Save the Date
2026 NAMI California Annual Conference
October 8 & 9, 2026
Anaheim, CA
We gather at conference to have meaningful conversations about the issues that impact those who are living with mental illness and the individuals and organizations who support their journey. Through a mix of presentations, table talks and social networking, attendees create connections and participate in shared learning opportunities that drive hope, collaboration, and collective action.
Conference Tracks
Youth and Young Adults
Sessions that explore strategies and best practices for early identification, intervention, reducing stigma and/or discrimination related to mental health conditions impacting those age 24 and younger.
Criminal Justice & Mental Health Policy
Address the impact of mental health policies and those involved in the crisis intervention and justice systems such as law enforcement, medical professionals, prosecutors, social workers, and other professionals connected to those living with mental illness who are justice-involved.
Dual Diagnoses (Co-Occurring Disorders)
Discuss the interconnectedness of serious mental illness (SMI) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and strategies to improve prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those living with, or at risk of developing, co-occurring substance-related and mental health disorders.
Caregiver Resiliency & Self-Care
Provide practical strategies, best practices and education for caregivers on ways to maintain their physical, emotional, and/or overall mental well-being.
Innovation
New or evolving strategies, methodologies and/or technology-based solutions to improve access to mental healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
Long Term Planning for Caregivers
Long-term planning considerations for family caregivers supporting adult children living with mental illness. Topics may include future care planning, navigating transitions, legal and financial considerations, and building sustainable support systems to ensure continuity of care over time.
Call For Session Proposals!
NAMI California is seeking proposals for presentations for our upcoming conference in Anaheim, CA, October 8 and 9, 2026. We highly encourage session applications from presenters who are engaging speakers with an interactive style of communicating with their audience. Please keep in mind that our conference attendees represent a diversity of cultures and age ranges. They also represent various identities including but not limited to those living with serious mental challenges, caregivers and family members, mental health professionals, students, community advocates and the general public. For the first time, this year applicants can provide the “Brief Description” of their workshop in a video or written form.
Deadline is 11:45pm PT 2/4/2026.
For more information, contact the 2026 Conference Planning Team, conference@namica.org.
2025 NAMI California Annual Conference Recap
October 16 & 17, 2025
Thank you to our Sponsors!
