The Future of Mental Health in America

The Future of Mental Health in America conference, hosted by the Inner Compass Initiative, aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates, to explore the current state and future possibilities of mental health care. The conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within the mental health industry. Attendees will have the chance to engage with experts on topics such as psychiatric drugs, diagnosis, and therapy culture.

The agenda includes sessions on the historical and cultural forces shaping mental health care, the consequences of medicalization, and practical pathways beyond diagnosis-driven care. Notable speakers will share insights on clinical deprescribing, informed choice, and alternative therapeutic approaches. The event will also include a gala dinner, providing further opportunities for networking and discussion.

Inner Compass Initiative

Inner Compass Initiative is dedicated to providing information and resources to help individuals make informed choices about mental health diagnoses, drugs, and drug withdrawal.

Email: hello@theinnercompass.org

Phone: +1 (860) 937-2500

The conference begins with a welcome reception on December 3, followed by a full day of sessions on December 4. The agenda includes three main sessions: 'How We Got Here,' 'The Consequences of Medicalization,' and 'Remediating, Reforming & Moving Beyond the Mental Health Industry.' Each session features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and facilitated conversations on various aspects of mental health care.

Laura Delano

Laura Delano is a mental health advocate and founder of Inner Compass Initiative.

Cooper Davis

Cooper Davis is a journalist and mental health advocate.

Joanna Moncrieff

Joanna Moncrieff is a psychiatrist and researcher known for her work on psychiatric drugs.

Mollie Adler

Mollie Adler is a mental health advocate and speaker.

Mark Horowitz

Mark Horowitz is a clinical researcher focused on psychiatric drug tapering.

Lauren Kennedy West

Lauren Kennedy West is a mental health advocate sharing personal experiences.

David Cohen

David Cohen is a professor and researcher in social welfare and mental health.

Roger McFillin

Roger McFillin is a clinical psychologist and mental health advocate.

Anders Sørensen

Anders Sørensen is a clinical researcher focused on psychiatric drug tapering.

Jeffrey Lacasse

Jeffrey Lacasse is a researcher examining the commercialization of mental health.

Robert Whitaker

Robert Whitaker is an author and journalist known for his work on mental health.

Derek Blumke

Derek Blumke is a veteran advocate focused on mental health and informed consent.

Nick Taber

Nick Taber is a mental health advocate and speaker.

Jan Ellison Baszucki

Jan Ellison Baszucki is a parent advocate for informed choice in mental health.

Kelsey Osgood

Kelsey Osgood is a writer and mental health advocate.

Javeed Sukhera

Javeed Sukhera is a psychiatrist and educator focused on medicalization in psychiatry.

Angela Peacock

Angela Peacock is a veteran advocate focused on mental health recovery.

Nicole Laurent

Nicole Laurent is a therapist exploring alternative clinical modalities.

Kim Witczak

Kim Witczak is a consumer advocate for drug safety and informed consent.

Alan Cassels

Alan Cassels is a researcher and writer focused on drug policy and public health.

Gretchen Watson

Gretchen Watson is a psychologist and mental health advocate.

The conference will be held at the Delamar West Hartford, where a discounted room block is available for attendees. The hotel offers elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and fine dining. Additional nearby accommodations include the Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Farmington, The Capitol Hotel, The Goodwin Hotel, and Avon Old Farms Hotel, each offering unique amenities and proximity to the conference venue.

Valet parking is complimentary for guests staying overnight at the Delamar West Hartford. For other attendees, parking is available at the nearby Memorial Parking Garage, with the option to prepay and reserve at the Isham Garage across the street.

Organizations interested in sponsoring the event or supporting the Inner Compass Initiative can contact the organizers via email at hello@theinnercompass.org. Sponsorship opportunities include visibility at the conference and in related materials.