Sana, Sana Colita de Rana: Reclaiming the Future of Latino Mental Health
The Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey (LMHANJ) invites you to contribute to our 2027 Annual Conference happening March 5 and 6, 2027, at Kean University- Jersey City, NJ.
We are seeking presentations, workshops, and panels that inspire connection, collaboration, and innovation across disciplines, grounded in culturally responsive, community-centered approaches to mental health. This is an opportunity to share your expertise, research, and stories that move us toward healing through collective action.
Conference Overview
Inspired by the familiar words “Sana, sana, colita de rana” that many of us grew up hearing, this year’s conference theme, Sana, Sana Colita de Rana: Reclaiming the Future of Latino Mental Health, explores how collaboration, integrative practices, and collective wellness can shape a more accessible and empowering future for Latino mental health.
Rooted in the belief that healing is both personal and collective, this year's theme invites us to honor the cultural wisdom and strengths of our communities while reimagining how we approach mental health care, connection, and well-being.
Building on last year’s focus on unity and collective action, we invite mental health professionals, students, researchers, educators, advocates, and mental health allies to share ideas and approaches that foster wellness and belonging, expand access to stigma-free, culturally responsive care, and celebrate the strength and pride of Latino communities.
By sharing our knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, we can strengthen connections across disciplines, elevate diverse voices, and discover new ways to support Latino mental health. ¡Sanamos en comunidad!
Join us in shaping a future where Latino mental health care is accessible, empowering, culturally affirming, and rooted in connection.
LMHANJ members receive discounted conference registration rates.
Suggested Proposal Topics
To reflect this year’s theme, Sana, Sana Colita de Rana: Reclaiming the Future of Latino Mental Health, proposals may explore (but are not limited to):
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The Future of Latino Mental Health: New ideas, emerging approaches, and solutions to challenges facing Latino communities.
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Culturally Grounded Healing: Integrating traditional healing practices, family and community strengths, and cultural traditions into mental health care.
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Intergenerational Healing: Understanding how family dynamics, migration, cultural identity, and intergenerational experiences influence mental health.
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Collaboration Across Disciplines: Partnering across mental health, schools, healthcare, social services, and community organizations to better support Latino individuals and families.
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Community Advocacy and Leadership: Community-led programs, grassroots initiatives, and advocacy efforts that address mental health needs and barriers to care.
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Identity, Belonging, and Mental Health: Exploring the impact of race, gender, immigration experiences, language, and other aspects of identity on mental health and access to services.
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Expanding Access to Care: Addressing barriers to treatment through telehealth, innovative service models, and culturally and linguistically responsive care.
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Training the Next Generation: Preparing students, supervisors, and mental health professionals to work effectively with Latino communities.
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Provider Wellness and Support: Navigating burnout, compassion fatigue, and the challenges of supporting communities while sustaining our own well-being.
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Healing Through Art and Culture: Using music, storytelling, literature, and other creative practices to support emotional expression, cultural identity, and healing.
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Research That Informs Practice: Research on Latino mental health, community needs, treatment outcomes, and approaches that can improve care.
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Emerging Issues in Latino Mental Health: Examining mental health challenges and unmet needs affecting Latino communities, including immigration-related stress, trauma, stigma, language barriers, gaps in access to care, disparate rates of conditions/experiences.
Please review the submission guidelines before submitting a proposal.
Program Types
Strong consideration will be made for programs that are eligible for both psychology and social work continuing education credits.
Submission deadline- December 7th*
Workshops
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Duration: 60 minutes
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Session Focus and Format: Interactive sessions designed to build knowledge and skills through active learning, discussion, and participant engagement. Workshops may be led by one or more presenters and should include opportunities for reflection, cross-disciplinary learning, actionable tools for practice, and audience participation. Sessions may be CE-eligible.
Panels
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Duration: 60 minutes
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Session Focus and Format: Panel discussions with 3–6 participants, including a moderator, who bring unique professional and lived experiences to the table. Sessions should explore real-world challenges, share practical approaches, and invite audience questions and discussion. Proposals should address how we can heal from past and present challenges, build on the strengths of Latino communities, and shape a more equitable and culturally responsive future for mental health care. Panels may be CE-eligible.
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Note for submission: Panel proposals must be submitted as complete proposals, including: all confirmed panelists, a designated moderator, and a clear description of the discussion topic and objectives. This is not an open call to join an existing panel; each submission should represent a fully formed session concept.
Poster Presentations
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Duration: Ongoing session
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Focus: Visual presentations that showcase research, innovative practices, community-based initiatives, or emerging ideas connected to this year’s theme. Poster sessions provide an opportunity to highlight how unity, collaboration, and culturally grounded approaches contribute to healing and mental health equity in Latino communities. Student submissions are especially encouraged.
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Format: Posters will be displayed throughout the conference, with presenters available to discuss their work during designated networking and break periods.
If you have any questions, please reach out to hola@latinomentalhealthnj.com.