2026 Annual Psych Retreat

The 2026 Annual Psych Retreat is designed for nurses to enhance their understanding of psychiatric and mental health nursing practices. The event will feature a range of sessions covering topics such as pharmacotherapy, leadership, and cultural dementia care. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in networking, attend poster presentations, and participate in panel discussions. The retreat aims to provide valuable insights into current trends and future directions in mental health nursing.

The agenda includes a preconference session focusing on specific mental health challenges, followed by a full day of workshops and presentations. Key sessions will address issues like ADHD, electroconvulsive therapy, and the impact of weight loss drugs on mental health. The event promises to be an enriching experience for all participants.

North Carolina Nurses Association

The North Carolina Nurses Association is dedicated to advancing the profession of nursing and promoting the health and well-being of nurses and the public.

Email: RNs@ncnurses.org

Cost	Type	Notes
$72.00	Early Bird	NCNA Member for Preconference
$268.00	Early Bird	NCNA Member for Retreat
$340.00	Early Bird	NCNA Member for Both
$108.00	Early Bird	Guest for Preconference
$401.00	Early Bird	Guest for Retreat
$509.00	Early Bird	Guest for Both
$93.00	Regular	NCNA Member for Preconference
$332.00	Regular	NCNA Member for Retreat
$425.00	Regular	NCNA Member for Both
$139.00	Regular	Guest for Preconference
$499.00	Regular	Guest for Retreat
$638.00	Regular	Guest for Both

See the conference's actual website for more details around these fees, as sometimes they can be more complicated.

The conference will begin with a preconference on January 30, followed by the main retreat sessions. Key sessions include discussions on benzodiazepines, perinatal mood disorders, and cultural dementia care. The event will also feature networking opportunities and an exhibitor showcase.

Charlotte H. Stephens

DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, presenting on The Benzodiazepine Conundrum.

Christena Raines

MSN, RN, WHCNP, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, presenting on Treatment for Perinatal Mood Disorders.

Brandy Mechling

PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FNAP, moderating a panel discussion.

Nanette Lavoie-Vaughan

DNP, ANP-C, CGCP, presenting on Unusual Behavioral Manifestations in Older Adults.

Diane Caruso

DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, presenting on Storytelling for Social Justice.

Dr. Krystal Pendergraft-Horne

Presenting on GLPs/Weight Loss Drugs and Mental Health.

Freeman Moore

Presenting on Leadership Through Recovery, Service, and Trust.

Ivy Bagley

DNP MSN APRN FNP-C IBCLC CDP NHDP-BC PMH-BC, presenting on ADHD in Girls and Young Adults.

Grace Gunderson-Falcone

RN, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP, A/GNP-BC, presenting on Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Attendees can earn up to 12.0 contact hours and 2.25 pharmacotherapeutic hours.

The conference will be held at the Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle. A room block discount is available until December 31, 2025, or until the block is full. Attendees can reserve their rooms using the reference code 'NCNA Psych Nurses Retreat'.

Exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2026 Psych Retreat. Interested parties can view the 2025–26 NCNA Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus for more information. For questions, contact Logan Barber, NCNA Manager of Events.