Conference on Political Bias and Mental Health

Live podcast recording with Rob Henderson and Erica Komisar. Discussion of a national survey on political bias in therapy with Sally Satel. Talks on anti-male aggression, cultivating patient agency, treating conservative patients, and more.

OTI Member

$399 $499
early-bird pricing until July 31

Professional Members: $299*
Premier Members: $199*
*using code in member dashboard

Non-Member

$449 $549
early-bird pricing until July 31

Open to all, no membership required — just complete a brief background screening as part of checkout.

OTI members
save more.

Not a member? Click here to view membership tiers and rates.

Featured Speakers & Topics

9.25 CEs available. Talks meet accreditation standards for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and counselors.

  • Reforming Mental Health in the Coming Years

    Andrew Hartz, Ph.D.
    Open Therapy Institute

  • Anti-White Bullying in the School System

    Omar Sultan Haque, M.D., Ph.D.
    Harvard Medical School

  • Anti-Male Bias and Aggression in Higher Education

    Joshua Aronson, Ph.D.
    New York University

  • Psychotherapy with Conservative Patients

    Richard Redding, J.D., Ph.D.
    Chapman University

  • Agency versus Victimhood Narratives

    Michael Strambler, Ph.D.
    Yale University

  • Role of Queer Theory in Mental Health

    Pamela Paresky, Ph.D.
    Harvard University

  • Politics and Emotion Dysregulation in Therapy

    Jill Cermele, Ph.D.
    Drew University

  • Minorities with Heterodox Viewpoints

    Lawrence Ian Reed, Ph.D.
    New York University

  • Secular Bias in the Mental Health System

    Nina Silander, Psy.D.
    Clinical Health Psychologist and Researcher

  • Understanding Political Violence and Anger

    J. Ryan Fuller, Ph.D.
    New York Behavioral Health

  • Importance of Psychological Differences Between Sexes

    William C. Sanderson, Ph.D.
    Hofstra University

  • Faith and Meaning in the Mental Health System

    Omar Sultan Haque, M.D., Ph.D.
    Harvard Medical School

Join us for a live recording of the Open Therapy Podcast featuring prominent voices in mental health, culture, and clinical practice. This special session brings together respected guests for a timely conversation on therapy, society, and the ideas shaping public discourse.

Live Recording: Open Therapy Podcast

  • Rob Henderson, Ph.D.

    Manhattan Institute

  • Erica Komisar, LCSW

    Attachment Circles

  • Andrew Hartz, Ph.D.

    Open Therapy Institute

Featured Panel

When Politics Enters the Therapy Room: Findings from a National Survey of Patient Experiences

  • Sally Satel, M.D.

    Yale School of Medicine

  • Omar Sultan Haque, M.D., Ph.d.

    Harvard Medical School

  • Michael Strambler, Ph.D.

    Yale University

  • Richard Redding, J.D., Ph.D.

    Chapman University

Agenda

Full program details, including the speaker lineup and session descriptions, will be announced soon. Attendees may earn up to 9.25 accredited continuing education credits through eligible talks and panels.

Friday
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Welcome Reception, including:

  • Heavy hors d'oeuvres

  • Open bar

Saturday
8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Full Day of Programming, including:

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Featured talks and panel conversations

  • Evening Social to Follow

Sunday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Full Day of Programming, including:

  • Breakfast and lunch

  • Featured talks and panel discussions

  • Closing sessions

Location

Conference Venue

Historic Decatur House
748 Jackson Place NW
Washington, D.C. 20006

Welcome Reception

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
806 15th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005

Accommodations

A room block has been secured at the Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square (806 15th St. NW) at the rate of $289/night. Please use the button below to secure your room before September 18, 2026.

BOOK HOTEL

FAQs

  • No. The conference is open to all mental health professionals and we look forward to welcoming attendees beyond the OTI membership. Registration is subject to review.

  • Certainly. Althought it is not required, we welcome you to join as an OTI member before or after the conference. To join, click here.

  • Conference registration will close on September 28, 2026, or earlier if the event reaches capacity.

  • A room block has been secured at the Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square (806 15th St. NW) at the rate of $289/night. Please secure your room before September 18, 2026 here.

  • Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email eldridge@opentherapyinstitute.org for information and partnership opportunities.

  • Food allergies can be accommodated. However, we may not be able to accommodate all unique dietary restrictions or preferences. Attendees are welcome to bring supplemental snacks or meals, and local dining options will also be available nearby.

  • Participants may earn up to 9.25 CE credits through this program.

Please reach out to info@opentherapyinstitute.org with any further questions