Utah Valley University’s (UVU) annual Conference on Mental Health brought together mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates to explore the latest research in key mental health topics and connect with industry peers.
Utah Valley University’s (UVU) annual Conference on Mental Health brought together mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates to explore the latest research in key mental health topics and connect with industry peers. All proceeds from the conference, presented by the UVU College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and key sponsor Cambia Health Foundation, benefit student scholarships for UVU CHSS.
“UVU’s Conference on Mental Health is a true legacy event that continually bridges cutting-edge research with meaningful, real-world impact,” said Dr. Candida Johnson, assistant dean of UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “By bringing forward the latest insights in mental health and making them accessible to a wide and diverse audience, UVU reinforces its commitment to education, awareness, and community well-being for all.”
Session topics included addiction, anxiety, depression, interpersonal violence, and suicide prevention. This year’s keynote speakers were Solomon Thomas and Dr. Paul J. Zak. The 2026 speaker lineup was carefully selected to give attendees access to information from a wide variety of professional and educational backgrounds.
Dr. Zak is a neuroscientist and professor at Claremont Graduate University and is the author of “Immersion: The Science Behind the Extraordinary” and “The Source of Happiness.” In his talk “How Happiness Extends Healthspan: Neuroscience Lessons from a Blue Zone,” Dr. Zak examined happiness and social connections as critical drivers of health span and sustained well-being, leaning on research from “blue zones,” five specific regions around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives.
Thomas, a nine-year NFL veteran and three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, facilitated “A Moderated Conversation with Solomon Thomas: Resilience, Loss, and Breaking the Silence.” The discussion addressed stigma, help-seeking behaviors, and ways to better support individuals facing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
To learn more about UVU’s Conference on Mental Health, please visit https://www.uvu.edu/chss/mental-health/
