President’s Welcome Message for the WCCBT 2026 World Congress

Dear Colleagues, Friends, and Partners in Mental Health,

On behalf of the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT), I am honored and delighted to welcome you to the 2026 World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies Congress to be held in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California.

Hosted and organized by one of our founding members, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the WCCBT World Congress is more than a gathering—it is a global meeting of minds and missions. From clinicians and researchers to students and policymakers, we come together to share our knowledge, strengthen our practice, and shape the future of mental health care through cognitive and behavioural therapies.

Guided by the mission of WCCBT—to promote and advocate for global mental health and to foster the development and dissemination of evidence-based science and practice through partnerships—we invite you to join us in continuing this important work on a truly international scale.

I reflect with deep gratitude and pride on the progress we have made over the past three years. One of our key priorities has been to support the dissemination of CBT in underserved regions, particularly across Africa. Together with committed colleagues, WCCBT member organizations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and local partners, we have taken meaningful steps toward developing national CBT organizations in African countries—with the ultimate goal of establishing a regional CBT Association of Africa that ensures the continent has a strong and enduring voice in our global community.

We have also worked closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support and shape new CBT-based mental health initiatives and have worked with key partners to help governments recognize and invest in evidence-based mental health services. These partnerships, and the leadership of many of you who have pioneered CBT access in your own countries, show us what is possible when science, advocacy, and policy come together.

The 2026 Congress will showcase a rich and diverse program, including world-class keynotes, interactive workshops, and cutting-edge research that span cultures, contexts, and populations. It will also offer invaluable opportunities to learn from each other, share best practices, and build collaborative networks that extend far beyond the event itself.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a student beginning your journey, you are a vital part of our shared mission. We hope this World Congress inspires you, equips you, and connects you with others who share your commitment to improving mental health through evidence-based care.

On behalf of the WCCBT and its valued member associations (AACBT, ABCT, ACBTA, ALAMOC, AnzaCBT, CACBT, EABCT, and IACBT), we look forward to welcoming you to San Francisco in 2026.

Warm regards,

Lata K. McGinn, PhD
President, World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT)