Event: Veterans Mental Health Summit: The Courage Within

Illustration of a pair of hands holding a brain and heart
  • Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Mountain View and Online
       
  • Mountain View Campus
    4849 W. Illinois Ave., Dallas TX 75211
  •    
  • Online
    This event will take place online/virtually. Please review the event description for more details.

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.

MCS Health Summit Attendees

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.

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

MCS Health Summit Resource Fair

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.

MCS Health Summit Awardee

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.

8 a.m.

Check-in, breakfast and resource fair open

9 a.m.

Welcome and keynote presentation

Hope Moves the Story Forward: Recovery, Authorship and Authority

No photo available
Rodney C. Teague, Ph.D.

CEU credits are available for mental health professionals

10:15 a.m.

Morning sessions

A Courageous Fireside Chat: Everyone Has a Story

No photo available
Kimberley Toynes, Ph.D., LPC, LCDC

You Don’t Have To Go It Alone: Guidance for Your VA Disability Claim

No photo available
Martell Williams, M.Ed.

Science of Recovery

No photo available
Christopher Holland-Deguire, Psy.D.

CEU credits are available for mental health professionals

Suicide Prevention

No photo available
Adam V. Chancy, D.S.W., LCSW-S

11:30 a.m.

Lunch, networking and resource fair open

1 p.m.

Afternoon breakout sessions begin

Sound Bath Healing Experience

No photo available
Anne Bartell

Photo Therapy: Using Photography To Tell Your Story

No photo available
Tarik Warren

Therapeutic Creative Writing

No photo available
Rodney C. Teague, Ph.D.

Spiritual Narrative: Finding a Way Out of No Way

No photo available
Chaplain Robin D. Booth, M.Div., D.Min., BCC,. and Chaplain Terri Gast, D.Min., M.Div., M.S.W.

Gladiator Games

No photo available
George Young and Jelani Hopkins

2:15
to 4 p.m.

Group reflection, closing remarks and networking

Resource Fair and Networking

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

MCS Health Summit Veterans

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

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