The Future of Mental Health in America
Two days in Boston — patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and advocates in difficult, constructive conversation about where mental health care in America goes next.
Difficult conversations make strong coalitions.
Following the momentum of last year's sold-out inaugural conference and the May Mental Health and Overmedicalization Summit in DC, we're gathering again in Boston. Current and former patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, journalists, academics, family members, and advocates — across a wider range of perspectives than usually share a room.
Over two days we're taking on the historical, scientific, institutional, environmental, economic, and cultural underpinnings of today's mental health crisis — and where to go from here. This isn't a problem of us and them. It's an information and incentive problem we're all facing together.
A living map of the voices we're bringing to the table.
Voices in the same room, on purpose.
Scenes from ICI's 2025 inaugural gathering — the coalition we're building on this January in Boston.
25 voices from across research, clinical practice, and lived experience.
Speakers, panelists, and moderators shaping conversations across two days of programming.
Two days, three sessions, one gala.
Welcome Reception
Boston Marriott Long Wharf · Boston, MA
- 5:00 – 7:00 PMCocktail reception & registration
How We Got Here
Exploring the historical, cultural, and institutional forces that shaped modern responses to emotional distress.
- 8:45 AMFrom Asylum to Algorithm: The Long Reckoning in Mental HealthDavid Cohen
A historical overview of how modern responses to emotional distress developed over the past sixty years and how certain institutions and ideas became dominant.
- 9:10 AMThe Mythology of Chemical Imbalances and Chemical CuresJoanna Moncrieff
An exploration of how biochemical explanations for emotional suffering became embedded in public culture and clinical training.
- 9:35 AMPsychiatric Drugs and Long-Term OutcomesRobert Whitaker
A critical look at how psychiatric drugs became central to mainstream care and what long-term outcome data show about their real-world effects.
The Consequences of Medicalization
Investigating how medicalized ideas have shaped identity, care, and the meaning of distress.
- 10:20 AMThe Medicalization of ChildhoodPanel — Moderator: Mollie Adler · Panelists: Gretchen LeFever Watson, Nick Taber, Alan Cassels
A discussion of the expanding focus on diagnosis and treatment in childhood and the forces that steer young people into clinical pathways.
- 11:05 AMInformed Choice from a Parent's PerspectiveLaura Delano & Jan Baszucki
A discussion on informed choice, transparency, and navigating limited options within the mental health system from the family member perspective.
- 11:30 AMThe Impact of Medicalization on PsychiatristsPanel — Moderator: Kelsey Osgood · Panelists: Javeed Sukhera, Mark Horowitz, Joanna Moncrieff
An exploration of how medicalization shapes the inner lives of psychiatrists, narrowing the scope of meaning and practice and placing them in roles that conflict with their own judgment and values.
Remediating, Reforming & Moving Beyond the Mental Health Industry
Exploring practical, clinical, and cultural pathways beyond diagnosis-driven care.
- 1:30 PMClinical DeprescribingAnders Sørensen & Mark Horowitz
An overview of the clinical application of hyperbolic psychiatric drug tapering, including strategies for supporting clients during withdrawal.
- 2:15 PMThe Veteran Overmedication Crisis: How Veterans Heal, and How We Reform VAModerator: Kim Witczak · Speakers: Derek Blumke, Angie Peacock
A dual perspective session on what went wrong—and what veterans actually need.
- 2:50 PMMoving Beyond Therapy CultureLaura Delano & Mollie Adler
A discussion on how to move beyond therapy culture and the reflex to frame emotional struggle through diagnosis and treatment.
- 3:15 PMThe Future of TherapyPanel — Moderator: Kelsey Osgood · Panelists: Nicole Laurent, David Walker, Roger McFillin
A discussion of alternative clinical modalities to support people instead of diagnoses and medications, including somatic and metabolic approaches.
- 4:05 PMMoving Beyond Diagnoses and MedsLauren Kennedy West
A personal account of moving beyond diagnosis and medication toward a different understanding of suffering and self.
- 4:30 PMChanging Minds: Shifting Culture Through Personal StorytellingPanel — Moderator: Cooper Davis · Panelists: Cameron LaBar, Danielle Gansky
A discussion about the power of individual stories to reshape collective narratives.
Evening Gala
Boston Marriott Long Wharf · Boston, MA
- 7:00 PMReception
- 7:30 PMDinner and keynote address by Laura Delano
The room we're building.
Sold-out inaugural convening, 2025 — a preview of the coalition returning to Boston this January.
A weekend worth the trip — before and after the sessions.
The conference sits on the Boston waterfront, at the seam between the Financial District, the North End, and the harbor. Historic streets, an unmatched neighborhood food scene, and easy transit access mean the trip pulls double duty — professional and personal.
- Waterfront setting on Boston Harbor, steps from Faneuil Hall and the North End
- The Freedom Trail runs right past the venue — walk 400 years of American history
- North End restaurants, cafés, and pastry shops just a few blocks away
- The New England Aquarium is next door; the Boston Public Market is a short walk
- On-site dining, harbor-view rooms, and quick T access from Aquarium Station
Boston Marriott Long Wharf, plus a curated list nearby.
Five options — from the on-site conference hotel to boutique downtown stays and a waterfront retreat. Hover a card to preview the space.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf
The host hotel — sessions, meals, and gatherings all happen here. Waterfront rooms overlooking Boston Harbor, steps from Faneuil Hall and the North End. A discounted room block will be announced soon.
Visit hotel →Boston Marriott Long Wharf
The Bostonian Boston
Boutique hotel overlooking Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a two-block walk from the venue. French-inspired dining, private balconies on select rooms, and quick access to the North End and waterfront.
Visit website →The Bostonian Boston
Battery Wharf Hotel
Luxury waterfront hotel on a private wharf at the edge of the North End. Harbor views, an on-site spa, and a quick harborwalk stroll to the conference.
Visit website →Battery Wharf Hotel
Boston Harbor Hotel
Landmark five-star hotel under the iconic Rowes Wharf arch. Harbor-facing rooms, Meritage restaurant, and a scenic waterfront walk to the venue.
Visit website →Boston Harbor Hotel
Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
Playful, design-forward Kimpton on the Charles River in East Cambridge. A distinctive alternative just across the river, with easy access via the T or a short rideshare to the venue.
Visit website →Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
Everything you need for the trip.
Nearest airports
- Boston Logan International (BOS) — ~10 min drive or water taxi across the harbor
- Manchester–Boston Regional (MHT) — ~1 hr drive
- T.F. Green International (PVD, Providence) — ~1 hr drive
- South Station (Amtrak, commuter rail, bus) — ~10 min drive
Ground transportation
- MBTA Blue Line to Aquarium Station — 3-minute walk to the venue
- Rideshare (Uber / Lyft), local taxis, and rental cars
- Boston Harbor water taxi from Logan directly to Long Wharf
Parking
- On-site valet parking at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf
- Nearby Harbor Garage (70 East India Row) for day guests
- 75 State Street Garage — a short walk, often lower daily rates
Food & dining nearby
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace & Quincy Market — steps from the venue
- The North End — Boston's Italian neighborhood, a 5-minute walk
- Boston Public Market — local vendors, produce, and grab-and-go
- Waterfront restaurants along Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf
What to wear.
- Wednesday evening receptionCocktail attire
- Thursday conferenceBusiness casual
- Thursday evening reception & gala dinnerBlack-tie optional
Join us in Boston.
Two days of conversation with the people rethinking mental health in America. In-person seats are limited; livestream tickets keep the doors open no matter where you are.
- January 27–28, 2027Boston Marriott Long Wharf · Boston, MA
- In-person or livestreamBoth include full session access
- Non-refundableTransfers welcome — email hello@theinnercompass.org
The most honest gathering on mental health I've attended in a decade. I left with a wider sense of what care can look like — and who it can come from.”
Questions & details.
Everything you need to know before registering for the conference and gala.
Every in-person ticket includes access to all conference sessions across both days at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf, plus the Wednesday evening welcome reception, morning coffee, and networking breaks.
Join us in Boston this January.
In-person and livestream tickets available. All tickets non-refundable at time of purchase.
Interested in sponsoring?
If you're interested in sponsoring this event or our work generally, email us at hello@theinnercompass.org. We'd love to hear from you.