Theme: Empowering The Psychiatric Workforce: Taking Control of Our Practices One Step at a Time

In a time when psychiatrists face increasing administrative demands, workforce shortages, and rapid changes in how care is delivered, the 2026 Annual Meeting theme, “Empowering the Psychiatric Workforce: Taking Control of Our Practices One Step at a Time,” captures both the challenges and opportunities ahead. It’s a call to focus on what each of us can do, day by day, to strengthen our profession and the care we provide.

Empowerment begins with small, deliberate actions. It happens when psychiatrists find new ways to simplify processes, build more collaborative teams, or advocate for systems that support meaningful, patient-centered care. By taking ownership of these incremental changes, we begin to transform not only our practices, but also our collective confidence in shaping the future of mental health.

The 2026 Annual Meeting in San Francisco will highlight practical, evidence-based approaches to navigating today’s complex environment, through workshops, discussions, and shared strategies that meet psychiatrists where they are. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and reenergize our sense of purpose.

This theme reminds us that lasting progress rarely comes all at once. It’s built step by step, through persistence, creativity, and community. Together, we can ensure psychiatry remains adaptable, resilient, and deeply connected to the people and values that define it.