Top 10 Psychiatry Conferences to Attend in 2026

Psychiatry is at a turning point in 2026. New treatments for depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD are entering clinical practice. AI-assisted diagnosis is moving from research labs into real hospitals. And the global demand for mental health services is outpacing the workforce by a wide margin.

Whether you are a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, therapist, or researcher, staying current means attending the right events. This guide covers the top 10 psychiatry conferences in 2026 — with verified dates, locations, who should attend, and what you gain at each.

For broader psychology events covering counselling, I-O psychology, and positive psychology, see our guide to the top 10 psychology conferences in 2026.

Why attend a psychiatry conference in 2026? 

The gap between what is published in journals and what is discussed at conferences is often 12 to 24 months. Conferences give you direct access to findings, clinical tools, and debates that have not yet reached your textbook or CPD module. 

Here is what you gain at a top psychiatry conference: 

• Access to the latest clinical trial results and treatment guidelines before journal publication.
• CME and CPD credits for licence renewal — most major psychiatry conferences offer 15–40+ accredited hours.
• Workshops and hands-on sessions on new psychopharmacology, therapy approaches, and diagnostic tools.
• Networking with psychiatrists, researchers, and policymakers shaping mental healthcare globally.
• Abstract presentation opportunities to share your clinical research with a specialist international audience.

Top 10 psychiatry conferences in 2026 

1. ★ International Psychology & Psychiatry Conference 2026 — PubScholars (Boston, USA) 

Date: November 20–21, 2026 

Location: Aloft Boston Seaport District, 401–403 D St, Boston, MA 02210, USA (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

Theme: “Next-Generation Neuropsychiatry & Mental Health: Integrating AI, Genomics and Clinical Excellence” 

The PubScholars Psychology and Psychiatry Conference 2026 is the most accessible international event on this list for psychiatrists and psychiatric researchers who want to present their work and get it published. The conference covers neuropsychiatry, AI in mental health, psychopharmacology, trauma-informed care, child and adolescent psychiatry, digital mental health, and mood and anxiety disorders. 

Both in-person and virtual attendance are fully supported. Submitted abstracts are reviewed by an international scientific committee and accepted papers are published in official conference proceedings. Virtual attendees receive a digital certificate and full session access. 

Who should attend: Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychotherapists, mental health researchers, neuropsychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and postgraduate students presenting original research 

CME / CPD Credits: CPD-accredited credits available for in-person and virtual attendees. Contact info@pubscholars.org 

Abstract submission: https://psychologyconference.pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/ 

Website: https://psychologyconference.pubscholars.org/ 

 Abstract submissions: Second round closes May 15, 2026. Hybrid format — in-person Boston or virtual worldwide.

2. APA Annual Meeting 2026 — American Psychiatric Association (178th Edition) 

Date: May 16–20, 2026 

Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA (In-person and virtual) 

Theme: “Empowering the Psychiatric Workforce: Taking Control of Our Practices One Step at a Time” 

 The 178th APA Annual Meeting is the largest and most important psychiatry conference in the world. The APA Annual Meeting 2026 features more than 400 sessions across 50 topics and 8 tracks, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychopharmacology, trauma, LGBTQ+ psychiatry, and community mental health. It is the first time the meeting has been held in San Francisco since 2023. 

Attendees include psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers, peer counsellors, nurse practitioners, psychologists, behavioural health administrators, and primary care providers. Both in-person and virtual-only experiences are available. 

Who should attend: Psychiatrists at all career stages, psychiatric residents and early-career professionals, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and all mental health professionals 

CME / CPD Credits: AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits available — one of the most comprehensive CME programmes in psychiatry

Website:  https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/meetings/annual-meeting  

3. Psych Congress 2026 — New Orleans, USA 

Date: September 15–19, 2026 

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA 

Psych Congress 2026 is the largest conference on practical psychopharmacology in the United States. It focuses exclusively on real-world clinical training — the kind of practical, evidence-based education that psychiatrists and mental health NPs can apply directly to patient care the following Monday. 

The conference covers the latest techniques, treatments, best practices, and evidence-based care across depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, anxiety, and substance use disorders. It is built for psychiatrists, NPs, PAs, psychologists, and primary care physicians. 

Who should attend: Psychiatrists, psychiatric NPs and PAs, psychologists, primary care physicians managing psychiatric conditions, and all mental health clinicians focused on psychopharmacology 

CME / CPD Credits: CME and CE credits available — verify on hmpglobalevents.com/psych-congress 

Website: https://www.hmpglobalevents.com/psych-congress 

4. WCP 2026 — 26th World Congress of Psychiatry (Stockholm, Sweden) 

Date: September 23–26, 2026 

Location: Stockholm, Sweden 

The 26th World Congress of Psychiatry is the flagship global event of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), which unites 147 psychiatric societies across 123 countries representing over 250,000 psychiatrists worldwide. It is the most internationally representative psychiatry conference of 2026. 

The programme covers clinical psychiatry, biological psychiatry, psychiatric research, global mental health policy, and subspecialties including child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry. Abstract submission deadline is June 2, 2026. 

Who should attend: Psychiatrists, psychiatric researchers, mental health policymakers, global health professionals, and psychiatric subspecialists at all career stages worldwide 

CME / CPD Credits: CME and CPD credits available — verify on wcp-congress.com 

Website:  https://wcp-congress.com/

5. EPA Congress 2026 — 34th European Congress of Psychiatry (Prague, Czech Republic) 

Date: March 28–31, 2026 

Location: Prague Congress Centre, Prague, Czech Republic 

Theme: “Mental Health: Improving Care and Expanding Horizons” 

 The 34th European Congress of Psychiatry is organised by the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) and is the most important psychiatry conference in Europe. Following Madrid in 2025, the 2026 congress moves to Prague — keeping it accessible to attendees across Central and Eastern Europe. 

The EPA Congress delivers strong clinical content alongside the latest research in European mental healthcare, covering evidence-based treatments, neurobiological research, psychiatric education, and healthcare policy reform. 

Who should attend: European psychiatrists and mental health researchers, policy-focused psychiatrists, and international clinicians tracking European psychiatric research and guidelines .

CME / CPD Credits: European CME credits available — verify on europsy.eu 

Website:  https://2026.epa-congress.org/

6. SOBP Annual Meeting 2026 — Society of Biological Psychiatry (USA) 

Date: May 2026 — confirm exact dates on sobp.org 

Location: USA — confirm venue on sobp.org 

 The SOBP Annual Meeting focuses on biological psychiatry — the neuroscience, genetics, and molecular biology underlying psychiatric disorders. It is the leading event for researchers working on the mechanisms of conditions like depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. 

The meeting is particularly strong for translational researchers who bridge laboratory findings and clinical psychiatric practice. Abstract submission is competitive and acceptance at SOBP carries significant academic weight. 

Who should attend: Biological psychiatry researchers, neuroscientists working on psychiatric conditions, translational researchers, and psychiatrists with an active basic research programme 

CME / CPD Credits: CME credits available — verify on sobp.org 

Website: https://sobp.org/2026-sobp-annual-meeting/ 

7. Medical Psychiatry Comprehensive Update 2026 — Mass General Brigham 

Date: September 17–20, 2026 

Location: Virtual only (Zoom Video Livestream, Eastern Daylight Time) 

 The Mass General Brigham Medical Psychiatry Comprehensive Update is a highly respected virtual conference covering consultation-liaison psychiatry — the interface between psychiatric illness and medical conditions. It is delivered by Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the world’s leading psychiatric research institutions. 

The 2026 course covers four full days of clinically relevant updates for managing psychiatric problems and comorbidities across the lifespan. An optional add-on module covers psychiatry in medical settings specifically. 

Who should attend: Consultation-liaison psychiatrists, hospital psychiatrists, physicians managing psychiatric comorbidities, psychiatric NPs, psychologists, and social workers in medical settings 

CME / CPD Credits: 26.25 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits | 26.25 Nursing Contact Hours | 26.25 Psychologist CE credits 

Website:  https://mghcme.org/courses/medical-psychiatry-comprehensive-update-conference-2026/

8. 4th Global Summit on Mental Health and Psychiatry 2026 (Singapore) 

Date: June 22–23, 2026 

Location: Singapore 

Theme: Science, Care, and Innovation 

 The 4th Global Summit on Advances in Mental Health and Psychiatry brings together clinicians, researchers, advocates, educators, public health leaders, and policymakers from across the globe. It builds on the 2025 Berlin summit with a sharper focus on evidence-based care, mental health equity, and innovation. 

The Singapore location makes it the most accessible major psychiatry conference of 2026 for Asia-Pacific clinicians and researchers. The programme covers addiction psychiatry, digital mental health, global mental health disparities, and emerging treatments. 

Who should attend: Psychiatrists, mental health researchers, public health professionals, policymakers, and clinicians working in or with Asia-Pacific mental health systems 

CME / CPD Credits: Verify on globalmentalhealthcongress.com 

Website:  https://www.globalmentalhealthcongress.com/

9. Mayo Clinic Psychiatry & Psychology for Primary Care 2026 

Date: March 2026 (Big Island, Hawaii) — verify current dates on ce.mayo.edu 

Location: Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, USA (In-person and livestream) 

 Mayo Clinic’s flagship psychiatry course is one of the most clinically focused continuing education events in the USA. It covers updates for managing psychiatric problems and comorbidities across the lifespan — designed specifically for primary care physicians who regularly encounter psychiatric conditions. 

The 2026 edition moved from Lahaina, Maui to the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. A new add-on day covers Psychiatry in Medical Settings specifically. Sessions run 7am–12:30pm daily, leaving afternoons free. Both in-person and livestream options are available. 

Who should attend: Primary care physicians managing psychiatric comorbidities, internal medicine specialists, psychiatric NPs, and clinicians seeking practical, immediately applicable psychiatry updates 

CME / CPD Credits: CME credits available — verify on ce.mayo.edu 

Website:   https://www.mayoclinic.org/

10. 37th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference 2026 

Date: May 27–30, 2026 

Location: Sheraton Boston Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (In-person and virtual) 

 The Boston International Trauma Conference, hosted by the Trauma Research Foundation and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, is the leading annual event on trauma-informed psychiatry and psychotherapy. It gathers global leaders in trauma research and clinical practice for four days of research presentations, clinical workshops, and debates. 

The 2026 conference covers trauma and PTSD treatment, somatic approaches, EMDR, neuroscience of trauma, child trauma, complex PTSD, and dissociative disorders. Both in-person and virtual attendance are available. 

Who should attend: Psychiatrists, psychotherapists, trauma therapists, clinical social workers, and researchers specialising in PTSD, complex trauma, and dissociative disorders 

CME / CPD Credits: CEUs available — verify on traumaresearchfoundation.org 

Website:  https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/lp/37th-annual-boston-trauma-conference/

Quick comparison: 2026 psychiatry conferences at a glance 

Use this table to find the best match for your goals before you register. 

Conference	Hybrid	Abstract	CME/CEUs	USA	Date
PubScholars Psychology 2026 ★	Hybrid	✓	✓	✓	Nov 20–21
APA Annual Meeting 2026	Hybrid	Limited	✓	✓	May 16–20
Psych Congress 2026	In-person	Limited	✓	✓	Sep 15–19
WCP 2026	In-person	✓	✓	✗	Sep 23–26
EPA Congress 2026	In-person	✓	✓	✗	Mar 28–31
SOBP Annual Meeting	In-person	✓	✓	✓	May 2026
Mass General Psychiatry Update	Virtual only	Limited	✓	✓	Sep 17–20

All dates verified as of May 2026. Always confirm on official conference websites before registering. 

How to choose the right psychiatry conference for you 

If you need CME credits for licence renewal 

The APA Annual Meeting (May 16–20, San Francisco) offers the most comprehensive AMA PRA Category 1 CME programme in psychiatry — 400+ sessions across 8 tracks. The Mass General Medical Psychiatry Update (Sep 17–20, virtual) offers 26.25 CME credits in a focused 4-day format. Both PubScholars events offer CPD-accredited credits. Read our guide on how to get your conference attendance funded to cover registration costs through your employer. 

If you want to present research and get published 

The PubScholars Psychology and Psychiatry Conference 2026 (Nov 20–21, Boston) is the most accessible option for abstract submission, international peer review, and publication in conference proceedings. The WCP 2026 (Sep 23–26, Stockholm) also has a strong abstract programme with an international scientific committee. Submit at psychologyconference.pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/. 

If you are in biological or translational psychiatry 

The SOBP Annual Meeting is the definitive event for researchers working on the neuroscience and genetics of psychiatric disorders. Acceptance at SOBP carries significant academic weight. The EPA Congress (Mar 28–31, Prague) is strong for European biological psychiatry researchers. 

If your focus is trauma and PTSD 

The Boston International Trauma Conference (May 27–30) is the leading annual event in trauma psychiatry, featuring Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and global leaders in PTSD research and treatment. It is the most clinically rich event for trauma-focused psychiatrists and therapists. 

If you are based outside the USA or Europe 

The World Congress of Psychiatry (Sep 23–26, Stockholm) represents 147 psychiatric societies from 123 countries and is the most globally inclusive psychiatry event of 2026. The 4th Global Mental Health Summit (Jun 22–23, Singapore) is the strongest option for Asia-Pacific professionals. 

Useful guides before you attend or submit 

These PubScholars resources will help you prepare: 

•  How to write a conference abstract — structure, format, and a ready-to-use template for your research 
• What is the purpose of a conference committee — understand how your abstract is reviewed before submitting 
• Top 10 psychology conferences in 2026 — broader list including clinical, positive psychology, and I-O events 
• Conference papers vs journal papers — decide the right publication route for your psychiatric research 
• Guide to USA conference visa requirements — for international attendees travelling to San Francisco, New Orleans, or Boston 

Frequently asked questions — psychiatry conferences 2026 

What is the biggest psychiatry conference in 2026? 

The APA Annual Meeting 2026 (May 16–20, Moscone Center, San Francisco) is the largest psychiatry conference in the world. It features 400+ sessions across 50 topics and attracts psychiatrists, residents, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and mental health professionals from across the USA and internationally. 

Is there a psychiatry conference in Boston in 2026? 

Yes. The 37th Boston International Trauma Conference runs May 27–30, 2026 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, hosted by the Trauma Research Foundation and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. The PubScholars Psychology and Psychiatry Conference also takes place in Boston (Nov 20–21, Aloft Boston Seaport District) with hybrid attendance and abstract submission open at psychologyconference.pubscholars.org. 

Which psychiatry conference has the most CME credits in 2026? 

The Mass General Brigham Medical Psychiatry Comprehensive Update (Sep 17–20, virtual) offers 26.25 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits in four days — one of the highest CME concentrations of any psychiatry event in 2026. The APA Annual Meeting offers the broadest CME programme overall, with 400+ sessions across 50 topics. 

Are there psychiatry conferences with abstract submission open in 2026? 

Yes. The WCP 2026 (Stockholm, Sep 23–26) has an abstract submission deadline of June 2, 2026 at wcp-congress.com. The PubScholars Psychology and Psychiatry Conference (Boston, Nov 20–21) has abstract submissions open at psychologyconference.pubscholars.org/submit-abstract/. The 4th Global Mental Health Summit (Singapore, Jun 22–23) also accepts abstracts — verify on globalmentalhealthcongress.com. 

What is the best psychiatry conference outside the USA in 2026? 

The World Congress of Psychiatry (WCP 2026, Sep 23–26, Stockholm) is the most prestigious international psychiatry event outside the USA, representing 147 psychiatric societies from 123 countries. The EPA Congress (Mar 28–31, Prague) is the top option for European psychiatrists specifically. 

Do I need a visa to attend a psychiatry conference in the USA in 2026? 

International attendees travelling to the APA Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Psych Congress in New Orleans, or any other USA psychiatry conference may need a B-1 visa. Your conference organisers can provide a formal invitation letter to support your application. Read our step-by-step guide to USA conference visa requirements. 

 Plan your 2026 psychiatry conference calendar now 

The events on this list cover the full spectrum of psychiatry in 2026 — from the massive APA Annual Meeting and the global WCP to specialist events in trauma, biological psychiatry, and consultation-liaison. 

If you are a psychiatrist or mental health researcher looking to present your work internationally and get it published, the PubScholars Psychology and Psychiatry Conference 2026 (November 20–21, Boston, MA) has abstract submissions open now.