Registration is open for the sixth annual North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference, scheduled for Sept. 14-17 in Bismarck. The conference will also be available virtually.
This four-day conference brings together behavioral health and children and family services professionals from across North Dakota to connect, learn, share best practices and strengthen their work with individuals, children and families. Behavioral health advocates, service providers, child welfare professionals, business and community leaders, faith-based organizations, first responders, law enforcement and tribal representatives are encouraged to attend.
This year’s theme is Renew, reflecting an opportunity to renew knowledge, connections and commitment to the people and communities we serve. More than 16 speakers will offer sessions covering a wide range of behavioral health and children and family services topics. The conference will kick off on Tuesday with remarks from Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden and a Children’s Cabinet update from Sen. Kathy Hogan.
Featured speakers include:
Thad Shunkwiler, associate professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, clinical psychologist and internationally recognized leader in suicide prevention
Rev. Timothy McMahan King, author of Addiction Nation and What are Drugs For?
Dr. John Gaines, founder of PUSH for Dreams and mentorship advocate
Patti Heffernan, executive director Helios Heuristic Inc.
Kate Price, internationally recognized child sex trafficking expert, author and associate research scientist, Wellesley Centers for Women
Erin Walsh, founder and author, Spark & Stitch Institute
Additional speakers include experts in child welfare, prevention, recovery, mentorship, early psychosis, perinatal mental health, social work and other areas of behavioral health and children and family services.
Pre- and post-conference sessions will provide additional learning opportunities for registered conference participants at no additional cost.
The conference will also feature more than 60 exhibitor booths sponsored by organizations serving North Dakotans. Representatives will be available to connect with attendees and share valuable resources.
Additionally, the second annual Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Awards will be presented, recognizing individuals and teams making a meaningful difference across North Dakota. Awards include the Fearless Roughrider Award, honoring a team or agency demonstrating courage, innovation and adaptability; the Legendary Service Award, recognizing an individual with more than seven years of exceptional service; and the Flickertail Service Award, honoring a certified peer support specialist or parent and caregiver peer support specialist whose lived experience and commitment inspire hope, recovery and stronger families.
Whether attending in person or virtually, participants will have opportunities to gain new perspectives, learn practical strategies and connect with professionals from across North Dakota and beyond.
Continuing education opportunities will be available for applicable professional licenses and certifications. Additional information about continuing education, speakers and sessions is available on the conference website.
Registration is $200 for the full conference and $50 for university students, kinship providers and foster and adoptive parents. On-site registration is available. All conference activities are at the Bismarck Event Center, 315 Fifth St., Bismarck.
To register or learn more about the 2026 North Dakota Behavioral Health & Children and Family Services Conference, visit hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/conference.