On October 1, 2026, the Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professionals (PAAP) will host its Annual Conference, Collaborations to Change, in the Harrisburg area. The one-day event aims to unite counselors, peer specialists, clinicians, and policymakers to address the fragmented nature of addiction treatment in Pennsylvania. With up to 6.5 continuing education units (CEUs) available, immersive training sessions, an exhibit hall, and structured networking, the conference represents a significant investment in the state's behavioral health workforce.
The event features a lineup of prominent figures. It opens with a President's Welcome from PAAP President Dr. Ken Martz, followed by a morning plenary with Latika Davis-Jones and a discussion on The State of Addiction in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania featuring Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), and Gary Tennis, former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). Lunchtime plenaries include Dr. Martz's Common Ground, Common Language: Treating the Heart of Addiction Together and Bill Miller's The Evolution of Motivational Interviewing. Breakout sessions will cover timely topics such as online gambling and recovery, ethical use of AI in behavioral health, moral injury, family healing, recovery capital, peer recovery support, trauma-informed care, process addictions, and gender-affirming care.
The conference's theme underscores a critical issue: the need for a unified approach to addiction treatment. "Pennsylvania has people doing extraordinary work in treatment, prevention, recovery support, and policy, but too often they're working in parallel instead of together," said Dr. Ken Martz, President of PAAP. "This conference is about building a common language across those roles. When we treat the emotional heart of addiction as a shared mission, our clients feel the difference." This emphasis on collaboration is vital, as addiction is a complex condition that requires coordinated efforts across multiple disciplines to effectively address prevention, treatment, and recovery.
For professionals in the field, the conference offers a rare opportunity to learn from pioneers like Bill Miller, whose motivational interviewing techniques have transformed clinical practice worldwide. It also provides a platform for networking and sharing best practices, which can lead to improved patient outcomes. The inclusion of topics like AI in behavioral health and gender-affirming care reflects the evolving landscape of addiction treatment and the need for professionals to stay abreast of emerging trends and ethical considerations.
Registration for the conference is open at https://paaddictionprofessionals.org. The event also offers vendor, sponsorship, and advertising opportunities, allowing organizations to support the workforce and gain visibility. More details about the conference agenda and registration can be found at https://paaddictionprofessionals.org/annual-conference-pennsylvania-association-of-addictions-professionals/. Dr. Ken Martz, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience, is a key figure in the field. He serves as President of PAAP, Co-Chair of NAADAC's National Policy Committee, and a member of NAADAC's Board of Directors, and is full-time graduate psychology faculty at Purdue University Global. His extensive background includes serving as Special Assistant to the Secretary and Policy Director for the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Dr. Martz is also the author of nine books, including the international bestseller Manage My Emotions. His newest book, Unshakable, addresses anxiety in high-performing men. Learn more about his work at https://DrKenMartz.com.
The implications of this conference extend beyond the immediate event. By fostering collaboration and providing advanced training, PAAP is working to strengthen the addiction workforce in Pennsylvania, which ultimately benefits individuals and families affected by substance use and gambling disorders. As the opioid crisis and other addiction challenges persist, such initiatives are crucial for building a resilient and effective response system.
