2025 CONFERENCE
A reason to celebrate
The 2025 BCACC Conference was one of the Association’s most impactful and well-attended events to date, bringing together nearly 700 mental health professionals from across British Columbia and beyond.
The conference provided a dynamic platform for learning, connection, and professional growth, while reinforcing BCACC’s leadership role within the mental health sector.
This year’s program featured a strong lineup of renowned clinical experts and thought leaders, alongside key system leaders—reflecting both the depth of practice and the evolving role of clinical counsellors within the healthcare system.
Key Highlights:
This year’s program featured a strong lineup of renowned clinical experts and thought leaders, alongside key system leaders—reflecting both the depth of practice and the evolving role of clinical counsellors within the healthcare system.
Featured Presenters
Featured presenters included internationally recognized experts such as:
Dr. Adele Lafrance, a leader in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy,
Dr. Dan Hughes, founder of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, alongside
Dr. David Dadiomov, whose work in psychopharmacology highlighted the importance of integrated, evidence-based approaches to mental health care.
Key Decision-makers and Influencers
Attendees also heard directly from key decision-makers and influencers, including:
Hon. Josie Osborne – Minister of Health, Province of British Columbia
Cynthia Johansen – Deputy Minister of Health
Johnny Morris – Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC
These contributions helped ground the conference in both current system realities and future opportunities, particularly as the profession continues to evolve within British Columbia’s healthcare system.
media attention
The conference also generated provincial media attention, including coverage by Radio-Canada (Téléjournal Colombie-Britannique). BCACC was featured in an on-site interview highlighting its collaboration with Réseau Santé, as well as its broader role in supporting Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and strengthening access to culturally responsive and French-language mental health services.
“BCACC is working to support counsellors across the province and improve access to care, including for Francophone communities.”
— Radio-Canada, Téléjournal Colombie-Britannique (September 2025)
Wide range of workshops
In addition to plenary sessions, the conference offered a wide range of clinical, professional, and emerging practice content, equipping attendees with practical tools and insights to support their work. Topics reflected the evolving nature of mental health care, including innovation in practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparation for future changes in the profession.
Thera-Party!
A highlight of the event was the Thera-Party, which welcomed approximately 350 attendees. This signature gathering created space for informal connection, peer support, and celebration—an important complement to the clinical and educational components of the conference. The strong turnout reflected the value members place on community and professional belonging.
Across the event, several key themes emerged.
Participants emphasized the importance of integrating clinical counsellors more fully into the healthcare system to address growing demand and access challenges.
There was strong interest in the future evolution of the profession, including expanded roles, interdisciplinary collaboration, and improving access to care.
Attendees also highlighted the need for continued coordination across sectors to support more seamless, client-centered services.
Overall, the 2025 Conference reinforced BCACC’s role as a convener, leader, and advocate for the profession.
By bringing together practitioners, leading clinicians, policymakers, media, and system partners, the event strengthened connections, elevated the profile of RCCs, and positioned clinical counsellors as an essential part of the mental health care solution in British Columbia.
A FEW PHOTOS OF THE EVENT
