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ArPA Fall 2026 Conference
Integration of Science & Service
Register Today
Secure your spot today and save with Early Bird pricing before September 4, 2026.
Questions? Contact us at office@arpapsych.org
Join Arkansas’ Premier Psychology Conference
This October, connect with psychology professionals, students, researchers, and community leaders for two days of meaningful learning, collaboration, and dialogue at the intersection of psychological science and real-world practice.
Hosted by the Arkansas Psychological Association, the ArPA Fall 2026 Conference:
Integration of Science & Service takes place October 22–23, 2026.
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Clinicians seeking CE credits, evidence-based strategies, and advanced professional development
Psychology Students & Emerging Researchers
Students, trainees, and early-career professionals engaged in academic growth and research
Community Stakeholders & Advocates
Leaders advancing mental health access, policy, and community-based support systems
General Public
Individuals interested in psychological wellness, advocacy, and community healing
Call for Speakers
An invitation to share your expertise, experience, and ideas with fellow professionals.
We welcome proposals that highlight innovation, practice, advocacy, and leadership in psychology.
Featured Keynote Speaker
Dr. Terrence Roberts
We are honored to welcome Dr. Terrence Roberts
— one of the Little Rock Nine and a distinguished psychologist — as our keynote speaker. Dr. Roberts brings a powerful perspective, bridging lived history, advocacy, and the science of human behavior.
We’re excited to share additional speakers, educational sessions, and conference highlights in the coming weeks.
Register today to secure Early Bird pricing and be among the first to receive conference updates.
Austin Porter III, DrPH, MPH
Deputy State Epidemiologist, Associate Professor, UAMS
Dr. Aresh Assadi
Board member of the Arkansas Chapter of the AFSP and UALR faculty
Kionti Traylor
AFSP Program Manager, 10+ years in prevention
Dr. Margaret Rutherford
Clinical Psychologist, Author, Speaker, Host
Dr. Leigh Anne Bennett
Psychiatrist, Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic
Chris Thomas
Co-Founder & CEO
The Defensive Line
Chris Thomas
Co-Founder & CEO
The Defensive Line
Conference at a Glance
Day 1
Public & Community Engagement
Open to the public, this day centers on awareness, inclusion, and healing. Join us for meaningful conversations that build stronger communities.
- Culturally responsive conversations
- Community resilience-building
- Student research poster presentations
Day 2
Professional Development & CE Credits
Designed for clinicians and professionals, featuring advanced techniques and evidence-based approaches to enhance your practice.
- Strengths-based tools for suicide prevention
- Culturally inclusive therapeutic techniques
- Fulfillment of CE credit requirements
Program
Thursday, October 9th: (4 CEs)
08:30am
Registration and Light Breakfast
08:50am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
09:00am
Mental Health in Arkansas: A Focus on Suicide – 1 CE
- Speaker: Austin Porter, Dr.P.H.
10:00am
Coffee & Student Poster Presentations
11:00am
L.E.T.S. Save Lives – 1 CE
- Moderator: Aresh Assadi, Ed.D., LPC; Board member of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and UALR faculty
- Speaker: Kionti Traylor, Program Manager, Arkansas Chapter, AFSP
12:00pm
ArPA Luncheon & Student Presentations
1:30pm – 3:30pm
From Tragedy to Advocacy: Stories of Suicide Loss and Healing – 2 CEs
- Moderator: Dr. Margaret Rutherford, Clinical Psychologist, Author, Speaker, Host
- Panelist: Dr. Leigh Anne Bennett, Psychiatrist, Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic
- Panelist: Chris Thomas, Co-Founder & CEO of The Defensive Line
- Panelist: Martha Thomas, Co-Founder & Chief Education Officer of The Defensive Line
4:00pm
ArPA Business Meeting (ArPA Members only)
5:00pm
ArPA Networking Social (Mental Health Professional Participants only)
Friday, October 10th: [6 CEs]
08:30am
Registration
08:45am
Reflections and Key Takeaways from Day 1
09:00am
Integrating Strengths-Based and Traditional (Medical Model) Approaches to Suicide Assessment and Treatment (Part 1 of 2)
- Speaker: Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan
12:00pm
ArPA Awards & Appreciation Lunch
1:30pm
Integrating Strengths-Based and Traditional (Medical Model) Approaches to Suicide Assessment and Treatment (Part 2 of 2)
- Speaker: Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan
4:30pm
ArPA Announcements
5:00pm
Adjourn
Registration Options & Access Details
We’re offering an All-Inclusive Access Pass for simplicity and value. You can choose to attend either Day 1 or Day 2, or both days.
Category | One-Day Only | Both Days | Access Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ArPA Professional Member You will be redirected to log in to Membership Portal before accessing the member registration page. | $175 | $225 | In-person + Virtual | |
Non-Member Professional | $200 | $275 | In-person + Virtual + CEU + Replay | |
Student Student Membership is Free! Join ArPA at no cost. Conference registration fees still apply, same for all students. | $10 | $15 | In-person + Virtual + Replay (No CEUs) | |
General Public (Day 1 only) Includes select community sessions. Upgrade to a professional registration to attend Day 2 | $50 | Not Available | In-person (Day 1) + Replay + CEU is optional | |
Other Membership Affiliation For those who are members of other state psychological or mental health professional associations you are eligible to register at the ArPA Professional Member rate. | $175 | $225 | In-person + Virtual |
Become a Conference Sponsor
Support the success of the ArPA Fall 2026 Conference while increasing your organization’s visibility within Arkansas’s psychology community. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $50, with recognition benefits available at multiple levels.Interested in becoming a sponsor? Scroll down to view sponsorship levels and complete the sponsorship form.
Registration Options & Access Details
Choose the registration option that best fits your schedule. Attend Day 1, Day 2, or both days, and participate in person or virtually. Every registration includes full conference access for your selected day(s), your choice of attendance format, on-demand replay, and CE credit where applicable.Register by September 4, 2026, and save up to $50 with Early Bird pricing.
Category | One-Day Registration | Two-Day Registration | Access Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ArPA Professional Member You will be redirected to log in to Membership Portal before accessing the member registration page. | $150 | $195 | All formats + CEU + Replay | |
Non-Member Professional | $175 | $225 | All formats + CEU + Replay | |
ArPA Student Member | $5 | $10 | All formats + Replay (CEU optional) | |
Non-Member Student Student Membership is Free! | $10 | $15 | All formats + Replay (CEU optional) |
Category | One-Day Registration | Two-Day Registration | Access Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ArPA Professional Member You will be redirected to log in to Membership Portal before accessing the member registration page. | $150 | $195 | All formats + CEU + Replay | |
Non-Member Professional | $175 | $225 | All formats + CEU + Replay | |
ArPA Student Member | $5 | $10 | All formats + Replay (CEU optional) | |
Non-Member Student Student Membership is Free! | $10 | $15 | All formats + Replay (CEU optional) |
Special Limited-Time Offer
Not a member yet? Get everything you need in one bundle.
Only available to non-members during registration
$295
One-time bundle price
You save $55+ plus gain year-round benefits!
Exclusive offer for first-time members only
Outcomes & Impact
Join colleagues from across Arkansas and beyond for an experience that strengthens your practice, expands your perspective, and advances the future of psychology.
Translate Science Into Practice
- Discover emerging research with real-world applications
- Explore innovations shaping psychological care
- Gain insights you can immediately apply in your work
Advance Advocacy & Influence
- Examine psychology’s role in policy and social justice
- Learn strategies to advocate for individuals and communities
- Strengthen your voice within the profession
Build Leadership & Connections
- Connect with psychologists and emerging professionals
- Develop leadership skills that expand your impact
- Celebrate and learn from Arkansas leaders in psychology
Navigate the Changing Landscape of Care
- Understand trends in healthcare financing and reimbursement
- Explore systems that influence access to care
- Gain perspectives from national and state leaders
Become a Conference Sponsor
Support the Arkansas Psychological Association Fall 2026 Conference by becoming a conference sponsor. Your sponsorship helps make this event possible while providing valuable opportunities to connect with psychologists, mental health professionals, students, researchers, and community partners across Arkansas.
Sponsors receive recognition based on their selected sponsorship level, including opportunities such as logo placement, website recognition, conference signage, complimentary registrations (where applicable), and more. All contributors will also receive exclusive ArPA swag (pen, tote bag, and tumbler).
Join Us for the Fall 2026 Conference
Gain practical insights, earn CE credit (where applicable), connect with colleagues, and learn from distinguished speakers—including keynote speaker Dr. Terrence Roberts. Register today and choose to attend in person or virtually.