Shaping the Future of Behavioral Health

2025 VitAL Annual Conference

August 21-22, 2025

Registration and sponsorships are live! Please scroll below to view.

Call for proposals has closed. 

Last Year's Conference Agenda

Bryant Conference Center Tuscaloosa, AL

August 21-22, 2025

  • Pricing and Attendance Options – Now Open!
    • Full Two-Day Conference – $150, includes breakfast/lunch both days
    • One Day Conference – $80, includes breakfast/lunch for that day
    • Student Fee (full conference only) – $50, includes breakfast/lunch both days
    • Group discount – 5 or more registering together, $140 per person (full conference)
    In person registration Virtual registration
  • Sponsorship Opportunities – Now Open!

    $250- Standard exhibit booth: includes booth, and one booth attendee (Only 12 left!)

    $500- Break sponsor: includes 1 booth, and 1 booth attendee, and recognition at conference for sponsoring breaks (Only 2 left!)

    $1,000- Breakfast Sponsor: includes 1 booth, 1 booth attendee, and recognition at conference for sponsoring breakfast (2 available)

    $2,500- Lunch Sponsor: includes 1 booth, 1 booth attendee, and recognition at conference for sponsoring lunch (2 available)

    Exhibit and Sponsorship registration
  • Conference Tracks
    Bridging Justice and Behavioral Health
    This track explores innovative strategies and collaborations to address the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. We seek proposals that highlight evidence-based approaches, policy reforms, and programs designed to improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health challenges who intersect with law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Topics may include diversion programs, trauma-informed care within justice settings, reentry strategies, and initiatives that reduce recidivism and promote recovery. Submissions that emphasize cross-sector partnerships and community-driven solutions are highly encouraged.
    Supporting the Next Generation: Behavioral Health for Adolescents
    This track focuses on advancing behavioral health strategies that address the unique needs of adolescents. We invite proposals that explore innovative approaches to mental health and substance use prevention, intervention, and treatment for youth. Emphasis will be placed on programs that foster resilience, address social determinants of health, and leverage school, family, and community partnerships to promote well-being. Proposals highlighting culturally responsive practices, emerging technologies, and peer-driven models are encouraged, as are those addressing the impact of trauma, social media, and the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health.
    Behavioral Health Integration in Schools: Challenges and Solutions
    This track focuses on the integration of behavioral health services within educational settings to address the mental health and well-being of students. We invite proposals that examine successful models, innovative practices, and collaborative approaches to embedding behavioral health resources in schools. Emphasis will be placed on overcoming barriers such as funding, stigma, and resource limitations. Proposals addressing culturally responsive practices, trauma-informed care, and strategies for engaging educators, families, and community partners are highly encouraged.
    Crisis to Care: Behavioral Health Solutions for First Responders
    This track highlights the critical role of behavioral health in supporting first responders who operate on the frontlines of crises. We seek proposals that explore strategies to address the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders. Topics may include trauma-informed care, stress management, peer support programs, and innovative training models that equip first responders to handle behavioral health crises in their communities. Proposals that focus on resilience-building, reducing stigma, and creating systemic solutions to enhance the well-being of first responders are highly encouraged.
    Advancing Behavioral Health Across Communities
    This track focuses on innovative strategies to improve behavioral health outcomes at the community level. We invite proposals that highlight community-driven initiatives, policy changes, and collaborative models that enhance access to mental health and substance use services, particularly in underserved populations. Proposals should explore ways to build community resilience, reduce stigma, and address social determinants of health, with a focus on practical, sustainable solutions. Emphasis is also placed on the role of community organizations, public health systems, and cross-sector partnerships in advancing behavioral health.
    Ethical Considerations in Behavioral Health: Navigating Challenges and Best Practices
    This track focuses on the ethical challenges and considerations in the delivery of behavioral health services. We invite proposals that explore the complex ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners, policymakers, and organizations in the behavioral health field. Topics may include confidentiality, informed consent, the use of technology in behavioral health, balancing patient autonomy with clinical judgment, and addressing ethical concerns in crisis situations. Proposals should address best practices for ensuring ethical decision-making, maintaining professional integrity, and promoting trust in the provider-patient relationship. Submissions that highlight case studies, policy implications, and frameworks for ethical practice are encouraged.
  • Hotel Capstone Room Block Booking Information
    BLOCK NAME: 2025 VitAL Conference Attendees
    BLOCK DATES: August 20th – August 22nd, 2025
    LAST DAY TO BOOK IN BLOCK: July 20th, 2025
    Traditional Room Rate- $139
    How to use the link:
    • Click the link in the blue box below
    • Choose your date of arrival by clicking on “check-in” and departure in “check-out”; select “search”
    • Select the room type you prefer by clicking on “Show Rooms,” and it will drop down your available options
    • Select “Book Now” for the room that fits your needs
    • Complete your reservation by entering all requested information and click “Continue”; you will receive a confirmation number upon completion.
      • NOTE — Only the dates above and room types contracted are available at the contracted rate. Rooms requested outside of your block dates or different room types are based on availability and at the prevailing rate.
    Prefer to book by phone:
    • Rooms in the block can be booked by calling 205-752-3200.
    • The Agent will ask for an email address, so that we may email your confirmation letter. They will also be able to provide the confirmation number for you over the phone.
    • Please be prepared with your payment method as it will be required to make a reservation over the phone.
    Room block link
  • Cancellations and Refunds

    A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Any changes to the session registration type (example: in-person to virtual, or virtual to in-person) within seven (7) calendar days of program will be assessed a $25.00 administrative fee.  Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine class sections, to limit registration or to change instructors. To cancel your registration, contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu. A copy of the OTIDE Cancellation Policy can be found online through UA Compliance Bridge.

  • VitAL Annual Conference Partners

           

     

     

  • VitAL Annual Conference Sponsors

    Lunch Sponsor:

    Breakfast Sponsor:

    Children’s of Alabama PATHS

    Break Sponsors:

    Thriveway

    Crisis Center Birmingham

    Standard Sponsors:

    Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy

    Inceptioncare Counseling LLC

    Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences

    Alabama Partnership for Children

    Will Bright Foundation

    ACRM Association of Christian Recovery Ministries

  • Continuing Education

    Credit Designation Statements:

    ASBSWE: The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work is an approved provider of continuing education by the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners. This training offers social workers 11 contact hours.

    CRCC/CRC: Pending approval.

    ANCC: This training has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 11 nursing contact hours.

    NBCC: The Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education at The University of Alabama has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider.  This training is approved for 11 credits.

    NCHEC: This training is sponsored by VitAL, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.  This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 11 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education hours available are 4.00. Continuing Competency credits available are 0.  Provider ID# 1154505.

    Law Enforcement & Pardons and Parole: If approved by your agency head, this training will provide 11 APOST (Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission) credits

    CRSS: This training has been approved for 11 continuing education credit hours for Certified Recovery Support Specialists.

    Educators: PowerSchool credits pending approval.

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