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2026 NDBH Conference Presentations
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence: Innovation, Integrity, Impact
SUNDAY, November 8th, 2026 – PRE-CONFERENCE
Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Health: Introduction and Overview
This pre-conference is an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications to behavioral health. The objective of this session is to provide a broad orientation to artificial intelligence and to the various ways in which AI can contribute to behavioral health programs and support services. The goal is to help attendees understand and participate in the conference sessions that will cover the same areas in greater depth and detail. An overview of rudiments of artificial intelligence and its use in behavioral health clinical and support systems, the dangers and challenges of AI application, and issues related to training and implementation of AI in behavioral health settings will be provided. The pre-conference will also include presentations by developers of tools and apps who will describe functions, outcomes achieved, training required, and challenges in implementation.
Speakers: Frederick Reamer, Rhode Island College; Brian Hepburn, MD, Executive Director, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors; Jessica Pollard, Ph.D. Senior Behavioral Health Advisor, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors; Julie Hiett, Vice President and General Manager, Bells AI, Netsmart.
Presentations
Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Health: Introduction and Overview
MONDAY, November 9th, 2026
Session 1: Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Health: An Introduction to Basics and Tools
This plenary session provides an introduction and an overview of the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare in general and in behavioral health in particular. The evolution of AI in both mental health and substance use treatment and support will be covered, and effective AI tools will be reviewed. The issues that arise in the application of AI to personalized treatment and self-help, the provision of clinical care and support, the adoption and implementation of AI at the organizational level, and the need for governance, regulatory and accountability infrastructure will be addressed. Also addressing concerns about potential negative aspects related to data privacy, confidentiality, equitable access and algorithmic reliability will be a key aspect of this session.
Speakers: Frederick Reamer, Rhode Island College; Jeff Greenberg, Ph.D., Clarity Wellness Technologies; Jessica Pollard, Ph.D. Senior Behavioral Health Advisor, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors.
Presentations
Artificial Intelligence in the Behavioral Health Professions: Ethical and Risk Management Challenges
Artificial Intelligence: History to Future
Session 2: Data and Predictive Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence
AI is especially strong at detecting patterns that humans might miss. AI uses data and predictive analysis to improve behavioral health care and outcomes. These predictive models use different models including: Speech and language analysis; Behavioral data, including sleep patterns and activity logs; Social media and text analysis; Databases of therapeutic notes and records in substance use that are used for risk prediction, early warning signs and prescription monitoring. This session will describe how predictive analysis is implemented and applied, and all the precautions and safeguards that must be in place to ensure optimal outcomes.
Speakers: Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, Ph.D., Co-Director, CREATE Center, Stanford University; Jeff Greenberg, Ph.D., Clarity Wellness Technologies; Alka Menon, Ph.D., Yale University.
Presentations
AI and Behavioral Health: Data and Predictive Analytics
Predictive AI in Behavioral Health and Beyond: challenges and Lessons Learned
TUESDAY, November 10th, 2026
Session 1: Artificial Intelligence in Behavioral Health Clinical Care and Support
AI-driven tools including chatbots, virtual therapists, and diagnostic accuracy aids are transforming how behavioral health clinical care and support are delivered. These tools are being used in early detection and diagnosis, treatment planning, addiction treatment, and for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Popular apps (e.g. Apple’s Health and Mindfulness App, Woebot’s AI-driven mental health support, WYSA’s AI-powered Cognitive Behavior Therapy, LYSSN’s motivational interviewing app) are universally and easily available. At the same time there are specific apps that help behavioral health organizations scale access and improve care. This session will describe the various ways AI is augmenting care with a focus on how clinicians can learn to capitalize on these tools and how organizations can support uptake and training. Implementation challenges and issues related to data privacy and confidentiality will also be addressed.
Speakers: Phillip Olla, Ph.D., University of Detroit, Chris Kennedy, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School; Reactant: Johnny Crowder, CRPS, CEO and Founder, COPENOTES.
Presentations
Cope Notes: Daily Mental Health Support: Using Text Messages to Improve Mental and Emotional Health
Pragmatic AI in Behavioral Health Care
From Data to Decisions: Using AI to Navigate Behavioral Health in a Changed Funding Environment
Session 2: Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Health: Governance, Regulation and Accountability
While AI provides opportunities and efficiencies covered in the other sessions, there are also serious risks and ethical concerns. AI chatbots may provide inaccurate, misleading or harmful responses. Besides issues related to safety and harm, there are also issues of transparency and autonomy. Users may not know how decisions are being made or whether they are interacting with AI rather than a clinician. There can also b algorithmic bias and inequity. Several states such as Illinois, Nevada, and Texas have developed state-level legal and regulatory frameworks. Some states like Colorado have enacted AI laws. Consensus and Best Practice Guidelines have been and are being developed; and there are a range of accountability mechanisms. Despite these efforts, there are significant gaps, especially because state laws vary widely. This session will review the advances that have been made in the different areas and the future directions of work that are needed to ensure appropriate implementation.
Speakers: Alka Menon, Ph.D., Yale University; Christian Hyde, M.P.H., NASMHPD Research Institute; Kim Corace, Ph.D., Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.
Presentations
Governance, Regulation, and Accountability of AI in Health
State Use of AI in Behavioral Health
Balancing Promise and Risk: Responsible AI in Mental Health and Substance Use Health Care
WEDNESDAY, November 11th, 2026
Session 1: Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Health: Impact on the Workforce
Given the potential benefits, AI is likely to have a major impact on the workforce. In clinical support, AI is being used for symptom screening, measurement-based care, and clinical support. AI is also being used for automated documentation and note taking, for scheduling, intake and insurance verification and for prior authorization support. AI is also used for psychoeducation, between-session support and in stepped-care models. All these uses will result in clinicians spending less time on paperwork and more time on human connection, resulting in task redistribution. At the same time, the advent of AI will require new roles in behavioral health organizations. These include digital mental health specialists, AI informed care coordinators and clinical supervisors overseeing AI-enabled care. Clearly AI will redefine the workforce. This session will cover the changing roles entailed by AI, the organizational support needed for the uptake of AI, and the training resources needed for the implementation of an increasingly AI-driven system of care. Examples of best practices will be provided.
Speakers: Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, Ph.D., Co-Director, CREATE Center, Stanford University; Elisa Borah, Ph.D., University of Texas; Sam Dorison, Co-founder and CEO, ReflexAI; Kevin Tanner, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Presentations
AI and Behavioral Health: Impact on the Workforce
The View from the Frontline: Insights and Learnings from Responsible AI in Mental Health