SESSION FORMAT

A Clinical Case Conference session should present 1-3 specific cases and include in-depth discussion of the initial assessment(s) and the treatment course(s) that followed. This session type allows clinicians to present difficult case material and/or new diagnostic or treatment approaches.

GUIDELINES

A Clinical Case Conference should meet the following guidelines in order to be considered by the Program Committee for the 2026 Annual Meeting program:

• Include 2-3 presenters to present case material.
• Include 1-2 expert discussants synthesize the data presented, and to facilitate robust audience discussion.
• Cases should be presented from multiple perspectives, but are not limited to diagnostic, clinical formulation, and/or treatment issues.
• All information presented about these cases should be de-identified, or written consent should be obtained from the family.
• The Review Abstract should describe ample opportunities for audience questions, comments, and discussion.

Variations on this preferred format can be proposed and will be considered by the Program Committee on a case-by-case basis in view of potential educational value.

STANDARD ROOM SETUP & AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

A Clinical Case Conference will be in a room with theatre style seating. A podium and head table will be provided for presenters. If accepted, AACAP will provide a screen and a projector for this session type. Microphones are provided based on room size. Additional AV requests will be considered but cannot be guaranteed.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each submission for a Clinical Case Conference should include the following items:

• Submission title (no more than 20 words)
• Chair(s) affiliation and email address(es)
• At least two (2) educational learning objectives
• Review Abstract (see details below)*
• Names, organizations, contact information, email addresses, and disclosures for all co-presenters

* Submitters should organize the Review Abstract for the entire Clinical Case Conference presentation under the following headings:

• Objective (what is the clinical syndrome, condition or context being discussed OR what is the specific therapeutic technique that is illustrated)
• Background (some information about the topic presented in the Objective)
• Methods (give at least a one paragraph description of each case that will be presented and the manner of presentation)
• Results (describe the teaching techniques that you plan to use as well as what aspect each of the presenters and discussants will address)
• Conclusions (what aspect will each of the presenters or discussants address)
• Bibliography (provide at least 1 and no more than 5 references supporting this work)

NOTE: Clinical Case Conferences do not require a Proceedings Abstract.

CONTENT ADDRESSING ETHICAL AND INCLUSIVE CLINICAL EDUCATION

AACAP is deeply committed to advancing mental health access and quality care across populations. We support training and practice approaches that help clinicians provide effective, person-centered, and contextually informed care for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.

We strongly encourage presenters to consider including content that examines variations in prevalence, diagnosis, or treatment across varied cultures, groups, and communities — or to explore other meaningful ways to integrate principles that promote inclusion and ethical care into their presentations. This may include inviting presenters with a range of perspectives, incorporating insights from individuals with personal or community experience, or drawing from the setting of Atlanta to enrich the session content in ways that reflect AACAP’s mission.

If such information is limited or not included in a presenter’s work, we ask that speakers acknowledge these gaps and highlight the need for continued efforts to better meet the needs of diverse communities in research and practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Your proposed presentation could include a live or video interview with a patient, family member, or others affected by a particular disorder or condition. This approach can prove to be a particularly effective form of clinical teaching. If your proposal includes such an interview, permission must be granted by the individual(s) as well as presenters.

The Program Committee has limited funding to support travel by patients and/or families who agree to participate in such sessions. If a live interview is proposed as part of a Clinical Case Conference, the program chair may request a stipend for patient/family travel support. However, program acceptance does not guarantee that travel support will be awarded. Travel awardees will be notified over the summer.

START YOUR SUBMISSION

AACAP will accept approximately fifteen (15) Clinical Case Conference sessions this year. All Clinical Case Conferences must submit a complete proposal each year to be considered for the scientific program at the Annual Meeting. To submit a Clinical Case Conference session for consideration, select “Begin a Submission” at the top or bottom right-hand side of this page.

Questions regarding Clinical Case Conferences can be directed to meetings@aacap.org.