United Is the Way to Mental Wellness: The 2026 Behavioral Health Conference

The Power of Prevention Takes Center Stage This May in South Florida

by Janine Ribeiro Chow-Quan, LMHC, United Way Broward’s Vice President of Community Impact, Healthy Community

Every year, professionals, advocates, and community leaders from across South Florida come together to advance systems of care to boost mental-health support and substance‑use prevention. Our shared commitment reaches a meaningful milestone in May 2026 as United Way Broward’s Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention, in collaboration with Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, presents the 11th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference: The Power of Prevention.

This two‑day event will take place on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026 at a new venue: The Diplomat Beach Resort, located at 3555 South Ocean Drive in Hollywood, Florida. Every year, the South Florida Behavioral Health Conference is a time when professionals reconnect with their purpose and remind one another why this work matters, and in 2026, the new location offers an expansive, dynamic setting for thoughtful engagement and professional growth.

Behavioral health shapes every part of community life. It affects family stability, educational outcomes, workplace performance, public safety, and overall well‑being. The theme for 2026 — The Power of Prevention — highlights the acute importance of early action. Preventative care can change the trajectory of someone’s life and the lives of the people around them, and it reduces risks and opens pathways to long‑term wellness in both individuals and our collective community.

The South Florida Behavioral Health Conference also aligns with Mental Health Awareness Month, which is observed every year in May. This month-long, national observance is about encouraging conversation, eliminating stigma, and promoting access to care so mental health is understood, supported, and prioritized. The conference embodies the values of Mental Health Awareness Month by elevating evidence‑based approaches and expanding knowledge to mental-wellness professionals.

Attendees come from many areas of the behavioral‑health landscape. Some work directly with clients. Others support families, guide young people, or help shape policy. Many work behind the scenes to keep programs running and communities connected. What unites all of us is a shared dedication to helping people create healthy, stable lives.

Over the course of two days, participants will explore new research, promising practices, and community‑centered approaches reshaping behavioral health. The sessions are designed to be both practical and energizing. Attendees will hear from experts who understand the realities of the work and who bring fresh insights to the challenges professionals face every day. The goal is simple: to offer tools and ideas that can be put into practice immediately.

The 2026 program features a full schedule of expert-led workshops, panels, and presentations, and conference tracks for this year include:

  • outlining the latest innovations, research, and evolving practices shaping the future of behavioral health

  • self-care and resiliency: developing strategies to prioritize well-being, manage stress, and build resilience in both personal and professional settings

  • professional development: enhancing your skills and knowledge through targeted workshops and sessions to support your professional growth in behavioral health

  • innovative initiatives: identifying groundbreaking programs, technologies, and methodologies driving positive change in the field of behavioral health

  • infant and youth mental health: focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities in promoting mental wellness among children and adolescents

  • faith-based focus: exploring the intersection of spirituality and mental health to learn how faith-based initiatives can contribute to holistic well-being

  • trauma-responsive prevention and programs: providing insights into trauma-informed approaches to prevention and intervention as well as best practices for trauma-responsive programming

  • collaboration and integration: connecting strategies for fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and integrating behavioral health services into broader healthcare systems

  • foundations of well-being: being knowledgeable about the essential principles and approaches for promoting holistic mental, emotional, and physical health

  • recovery strategies: discovering and applying the practical tools, interventions, and support systems that foster sustainable recovery and long-term wellness

Results for participants include more information, development of new skills, renewed motivation, sense of connection, and deep appreciation for the role prevention plays in building healthier communities. Many also will earn free Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which support ongoing professional development and help maintain credentials.

Across South Florida, the need for people to have behavioral‑health support continues to grow, and there are increasing pressures on behavioral‑health professionals and systems of care. Prevention offers a powerful response and enriches every stage of life. Families gain tools to navigate challenges. Young people receive support to shape their futures. Adults and seniors access resources to help them maintain stability and resilience.

The 11th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference brings a vision of both professional and personal enrichment into focus. It offers a unique space where professionals can learn, connect, and develop strategies to improve the care they are providing to people in need and then contribute to a healthier future for tens of thousands of people who live South Florida.

Save your spot at the 11th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference on May 27 and 28 at The Diplomat Beach Resort. Plus breakfast, lunch, and complimentary parking are all included with your registration. Together, we can advance systems of care so every person has the opportunity to rise and thrive.

You also can get involved in United Way Broward’s vision for a healthy community throughout the entire year by: 

See you on May 27 and May 28!