The Project RAISE Mental Health Conference brings together school-based mental health professionals from across Tennessee to address critical topics facing mental health professionals and school administrators in K-12 schools. 

The conference provides two days of impactful sessions led by experts in the field, equipping school psychologists, school counselors, school social workers, district administrators, and other school-based mental health providers with strategies and resources to better support the mental health needs of students. With a focus on both professional growth and peer connection, the event fosters collaboration, fresh perspectives, and practical tools that attendees can take back to their schools and communities.

The 2026 Mental Health Conference will be held May 12-13, 2026 at the Sheraton Music City in Nashville, Tennessee.

Join us for this powerful event centered on learning, connection, and inspiration!

PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED: 4.28.2026: Conference pre-registration is closed. We will be accepting walk-ins and on-site registrations at the event. If you are still interested in attending, please email projectraiseevents@utk.edu for on-site registration instructions.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

We are proud to partner with the following organizations:

Thriveway

Lunch Sponsor

Public Consulting Group

Coffee Sponsor

The Project RAISE Mental Health Conference will feature a variety of options for companies and organizations to show their support by participating as a sponsor or exhibitor. Click here to learn more!

Hosted by Project RAISE (Rural Access to Interventions in School Environments)—a federally funded initiative of the Tennessee Department of Education—the conference reflects the program’s mission to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals in the state. By combining high-quality professional development with opportunities for connection, the Project RAISE Mental Health Conference helps strengthen sustainable mental health systems in schools across Tennessee, ensuring every student has access to the support they need to thrive. The Project RAISE Mental Health Conference was originally established as the Mental Health Collaborative, in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-231, which directed the Tennessee Department of Education to establish a student support collaborative.

CONFERENCE PRICING FOR ATTENDEES

EARLY BIRD PRICING (ends January 31) Extended through February 6

• Individual: $125 per person
• Group*: $100 per person
• Pre-con Sessions: $50 per person

STANDARD PRICING (starting February 7)

• Individual: $150 per person
• Group*: $120 per person
• Pre-con Sessions: $50 per person

*The group rate applies to 5 or more individuals from the same district or organization who register together. Presenters and co-presenters and Project RAISE supervisors and interns do not count towards group registrations.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Substitutions for registrations are allowable. Please contact us for assistance with making a substitution. 

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Accepted Forms of Payment & Payment Due Dates

• Credit Card: payment is due upon completing your registration
• Check: payment due within 2 weeks of registration date
• *All payments must be received by May 8, 2026.

Mail checks to:
University of Tennessee Center for Learning, Education & Employment
600 Henley Street, Suite 312
Knoxville, TN 37996 Attn: 2026 MHC Registration 

Checks will only be accepted if:

• the names of all registrants the payment is for are listed 
• it is written for the correct amount
• it is made payable to The University of Tennessee

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

• Cancellations received on or before April 12, 2026, will incur a $25 cancellation fee per registration. The remaining balance of the registration fee will be refunded.
• Cancellations received after April 12, 2026, are non-refundable.
• Refunds will not be issued for no-shows.

AGENDA & SESSION OVERVIEW

Click here to view the draft conference agenda.

Conference sessions will explore evidence-based programs, proven tools, and innovative resources that help them better serve students. This year's conference will feature expert-led sessions on the following topics:

• Legal topics and issues
• Interventions and strategies used in school-based mental health
• 504 and IEP
• Impacts of social media on student mental health
• Mental health interventions for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students
• Suicide prevention and intervention
• Substance abuse, tobacco use, vaping
• Parent and family engagement strategies and supports

KEYNOTE SPEAKER