2026 Annual Psych Retreat
Presented by NCNA’s Council of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurses
The purpose of the 2026 Psych Retreat is for nurses to gain knowledge of current and future trends in psychiatric and mental health nursing practice and policy. The retreat is open to all nurses interested in psychiatric-mental health service delivery; RNs, APRNs, point-of-care nurses, students and all others.
Date & Time
January 30 – 31, 2026
Location
Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle
201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard
Cary, NC 27513
Registration Information
Register for the Pre-Conference, the Retreat, or Both!
| Preconference | Retreat | Both | |
| Early Bird Rates | |||
| NCNA Member | $72 | $268 | $340 |
| Guest | $108 | $401 | $509 |
| Regular Rates | |||
| NCNA Member | $93 | $332 | $425 |
| Guest | $139 | $499 | $638 |
Registration Deadlines
December 19, 2025: EARLY BIRD RATES END — register by 12/19 to take advantage of discounted pricing!
January 23, 2026: PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS — ensure your spot by registering no later than 1/23!
Mail-in Registration Form
Download the Mail-in Registration Form › and return the completed form by following the instructions provided on it.
Psych Retreat Justification Toolkit
We understand that securing approval from your supervisor to attend a multi-day conference like the Psych Retreat can feel overwhelming. That's why we're here to equip you with the essential tools to initiate that conversation (and proactively address any questions they may have!)
Download the Justification Toolkit › and take the first step toward securing your spot.
Full Agenda
CONTACT HOURS — Earn up to 12.0 CH
PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC HOURS — Earn up to 2.25 CH
2026 Psych Retreat Agenda PDF ›
| Preconference | |
| Friday, January 30 | |
| 12:00pm | Preconference Registration Opens |
| 1:00pm | The Benzodiazepine Conundrum Charlotte H. Stephens, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC |
| 2:00pm | The In's and Out's of Treatment Including Medication for Perinatal Mood Disorders Christena Raines, MSN, RN, WHCNP, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C |
| Annual Psych Retreat | |
| Friday, January 30 | |
| 3:00pm | Psych Retreat Friday Registration Opens |
| 3:00pm | Networking & Exhibitor Showcase |
| 4:00pm | Poster Presentations |
| 5:00pm | Welcome & Dinner | Product Theater |
| 6:00pm | Networking & Exhibitor Showcase |
| 6:30pm | Panel Discussion | Familial Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: Hope, Healing, and Helping Others Brandy Mechling, PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FNAP Moderator |
| 7:30pm | Unusual Behavioral Manifestations in Older Adults: Hoarding, Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders Nanette Lavoie-Vaughan, DNP, ANP-C, CGCP |
| Saturday, January 31 | |
| 7:30am | Psych Retreat Saturday Registration Opens |
| 8:00am | Storytelling for Social Justice: Exploring Disability Activism Through the Lens of Narrative Medicine Diane Caruso, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC |
| 9:00am | Break |
| 9:15am | GLPs/Weight Loss Drugs and Mental Health Dr. Krystal Pendergraft-Horne |
| 10:15am | Leadership Through Recovery, Service, and Trust Freeman Moore |
| 11:15am | Networking & Exhibitor Showcase |
| 12:15pm | Lunch & Council Business Meeting |
| 1:15pm | Networking & Exhibitor Showcase |
| 1:45pm | Cultural Dementia Care Nanette Lavoie-Vaughan, DNP, ANP-C, CGCP |
| 2:45pm | Break |
| 3:00pm | ADHD in Girls and Young Adults: The Diagnosis We Often Miss Ivy Bagley, DNP MSN APRN FNP-C IBCLC CDP NHDP-BC PMH-BC |
| 4:00pm | Patients and Families Positive Experience with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Grace Gunderson-Falcone, RN, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP, A/GNP-BC |
| 5:00pm | Closing Remarks & Evaluations |
The 2026 Annual Psych Retreat schedule is subject to change. Last revised 9/8/2025.
Hotel Information
Hotel Address
Embassy Suites Raleigh–Durham/Research Triangle
201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard
Cary, NC 27513
Phone
919.677.1840 (Reference Code: NCNA Psych Nurses Retreat)
Room Block Discount ends 12/31/25 or when block is full.
Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities
For exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities at the 2026 Psych Retreat, view the 2025–26 NCNA Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus › for all available options.
Questions? Contact Logan Barber ›, NCNA Manager of Events.
