Mental Health KC Conference

2026 Conference Information

Registration is open for the Mental Health KC 2026 Conference May 28th and 29th at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS.

Early Registration: $60 – available through May 10th, 2026
Starting May 10th: Late and On-Site Registration $80
CEUs will cost an extra $30. (Certificates of Attendance are still free.)

This conference focuses on bringing mental health awareness and education to anyone in the Kansas City area interested in breaking the stigma of mental health and working toward real change. In addition to community health, mental health, and social service workers, the conference provides vital information to business and human resources leaders and the general public.

Your Mental Health KC conference registration allows you to:

Network with over 900+ peers from across the KC area, share experiences, and leave with proven strategies for increasing your community impact.
Hear from 100+ speakers representing all facets of behavioral health – from social workers to community members, researchers, CEOs and clinicians.
Well-known keynote speakers open each morning with fresh ideas on the topic of mental health and wellness.
Choose from 70 breakout sessions on topics like depression and anxiety, lived experience/peer support, substance use, neurodiversity, trauma informed care, resiliency, and unique mental health challenges faced by women, men and youth.
Engage with 30+ sponsors offering community resources and educational programs in the KC metro community.
Earn a certificate of attendance or pay $30 extra for CEUs.
Enjoy a complimentary boxed lunch on Thursday; snacks also provided Thursday morning/afternoon and Friday morning.

To keep this conference accessible to all, the cost is only $60 if you register before May 10th. Late and on-site registration will be available for $80.

The Mental Health KC Conference will provide 8.25 contact hours for the 1.5 day conference. This certificate of attendance is free of charge. If you require formal CEUs there is a $30 charge, and you must request this when you register for the conference.

Keynote Speakers 2026

Thursday, May 28 Keynote:
Dr. Jamil Zaki – Stanford psychologist and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, Dr. Zaki is the author of Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. His keynote will explore the research behind empathy, connection, and optimism, challenging the assumption that cynicism is realism and offering science-backed insights into why hope remains a powerful force for individual and collective well-being.

Friday, May 29 Keynote:
Krizz Kaliko – Kansas City-based rapper and artist, Krizz Kaliko will share his personal mental health journey, offering a candid and powerful perspective on navigating mental health challenges while living life in the public eye. His keynote will focus on vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of honest conversations around mental health across communities and cultures.

See highlights from past year’s conference:

Cancellation Policy

All requests for registration refunds due to cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations must be emailed to Info@mentalhealthkc.org. Cancellations can be made any time before Thursday, May 7, 2026. Registrants who do not cancel prior to May 7, 2026, will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Substitutions can be made by May 22nd and must be submitted in writing to info@mentalhealthkc.org

Any registrants not attending the conference will be responsible for the full registration fee. Unclaimed registration fees cannot be transferred to future Mental Health KC Conferences.

Reservations must be cancelled no later than 48 hours prior to the day of arrival in order to avoid Cancellation or No Show charges.

Hotel Information

The Mental Health KC Conference has negotiated a special rate with Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton Kansas City Overland Park. The Embassy Suites is conveniently located in Overland Park, right off highway I-435 and Metcalf Ave. Embassy Suites is about 8 minutes from Johnson County Community College, the venue of the Mental Health KC Conference. They have an indoor pool and fitness center.

Each guest will receive a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, complimentary evening reception, complimentary wireless HSIA, and $4 parking.

Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton Kansas City Overland Park. For more information about the hotel, click here.

Address: 10601 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66212

Phone: (913) 649-7060

Group rate: $144/per night. Click here to get the group rate: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mkcmces-embassy-suites-kansas-city-overland-park/

The cut-off for the group reservations is May 2, 2026.

Please call the hotel directly to make your reservation and reference that you are with the Mental Health KC conference.