2025 Mental Health Impact Summit

Leading Boldly in a Time of Change: The 2025 Mental Health Impact Summit

November 13–14, 2025
Day 1: In-Person at Erikson Institute | Day 2: Virtual
Earn 10 CEUs for Illinois Social Workers and Counselors

Across Illinois, mental health providers are navigating a time of unprecedented change. Policy shifts, funding fluctuations, and evolving community needs have created both new challenges and new opportunities for those on the front lines of care. The Mental Health Impact Summit, presented in partnership between Sista Afya Community Care and Erikson Institute, invites mental health professionals to pause, reflect, and gather the tools needed to lead boldly into the future.

“Given the major shifts that are consequential, it is important to amplify how mental health providers, leaders, and advocates can navigate major changes to the mental health field in Illinois and be informed about best practices to enhance mental health care service delivery.”

— Camesha L. Jones, Executive Director of Sista Afya Community Care

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

This year’s summit marks a growing partnership between Sista Afya Community Care and Erikson Institute, two Chicago-based organizations united by a commitment to social justice, education, and mental health advocacy

The connection began when Sista Afya’s founder was invited by Dr. Ayanna F. Brown, Vice President for Strategic Growth & Partnerships, to speak at Erikson’s One Erikson 2024 Summit. The dialogue that followed revealed deep alignment between the two institutions: both work to address inequities in mental health care and ensure practitioners have the skills and support to create lasting impact.

“Partnering for this summit felt perfectly aligned,” Camesha shared. “Erikson and Sista Afya both believe in advancing mental health education and building a field that centers community, access, and collaboration.”

What It Means to Lead Boldly

In a landscape defined by uncertainty, leading boldly means more than resilience, it means strategy, collaboration, and courage.

“Right now, I believe that leading boldly includes being strategic, less reactionary, and galvanizing others to work towards shared goals and values in the mental health field,” Camesha said.

Through sessions focused on policy, advocacy, coalition-building, and sustainable funding, the summit will equip providers with practical knowledge to strengthen their leadership and enhance care delivery.

Session Highlights

Attendees can look forward to sessions such as:

• Navigating the Changing Landscape in Medicaid & Insurance in 2026 and Beyond
• From Grassroots to Policy: Community Organizing and Advocacy in Illinois
• Implementing Wrap-Around Mental Health Care for Youth
• Funding Shifts: Exploring Diversity in Funding and Earned Revenue for Sustainability
• Mutual Aid & Safety Net Care for Communities of Color

One of the most anticipated sessions is the Illinois Policy Roundtable featuring Representative Lindsey LaPointe, NAMI Chicago, and NAMI Illinois.

“It is a privilege to have the leader of the Mental Health and Addiction Committee as a speaker,” said Camesha. “Attendees will have the chance to connect directly with those shaping mental health policy in Springfield—a meaningful opportunity for organizing and advocacy.”

Building Tools—and Community

The summit is designed to strengthen both individual practice and collective power. Attendees will earn 10 CEUs while deepening their understanding of the policy landscape and connecting with peers who share a commitment to equitable mental health care.

“I hope the summit provides attendees with the tools to navigate a rapidly shifting landscape,” Camesha reflected, “and to collaborate with other providers who share their passion for advocacy and community care.”

Join us at Erikson Institute and online for two days of learning, leadership, and inspiration.

Together, we can build the knowledge, partnerships, and courage needed to transform mental health care across Illinois.

Register here for the Mental Health Impact Summit

Interested in expanding your impact? Explore Erikson’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program to deepen your understanding of early relationships and emotional development.