51st Annual Winter Symposium 2026: Key Speakers, CE Credits, And The Future Of Addiction & Mental Health In Colorado Springs
The Annual Winter Symposium in Colorado Springs remains one of the premier professional development events in the addiction and mental health fields, drawing a national audience to the scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. As of today, December 26, 2025, the most anticipated event is the 51st Annual Advanced International Winter Symposium on Addictive Disorders, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health, scheduled for January 2026. This conference is a critical resource for clinicians, counselors, and healthcare professionals seeking cutting-edge research, practical clinical skills, and essential Continuing Education (CE) credits.
The symposium is celebrated for its deep dive into complex behavioral health issues, offering a platform for networking and learning from some of the industry's most respected voices. The 2026 event promises to elevate the standard, featuring a high-profile keynote speaker and a comprehensive agenda designed to address the evolving challenges in mental health treatment and recovery. Professionals in the field consider this an indispensable annual gathering for maintaining clinical excellence and topical authority.
The 51st Annual Winter Symposium: Essential Event Details
The Winter Symposium is an institution, with a history dating back to its founding in 1974. Organized by Psychotherapy Associates and led by the founder, Dr. Gary G. Forrest, this event is meticulously structured to provide maximum educational value over four intensive days. The focus is consistently on providing advanced, international-level training in the treatment of addictive disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the key information for the upcoming 51st Annual Symposium:
- Official Event Name: 51st Annual Advanced International Winter Symposium on Addictive Disorders, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health.
- Dates: Sunday, January 25, 2026, through Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
- Location: Hotel Polaris, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.
- Organizer: Psychotherapy Associates, in collaboration with the Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals (CAAP).
- Attendance Metrics (Previous Year - 2025): The symposium typically attracts a large professional community, with the 2025 event drawing approximately 1,400 attendees, 120 exhibitors, and 26 educational supporters.
- Target Audience: Addiction Counselors, Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychiatrists, and other Behavioral Health Specialists.
The Hotel Polaris location provides a stunning setting, allowing attendees to combine rigorous professional development with the restorative atmosphere of the Colorado Springs winter landscape. Special room rates are often available for a limited time for registered participants.
Keynote Speaker and High-Impact Sessions for 2026
A major highlight of the 51st Annual Winter Symposium is the caliber of its featured speakers, who bring both clinical expertise and policy insight to the stage. The 2026 event is set to feature a particularly notable figure, underscoring the symposium's importance in the broader social and political context of behavioral health.
The confirmed keynote speaker for the 51st Annual Winter Symposium is Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. His participation signals a strong focus on the intersection of law, policy, and public health, especially concerning the ongoing opioid crisis, substance use prevention, and the legal frameworks surrounding mental health care access. Attendees can expect sessions that bridge the gap between clinical practice and systemic changes necessary for effective community-level intervention.
While the full, detailed agenda is still being finalized, the core themes are expected to revolve around:
- Advanced Treatment Modalities: Exploring the latest evidence-based practices for treating co-occurring disorders (Dual Diagnosis).
- Neurobiology of Addiction: Updates on brain science and how it informs therapeutic approaches.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Deepening the understanding and application of trauma-informed principles in recovery settings.
- Ethical and Legal Issues: Addressing complex ethical dilemmas and regulatory compliance in behavioral health.
- Telehealth and Digital Therapeutics: The role of technology in expanding access to addiction and mental health services.
The event is overseen by the founder, Dr. Gary G. Forrest, EdD, PhD, a renowned Clinical Psychologist and a leader in the field since launching the first symposium in 1974. His continued direction ensures the program maintains a high standard of clinical relevance and academic rigor. Approximately 12 distinguished speakers are slated to present, including key figures like Jen Ochsner, MA, the Director of Operations.
Earning Continuing Education (CE) Credits: A Critical Component
For licensed professionals, the primary value of the Winter Symposium often lies in the opportunity to earn a substantial number of Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. The 51st Annual Symposium is highly accredited, making it an efficient and impactful way to meet licensure requirements.
Attendees have the potential to earn up to 33 Continuing Education (CE) credits over the four-day period. These credits are widely recognized and approved by major professional bodies, solidifying the event's topical authority in the behavioral health sector.
Key accreditation details include:
- NAADAC Approval: The symposium offers credits approved by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, which is essential for addiction counselors and specialists across the United States.
- COPA/CPFS Credits: The program is also approved by the Colorado Providers Association (COPA) for the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPFS) designation, with up to 16 CEs available specifically through this accreditation.
- Other Disciplines: The credits are typically applicable for psychologists, social workers, and other licensed mental health professionals, though attendees should always confirm with their respective state licensing boards.
The intensive format of the symposium, which includes numerous concurrent sessions, workshops, and plenary lectures, is structured to maximize learning and credit accumulation. This makes the Colorado Springs Winter Symposium a strategic investment in professional development, offering both high-quality content and essential certification maintenance in one setting.
Topical Authority and Key Entities in Focus
The symposium’s long history and specialized focus have cemented its status as a key source of topical authority in addiction and mental health. The content consistently features a wide array of relevant entities and concepts that are vital to the field. Professionals attending will be immersed in discussions involving:
Clinical Entities & Concepts:
- Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
- Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
- Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Relapse Prevention Strategies
- Behavioral Health Integration
Professional & Organizational Entities:
- Dr. Gary G. Forrest, EdD, PhD
- Psychotherapy Associates
- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
- NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals
- Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals (CAAP)
- Colorado Providers Association (COPA)
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPFS)
- Hotel Polaris, Colorado Springs
- Continuing Education (CE) / Continuing Medical Education (CME)
The 51st Annual Winter Symposium in Colorado Springs serves as more than just a conference; it is a vital nexus for the behavioral health community. By bringing together policy leaders like Attorney General Phil Weiser and clinical pioneers like Dr. Gary G. Forrest, the event ensures that attendees leave not only with required CE credits but also with a renewed perspective on the future of addiction and mental health treatment. The January 2026 dates mark the beginning of a new year of professional growth, set against the inspiring backdrop of a Colorado winter.
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