small-group discussions and goal setting around mentorship and leadership.
17:00–18:30 · Session · Special Interest Study Group
Tackling Insurance Negotiations Fresh From Training: Is It Possible?
Thomas P. Tarshis · Steve Khachi · David Balyozian · Bilal A. Bari · Parker D. Anderson
Early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists discuss business pitfalls of launching a practice and strategies for negotiating with commercial insurers.
17:00–18:30 · Session · Special Interest Study Group
Turning Ideas Into Action: Next Steps in Creating an Integrated Care Data Collaborative
Jessica E. Becker · Nadia Zaim · Melissa Hopkins · Suzie C. Nelson
A study group working toward a national cross-institutional data collaborative that uses existing databases to measure and advocate for pediatric integrated care programs.
17:00–18:30 · Session
Becoming a Leader in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Lived Paths, Frameworks, and the Future of Leadership Development
Segundo Sergio S. Robert-Ibarra · Kirti Saxena · Michael A. Scharf · Victor M. Fornari · David Rubin
Interactive study group in which senior child psychiatry leaders share how they came to leadership and the frameworks they use. Participants discuss structural challenges such as staffing, violence exposure and AI, and models for developing future leaders.
17:00–18:30 · Lecture
Origins of San Francisco Child Psychiatry
A talk on the history and founding of child psychiatry practice in San Francisco, given within a study group on insurance negotiation for early-career clinicians.
17:00–18:30 · Lecture
Origins of Boston Psychiatry
Bilal A. Bari · William Butler
A talk on the origins of a Boston psychiatry practice, presented within a study group on insurance negotiation for early-career clinicians.
17:00–18:30 · Lecture
When Clinical Experience Meets Business Inexperience
A talk on the challenges clinicians face when running a practice without business training, given within a study group on insurance negotiation.
Symposium · Symposium
From Evidence to Action: Understanding AACAP Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations and Their Application
Carol M. Rockhill · Heather J. Walter · A. Reese Abright · Timothy D. Becker · Raghuram Prasad · Jane A. Ripperger-Suhler
AACAP guideline authors walk through the academy's clinical practice guideline recommendations and how to apply them in day-to-day practice.
Saturday, October 31
07:00–08:30 · Workshop
Disrupting the Pattern: Approaches to Reduce Psychiatric Crisis 30-Day Return Rates for Pediatric High Utilizers and Their Families
Charles J. Glawe · Sarah V. Amato
A clinical consultation breakfast on why a small group of youth and families repeatedly use psychiatric emergency services. Participants review data and case examples and work through patient-level and systemic barriers to reducing repeat presentations.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Pathways to Sustaining Mental Health Services in an Academic Pediatric Primary Care Clinic
Discusses how to sustain mental health services within an academic pediatric primary care clinic.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Being a VIP Patient Is Bad for Your Health: Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Perceived Privilege
Discusses clinical outcomes for patients who are perceived as privileged or VIPs.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture
Ethics of VIP Patient Treatment
Covers ethical considerations in treating patients with perceived privilege.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Sustainability of the Collaborative Care Model: Pathways to Viability Through Various Payment Models
Reviews payment models that can make the collaborative care model financially viable.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Florida’s Program for Review of Psychotropic Prescribing for Children in Custody: History and Basis on Law and Best Practices
Reviews the history, legal foundation and best-practice basis of Florida's psychotropic prescribing review program for children in state custody.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Web-Based Review Process for Psychotropic Prescribing: Challenges and Approaches
Jody L. Brown · Andres J. Pumariega
Examines the challenges and approaches of running a web-based review process for psychotropic prescribing in child welfare.
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Psychotropic Review Database for 15 Years’ Experience: Findings, Trends, and Possible Future Directions
Takahiro Soda · Aman Pathak · Andres J. Pumariega · Yonghui Wu
Presents findings, trends and future directions from a 15-year database of psychotropic prescribing reviews for youth in child welfare.
09:00–11:00 · Session
Isn’t Every Patient a VIP? Recommendations for Navigating Ethics and Countertransference When Caring for Patients With Perceived Privilege
Mariam Rahmani · Gordon Harper · Christin A. McDonald-Fix · James Scott Wing
Clinical perspectives session on ethical issues and countertransference when treating patients perceived as privileged or VIPs.
09:00–11:00 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Statewide Program for Review of Psychotropic Prescribing for Children in Child Welfare: 15-Year Experience
Andres J. Pumariega · Mark Chenven · Jody L. Brown · Takahiro Soda · Young Jo
Reviews fifteen years of experience with a statewide program that reviews psychotropic prescribing for children in the child welfare system.
09:00–11:00 · Workshop · Other Programs
Addressing Wear and Tear: Collaborative Strategies to Identify and Manage Burnout and Moral Injury in the Early Career Period
Jasleen Singh · Christy Ky · Robin Du · Xiaoxi Ouyang · George Gianakakos
An interactive early-career session distinguishing burnout, compassion fatigue and moral injury, using breakout groups by practice setting to develop prevention and resilience strategies.
09:00–11:30 · Symposium · Other Programs
Bridging Borders: Global Models of Collaboration to Strengthen Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training and Capacity
Salma Malik · Abishek Bala · Nilar Thwin · Alexandra M. Harrison · Hesham Hamoda · Khalid Imran Afzal · Muhammad Waqar Azeem · Deepika Shaligram · Kevin K. Tsang · Ana Laura Schumacher
Presents international partnership models for building child and adolescent psychiatry training and workforce capacity, including remote mentorship, transregional training hubs and observership programs. Emphasizes reciprocal, sustainable collaboration across resource settings.
Child & Adolescent · Education & Training · Diverse & Underserved Populations
09:00–11:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Review Process for Psychotropic Prescribing: Challenging Case Scenarios
Walks through difficult case scenarios encountered in the psychotropic prescribing review process for children in child welfare.
09:30–11:00 · Panel
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist as Parent: Lived Experiences of Adversity and Advocacy and Its Effects on Providing Clinical Care
Brandon Ito · Jena Lee · Julia Girdler
Child psychiatrists share personal experiences of parenthood, including surrogacy, pregnancy loss, postpartum challenges, and caregiving during training. The session considers how these experiences shape clinical care and how workplaces can better support parent-clinicians.
09:30–11:30 · Session · Clinical Perspectives
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities
Himani Jani · Bisma Masudi · Alex Hunter · Aleiya Butler Wright · Virginia F. Barbosa · Linda Zamvil
Examines the challenges of delivering child and adolescent psychiatric care in rural communities and opportunities to expand access.
09:30–11:30 · Lecture
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities From a Middle-Career Perspective
Middle-career perspective on rural child and adolescent psychiatry practice.
09:30–11:30 · Lecture
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities From a Late-Career Perspective
Late-career perspective on rural child and adolescent psychiatry practice.
09:30–11:30 · Lecture
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Rural Communities: Introduction to Challenges and Opportunities
Introduces the challenges and opportunities of practicing child and adolescent psychiatry in rural communities.
09:30–11:30 · Lecture
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities From an Early-Career Perspective
Aleiya Butler Wright · Alex Hunter
Early-career perspective on rural child and adolescent psychiatry practice.
09:30–11:30 · Symposium
Innovating for Impact in the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Data-Driven Care in Intermediate Levels of Care Across Academic, Community, and Multi-State Systems
Joanna Quigley · Claudia Welke · Benjamin Schneider · Galen McNeil · Shikha Verma · Christina Laitner
Symposium on using data to guide care in intermediate levels of care (such as partial hospital and intensive outpatient programs) for youth, drawing on academic, community and multi-state systems.
10:00–12:00 · Session
Kind, Compassionate, and Indicated: Navigating the Ethics of Nonindicated Medical Requests
Mahdieh Bodaghi · Sohail A. Nibras · Michael Lotke
A pediatric consultation-liaison case conference on handling caregiver requests for testing that is not clinically indicated, including distinguishing family advocacy and medical mistrust from factitious disorder imposed on another. Covers communication strategies and ethics and risk management frameworks.
10:00–12:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Guidelines and Guardrails: Serving a Complex Patient Population in a Complex Time
Discusses guidelines and practical considerations for caring for gender-diverse youth in the current environment.
11:00–12:30 · Session
Expanding Partnerships for Pediatric Catatonia: Moving From a National Working Group to Local Implementation
Joshua Ryan Smith · Nasuh Malas · Khyati Brahmbhatt
Special interest group on turning the work of a national pediatric catatonia workgroup into local practice. Uses breakout discussions on the white paper, clinical pathway, multisite study and implementation strategies.
Catatonia · Child & Adolescent · Medical Comorbidity & C-L Psychiatry
11:00–12:30 · Workshop
Sandwiched Yet Isolated: Midcareer Challenges
Liwei L. Hua · Neha Sharma · Brian Perry Kurtz · Katherine N. Sung
An interactive study group on the strains faced by mid-career child and adolescent psychiatrists balancing generational, cultural and work-life demands. Participants discuss burnout and share strategies for better work-life balance and peer support.
11:00–12:30 · Session
Clinics and C-Suites: The Roles of MBAs, MHAs, and Formal Business Training for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Leaders
Mary Lynn Dell · Rajeev Krishna · Ujjwal Ramtekkar
A special interest study group on how formal business degrees such as the MBA and MHA can support child and adolescent psychiatrists in leadership, administration, advocacy and career development. Leaders share their own career paths and invite roundtable discussion.
12:30–14:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
The Washington DC Pipeline: How AI Becomes Law in Child Psychiatry and Why Should You Care?
Sudhir Shenoy · Karen Pierce · Vishal Madaan · Jasleen Singh · Sudhakar Shenoy
Explains how AI legislation and policy are developed in Washington and what it means for child and adolescent psychiatry practice.
12:30–14:30 · Session · Other Programs
Leading With Purpose: Navigating Complexity, Burnout, and Change in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Yiu Kee Warren Ng · Muhammad Waqar Azeem · Muhammad Zeshan · Consuelo C. Cagande
Explores purpose-driven and authentic leadership approaches for child psychiatrists facing burnout, workforce strain and institutional change. Uses didactics, role-play and small-group discussion to build leadership tools for all career stages.
12:30–15:30 · Workshop · Other Programs
From Clinic to Capitol: A Bootcamp for Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists to Run for Office
Avanti Bergquist · Steve Bergquist · Ryan Matthew White · Priya Punnoose
Interactive bootcamp on moving from clinical practice to elected office, covering campaign basics, messaging, fundraising and building a personal action plan, led by psychiatrists and a spouse who have run for office.
12:30–14:30 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
AI in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Private Practice: Workflow, Safety, and Ethical Considerations
Looks at using AI in private child and adolescent psychiatry practice, including workflow, safety and ethics.
13:00–15:00 · Session · Member Services Forum
Do No Harm: Navigating Common Legal Challenges in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Eraka Bath · Aateqa Ismail · Caitlin R. Costello · Elizabeth A. Lowenhaupt · Anne McBride
A two-hour forum combining didactic teaching and an interactive, case-based exercise on legal and ethical issues in child and adolescent psychiatry. Covers confidentiality, consent and assent, custody and mandated reporting.
13:00–15:00 · Lecture
College Mental Health Centers and ADHD
Addresses how college mental health centers handle ADHD evaluation and treatment demand.
13:30–15:00 · Lecture · Clinical Perspectives
Understanding Providers’ Ethical Obligations to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parents: The Family-Centered Care Model
Examines the ethical responsibilities of providers toward parents of NICU infants within a family-centered care model.
Posters (4)
- Geographic Variation in Legal Access to Pediatric ECT in the United States: A Review of US State Laws — Darshini Shah et al.
- Enhancing Patient Satisfaction in Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry Through Discharge Family Meetings — Jacqueline Lim et al.
- Our Recommendations Were Not Followed, What Next? Balancing Autonomy, Respect, and Beneficence — Shannon Barnett et al.
- Factors Associated With Adoption of Child Psychiatry Access Program Components — Sebastian El Ghaity-Beckley
Other topics at this meeting
Child & Adolescent 1361Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders 272Diverse & Underserved Populations 231Psychotherapy 166Education & Training 156Digital Psychiatry & AI 149Measurement-Based Care & Diagnosis 145ADHD 135Neuroscience & Mechanisms 124PTSD & Trauma 114Suicide & Self-Harm 110Collaborative & Integrated Care 102