Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists
2026 VACP Spring Conference
Hotel 24 South
24 S Market Street
Staunton, VA 24401
USA
Thursday, April 16, 2026 to Saturday, April 18, 2026
Category: VACP Events

Please join us for the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (VACP) Spring Conference, April 16-18 at Hotel 24 South in Staunton, VA. The theme of this year's Spring Conference is "Socio-Relational Development Across the Life Span"

Click here to download the complete program

The deadline to register is Friday, March 27th!


LODGING INFORMATION

The discounted rate for VACP at Hotel24 South is $155.00* / night. There are a limited number of rooms available at this rate, so please make your reservations by Monday, March 16, 2026, by calling 540-885-4848 and mentioning the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, or click here to make your reservations online. Parking is $7.50 per night in attached, covered garage.

*All guestroom rates are subject to state and local taxes, currently 12%.


We are delighted to invite you to the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (VACP) Spring Conference, scheduled for April 16-18, 2026, at the beautiful Hotel 24 South in Staunton, VA. This year’s conference theme, “The Influence of Relationships on Socio-Emotional Development,” provides a rich tapestry of exploration, connecting the threads of human interaction throughout the lifespan—from early childhood to aging. 

Join us as we explore how family dynamics, peer relationships, romantic partnerships, and workplace connections influence our identities, mental health, and overall well-being. Additionally, we will examine the transformative role of technology and social media in modern relationships, alongside the cultural and global influences that shape our social connections.

Our comprehensive program will feature engaging sessions on a variety of pertinent topics, including:

  1. The Ethical Issues for Clinical Psychologists: Navigating the APA Ethics Code in the Digital World of Online Reputation Management
  2. Attachment, Loneliness, and the Architecture of Adult Friendship
  3. Navigating Socio-Relational Development Around the World: Global Implications and Local Applications for Clinical Practice
  4. How Immigration Affects Parenting: Mindset, Coping Strategies, and the World View of Second Generation Children
  5. Learning by Doing: An Epistemological Approach for Racial Sensitivity
  6. The Politics of Stress: Lifespan Approaches to Therapy in Divided Times
  7. Conversation Hour with the Board of Psychology: Discussion on Current Events Impacting Psychologists

We are honored to host esteemed presenters, including:

  • Dr. Zetta Bowles, PsyD - Triarea Community Health
  • Dr. Leslie Stelljes Nanson, PsyD - Aspen Grove Wellness, Co-Founder
  • Dr. Stephanie McGraw, PsyD - Aspen Grove Wellness, Co-Founder
  • Dr. Christy Barongan, Ph.D.
  • Gene Cash, LCSW-S - Counseling Alliance of Virginia
  • Dr. Rafaella Sale, Ph.D.
  • Dr. Craig Shealy, Ph.D. - Executive Director of International Beliefs and Values Institute
  • Dr. Devi Bhuyan, Psy.D. - Director of Clinical Psychology at Sheppard Pratt Hospital
  • Adriana Sofía Silva, M.T.F.S., M.A. - Clinical and Psychosocial Training Center, Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Colombia
  • Dr. Edward A. Peck III, PhD, ABPP-Cn - Neuropsychological Services of Virginia
  • Lucien W. Roberts, III, MHA, FACMPE
  • Dr. Peter Sheras, PhD, ABPP
  • Dr. Carla Messenger, PhD

We look forward to coming together as a community—sharing insights, fostering connections, and enhancing our understanding of how meaningful relationships evolve and can be nurtured at every stage of life. 

See you in Staunton!

Warm regards,

Ridjie Chery, Psy.D., LCP
VACP CE Committee Chair


Contact: [email protected]