Louisiana Suicide Prevention Symposium 2026
About this Event
About the Symposium
The Acadiana Veteran Alliance (AVA), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA), is proud to present the Suicide Prevention Symposium 2026, a full-day continuing education event designed to equip behavioral health professionals with the latest evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention, trauma recovery, and veteran mental healthcare.
Taking place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the LITE Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, this symposium brings together nationally recognized clinicians, researchers, and practitioners who are leading innovation in suicide prevention and trauma treatment. Whether you serve veterans, first responders, military families, or the broader community, this event will provide practical tools and emerging research that can be immediately applied in clinical practice.
This year’s keynote presentations feature Dr. Katy Dondanville, Director of the STRONG STAR Training Initiative and Chief Scientific Advisor for Face the Fight, and Dr. Jaryd Hiser, Director of Clinical Services for The Ohio State University’s Suicide and Trauma Recovery Initiative (STRIVE). Together, they will share cutting-edge research, clinical best practices, and real-world approaches to improving outcomes for individuals experiencing PTSD, suicide risk, and trauma-related conditions.
The symposium is approved for Continuing Education (CE) credit and welcomes both veteran-serving and non-veteran mental healthcare providers. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from leading experts, connect with peers from across Louisiana and the region, and engage with organizations working at the forefront of behavioral health innovation.
Participants will also learn about AVA’s groundbreaking Integrated Veteran Heal Program, an innovative model that combines Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment with coordinated telehealth counseling and care navigation. This integrated approach has demonstrated exceptional early outcomes in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life for veterans, positioning Louisiana as a national leader in collaborative veteran mental healthcare.
Registration includes a full day of educational programming, breakfast and lunch, access to resource booths and community partners, and valuable networking opportunities with clinicians, healthcare systems, veteran service organizations, and policymakers committed to advancing suicide prevention.
Whether you are a psychologist, counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, physician, nurse, case manager, or behavioral health professional, the Suicide Prevention Symposium 2026 offers an opportunity to earn CE credits while helping shape the future of evidence-based suicide prevention and trauma care. Join us as we work together to improve outcomes, strengthen communities, and save lives.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 129.00 to USD 159.00
