Event: Veterans Mental Health Summit: The Courage Within

• Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whether you're transitioning from military service, supporting fellow veterans, working in veteran services, or simply looking to connect with others who understand the military experience, this summit is for you.

The Courage Within: Rewriting the Narrative of Veteran Mental Health

Your story. Your strength. Your summit.

Join veterans, mental health professionals, community leaders, educators and advocates from across North Texas for a day of meaningful conversations, practical resources and shared experiences focused on veteran mental health and well-being.

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In-Person and Livestreaming Options:
Whether you plan to attend in person or virtually, registration is required. You'll receive a confirmation email with additional event details after registering.

Register Now

Together, we'll explore what it means to move beyond stigma, build resilience and create a stronger future for the veteran community.

About the Summit

The Veterans Mental Health Summit is a collaborative initiative led by Dallas College Military-Connected Services (MCS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), in partnership with the VA North Texas Health Care System and veteran-serving organizations throughout the region.

For eight years, the summit has brought together veterans, professionals and community members to increase awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen support systems for those who have served.

Keynote speaker and workshop details will be announced soon.

Why Attend?

At the Veterans Mental Health Summit, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Connect with fellow veterans and military-connected individuals from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
• Learn from veteran advocates, community leaders and mental health experts.
• Discover veteran resources and support services available to you and your family.
• Attend engaging workshops focused on wellness, resilience, recovery and personal growth.
• Build relationships with organizations dedicated to serving veterans.
• Earn credit toward work-related professional development and CEUs.
• Be part of an important conversation to help reshape how we talk about veteran mental health.

Whether you're seeking support, looking to support others or wanting to expand your professional knowledge, you'll leave with valuable connections, practical tools and renewed inspiration.

Can't stay all day? That's okay.

Join us for the full summit or attend the sessions that work best with your schedule.

Who Should Attend?

Everyone is welcome, including:

• Veterans and transitioning service members
• Military spouses and family members
• Students
• Mental health professionals, social workers and healthcare providers
• Veteran service organizations
• Community partners
• Educators, employers and anyone who supports the veteran community

More Than a Conference

This year's summit is designed to be interactive, engaging and practical.

In addition to presentations from clinicians and mental health professionals, you can expect:

• Interactive workshops and discussions, from photography to Gladiator Games
• Hands-on wellness and resilience activities (sound bath anyone?)
• Opportunities to connect with veteran-serving organizations
• Resource fair exhibitors from across North Texas
• Meaningful conversations with fellow veterans and community members
• Practical tools and strategies you can use immediately

Special Giveaways

A free breakfast and lunch are not the only giveaways on the menu! In-person attendees will also be eligible for raffle drawings held throughout the summit, featuring prizes such gift cards, household items and other giveaways.

Participants who bring a guest will also be entered into a special bonus raffle drawing. We encourage you to invite a fellow veteran, family member, colleague or "battle buddy" to attend.

Attend in Person or Online

Participate in the way that works best for you.

Virtual

Watch the livestream from anywhere. Register for the virtual attendance option to receive the livestream link and event details via email.

In Person

Dallas College Mountain View Campus, E Building, Performance Hall

Note: Transportation will be provided for Dallas College students traveling from other campuses. Students: Simply indicate your transportation needs when completing the registration form.

Plan Your Day

Whether you stay for the full summit or attend select sessions, you'll experience a full day of learning, connection and wellness.

Time	Experience
8 a.m.	Check-in, breakfast and resource fair open
9 a.m.	Welcome and keynote presentation
10:15 a.m.	Morning breakout sessions begin
11:30 a.m.	Lunch, networking and resource fair open
1 p.m.	Afternoon breakout sessions begin
2:15-4 p.m.	Group reflection, closing remarks and networking

Featured Experiences

Keynote Presentation
Hear from our featured keynote speaker, Dr. Rodney Teague, as we explore this year's theme, “The Courage Within: Rewriting the Narrative of Veteran Mental Health.”

Morning Breakout Sessions
Choose from expert-led sessions covering topics such as:

• Veteran voices and healing journeys
• VA disability claims
• The science behind healing
• Suicide prevention

Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Continue your experience with interactive sessions diving into:

• Creative writing
• Faith and spirituality
• Gladiator Games
• Photography
• Sound bath experience

Resource Fair and Networking
Connect with veteran-serving organizations, community partners and fellow attendees while enjoying lunch and discovering resources available throughout North Texas.

Register Today

Take part in one of North Texas' premier events dedicated to veteran mental health, connection and community!

Registration is free. Reserve your spot today.

Register for the virtual attendance option to receive the livestream link and event details via email.

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Seminars and Speakers