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Mental Health Conferences
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2026
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Arkansas
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2026 AR Play Therapy Conference
Mental Health Conferences
2026 AR Play Therapy Conference
The 2026 AR Play Therapy Conference will be held in Fort Smith, AR, focusing on play therapy techniques and neurodiversity-affirming practices. It offers a comprehensive two-day workshop with 14 hours of continuing education.
Conference Overview
Some quick details about this conference.
The 2026 AR Play Therapy Conference is a premier event for mental health professionals focusing on play therapy. Attendees will engage in a two-day workshop designed to provide a neurodiversity-affirming framework for working with autistic children. The conference integrates sensory processing, trauma-informed care, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Kim Vander Dussen, a renowned expert in the field.
The agenda includes sessions on sensory regulation, emotional expression, and identity-affirming play. Attendees will gain practical skills in designing play environments and adapting interventions for trauma-exposed children. The conference also emphasizes collaboration with caregivers using affirming language.
Time and Place
Maybe the most important details of the conference.
Conference Dates: February 27–28, 2026
Location: Wyndham Hotel
City/State: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Address: 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR
Event Format: in-person
Conference Organizer
This organization is hosting this conference.
Arkansas Association for Play Therapy
The Arkansas Association for Play Therapy (ArAPT) is dedicated to promoting the practice and benefits of play therapy. It is an approved provider of continuing education for mental health professionals.
Email: ar4apt@gmail.com
Registration Fees
How much does this conference cost?
| Cost |
Type |
Notes |
| $350.00 |
APT Members |
Full 2 Day Conference Pass for APT Members |
| $450.00 |
Non-members |
Full 2 Day Conference Pass for Non-members |
| $275.00 |
Students |
Full 2 Day Conference Pass for Students |
See the conference's actual website for more details around these fees, as sometimes they can be more complicated.
Schedule and Agenda
It's important to know what is planned.
The conference begins at 8:45 AM each day, with breaks at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. Lunch is from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and the day ends at 4:30 PM. Day 1 focuses on safety, sensory regulation, and NMT-informed foundations, while Day 2 covers expression, identity, trauma adaptations, and treatment planning.
Notable Speakers
These folks will be speaking at the conference.
Dr. Kim Vander Dussen
Dr. Vander Dussen is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in play therapy and neurodevelopmental approaches. She is a full professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Play Therapy.
CEU Details
Here's information on Continuing Education Units (or CEUs).
The conference offers 14 direct contact CE hours, approved by NBCC and APT.
Hotel Information
You need somewhere to stay! (Unless you live relatively close.)
The conference will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Fort Smith, AR. Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations early to ensure availability.
Parking Information
Unless you're taking public transit.
Parking details are not provided. Attendees should contact the hotel for parking arrangements.
Sponsorship, Exhibitor, and Advertising Opportunities
If you're an organization that wants to contribute to this event, here are some details.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, with levels including Platinum, Gold, Silver, Booth, and Bronze. More information can be found on the sponsor registration page.
Other Links and Information
The above information is from the conference or event webpage. Please review the organization's website for official information, as that will be more up-to-date.
Reminder: This is an overview of this conference, and you should consult the official website for details on registration, fees, deadlines, and other details. Quill Therapy Solutions is maintaining this information to make it more accessible to the therapist and mental health professional community.
If you noticed an issue with the above information, please send us an email: conferences@quilltherapysolutions.com (Ideally, include a link to the conference and the details that need to be corrected. Thank you!)
