The Altshuler Center for Education and Research

Symposium 473 x 332 px 1

DFW Alliance in Mental & Behavioral Health Research Symposium:
a cross-institutional collaboration advancing innovation in mental and behavioral health

Hosted by Metrocare’s Altshuler Center for Education and Research (ACER)
In Partnership with: UT Southwestern, UT Dallas, UT Arlington, University of North Texas, and East Texas A&M University – Commerce

Friday, April 10, 2026, at 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
T. Boone Pickens Training and Conference
(2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219)

Metrocare is the largest provider of mental health services in North Texas. Metrocare’s ACER supports clinical research in real-world settings, driving treatment innovations that bring renewed hope to those in public mental health.

The symposium brings together researchers across the DFW metroplex to share emerging work, strengthen cross-university partnerships, and spark new research collaborations. Attendees are encouraged to present ongoing projects, pilot findings, or planned studies to receive feedback and expand collaborative networks within the region. The Symposium provides a venue for exposing research ahead of publication.

Accepting Poster Abstract Submissions Beginning December 5th

We invite researchers of all backgrounds and levels of experience to submit an abstract. Posters offer an opportunity for sharing in progress and unpublished studies on a range of topics. Posters are two-dimensional printed presentations most often created using Adobe InDesign or Illustrator, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, and similar applications. Posters may be up to 36 x 48 inches in size and displayed on portable bulletin boards for attendees to review at leisure throughout the symposium. Portable bulletin boards will be provided by Metrocare ACER. No A/V equipment or electricity is provided, but presenters may use their own laptops or tablets during the poster session.

Proposal Deadline

Abstract proposals will be accepted from December 5th, 2025-March 2nd, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. However, to be considered for an oral talk, abstracts must be submitted by February 6th.

Submissions should include:

  • Title
  • Abstract
  • Investigator/author(s) and
  • Peer-reviewed references

Mentorship Program

We recognize that approaching someone new—especially a leader in the field—can feel daunting. Yet, these conversations are often the starting point for meaningful collaboration and career direction.

Based on feedback from last year’s attendees, we are excited to introduce a new Mentorship Program! Registered mentors (faculty or industry professionals) will meet with mentees (students and early-career researchers) in small group breakouts during the lunch session (meal provided). Pairings will be made based on shared scientific interests and professional goals. The Mentorship Program provides a focused opportunity to network, spark collaboration, and gain candid guidance from seasoned professionals across DFW institution.

To help participants get the most out of this experience, we will provide a discussion guide with suggested prompts focused on topics such as:

  • Navigating academic and industry career pathways
  • Developing research identity and programmatic focus
  • Strategies for networking and collaboration
  • Insights on funding, publishing, and job readiness
  • Balancing research, teaching, and/or clinical practice

Participation is optional and will be indicated during registration. Those who indicate interest will receive an email link from ACER to identify your research interests to help us match mentors and mentees.

Mentor-mentee pairings will be shared prior to the event so participants can familiarize themselves with one another and arrive prepared.

Event Registration Opens December 5th

8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration and Breakfast     
9:00 – 9:50 AM Metrocare Welcome featuring John Burruss, MD
10:00 – 10:50 AM Poster Session 1 and Selected Oral Talks
11:00 – 11:45 AM Keynote featuring Joseph Guillory, MD
12:00 – 12:50 PM Lunch & Mentor / Mentee Sessions
1:00 – 1:50 PM Poster Session 2 and Selected Oral Talks    
2:00 – 3:00 PM Closing Remarks with the DFW Alliance Panel

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