Sessions of Note
The APNA 39th Annual Conference provides connection, inspiration, and cutting-edge education to support and empower psychiatric-mental health nurses in every setting. This year, the conference brings together a dynamic lineup of presentations on timely and complex issues shaping PMH care today.
Attendees can expect evidence-informed insights, clinical strategies, and thought-provoking dialogue on topics like GLP-1, hormonal influences on ADHD in women, workplace violence, mindfulness for veterans, and more. These presentations reflect the heart of this event: bold conversations, practical tools, and a vibrant community of peers who understand both the challenges and triumphs of your work.
Hear what to expect at the Annual Conference directly from the voices behind these impactful presentations:
Julie B. Perry, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Addicted to the Perfect Body: The Use and Misuse of the GLP-1 Receptor 
“Focusing on GLP-1 medications and the pursuit of the “perfect” body, we will address current FDA-approved uses, emerging psychiatric indications, and the growing cultural obsession with body image which has led to an explosion of people taking the meds but often with no real medical oversight. We will explore how providers can navigate this complex landscape to help our patients with clinical insight and compassion.”
Laura Leahy, DrNP, APRN, FAANP, FAAN
Targets of Psychopharmacology: Understanding Neurotransmission, Signal Transduction Cascades and Neuroplasticity
“Going “back to the basics,” you’ll refresh your knowledge of old and new neurotransmitters and their mechanisms of actions in the treatment of symptoms which disrupt the lives of our patients. Armed with this knowledge, you will be better prepared to partner with your patient in choosing appropriate psychopharmacological therapies.”
Brynne Calleran, MSN, MFA, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC, NI-BC
Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations on ADHD Symptom Severity in Women: Bridging the Knowledge Gap to Improve Mental Health Outcomes
“Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women and increase vulnerability for mood disorders and suicidal ideation. Understanding this relationship is crucial for improving patient outcomes.”
Kevin Bryant, DNP, RN
Empowering Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Safety: The Impact of Using Post-Assault Surveys in Psychiatric Settings
“Staff post-assault surveys highlight the emotional toll and workplace safety concerns following type II violence incidents, emphasizing the need for improved training and stronger support systems. They also reveal a clear interest in peer support programs and decisive actions for repeated incidents, underscoring the importance of proactive and tailored safety measures.”
Mullane Harrington, MPH, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, MHP
When Push Comes to Shove: A Proactive Approach to Workplace Violence (WPV) on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit 
“As members of the PeaceHealth St. Joseph team working in the inpatient psychiatric setting in Washington State, we will be sharing the successful journey to reduce Workplace Violence through applying a tool to predict it, a standard plan to protect staff when caring for patients with a high potential for violence, and innovative strategies to create a culture of care that prevents violence altogether. Ours is a story of curiosity, innovation, collaboration, and tenacity to achieve and sustain our gains-and we believe in your team’s infinite capacity to enjoy similar outcomes.”
Jane Abanes, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC
From Stuckness to Wholeness: Mindfulness Across the Military Journey: Helping Service Members and Veterans Break Free from Feeling Stuck
“Mindfulness empowers active-duty service members and veterans to break free from feeling “stuck.” It is an effective tool for navigating the demands of military life and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. More than just a practice, mindfulness offers a path to healing, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose and wholeness.”
Caroline Dorsen, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN
Psychedelics: What Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses Should Know and Where They Should Learn It
“Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine, are showing great promise as innovative treatments for challenging psychiatric and substance use disorders. We will synthesize current research on the therapeutic potential of these substances and discuss opportunities for nurses and advanced practice nurses in this emerging field.”
Laura A. Curtis, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC
Paws at My Feet: Integrating Facility-Based Psychiatric Service Dogs into Nursing Practice
“Learn about the joy of being a part of a therapeutic and disability-relieving service dog team in a psychiatric inpatient setting, with a brief demonstration. Including a review of barriers and benefits, strategies to building bridges in organizational leadership, training, and legal considerations, financial and lifestyle adjustments, and the impact to you, your practice, colleagues, and patients.”
Mary Annette Gary, PhD, RN, CNE, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Walking a Fine Line: Recognizing and Preventing Boundary Violations in Nursing
“Explore the essential art of setting and maintaining personal and professional boundaries in psychiatric nursing through real-world scenarios and interactive practice. This dynamic, hands-on session equips you with the insight and tools to navigate complex relationships while protecting your well-being and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.”
Published July 2025
>>> What other sessions are playing at the APNA 39th Annual Conference on October 15-18? Register and start choosing your sessions of note!
About APNA: The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is a national professional membership organization committed to the practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing and wellness promotion, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders. APNA’s membership is inclusive of all psychiatric-mental health registered nurses including associate degree, baccalaureate, advanced practice (comprised of clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners), and nurse scientists and academicians (PhD). APNA serves as a resource for psychiatric-mental health nurses to engage in networking, education, and the dissemination of evidence. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
