Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference

Monday, May 18, 2026 - Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Best Western Premier: The Central Hotel and Conference Center

Best Western Premier: The Central Hotel and Conference Center, 800 E Park Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17111

Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference

The 2026 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference will take place on May 18-19 at the Best Western Premier: The Central Hotel and Conference Center in Harrisburg. This year’s annual two-day conference is weaving together three powerful themes: scientific innovation, system transformation, and the power of recovery.

The conference will feature keynote presentations, three sets of workshops, and a resource fair. Continuing Education Credits are pending.

Conference Registration Rates (Opening Soon)

Standard	$165
Mental Health Professional (Includes Continuing Education Credits)	$195

Conference registration includes Monday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Tuesday breakfast.

Conference Agenda Conference Brochure

Main Sessions

Mental Health Research: The Enormous Challenge and The Progress We’ve Made

Dr. Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer at NAMI National, will provide a comprehensive look at the current state of mental health research, highlighting the major scientific breakthroughs of the past decade. Dr. Duckworth will explore why, despite advances, there are still numerous unmet needs in treatment, diagnosis, and understanding of serious mental illness. The presentation will also examine whether new ways of thinking, new approaches, and new technologies are needed to impact future research and care.

The 988 Lifeline Five Years Later: What Have We Learned and What’s Next?

July 2026 will mark the five-year anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. During Monday’s afternoon plenary, Dr. Matthew Wintersteen from Thomas Jefferson University will explore the policy landscape surrounding 988, identify what legislative action is needed next to strengthen this critical resource, and examine the work that still needs to be done to expand awareness, improve outreach, and ensure that the 988 Lifeline is accessible, equitable, and trusted by all who need it.

2026 Public Policy Priorities

The Tuesday keynote features NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania’s CEO, Christine Michaels, and Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, Nikki Weigand. Their 2026 Public Policy Priorities presentation will highlight important state and federal issues, including outcomes related to recent Executive Orders, new developments regarding the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and updates on the state budget and state bills that are of interest to mental health advocates.

From Lived Experience to Leadership: Peer Navigation and the Path to Recovery

In this powerful and inspiring presentation, Keirston Parham, Recovery and Peer Services Coordinator at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, will share his mental health journey that led him from crisis to leadership within the recovery movement. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, KP will explore how peer support transforms systems, strengthens recovery services, and creates meaningful change for individuals and families.

Hotel Information

Best Western Premier: The Central Hotel & Conference Center
800 E Park Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17111 (MAP)
Phone: 717-561-2800

Special Room Rate: $119.95 per night

Sunday, May 17, 2026 – Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Rate expires on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 12 pm
Rooms booked outside of the block or through third party sites will not qualify for the special room rate.

Book Your Room

Conference Marketing Opportunities

The 2026 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference offers powerful opportunities for companies and organizations to connect with professionals, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through sponsorships, exhibits, and digital advertising, you can showcase your mission, share your resources, and be part of a statewide conversation focused on mental health and well-being.

Sponsor
Elevate your brand while supporting mental health and wellness in Pennsylvania. Sponsors may choose from several sponsorship levels, each offering meaningful visibility during the conference. Sponsorship benefits include recognition at the event and in conference marketing materials, an exhibitor table, and a digital ad in the conference’s virtual app.

View the 2026 Sponsorship Packet

Exhibit
Put your resources directly in front of conference attendees. Secure a resource table at this two-day, statewide event and benefit from dedicated exhibit space designed for strong visibility and consistent foot traffic throughout the conference.

View the 2026 Exhibitor Form

Place an Ad
Reach attendees beyond the exhibit hall with a virtual ad in the conference app. The app features the full conference agenda, keynote speaker bios, and workshop descriptions—making it a highly engaged space to promote your organization, highlight a book or research study, or share an important initiative with a targeted audience.

View the 2026 Ad Form

Conference Marketing Contact

If you have questions about the 2026 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference marketing opportunities, contact NAMI Keystone PA's Senior Manager of Grants and Fundraising, Sara Levine Steinberg, by email at slsteinberg@namikeystonepa.org or by phone at 412-366-3788 (ext. 122).