Providence, R.I. – Brown University Health will host the 2026 Behavioral Health Nursing Conference, titled “Answering the Call,” on Friday, April 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 15 LaSalle Square in downtown Providence. The conference will convene nursing professionals and behavioral health experts from across the Northeast to explore key issues and emerging practices in mental health care.
The program will feature several breakout sessions focused on mental health nursing, forensic nursing, acute psychiatric care, outpatient treatment, and pediatric and adolescent behavioral health, offering participants opportunities to strengthen their clinical knowledge and share best practices.
Featured speakers include:
- Elizabeth Burke Bryant, JD, Professor of the Practice of Health Services, Policy & Practice at the Brown University School of Public Health and member of the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute. Bryant will discuss how public policy shapes access to and delivery of mental health services.
- Danny G. Willis, DNS, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, Dean and Professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing. Willis will present on the concept of wellbecoming and its implications for nursing practice and personal well-being.
- Cynthia Bautista, PhD, APRN, FNCS, of Nursing Brains, who will lead an interactive certification review session for the ANCC Psychiatric–Mental Health board certification exam.
“This event will offer dynamic presentations, meaningful collaboration, and valuable networking opportunities while helping nurses deepen their expertise in behavioral health,” said Kristen Kichefski, Chief Nursing Officer at Bradley Hospital.
Registration for the conference is now open. Contact hours are pending approval (7.5 hours). Interested participants can register online through the Brown University Health website, where full conference details, including breakout session topics, are available. Abstract submissions are also being accepted online.