Bridging Data and Community - Using Evidence Based Practices to Drive Meaningful Change
Friday, April 17, 2026
8:30am to 5pm
Golden Eagle Ballroom, 3rd Fl
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000
Google Maps: Type Cal State LA Parking Lot Structure C (Top Floor)
Google Maps: Type Cal State LA Golden Eagle Ballroom (3rd Fl)
Contact Robin Dodds at [email protected]
2026 MBH Conference Program!
Meet the Keynotes
Announcing the 2026 Mental & Behavioral Health Conference Keynote Speaker -
Dr. Sarah Manchanda
"Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Mental Health
Treatment for Adolescents"
SARAH MANCHANDA
Assistant Professor
PH.D.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering mental and behavioral health spaces. However, its implications for adolescents and young adults remain underexamined, particularly for those with disabilities and other marginalized identities. Drawing on findings from a systematic review of the literature, this talk examines the key affordances and setbacks of Al use in mental health treatment among late adolescents and young adults. The presentation synthesizes reported benefits (e.g., access, scalability, personalization) alongside documented risks and limitations (e.g., bias, privacy concerns, overreliance, and inequitable design).
Particular attention is given to what these findings mean for responsible integration of Al into clinical practice, the development of Al literacy grounded in user-reported pros and cons, and ethical considerations for practitioners. The talk concludes by outlining critical future research directions aimed at reducing mental health access barriers and ensuring that emerging Al-based tools are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of adolescents and young adults with disabilities and other marginalized identities.
Guglielmo Featured Speaker
Dr. Ann Turnbull
Beach Distinguished Professor of Special Education Emerita
University of Kansas
Dr. Ann Turnbull is the Beach Distinguished Professor of Special Education Emerita at the University of Kansas. She has authored 33 books, including 2 textbooks in their 9*/10th editions. She has also authored over 300 articles and chapters largely on the themes of quality of life, inclusion, family partnerships, and family quality of life. She was selected by the National Historic Trust in Developmental Disabilities as one of 36 individuals who "changed the course of history for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 20th century." She is the parent of a son, Jay (1967-2009), with multiple disabilities who had what she describes as an "enviable life" and who also was her "greatest professor."
Sponsor Shout Outs!!
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Matthew J. Guglielmo - Endowed Chair in Intellectual Disabilities
The Endowed Chair in Intellectual Disabilities, housed in the Department of Special Education and Counseling, College of Education, was established to honor Matthew J. Guglielmo, former vice president of The Broadway Department Stores, and was made possible by the contributions from the Broadway and friends of Mr. Guglielmo.
Mr. Guglielmo has dedicated a significant part of his life to focusing public attention on the problems of the developmentally disabled. The chair continues to support excellence in teaching, important research in students with intellectual disabilities, and collaboration between Cal State LA and community agencies and institutions serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.
We have been doing this for 7 years, have over 100 pets making visits throughout Los Angeles... and over 400 making visitis throughout the entire State....and carry full Liability Insurance. So please check us out and we hope we have the opportunity to bring the love of pets to you.
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We are:
Expanding access to mental health, substance use, and eating disorder treatment to as many people struggling with serious challenges as possible.
Transforming lives and restoring hope with virtual, personalized, and evidence-based treatment.
Leveraging rigorous research and cutting-edge technology to drive industry-leading outcomes.
We have been doing this for 7 years, have over 100 pets making visits throughout Los Angeles... and over 400 making visitis throughout the entire State....and carry full Liability Insurance. So please check us out and we hope we have the opportunity to bring the love of pets to you.
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Welcome to Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol & Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA). We are dedicated to helping those dealing with addiction and behavioral health issues. Our goal is to save lives, unite families, and protect the community. We do this through specialized addiction counseling and health education. As a recognized provider in California and Los Angeles County, we offer high-quality substance use and behavioral treatment.
At L.A. CADA, we focus on each client's unique needs, especially those with past trauma, to help them recover. Our services are comprehensive and holistic, and we welcome everyone, regardless of their financial status, health, insurance, job, or immigration status.
We have been doing this for 7 years, have over 100 pets making visits throughout Los Angeles... and over 400 making visitis throughout the entire State....and carry full Liability Insurance. So please check us out and we hope we have the opportunity to bring the love of pets to you.
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Find Your Purpose
Grand Canyon University is a private, nonprofit Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. We are dedicated to providing a purpose-driven education that empowers students to discover their calling and lead with integrity.
Our dedicated faculty and staff walk alongside you every step of the way, helping equip you to reach your goals and become a leader of character who influences the world for the better.
We have been doing this for 7 years, have over 100 pets making visits throughout Los Angeles... and over 400 making visitis throughout the entire State....and carry full Liability Insurance. So please check us out and we hope we have the opportunity to bring the love of pets to you.
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We Provide Housing
Leveraging Equal Access Program (LEAP) is a non-profit, adult family home agency established to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LEAP staff and consultants work collaboratively with individuals, their natural supports, families and the Regional Centers across California. Our staff are experienced, highly trained, and genuinely eager to assist. We listen and pay close attention to the needs and wants of the individuals we serve.
The Haven at College provides tailored mental health and substance use treatment for young adults for whom college is a part of their plan, through an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
Most of our clients are ages 18-30 and are attending college full-time, some are attending part-time and some have taken a break from their academic path, but intend to return once they are healthy and ready.
Call for more information! (310) 822-1234
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I'm Coventina Waterhawk, an inspiring and compassionate HOPE Ambassador who guides dual diagnosed individuals along their healing recovery journey by sharing my lived recovery experience and the practical, holistic tools I have used to thrive, one day at a time. My expertise includes knowing firsthand what it's like to be dismissed by doctors and nurses, and having the courage to advocate for myself until I found the help I needed, not just to survive, but truly live.
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If you or your loved one lives with a mental health condition, we are here to help.
Started in 1985, NAMI Glendale’s no-cost support groups, education classes, and community presentations provide welcoming spaces of support for all those affected by mental illness. We connect individuals to an empathetic community based on their shared lived experiences, and offer hope that recovery is possible. NAMI Glendale is a chapter of NAMI Greater Los Angeles County, and a full affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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COPE Health Solutions (CHS) is a national tech-enabled services firm powering success for health plans and for providers in risk arrangements. Our comprehensive NCQA certified population health management platform and highly experienced team brings deep expertise, experience, proven tools, and processes to improve financial performance and quality outcomes for all types of payers and providers. CHS de-risks the roadmap to advanced value-based payment and improves quality and financial performance for providers, health plans and self insured employers.
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We are proud to provide high-quality behavioral health care for the Covina, California community and beyond. Our campus includes eight separate units for adolescents and adults requiring inpatient care, a Residential Treatment Center (RTC), an Outpatient Services building, and an Assessment Center which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our campus also includes a pool and a gymnasium.
We work to treat and stabilize those struggling with problems such as: Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Drug/Alcohol use, misuse or unhealthy/harmful use, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis/Schizophrenia, and Suicidal/homicidal thoughts