The Advocacy Network on Disabilities at the Florida Behavioral Health Conference 2025
This year, our team joined hundreds of professionals at the Florida Behavioral Health Conference 2025, held under the inspiring theme “One Mission.” The conference brought together leaders, providers, advocates, and community partners from across the behavioral health field—each with unique perspectives, yet all sharing the same commitment: changing lives.
For us at the Advocacy Network on Disabilities, this mission resonates deeply. Every day, we work to remove barriers, build resilience, and create opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. Attending BHCon2025 allowed our staff to connect, learn, and share alongside colleagues from across Florida, sparking new ideas and strengthening our dedication to inclusive behavioral health care.
But the best way to capture the heart of the experience is through the voices of our team:
“The conference was such a nice experience! I really enjoyed stepping away from the usual routine and getting a chance to learn new things while also focusing a bit on self-care. One of the big takeaways for me was how important it is to pause and recharge—it really makes a difference. And yes, I had fun! It was great spending time with coworkers outside of work, sharing laughs, and connecting in a different way. Overall, I came back feeling refreshed and inspired.
PD: Also, it was an unforgettable surprise when I won the raffle—An Amazon $250 gift card!”
“The keynote speakers were incredibly impactful—especially hearing from the astronaut, the struggle care therapist, and the suicide survivor. Each one brought a unique perspective and left me feeling inspired both personally and professionally.
I also attended several workshops that provided practical strategies I can bring into my current work with families, from navigating behaviors in children with autism to exploring video games as a therapeutic tool. Overall, the conference was such a rich learning experience, and I’m excited to integrate these takeaways into the support I provide.”
“The FBHA event was the perfect mix of learning, connecting, and just genuinely enjoying the experience. The sessions were inspiring, especially hearing different perspectives on trauma and healing, and I left feeling motivated and refreshed. Meeting so many passionate professionals and having real conversations about the work we do made it even more meaningful.”
“It was well-organized and offered a mix of engaging sessions and networking opportunities. I enjoyed the balance between professional development and personal wellness—it felt like the event prioritized not just growth in our roles but also taking care of ourselves. One of the biggest things I took away was the reminder about the importance of self-care, especially in a busy work environment. Even small changes can make a big difference in maintaining balance.”
“What I particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to share with my coworkers—our stories, our personal lives. We laughed, we cried, and we truly connected. It was a meaningful and memorable experience.
As for the sessions, the one I enjoyed the most was titled ‘Working with Ambivalent Clients Using Parts Work.’ This workshop taught me how to assist individuals in identifying and working with their conflicting internal parts. The exercise demonstrated was so powerful and empowering—I walked away grateful for the chance to learn, grow, and become better in my role.”
Looking Ahead
The Florida Behavioral Health Conference 2025 left us energized, connected, and full of new ideas. With gratitude to the organizers and to our own staff who represented the Advocacy Network on Disabilities, we return to our community ready to continue our mission: to advocate, empower, and create positive change for individuals with disabilities and their families.
