Save the Date * October 22–23, 2026 * Join the Waitlist
ArPA Fall 2026 Conference
Integration of Science & Service
CE Credits Available
Professional development credits for licensed attendees
Join the Waitlist
Get early access updates and be the first to know when
Early Bird registration goes live.
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.
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
Martha Thomas
Co-Founder & Chief Educ. Officer 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 |
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. Early Bird rates available!
Early Bird Special: Save up to $50 when you register before September 15, 2025
Category | Day 1 Only (Thursday) | Both Days (Thurs + Fri) | Access Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
ArPA Professional Member | $150 / $175 (Early Bird/Regular) | $195 / $225 (Early Bird/Regular) | In-person + Virtual + CEU + Replay |
ArPA Student Member | Free | Free | In-person + Virtual + Replay |
Non-Member Professional | $175 / $200 (Early Bird/Regular) | $225 / $275 (Early Bird/Regular) | In-person + Virtual + CEU + Replay |
Non-Member Student | $5 / $10 (Early Bird/Regular) | $10 / $15 (Early Bird/Regular) | In-person + Virtual + Replay |
General Public (Day 1 only) | $40 / $50 (Early Bird/Regular) | Not Available | In-person (Day 1) + Replay (No CEUs) |
* General Public: Includes select community sessions. CEUs not included. Upgrade to a professional registration to attend Day 2 or earn CEUs.
* For those who are members of other state psychological or mental health professional associations: If you are a current member of another state mental health related association, you are eligible to register at the ArPA Professional Member rate.
* ArPA Members: You will be redirected to log in to Membership Portal before accessing the member registration page. This ensures your member status is validated and you receive the correct member rates.
Category | Day 1 Only (Thursday) | Both Days (Thurs + Fri) | Access Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ArPA Professional Member You will be redirected to log in to Membership Portal before accessing the member registration page. | $150 / $175 | $195 / $225 | In-person + Virtual | |
ArPA Student Member You will be redirected to log in to Membership Portal before accessing the member registration page. | Free | Free | In-person + Virtual + Replay (No CEUs) | |
Non-Member Professional Take advantage of our special Join + Register Bundle, which includes full conference access and a one-year ArPA membership. | $175 / $200 | $225 / $275 | In-person + Virtual + CEU + Replay | |
Non-Member Student ArPA Student Members attend for FREE. Sign up for a student membership with and register for the Fall Conference at no cost. | $5 / $10 | $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 or earn CEUs. | $40 / $50 | Not Available | In-person (Day 1) + Replay (No CEUs) | |
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. | $150 / $175 | $195 / $225 | In-person + Virtual |
Category | One Day Only | Two Days | 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 | |
Student Member | $5 | $10 | All formats + Replay (CEU optional) | |
Student Non-Member 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 8psychology.
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
Join the Waitlist Today
Be among the first to receive registration announcements, early bird pricing information, and conference updates for the ArPA Fall 2026 Conference. Join the waitlist to stay informed and reserve your opportunity to connect with psychology professionals from across Arkansas and beyond.