HWS Psychology Students Attend NAMI Syracuse Conference
Students engaged with clinicians and advocates at the annual mental health education event in Syracuse.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Mental Health
Psychology students from Hobart and William Smith Colleges recently attended the National Alliance on Mental Illness Syracuse annual education conference. The event allowed students to bridge classroom learning with real-world insights from professionals and families.
Why it matters
The conference provided a vital link between academic study and practical experience by exposing students to direct accounts from those working in and affected by the mental health system.
The conference focused on essential mental health topics including professional psychiatry initiatives, healthcare bias, and emerging treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy. The scale of the program included multiple presentations alongside direct outreach tables.
The players
Mantosh Dewan
He is a medical expert who discussed various psychiatry initiatives at the conference.
Jerena Barkins
She addressed the critical issue of bias within the health care system during the event.
Dave Dunn
He provided a presentation focused on the application of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Sayeeda Saidkariev
She participated in the event and received information regarding volunteer opportunities with local organizations.
The details
Attendees participated in discussions covering cultural bias in medical treatment and community-based mental health services. Students actively networked with clinicians, organizations, and individuals affected by mental illness to gain a broader understanding of the field.
Timeline
October 2026: Students attended the NAMI Syracuse annual education conference.
The Big Picture
This conference aligns with the broader mission of the National Alliance on Mental Illness to foster community education and reduce stigma. It reflects a growing shift in higher education toward integrating clinical exposure with academic coursework.
By engaging with professionals and advocates, students gain better preparation to support future patient needs in clinical settings. This increased awareness helps bridge gaps in community services by fostering more empathetic and informed mental health practitioners.
The takeaway
Real-world engagement with mental health advocates remains a critical step for students entering the medical and psychological fields. Understanding the intersection of cultural bias and therapy prepares future practitioners to offer more equitable care to their communities.
Further reading
For more information on local initiatives, visit the Syracuse Mental Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
