Ontario Psychological Association 79th Annual Conference

Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites
November 4-6, 2026

We are delighted to invite you to the 79th Annual Conference of the Ontario Psychological Association, taking place virtually on November 5-6, 2026. Join colleagues virtually from across the province for two days of engaging sessions, practical insights, and meaningful professional connection.

Building on the success of last year, we are also pleased to offer in-person preconference workshops and a networking luncheon on November 4, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel—an excellent opportunity to deepen learning and connect face-to-face with peers.

This year’s theme, Advancing Psychology in Ontario: Ethics. Expertise. Entrepreneurial Edge., reflects our commitment to supporting psychologists in delivering high-quality care while navigating an evolving professional landscape.

The OPA recognizes that its work, and the work of its members takes place on traditional Indigenous territories across the province. We acknowledge that there are 46 treaties and other agreements that cover the territory now called Ontario. We are thankful to be able to work and live in these territories. We are thankful to the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people who have cared for these territories since time immemorial and who continue to contribute to the strength of Ontario and to all communities across the province. OPA is honoured to collaborate with Indigenous clients, stakeholders and communities throughout the various territories.


On behalf of the Ontario Psychological Association, I am pleased to invite you to the 79th Annual Ontario Psychology Conference bringing together psychology professionals from across the province to advance knowledge, strengthen practice, and shape the future of psychology in Ontario. 

This year’s theme, Advancing Psychology in Ontario: Ethics. Expertise. Entrepreneurial Edge., reflects both the strength of our profession and the opportunities ahead, as psychologists and psychological associates continue to engage in meaningful and complex work. More than a conference, this is an opportunity to come together as a community, to step back from the pace of day-to-day practice, reconnect with colleagues, and return to the core of why this work matters in a world that continues to evolve in complex ways.

The conference offers space for intentional reflection on our work. The program is designed not only to deepen clinical expertise and engage with emerging ethical questions, but also to generate new thinking about how we lead and shape the future of psychological practice and mental health in Ontario. The entrepreneurial focus is purposeful, recognizing the many ways psychologists are building practices and expanding the reach and impact of our field.

Equally important is the opportunity to connect. There is something energizing about being in a space both virtual and in person with colleagues who understand this work, who are asking similar questions, and who are committed to advancing the profession. These conversations often become one of the most valuable and enduring aspects of the experience.

Thank you for being part of this year’s conference, and for the care, expertise, and leadership you bring to your work. Together, we are advancing psychology in Ontario in ways that truly matter. 

We look forward to seeing you in Toronto and online.

Dr. Laura Nichols
President, OPA

Keynote and Master Clinician Speakers

Don't miss out on the impressive roster of speakers scheduled for the 79th Annual OPA Conference.

Alexis Fabricius, PhDUniversity of Guelph

Title: AI Ethics in Clinical Psychology: Supporting Ethical Decision-Making in Practice (Keynote Session)

Alexis Fabricius is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Guelph. Her research examines the ethical, social, and philosophical implications of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and data-intensive practices across healthcare, clinical care, and research.

Her work spans a broad range of health technologies, including health data linkage, AI-enabled clinical decision-support systems, AI scribes, cloud-based clinical management systems, generative AI, mental health and period-tracking apps, and other forms of digital health technology. While discussions of technology ethics often focus on privacy, consent, and data governance, her research also explores broader ethical questions relating to labour, environmental sustainability, power, politics, and the ways digital technologies reshape healthcare, professional practice, and human relationships.

Although grounded in critical theory and the philosophy of technology, her research is highly applied, offering practical guidance to help researchers and healthcare professionals critically evaluate emerging technologies and engage them in ways that are ethically responsible, socially just, and responsive to the realities of practice. Alexis serves on the Canadian Psychological Association's Committee on Ethics and the Association's AI and Emerging Technologies Management Committee.

Sheila A.M. Rauch, Ph.D., ABPPEmory Healthcare Veterans Program

Title: Processing Emotion, Transforming Trauma: Mastering Emotional Processing in Brief and Standard Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD (Master Clinician Session)

Sheila A.M. Rauch, Ph.D., ABPP, is Deputy Director of the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program and Director of Mental Health Research and Program Evaluation at Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center. For over 25 years, Dr. Rauch’s work focuses on developing programs, training providers in effective PTSD treatment, conducting research, and providing PTSD and Anxiety Disorders treatment aiming to improve access to effective mental health treatment. She is an author of the Prolonged Exposure therapy manual and developer of Processing Emotions in Primary Care- a brief and effective PTSD intervention for integrated care settings. She has published over 200 scholarly articles, many chapters, and six books. She is a fellow in the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and a fellow in the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy. 

Jeff Zimmerman, Ph.D., ABPPThe Practice Institute

Title: Private Practice: Aligning Entrepreneurship with Ethics (Master Clinician Session)

Jeff Zimmerman is a practicing psychologist in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. He has been in practice since 1981. In addition to running and managing a large group practice for 22 years, he is a founder of The Practice Institute (TPI). TPI guides mental health professionals in building ethically responsible thriving practices by helping them learn practice management skills that serve as the foundation for the delivery of clinical services.

Jeff is a frequent presenter on ethical issues related to private practice. He is co-author and co-editor of multiple articles and books on professional practice, including The Ethics of Private Practice (2014). Jeff is also the editor of the journal Practice Innovations.

Our Sponsors

We are grateful to our sponsors who made this conference possible.

Location

Hybrid event:

Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites

175 Wynford Drive

Toronto, ON

Canada, M3C 1J3

Dates

Registration period:

July 16, 2025 - 12:00 AM EDT - November 2, 2026 - 4:00 PM EST

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact membership@psych.on.ca