Main Stage

Headline events

Colorado Convention Center

Four Seasons Ballroom 2-4

Powerful perspectives from psychology and beyond.



We’re bringing together leaders from psychology and beyond to explore how an array of perspectives spark innovation, open new pathways forward, and empower psychology to make a transformative impact. 

Thursday, August 7

Presidential Opening Session 


8:00–9:00 a.m.

Welcome to APA 2025! Join us as we kick off three inspiring days of learning and connection with remarks from APA’s 2025 president, Dr. Debra Kawahara, and APA’s CEO, Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Jr., a powerful keynote presentation by Eric Lieu on responsible citizenship, and inspirational stories that highlight the “human side” of psychology. This energizing session will set the stage for exploring how engaging with an array of perspectives can power new possibilities in psychology, coming together as a community to celebrate the transformative potential of our profession. 

 

Speakers: 

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Jason Cantone, JD, PhD, Senior Research Associate, Federal Judicial Center
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Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association
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Debra Kawahara, PhD, 2025 President, American Psychological Association
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Eric Liu, CEO, Citizen University 
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Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, PhD, founder and director, Fourth Dimension Consultancy, Immediate Past Chair, Amnesty International 
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Susan Opotow, PhD, Social and Organizational Psychologist, City University of New York
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Rick Waters , Executive Director, Denver Indian Center, Inc.

Youth Mental Health: How to Help a Generation Heal


11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
CE CREDIT: 1.5


Today’s young people are coming of age in an overwhelming world. The result? A generation that's hurting, but also reaching for support, for solutions, and for space to breathe. We’ll explore new research on how to nurture youth and build resilience, as well as protective factors and practical strategies for helping young people thrive. This conversation offers an evidence-based roadmap for change that empowers not just young people, but the adults who care about them. 


Speakers: 

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Janine Jones, PhD, UC Santa Barbara
Alise Marshall headshot
Alise Marshall, Pinterest
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Renee Schneider, PhD, Google
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Erlanger Turner, PhD, Pepperdine University
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Nsedu Witherspoon, Childrens Environmental Health Network
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David Yeager, PhD, University of Texas at Austin
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Jenisha Watts, The Atlantic
MODERATOR


CEO SPotLIGHT SESSION

The Power of Story: Proven Tools to Make Your Message Stick


2:30–3:30 p.m.

In today's societal climate, clear communication of psychological expertise has never been more crucial. Psychologists excel at observation, analysis, and intervention—but explaining your work to the world? That's where storytelling becomes your secret weapon. Recognizing the critical importance of this skill, APA CEO Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, has spotlighted this session as essential for today's psychology professionals. This dynamic, hands-on session will teach you how narrative techniques can transform your expertise into messages that stick with funders, policymakers, media, and communities beyond academia. You'll experience a captivating live story, decode what makes it powerful, then craft your own through guided exercises and peer collaboration. Whether you're a clinician, a researcher, or a student, you'll leave with proven storytelling tools—and perhaps the beginning of a story that changes everything.

 

Speakers: 

Scott C. Hollingsworth Headshot
Scott C. Hollingsworth, Business Development + Training Director, Story District
Amy Saidman headshot
Amy Saidman, Artistic Executive Director, Story District

Friday, August 8

Burned Bridges and Broken Trust: Psychology’s Solutions for a Troubled Time 


9:30–11:00 a.m.
CE CREDIT: 1.5

Division and distrust are reshaping nearly every part of society—from politics and public discourse to our personal relationships. But psychology offers a way forward. Explore what science says about the roots of polarization, the breakdown of trust, and how identity and othering can fuel division. Speakers will share promising research to help us understand the tensions impacting America’s future as a multicultural democracy and real-world strategies for rebuilding connection—online and offline. They’ll offer a hopeful but realistic, evidence-based vision of how psychology can help us move forward in a time of unprecedented change. 


Speakers: 

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Peter Coleman, PhD, Columbia University 
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Bill Doherty, PhD, Braver Angels 
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Jennifer Freyd, PhD, University of Oregon
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Lilliana Mason, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
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Fathali Moghaddam, PhD, Georgetown University 
CEO SPOTLIGHT SESSION

From Research to Reality: Psychology’s Role in Implementing Effective Digital Mental Health Solutions


2:30-3:30 p.m. 
CE CREDIT: 1.0

As digital mental health tools rapidly evolve from promising prototypes to essential clinical resources, the critical question isn't whether they work—it's how to make them work in practice. This dynamic discussion between APA’s CEO, Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, and leading experts who have successfully bridged the gap between AI’s potential and its impact will move beyond buzzwords and dive into real-world application. Whether you're a practitioner, administrator, or researcher, you'll gain actionable insights to turn digital innovation into tangible results. 


Speakers: 

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Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association 
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Munmun De Choudhury, PhD, J.Z. Liang Associate Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
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Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Social Workers
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Emily Lattie, PhD, Director of Clinical Product, Lyra Health 
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Rachel Chernick, LCSW, PhD, Senior Vice President, Partnership to End Addiction

Saturday, August 9

Doing What You Can: Advocacy Doesn’t Have to be Intimidating   


11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
CE CREDIT: 1.5


In this energizing session, psychologists and policy shapers will share how research can directly impact legislation—from research funding to equity for vulnerable populations. We’ll move beyond vague calls to “get involved” and break down advocacy into clear, practical actions—many of which don’t require a trip to Capitol Hill or calls to your members of Congress. Through real-world examples and simple strategies, you’ll learn how to use your expertise to create impact at any level, in ways that match your comfort and capacity. 
 

Speakers: 

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Amy R. Beck, PhD, Missouri Psychological Association 
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Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association 
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Duke Han, PhD, University of Southern California 
Katherine McGuire Professional Headshot
Katherine B. McGuire, MS, American Psychological Association 
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Hideko Sera, PsyD, Morehouse College 
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Bryan Stevenson, JD, Equal Justice Initiative

Closing Session: Perspectives Power Purpose   


4:30-5:30 p.m.


Psychologists dedicate their careers to understanding and improving the human experience—but what about their own journeys? Inspired by iconic storytelling events like the Moth, and in partnership with Story District, this dynamic session features four psychologists from across the profession sharing the human stories behind their work—the defining moments, challenges, and insights that shaped why they do what they do. Each storyteller’s perspective reveals how personal experiences power possibilities and purpose in our field. From unexpected challenges to lightbulb moments, these stories will leave you inspired, entertained, and ready to reflect on your own journey in psychology.
 

Storytellers: 

  • Billy Holcombe, PhD
  • Daniel Lattimore, PhD
  • Jared Minkel, PhD 
  • Elise Oehring, PhD
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Amy R. Beck, PhD, Missouri Psychological Association 
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Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association 
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Duke Han, PhD, University of Southern California 
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Katherine McGuire, MS, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Psychological Association 

APA 2025 SPONSORS

Tier 1 Sponsors
Google
Google
American Professional Agency, Inc.
American Psychological Foundation
Tier 2 Sponsors
Therapy Appointment
Upheal
Tier 3 Sponsors
California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University
Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Program, Northern California
Mass General Brigham McLean
National Register of Health Service Psychologists
Tier 4 Sponsors
American Board of Professional Psychology
Antioch University
ASPPB | Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
Catalight
Ensora Health | Formerly Therapy Brands
Professional Psychology at The Chicago School
Sage