Mental Health & Opioid Innovation Symposium
About this Event
From Risk to Resilience: Addressing Mental Health and Opioid Misuse through Equity and Innovation, this Mental Health & Opioid Innovation Symposium is a one-day convening hosted by the Empowerment Resource Center (ERC), bringing together healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers, students, advocates, and community partners.
This event is designed for anyone who wants to learn, connect, and be part of the conversation around equity-centered approaches to:
- Strengthening mental health support and access
- Improving community response to opioid misuse
- Sharing practical strategies, resources, and referral pathways
- Building partnerships that last beyond the room
Whether you’re on the clinical front lines, in training, or working in the community, you’ll leave with actionable takeaways and new connections to support real-world impact.
Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Gathering Spot, 384 Northyards Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
CEs approved through:
Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work (GSCSW)
Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA)
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
REGISTRATION & WELCOME EXPERIENCE
Info: Arrival • Check-In • Light Breakfast,
Guests are invited to check in, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy a light breakfast before the symposium begins.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:25 AM
OPENING REMARKS
Info: Setting the Stage for a Day of Impact,
A brief welcome and introduction to the symposium’s vision, priorities, and shared commitment to advancing equitable behavioral health outcomes.
🕑: 09:25 AM - 10:25 AM
FEATURED KEYNOTE
Info: From Policy to Possibility: Advancing Behavioral Health Through Equity & Innovation,
A forward-looking keynote exploring the evolving behavioral health landscape and the role of policy, advocacy, innovation, and community leadership in creating meaningful change.
🕑: 10:35 AM - 11:35 AM
BREAKOUT EXPERIENCE I
Info: Attendees will select one of two concurrent learning experiences:
Featured Presentation: Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training
Practical education focused on overdose recognition, response, prevention, and the lifesaving use of naloxone.
Featured Presentation: The Intersection of Trauma, Mental Health & Substance Use
An exploration of the complex relationship between trauma, behavioral health, and substance use, with a focus on responsive and informed approaches to care.
🕑: 11:35 AM - 11:50 AM
LUNCH TRANSITION
Info: Refresh • Connect • Take Your Seat,
Guests will collect lunch and transition into the plenary experience.
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM
FEATURED PLENARY PANEL
Info: From Barriers to Bridges: Improving Behavioral Health Access & Quality
A multidisciplinary conversation examining barriers to behavioral health care and the strategies, partnerships, and systems-level solutions helping create more accessible and equitable pathways to support.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
BREAKOUT EXPERIENCE II
Info: Mental Health Equity & Access
Attendees will select one of two concurrent learning experiences:
Featured Presentation: Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training
An interactive opportunity to strengthen practical knowledge of overdose prevention, recognition, response, and naloxone administration.
Featured Presentation: Mental Health Equity, Access & Community Response
A focused discussion on reducing disparities, strengthening access, and building community-centered approaches to behavioral health.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
NETWORKING & REFRESHMENT BREAK
Info: Connect • Recharge • Reflect,
A dedicated pause for conversation, professional connection, and reflection before the afternoon sessions continue.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
BREAKOUT EXPERIENCE III
Info: Innovation in Behavioral Health & Recovery
Attendees will select one of two concurrent learning experiences:
Featured Presentation: Emerging Models & Innovative Approaches
A look at evolving strategies, technologies, and models shaping the future of behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Featured Presentation: Recovery in Practice: Community-Based Perspectives
Real-world perspectives on recovery support, community engagement, and practices that strengthen long-term resilience.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
CLOSING EXPERIENCE
Info: Reflections & Commitments,
An interactive symposium close centered on key takeaways, personal commitments, and a shared vision for strengthening resilience across the communities we serve.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 77.55 to USD 164.69
