SESSION FORMAT

A Symposium is a data-driven presentation that addresses different aspects of a research topic or differing views of the same topic. Symposia are similar to Clinical Perspectives in structure. However, while Clinical Perspectives may convey content based on the “art” and wisdom of clinical practice, Symposia comprise individual presentations of original research. Symposia are organized around a common theme and provide an opportunity for discussion by experts who approach an issue from slightly different, but complementary perspectives, or discussion of a controversial topic by experts with differing views.

GUIDELINES

A Symposium should follow these guidelines in order to be considered by the Program Committee for the 2026 Annual Meeting program:

• Submitters select either 90-minutes or 2-hours for this submission.
  • For 90 minute session: 2-3 individual presentations (15-20 minutes MAXIMUM per presentation).
  • For 2 hour session: 3-4 individual presentations (15-20 minutes MAXIMUM per presentation).
• Approximately half of the time should be dedicated to discussant’s comments, general discussion, and a question & answer period with the audience with a minimum of 40 minutes dedicated to open discussion and audience interaction with presenters.
• A Symposium should be NO MORE THAN 6 presenters, including chair(s) and discussant(s).
• An overall Proceedings Abstract and individual presentation Proceedings Abstracts are required for this type of submission.

STANDARD ROOM SETUP & AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

A Symposium 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 Symposium program should include the following items:

• Overall Submission Title (no more than 20 words)
• Chair(s) affiliation and email address(es)
• At least two (2) educational learning objectives
• Keywords for the overall submission
• Overall Proceedings Abstract
• Bibliography listing at least one (1) but no more than five (5) references for your overall submission
• Individual Proceedings Abstract and keywords for each presentation
• Names, organizations, contact information, email addresses, and disclosures for all co-presenters
• Recording release for all chair(s) and co-presenter(s) listed

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

Although not required, the Program Committee looks favorably on inclusion of an independent discussant able to integrate and critique individual presentations and summarize their clinical implications, particularly if information presented is new or controversial.

If the submission is selected to be a part of the scientific program at the Annual Meeting, the session chair is responsible for ensuring that the amount of individual presentation content is appropriate for the available time frame and for keeping speakers on schedule during the live session. All accepted submissions must also display full disclosure slides to the audience.

Submissions about clinical techniques should include a brief description of or reference to the scientific evidence for and limitations of the treatment technique.

START YOUR SUBMISSION

AACAP will accept approximately fifty (50) Symposia this year. All Symposia must submit a complete proposal each year to be considered for the scientific program at the Annual Meeting. To submit a Symposium session for consideration, select “Begin a Submission” at the top or bottom right-hand side of this page.

Questions regarding Symposia can be directed to meetings@aacap.org.