Bridging Data and Community: Using EvidenceBased Practices to Drive Meaningful Change
Friday, April 17, 2026
8am to 5pm
Golden Eagle Ballroom
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000
Contact Robin Dodds at [email protected]
2026 MBH Conference Program Coming Soon!
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!!
Shout Out!!
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.
Shout Out!!
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.
Shout Out!!
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
Shout Out!!
I'm Coventina Waterhawk, an expert in successfully living with co-occurring disorders for nearly four decades of recovery. I guide dual-diagnosed individuals to reclaim an empowered life by sharing my lived experience and the practical tools I have used to achieve success, one day at a time. My expertise include knowing firsthand what it's like to be dismissed by nurses and doctors and advocate for myself to find the help I've needed to survive.