On June 20, 2025, UCLA and Connections in Recovery (CiR) successfully hosted the 6th Annual Los Angeles Mental Health & Addiction Symposium at UCLA’s Neuroscience Research Building Auditorium. The accredited event, which offered 4.0 CE or CME credits through the UCLA Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs (ISAP), brought together renowned experts from across the country to share insight, research, and tools on pressing issues in behavioral health.
This year’s symposium explored critical and emerging topics including the public health impact of sports betting, the stigma surrounding addictive disorders, the effects of social media and cyberbullying on mental health, and how principles of community psychology can be translated into clinical practice. Attendees had the opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge, deepen their understanding of these evolving issues, and strengthen treatment connections across Southern California.
The event was open to a broad range of behavioral health professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs, certified substance use disorder treatment counselors, and other licensed clinicians.
This year’s dynamic lineup of presenters delivered compelling presentations to a full room of clinicians, treatment professionals, and community advocates. Dr. Timothy Fong, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Co-Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, opened the day with an eye-opening talk on the growing mental health impacts of sports betting on the body, brain, and mind.
Dr. Don Grant followed with an urgent and insightful session addressing the rising issue of cyber-aggression, especially among youth, highlighting how digital spaces are shaping mental health outcomes. Dr. Melita Stancil traveled from New York to present a deeply informed session on the intersection of clinical and community psychology, drawing on her experience as a national speaker and clinical psychologist. Dr. Jonathan Avery, Vice Chair of Addiction Psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, closed the day with a moving talk on the persistent stigma surrounding addiction and strategies for collective change.
This year marked the symposium’s most diverse speaker lineup to date, with thought leaders from both coasts and attendees from a wide range of disciplines. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive—participants expressed how meaningful, relevant, and inspiring the sessions were.
Connections in Recovery is proud to have once again partnered with UCLA to facilitate thoughtful, educational conversations around addiction and mental health. As we look ahead to future events, we remain committed to bringing together professionals, peers, and families to support compassionate, evidence-based care in recovery and behavioral health.
Stay connected for future symposiums and CE opportunities at www.connectionsinrecovery.com.
