Clayton State Psychology Students and Professors Attend National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference in Atlanta

(June 24, 2026) - The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recently held its annual conference, NAMICon 2026, in Atlanta, bringing together advocates, professionals, and individuals with lived experience to advance mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. The theme of the conference was “Advancing Connection, Community, and Caring,” with sessions focused on youth mental health, peer support, and equity in care.

With more than a thousand attendees, the meeting showcased the importance of collaboration and integration of lived experience with research and policy to improve mental health systems and reduce stigma.  Supported by one of the university's strategic plan innovation grants, 18 Clayton State University Psychology undergraduate and graduate students had the opportunity to attend the conference along with Psychology professor Dr. Samuel Maddox and Dr. Pinar Gurkas, professor and Psychology Department Chair.

Caleb Yisrael, an undergraduate Psychology student, said, “To be surrounded by my peers from Clayton State University while attending a mental health conference was truly inspirational.” Undergraduate Psychology student Chance St. Hill said, “I had a great time! It was a very welcoming, vibrant, informative, and inclusive environment.”

“NAMICon 2026 provided our students with a very valuable professional development opportunity, exposing them to a variety of professional development trajectories at the intersection of research, advocacy, and mental health policy, according to Dr. Gurkas.  She added that “For most of our students, this was their first time attending a professional conference. I truly appreciate the institutional support Clayton State provided to make this happen for our students.”