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Join us August 11 – 12 for the 2026 Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium.

We will be in person at the New Braunfels Convention Center! A virtual option is available for those who cannot make it in person.

Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium 2026

August 11–12, 2026 New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center
In-person attendance strongly encouraged | Virtual option available

Learn. Connect. Act.

Join Texas’ premier suicide prevention gathering — in person.

The Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium 2026 is a two day, statewide convening of professionals, advocates, educators, military and Veteran partners, and community leaders committed to saving lives and strengthening prevention efforts across Texas.

Join us August 11–12 in New Braunfels for a dynamic, in person experience featuring nationally recognized speakers, handson resources, and meaningful opportunities to connect with peers from across the state.

Why Attend In Person?

In person attendance unlocks the full symposium experience — including exclusive benefits not available virtually:

  •  🎤 Two full days of nationally recognized speakers sharing research, best practices, and practical tools you can use immediately
  •  🎒 Pick up 988 and safety planning supplies to take back to your school, campus, organization, or community
  •  🏢 Explore our outstanding Exhibitor Hall, featuring prevention resources, tools, and programs from organizations across Texas
  •  🤝 NEW THIS YEAR! Join your colleagues for happy hour meet and greet on August 11 at the end of the day:
    • K–12 professionals
    • Higher Education
    • Local community partners
    • Military & Veteran-serving organizations
    • Peer Support & Lived Experience
      (More meetup details coming soon!)
  •  📚 FREE Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for eligible professionals: TCOLE, TEA, NASW, Nurse Contact hours for in person attendees
    • A registration fee applies initially and will be fully refunded after the event for those attending in person

What You’ll Take Home

  • Actionable strategies to strengthen suicide prevention efforts
  • New connections with partners across sectors and regions
  • Practical materials to support prevention and safety planning
  • Renewed energy, purpose, and commitment to this lifesaving work

Hosted by the Texas Suicide Prevention Council

This symposium is proudly hosted by the Texas Suicide Prevention Council, a statewide network of more than 140 partner organizations working collaboratively to reduce suicide and promote mental wellness across Texas.

Can’t Be There in Person? No Problem.

We know not everyone can travel — virtual attendance is available via Zoom. Join us online to hear from nationally recognized speakers, access high quality learning sessions, and stay connected to suicide prevention efforts across Texas.

Please note: In person meetups, exhibitor interactions, and resource materials are available to in person attendees only. Virtual attendees must purchase CEU’s for a small fee that is non-refundable. Hours awarded are determined by active session attendance.

Join the Conversation

Follow #TxSP26 and tag @StopTxSuicides to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners.  See you on Linkedin, Instagram and X!

 
wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at August 11, 2026 Session August 12, 2026 Session
1 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:02 AM lisasullivan 13/04/2026 06:51 PM 7:30-8:15 AM Check In - Networking- Breakfast with Jocelyn 7:30-8:15 AM Check In - Networking - Breakfast with Jocelyn
2 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:02 AM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:21 PM 8:15-8:30 AM Council Welcome 8:15-8:30 AM Council Welcome
4 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:03 AM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:22 PM 8:30-9:30 AM The Cutting-Edge of Clinical Suicidology: Effective Assessment and Treatment of Suicidal Risk 8:30-9:15 AM C-SSRS Updates
5 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:04 AM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:25 PM 9:30-9:45 AM BREAK 9:15-10:30 AM Department of War Suicide Prevention Priorities/ Lethal Means Safety
6 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:04 AM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:14 PM 09:45-10:30 AM Emerging Technologies in Suicide Prevention: AI Applications Making a Difference 10:30-10:45 AM BREAK
7 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:05 AM lisasullivan 16/04/2026 09:31 PM 10:30- 11:15 AM National Strategy & 988 Updates 10:45-11:30 AM Loss Team Panel
8 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:05 AM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:22 PM 11:15-12:30 PM LUNCH (on your own) 11:30-12:45 PM LUNCH (on your own)
9 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:05 AM lisasullivan 19/06/2026 04:01 PM 12:30-1:00 PM Giveaways 12:45-1:00 PM Awards
10 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:05 AM lisasullivan 16/04/2026 09:29 PM 1:00-1:45 PM Building a Culture of Wellness 1:00-1:45 PM From First Responder to Peer Supporter: My Journey Through Depression, Suicide, and Advocacy for Change as Medicolegal Death Investigator.
11 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:05 AM lisasullivan 13/04/2026 06:48 PM 1:45-2:00 PM BREAK 1:45-2:00 PM BREAK
12 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 03:06 AM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:18 PM 2:00-2:45 PM K-20 Lessons Learned in Suicide Prevention 2:00-2:45 PM Disaster Behavioral Health and Suicide
14 lisasullivan 09/04/2026 05:08 PM lisasullivan 19/06/2026 04:00 PM 2:45-3:30 PM Moving Upstream: Building Strength-Based, Sustainable Suicide Prevention Strategies in Schools and Communities 2:45-3:15 PM Economic Support and Suicide Prevention
15 lisasullivan 15/04/2026 06:09 PM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:29 PM 3:30-4:00 PM Updates from Texas Suicide Prevention Council 3:15-3:45 PM Update From The State Office of Rural Health
16 lisasullivan 15/04/2026 06:10 PM lisasullivan 16/04/2026 05:23 PM Meet Ups
17 lisasullivan 15/04/2026 06:11 PM lisasullivan 16/04/2026 05:24 PM 5:00- 6:00 PM Higher Education [Location]
18 lisasullivan 15/04/2026 06:15 PM lisasullivan 16/04/2026 05:24 PM 5:00 -6:00 PM K-12 [Location]
19 lisasullivan 15/04/2026 06:16 PM lisasullivan 16/04/2026 09:27 PM 5:00- 6:00 PM Local Community Partners [Location]
20 lisasullivan 15/04/2026 06:17 PM lisasullivan 16/04/2026 05:26 PM 5:00- 6:00 PM Military and Veteran [Location]
22 lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:24 PM lisasullivan 12/06/2026 08:24 PM 5:00-6:00 PM Peer Support and Lived Experience [Location]

*Please note that sessions and speakers are subject to change.

 

 

 

Alicia Matteson, PhD

Director (Acting) Defense Suicide Prevention Office

April Foreman, PhD, LP,

Director of Technology and Innovation, Veterans Crisis Line Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Daniel Schwam

Senior Quantitative Analyst at RAND

David A. Jobes, PhD., ABPP

Professor of Psychology

Ernest Stevens, B.S.

Managing Director at Council of State Governments

James Wright, M.S., LPC

Acting Director
988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office

Jarrod Hindman

Chief Operating Officer
Sources of Strength

Jennifer Bornemann, LCSW-C, BCD

Captain, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
Disaster Behavioral Health Lead   

Jocelyn Obermeyer, B.M.

Professional Harpist

Johnna Green, R.N.

Founder of the Cooke County LOSS Team (CCLT)

Jonathan Singer, PhD. , LCSW

Professor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work Social Worker

Dr. Kelly Posner Gerstenhaber

Professor of Psychiatry Columbia University, Founder and Director The Columbia Lighthouse Project 

Lisa Sullivan

Executive Director
Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative

Nicole Elliot, LCSW

Director
Zero Suicide Services and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at West Texas Counseling & Guidance

Ruben Leal

Medicolegal Death Investigator,  Public Safety Professional, Mental Health Advocate

Ryan I. Seymour

Program Coordinator,  Suicide Prevention and Suicide Response Defense Suicide Prevention Office

Tammy Weppelman, MS LPC-S

 

Trish Rivera

East Texas Regional Coordinator
State Office of Rural Health

Melody Palmer Arizola, LPC-S

Jennifer Battle, MSW

  

 

Sponsors

Texas Suicide Prevention Council
 Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative

 Texas Council of Community Centers

McKenna Foundation

Connections

 Sources of Strength

 

Run for Jeev

Methodist
Richard & Melody Hatfield  

Featured Exhibitors

 
UT Teen Health Connections Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative

 

    
 Austin Oaks Hospital  Cedar Crest  
     

Exhibitors

Veteran Spouse Network

 Canyon Creek Behavioral Health

Meridell Achievement Center
Hill Country MHDD Ernest Stevens Texas Department of Agriculture
Family Care Center

3rd Battalion 11th Marines Foundation

(3/11 Marines Foundation)

 NAMI -TEXAS

 

📍 LOCATION & VENUE

New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center
375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

The Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium will be held at the New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, a centrally located venue just minutes from historic downtown. The facility offers modern meeting spaces, convenient parking, and easy access to hotels, dining, and local attractions.

Attendees can expect a comfortable, professional environment with nearby amenities within a short drive or walking distance.

🏨 NEARBY HOTELS

We have secured room blocks at the following hotels for your convenience:

Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels
750 I-35 N Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 626-4700
👉 Please click this link to reserve your room.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Braunfels
1465 I-35 N Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 626-3133
👉 Please click this link to reserve your room.

Candlewood Suites New Braunfels
1471 I-35 N Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 387-4014
👉 Please click this link to reserve your room.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Braunfels
1436 N Business Loop IH 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 626-1234
👉 Please click this link to reserve your room.

Additional Nearby Hotels

If room blocks are full, the following hotels are also located within a short drive of the convention center:

  • Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels
    1501 I-35 N Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Phone: (830) 620-4200
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, New Braunfels, TX
    1483 I-35 N Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Phone: (830) 310-7325
  • Comfort Suites
    1489 IH-35 N, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Phone: (830) 643-1100
  • Wingate by Wyndham New Braunfels
    245 FM 306, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Phone: (830) 515-4701
  • Hampton Inn & Suites New Braunfels
    575 Hwy 46 S, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Phone: (830) 608-0123
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton New Braunfels
    620 Oxford Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Phone: (830) 627-4424
  • The Resort at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
    305 W Austin St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
    Phone: (830) 625-2351

🍽️ NEARBY RESTAURANTS

🎟️ Symposium Dining Specials:

Attendees can enjoy exclusive “Show Us Your Badge” lunch menus at select locations during the symposium:

  • Available August 11 & 12
  • Simply show your conference badge to receive special menu offerings

Participating restaurants include:

Krause’s Café
148 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 625-2807
👉 Website: https://www.krausescafe.com/
A New Braunfels staple featuring authentic German cuisine and one of the largest beer gardens in Texas.

The Mess Around
736 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 358-3506
👉 Website: https://themessaroundnb.com/
A fun, casual spot known for creative comfort food and a relaxed atmosphere just minutes from the convention center.

 

Walkable & Downtown Favorites

Saludos New Braunfels
398 E San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 264-6213
👉 Website: https://www.saludosnbtx.com/
Modern Latin-inspired dishes, shareable plates, and handcrafted cocktails in a lively downtown setting.

Downtown Social
386 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 214-6650
👉 Website: https://www.downtownsocialnb.com/
A fun, high-energy venue with food, drinks, bowling, games, and live music—great for groups.

Old City Hall Restaurant & Bar
200 N Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 292-4085
👉 Website: https://www.oldcityhalltx.com/
An upscale dining experience in a historic building, perfect for a nicer evening out.

Local Favorites (Short Drive)

Pat’s Place Restaurant
New Braunfels, TX
Phone: (830) 629-1491
👉 Website: https://patsplacenbtx.com/
A long-time local favorite serving comfort food, Tex-Mex, and weekend brunch.

Dos Rios Mexican Bar & Grill
1281 N Academy Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
👉 Website: https://www.concerthotels.com/restaurant/dos-rios-mexican-bar-grill/106160
A lively Tex-Mex spot known for fajitas, tacos, and margaritas in a casual atmosphere.

Additional Nearby Dining Options

(Within a few minutes of the Convention Center)

  • Huisache Grill – Rustic-chic dining with Southwestern flavors
  • McAdoo’s Seafood Company – Popular seafood spot in a historic post office building

 

🅿️  PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

Parking Information

Parking at the convention center is convenient and accessible for all attendees:

  • Free parking is available on-site and nearby
  • Includes on-street and off-street parking options surrounding the venue
  • Multiple lots are located within a short walking distance
  • Parking is generally easy to access from nearby downtown streets

The Civic & Convention Center is located in historic downtown New Braunfels, where there is ample parking available at no charge for visitors.

Additional Downtown Parking Notes

While the convention center offers free parking, please note:

  • Some downtown street parking may be paid, depending on location and time of day
  • Paid parking areas may offer the first hour free, with hourly rates after that
  • Be sure to check posted signage when parking downtown

Transportation Options

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

  • Readily available throughout New Braunfels
  • Drop-off and pick-up can be done directly at the convention center entrance

Driving Directions

  • From San Antonio: Take I-35 North, exit 187 (Seguin Ave), approximately 1 mile to the venue
  • From Austin: Take I-35 South, exit 187 (Seguin Ave), approximately 1 mile to the venue

✈️ TRAVEL INFORMATION

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
9800 Airport Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: (210) 207-3433

  • Distance: ~27 miles
  • Drive Time: ~30–35 minutes

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719
Phone: (512) 530-2242

  • Distance: ~50 miles
  • Drive Time: ~1 hour

CEU Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium 2026

1. What is the cost of CEUs?

CEUs are available for a fee of $35.

2. Do I need to register separately for CEUs?

Yes. In addition to registering for the symposium, you must also register and pay for CEUs, regardless of whether you are attending in person or virtually.

  • If you are registering in person, you will have the option to purchase CEUs during the registration process.
  • If you are registering virtually, you will need to complete a separate CEU registration form.

3. How do I sign up to receive CEUs?

Once you’ve registered for the Symposium, you must submit a $35 CEU fee to receive continuing education credit.

  • This payment is collected via JotForm, which can be accessed here: 👉 CEU Payment Form

4. What types of CEUs are available?

Currently, CEUs are available in the following categories only:

  • NASW (National Association of Social Workers)
  • CPE (Continuing Professional Education)
  • TCOLE
  • TEA
  • Nurse Contact Hours
  • No other CEU or continuing education categories are available at this time.

5. Are CEU fees refundable or transferable?

No. CEU fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

6. What happens if I attend in person?

If you register for CEUs and attend in person, your $35 fee will be refunded, and your CEUs will be awarded at no cost.

7. Do I have to pay for CEUs if I attend virtually?

Yes. Virtual attendees are required to pay the $35 CEU fee, which will not be refunded.

8. What if I register for CEUs but do not attend?

If you register for CEUs and do not attend, whether in person or virtually, you will forfeit your $35 fee. No exceptions.

9. What are the attendance requirements for earning CEUs?

To receive CEU credit:

  • Participants must attend at least 90% of the scheduled sessions or meet the specific attendance requirements set by the credentialing agency.
  • Attendance will be monitored throughout the event.
  • Incomplete attendance will not be eligible for a refund.

10. Why is in-person attendance encouraged?

When you indicate that you will attend in person, we plan resources, space, and materials accordingly. Your attendance helps ensure a better experience for all participants.

11. What is the difference between in-person and virtual attendance?

In-person attendees receive the full experience, including networking opportunities, access to exhibitor booths, and valuable resources and information, as well as the ability to engage directly with speakers.
Virtual attendees will not have access to networking, exhibitor booths, or direct interaction with speakers.

12. What if I have technical issues during virtual attendance?

An emergency phone number and email will be provided to assist with technical difficulties during the event.

13. What is the latest date I can purchase CEUs?

The final date to submit payment for CEUs is September 7nd, 2026.

14. Who do I contact if I have questions about my CEU?

For any CEU-related questions or concerns, please contact: zelda.gomez@texassuicideprevention.org

REGISTER TODAY

Space is limited for in person attendance.
For IN PERSON registration, please click the following link.

IN PERSON Registration

For VIRTUAL ONLY registration, please click the following link.

VIRTUAL Registration

For CEU purchases.

CEU Registration