Advocacy and policy issues continue to be at the forefront of integrated care and healthcare services across the county. Although many of these topics apply to specific states, many providers and early career professionals are often unaware of the ramifications that these policies and rules can have regarding practice, access, and other critical professional areas. The 2026 Advocacy Summit focuses on key issues facing family-centered behavioral healthcare providers in creating and sustaining integrated care programs and processes. The summit also allows for attendees to discuss specialized topic areas in the breakout sections. Attendees can choose from the areas of supervision, career paths, recruitment, and CMS reimbursement to discuss with other colleagues. The goal is for the event to not only be informative for new and experienced professionals, but to inspire many to help communicate these pressure point areas in their states.

1.) Introduce any new policies for different mental health professions and the impacts on direct service areas

2.) Describe the key initiatives that are being implemented in different states to help mental health and family-centered professionals have more access and options to practice

3.) Demonstrate the key ways that attendees can help address workforce development of family-centered professionals in healthcare

The primary audience for this event is for family-centered mental health professionals, early career professionals, and graduate students. Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and other integrated care providers would also benefit from the content at this event. 

When: October 7th, 2026, from 1 - 5 PM Central Time

Where:
St. Louis University
Morrissey Hall
3700 Lindell Blvd., Room 0200
St. Louis, MO 63108

There will also be a virtual option for those unable to attend in person. This event is 2.5 miles from the CFHA conference site.

Food
Coffee, water, and light snacks will be offered at the event.

Parking
Free parking is available in the Queen Daughter’s Lot next to Morrissey Hall. Street parking is also available.

In-Person
Professionals: $35 
Students and Early Career (1-5 years into career): $10

Virtual
Professionals: $50    
Students and Early Career (1-5 years into career): $25

For each graduate program with five or more students attending virtually: $100. Contact jhahn@cfha.net for this option.

Contact jhahn@cfha.net or max.zubatsky@health.slu.edu.

Coordinator is Max Zubatsky, PhD, LMFT, Saint Louis University