Welcome Message from President Steven Safren

 

Welcome to ABCT 2025 in New Orleans!

Bridging the Divide: Promoting Rigorous Science and Inclusive Affirming Therapies

Dear Colleagues,

Laissez les bons temps rouler!— as they say in New Orleans—let the good times roll!

What an important time for us to come together as a professional family with shared core values: Science, Quality, Diversity, Mentorship, and Accountability.  The conference theme, “Bridging the Divide: Promoting Rigorous Science and Inclusive Affirming Therapies,” is quite the match for both the present moment as well as location— the vibrant, inspiring, resilient, and diverse city of New Orleans. Accordingly, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the 59th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.

Despite efforts restricting what can be funded, taught, or studied, or delivered in practice, ABCT remains true to its mission, its vision, and its core values during this time.  At this year’s conference, we will continue to promote and showcase rigorous inclusive science in our programming, amplifying the integrity of our field. Accordingly, we hope that the conference can be an oasis of hope for where we can be in future years.

We are also focusing on activities designed to increase the feeling of belongingness within the conference both for long-time members, first-time attendees, and everyone in between.  To this end, we are especially excited to introduce several new features to the convention this year, all of which grew from your ideas and energy:

  • A new Welcome Reception. Open to everyone on Thursday night—to help kick things off in community and connection.
  • Invited Plenary Talks.  Each morning, we will have two invited plenary talks where no other conference programming will take place. This way, no matter your subspecialty area, you will have the opportunity to be with the rest of the conference attendees and hear visionary voices from within our field to challenge and inspire us.
  • Individual Oral Abstract Sessions. This year, for the very first time, conference attendees had the chance to submit individual oral presentations without having to be part of an organized symposium. This allows attendees to put forth their best science, regardless of who else is doing similar work.
  • And our very first Benefit Luncheon, to usher in a new era of philanthropy for the organization.  Philanthropic giving will help to sustain and grow ABCT initiatives benefitting early career members, members from minoritized populations, and other critical programmatic functions.

We are also happy that we are continuing some initiatives started in recent years, including:

  • The Youth Community Leaders Award, recognizing several incredible young people advancing mental health in their communities;
  • Our ABCT Day of Service, connecting members with local volunteer opportunities;
  • The Underrepresented Scholars Meet & Greet, fostering mentorship and visibility for emerging voices in our field.

All of this is made possible by the hard work, dedication, and brilliance of our 2025 Program Chair, Dr. Brooke Rogers, and our Associate Chair, Dr. Elliott Weinstein, whose stamina and creativity are behind the details of this program. To Stephen Crane and our exceptional Central Office team—thank you for making it all run, and for doing so with heart. And to our Board, committees, SIGs, reviewers, and every single presenter: thank you for investing in this community.

This year’s program includes 80 symposia, 37 panels, 23 clinical roundtables, 4 grand rounds, 35 workshops, 5 spotlights on research, 287 individual oral abstracts in 41sessions, and so much more. Whether you’re here to deepen your science, sharpen your clinical skills, or reconnect with colleagues and mentors, we hope you find something that recharges your commitment to this work.

And don’t forget to leave room for a little bit of the charm of New Orleans. Enjoy the French Quarter, some jazz, and of course, a plate of beignets.

Welcome to ABCT 2025. Let’s keep bridging the divide—together.

With gratitude and excitement,
Steven A. Safren, PhD, ABPP

President, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

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