Psych Congress 2026: Program & Speakers

Brittany Albright, MD, MPH · Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH · Gregory Mattingly, MD · David Plante, MD, PhD

Half-day ticketed intensive built around four expert-led modules on treatment mechanisms moving beyond monoamines: orexin-based agents, glutamate/dopamine circuit approaches, muscarinic receptor modulation, and GLP-1/bioenergetic pathways.

James Greenblatt, MD · Ashley Mason, PhD · Charles Raison, MD

Half-day ticketed intensive covering four integrative domains — temperature-based interventions, rapid sleep-optimization strategies, nutritional psychiatry, and metabolic regulation of brain function — framed as complements to standard psychopharmacology.

Marcus Capone · Amber Capone · Matthew Zorn, JD · Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH · Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC · Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-BC · Charles Raison, MD

Opening-afternoon multidisciplinary panel pairing a patient's lived-experience story with a policy update on how the recent executive order and existing regulatory frameworks may shape near-term clinical use of psychedelic therapies.

Jonathan Meyer, MD

Practical deep dive on lithium's mechanisms and dosing precision, including monitoring, toxicity mitigation, adherence, and use in special populations.

Adelaide Robb, MD · Julie Carbray, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN · Liv Lewis, Lived Experience Expert

Reviews atypical presentations of youth depression and newer options including rapid-acting agents and digital therapeutics, with strategies for early detection in schools and primary care and a lived-experience perspective.

Mariela Podolski, MD · James Somers, PA-C, DHSc, DFAAPA

Workflow-friendly tactics for weaving sleep, exercise, stress management, social connection, and nutritional assessment into time-limited medication visits.

Craig Chepke, MD

Teaches clinicians to weigh real-world study designs against randomized trials, including examples where RWE informed FDA-approved psychiatric therapies.

Christoph Correll, MD · Chelsie Monroe, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC

Covers presynaptic dopamine modulation in schizophrenia and bipolar I mania, including evidence for selective muscarinic agents and how to apply them to individual patients.

Brittany Albright, MD, MPH · Michael Asbach, DMSc, PA-C

Examines glutamatergic dysfunction in MDD and the evidence for current and emerging glutamate-targeting therapies in treatment-resistant depression.

Ilan Melnick, MD · Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-BC

Updates clinicians on cannabis-induced psychosis, mood effects, and dose-response data amid rising THC potency, with practical tapering strategies and treatment pathways for cannabis use disorder.

Brittany Albright, MD, MPH · Rebecca Barbee, MSPAS, PA-C, CAQ-Psych · Kristian Dambrino, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Case-based walkthrough of evaluating apparent treatment resistance in MDD — uncovering hidden contributors like anxiety, trauma, and medical illness — and choosing among optimization, augmentation, and switching pathways.

Ashley VanDercar, MD, JD

Forensic session on distinguishing genuine psychiatric illness from feigned or exaggerated presentations, covering interviewing tools, documentation, ethics, and risk mitigation.

Timothy Wilens, MD

Frameworks for diagnostic clarification and treatment sequencing when ADHD co-occurs with anxiety, mood disorders, autism, or substance use, balancing symptom control against misuse and destabilization risks.

Richard Jackson, MD · Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC

Practical approach to early identification, risk evaluation, and DBT-informed skills for BPD in brief outpatient visits, including when adjunctive pharmacotherapy is warranted.

Joseph Goldberg, MD

Advanced guidance on sequencing lithium, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics in bipolar disorder, with case vignettes on inadequate response, intolerability, and polypharmacy.

Rebecca Barbee, MSPAS, PA-C · CAQ-Psych

Reframes tardive dyskinesia care around function and quality of life rather than rating scales alone, reviewing recognition, differential diagnosis, and VMAT2 inhibitor evidence.

Craig Chepke, MD · Philip Gehrman, PhD, CBSM, FAASM · Logan Schneider, MD

Explores the shared neurobiology of sleep and psychiatric illness with screening, diagnostic, and management strategies for complex sleep-wake disorders.

Gregory Mattingly, MD · Desiree Matthews, PMHNP-BC

Case-driven review of selecting atypical antipsychotics across mood episodes, weighing efficacy, tolerability, adherence, and patient-specific factors.

Arwen Podesta, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM · Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-BC

Uses a historic case to teach differential diagnosis of psychosis beyond schizophrenia — substance-induced, delusional, and medical causes — including temporal analysis, labs, and imaging.

Joseph Goldberg, MD · Peter Weiden, MD

Compares how polypharmacy patterns and risk-benefit calculations shape deprescribing decisions differently in bipolar disorder versus schizophrenia.

Philip Gehrman, PhD, CBSM, FAASM · Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH · Hara Oyedeji, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSEd

Case-based session on sorting whether insomnia or hypersomnia reflects medication effects, primary sleep disorders, circadian disruption, or worsening psychiatric illness, and when to order sleep studies. Developed with the Sleep Research Society Foundation.

James Greenblatt, MD · Julie Carbray, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN

Guides initial ADHD treatment choices between stimulant/non-stimulant medication and behavioral, coaching, and environmental strategies based on severity, preference, and comorbidity.

Christoph Correll, MD · Brooke Kempf, PMHNP-BC

Focuses on recognizing clinically meaningful residual depressive symptoms and using adjunctive pharmacologic options to push partial responders toward remission and sustained recovery.

Gregory Mattingly, MD · Julie Carbray, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN

Highlights emotional dysregulation and executive dysfunction as underrecognized drivers of ADHD impairment, with neurobiological context and emerging pharmacologic options.

David Plante, MD, PhD · Chelsie Monroe, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC

Covers recognition and differential diagnosis of hypersomnolence disorders in psychiatric patients, plus diagnostic workup, referral, and current and emerging treatments.

Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD · Cory Weissman, MD, PhD

Reviews treatments with demonstrated anti-suicidal benefit — lithium, clozapine, ECT, and CBT-based approaches — within a structured framework for individualized prevention planning. Developed with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Marc Agronin, MD · Amera Bilal

Addresses early identification of Alzheimer's disease, responsible use of biomarkers and advanced diagnostics, and longitudinal pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management. Developed with the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

Michael Thase, MD

Step-by-step algorithms for treatment-resistant bipolar depression — when to switch, augment, or combine — with evidence on newer agents such as lumateperone, cariprazine, and ketamine.

Christoph Correll, MD · Ilan Melnick, MD

Fast-paced review of the year's most significant schizophrenia and psychosis research, with expert commentary and selected poster presenters sharing emerging data.

Manish Jha, MD · Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC · Vanessa Joy Walker, MPH

Helps clinicians decide between pharmacotherapy and CBT, mindfulness, sleep, and exercise strategies at the outset of GAD treatment based on severity, comorbidity, trauma history, and preference.

Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH · Michael Thase, MD

Year-in-review of depression research spanning neurobiology, trial results, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic innovation, with selected poster presenters showcasing new data.

Kristin Sohl, MD, FAAP · Jo Hughes, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-PSY

Integrated framework for assessing and treating anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders in autistic children, including evidence-based medication use, behavioral therapy, and family engagement.

Charles Raison, MD · Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-BC

Examines glutamatergic and serotonergic neuroplasticity pathways and the evidence base for investigational psychedelic and psychedelic-assisted therapies in major depression.

Craig Chepke, MD · Logan Schneider, MD · Jessica Wright, CRNP

Covers orexin-deficiency neurobiology, how to distinguish narcolepsy from psychiatric mimics, and the clinical implications of emerging orexin receptor agonists.

Brittany Albright, MD, MPH · Veronica Ridpath, DO

Focuses on reward-system dysfunction in depression, practical assessment of anhedonia, and emerging therapies aimed at restoring motivation and meaningful recovery.

Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH · Manish Jha, MD

Step-by-step framework for treatment-resistant anxiety after SSRI/SNRI failure, covering sequencing, psychotherapy integration, and off-label and emerging agents from gabapentinoids to glutamatergic and GABAergic options.

Gregory Mattingly, MD · Moushumi Mukerji, MSN, PMHNP-BC, CNM

Evidence-informed overview of how estrogen and progesterone shifts across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause affect attention, mood, and stimulant response, with prescribing considerations amid research gaps.

Philip Gehrman, PhD, CBSM, FAASM · William Sauvé, MD

Integrated pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic framework for assessing and treating trauma-related insomnia and nightmares. Developed with the Sleep Research Society Foundation.

James Greenblatt, MD

Connects cholesterol and omega-3 fatty acid biology to mood disorders, psychosis, and cognition, translating lipid research into assessment strategies and adjunctive interventions.

Jonathan Meyer, MD

Deep dive into clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia — initiation, monitoring requirements, side-effect management, and adherence — grounded in real-world cases.

Gregory Mattingly, MD · Kristin Sohl, MD, FAAP

Highlights the year's key research in ADHD and autism, from genetics and brain-network findings to behavioral interventions and digital therapeutics, with selected poster presenters.

Steven Chan, MD, MBA, FAPA, FAMIA

Shows how validated digital biomarkers, passive monitoring, and app-based interventions can be folded into routine psychiatric visits without disrupting workflow.

Pallavi Khanna, MD, MSCP, FACOG · Kristin Lasseter, MD

Covers diagnostic criteria and symptom tracking for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, differentiation from MDD and anxiety, and emerging neurosteroid and hormonal treatments. Developed with the International Society of Reproductive Psychiatry.

Lisa Harding, MD · Michael Asbach, DMSc, PA-C

Four case scenarios guide selection among TMS, ECT, VNS, theta-burst, and accelerated protocols, comparing mechanisms, indications, and sequencing within overall treatment plans.

Megan Ehret, PharmD, MS, BCPP · Jaden Todd, PharmD, BCPP · Emma Nelson, PharmD · Ilan Melnick, MD · Amber Hoberg, PMHNP-BC · Kevin Williams, MS, MPAS, PA-C

Compares available long-acting injectable antipsychotic formulations and offers patient-centered communication and logistics strategies for initiating, administering, and reintroducing LAIs.

Brittany Albright, MD, MPH · Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-BC

Pairs a review of current GAD standards of care with the therapeutic rationale and emerging evidence for investigational psychedelic compounds in anxiety.

Arwen Podesta, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM · Veronica Ridpath, DO · Lydia Bartholow, DNP, PMHNP, CARN-AP, FIAAN

Case-based panel dissecting complex opioid, stimulant, and withdrawal scenarios — including where system failures and clinical errors led to poor outcomes — with harm-reduction takeaways.

Charles Raison, MD · Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP-BC

Evidence-focused update on psychedelic-assisted therapy trials, regulatory developments, and safety considerations, emphasizing separation of validated data from public enthusiasm.

Holly Peek, MD · Moushumi Mukerji, MSN, PMHNP-BC, CNM · Vanessa Joy Walker, MPH

Practical framework for recognizing BDD, overcoming poor insight and reassurance-seeking, and applying SSRIs and CBT with exposure/response prevention, including management of cosmetic treatment-seeking.

Steven Chan, MD, MBA, FAPA, FAMIA · Tory Eisenlohr-Moul, PhD · Matthew Hoptman, PhD

Rapid-fire session on three evolving suicide-risk contributors — neuroscience-identified brain functionality, hormonal influences across the lifespan, and AI chatbots in patients' mental health decisions. Developed with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Elizabeth Langmore-Avila, DO, MA, R-DMT · Arwen Podesta, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM

Compares methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder, covering patient selection, titration, cardiac and overdose considerations, sedative co-prescribing, and transitions between agents.

Mark Zimmerman, MD · Shelley Matthews

Advanced review of switching protocols, cross-tapering, and augmentation options — lithium, T3, atypicals, dextromethorphan/bupropion, vortioxetine — for patients with incomplete antidepressant response.

Shilpa Srinivansan, MD, DFAPA, DFAAGP · Amber Hoberg, PMHNP-BC

Structured differential-diagnosis approach for cognitive and behavioral change in older adults, incorporating blood-based biomarkers, neuroimaging, and longitudinal tracking while managing neuropsychiatric symptoms. Developed with the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

Charles Raison, MD

Reviews the inflammatory depression phenotype and CRP-guided antidepressant selection, plus anti-inflammatory, glutamatergic, microbiome, and lifestyle interventions targeting immune activity.

Brittany Albright, MD, MPH · Jonathan Meyer, MD

Clinic-ready framework for GLP-1 and dual-incretin use in psychiatric patients: selection, titration, adverse-effect management, and psychiatric considerations including eating disorder risk, mood monitoring, and craving implications.

Craig Chepke, MD · Kristian Dambrino, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Strategies for distinguishing bipolar I, bipolar II, and MDD, the clinical relevance of specifiers, and evolving treatments supporting shared decision-making.

Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH · Erin Crown, MHS, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry · Brooke Kempf, PMHNP-BC

Panel works through challenging schizophrenia cases involving treatment resistance and functional decline, covering sequencing, clozapine timing, augmentation, and metabolic and sedation trade-offs.

Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH · Desiree Matthews, PMHNP-BC · Clark Sabo

Guides the choice between trauma-focused psychotherapies (CPT, Prolonged Exposure) and pharmacotherapy (SSRIs, SNRIs, prazosin) in early PTSD care, alongside sleep stabilization and grounding skills.

Kate Kelley, MD · Khyati Kothari, MD

Evidence-based guidance on psychotropic use in pregnancy and lactation, including dosing, risk communication, and collaboration with obstetric providers. Developed with the International Society of Reproductive Psychiatry.

Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH · Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC · Arwen Podesta, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM · Charles Raison, MD

Closing session on when and how to reduce psychotropic regimens: identifying candidates, shared decision-making, and safe tapering while weighing relapse and withdrawal risks.