Share your research, work, case studies, projects, programs, insights and ideas
We invite abstract submissions on a wide range of topics exploring the challenges and opportunities in the complex and rapidly evolving field of mental health, with a focus on promoting inclusiveness, equity and sustainability.
Are you enthusiastic about sharing your valuable insights and expertise with originality and flair?
If so, we cordially invite you to present (or co-present) at the 2025 ACA Conference, which will bring together national and international industry professionals, researchers, and thought leaders from across the mental health and wellbeing sector and beyond.
We welcome applications from counselling and psychotherapy and the broader allied health community.
Submit your abstract now for consideration and help us create enriching experiences that will benefit the counselling and psychotherapy profession, bolster your visibility as a thought leader, and leave a positive impact on attendees' growth and development.
Preferred Topics and areas of interest
New technologies: Exploring how advancements in technology (e.g. tele-health, artificial intelligence, virtual realities) are changing the landscape of counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health.
Regional, rural, and remote health: Addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for providing mental health support in rural and remote areas, and exploring innovative solutions.
Climate change and its impact on health: Understanding the role of natural disasters, climate change and environmental crises on mental health – its psychological impact on individuals and communities, and strategies to address eco-anxiety and trauma.
A growing Indigenous workforce: Discussing the place of an Indigenous workforce in the counselling profession, initiatives led to foster its growth and development, and the impacts of the 2023 Australian Voice Referendum on Indigenous people.
Diversity and inclusion: Examining how evolving cultural norms and increased diversity are shaping the practice of counselling, such as changing family structures, roles and dynamics, and generational differences in help-seeking behaviours and therapeutic needs.
New specialities: Discussing how therapeutic modalities are evolving to meet the needs of diverse populations and changing societal contexts.
New technologies: How new technologies change the mental health services landscape. How effectively are telehealth services being utilised? Are there effective digital tools and apps being used for mental health assessment and treatment? This includes online therapy platforms, mental health apps, and other technological innovations.
Policies, regulation & funding: How the Mental Health services are shaping our future, Are there supportive policies, regulations and funding in place.
Social media and self-image: Exploring the influence of social media on self-image, body image, and mental health, and strategies for promoting healthy digital identities.
Political and societal change impacts: Examining the mental health impacts of political disruption, societal movements, and societal changes, and strategies for supporting individuals and communities during times of transition.
Substance use in changing times: Addressing the impact of changing drug trends, legalisation, and access to substances on mental health and addiction treatment approaches.
Presentation Types
30 min Presentation (Includes 5min of Q&A)
Present to the audience providing concise, focused, and valuable insights into a specific topic, allowing attendees to gain new knowledge, perspectives, and skills within a relatively short timeframe.
90 min Workshop (includes 10 minutes of Q&A)
As a workshop presenter, you are an accomplished and authoritative figure within your field, possessing extensive expertise and practical experience in your area of focus. You are a native public speaker, you know how to keep attendees' attention through engaging, interactive, and in-depth instructional sessions that offer participants a unique opportunity for immersive learning and skill development.
3-hour or 6-hour Masterclass
Expert in your field, you excel at delivering engaging, interactive sessions that facilitate active learning and skill development. Your presentation should cover the topic comprehensively, offering practical and hands-on exercises for the attendees. We encourage all masterclass presenters to create a collaborative learning environment and provide personalised guidance and support to attendees as they explore new concepts and techniques. Ultimately, your presentation should equip participants with actionable takeaways that they can effectively apply in their professional lives.
Presenter Benefits
Be recognised as an expert in your field: Being accepted into the conference program affirms your status as a thought leader, subject matter expert and presenter of high quality within your sector.
Increase visibility: Through conference marketing efforts, showcase your professional or company brand to a broad audience, gaining exposure and engagement with attendees.
Opens doors to opportunities: Presenting can serve as a catalyst for other opportunities, such as attracting investors, and buyers or enhancing your standing within your organisation, or securing new projects.
Contribute to professional advancement: Align yourself with Australia's leading counselling and psychotherapy association, contributing to the advancement and support of the profession by sharing your findings and insights.
Cultivate creativity: Presenting offers an opportunity to unleash your creativity, allowing you to communicate your findings in a dynamic and engaging manner.
Networking: Engage with fellow experts and like-minded local and international individuals in a stimulating intellectual environment, fostering new connections, building relationships, and sharing insights.
Presenters are eligible for a 25% discount (was 15% in 2023) on their registration fee, however, are still responsible for arranging and paying for their registration, travel and accommodation.
ACA Members who are accepted into the conference program can claim 8 Ongoing Professional Development (OPD) points for presenting at the conference.
The authors who are not confirmed to present at the conference will be given other opportunities, such as participating in ACA webinar series, presenting at a symposium, or submitting an article.
Key Abstract Dates
Early July 2024: Abstracts submissions to open
Extented until 22 September 2024: Abstract submissions to close -
15 October 2024: Authors to be notified of submission outcome with agreement offer
30 October 2024: Authors to confirm presentation offer, and return signed agreement
Early December 2024: ACA to finalise program
15 January 2025: Early birds to open and presenters to register
Abstract Evaluation Process and Criteria
Process
After the call for submissions closes, a panel of reviewers, including ACA peers and other experts in the profession, will access all submissions.
Once all the abstracts have been reviewed, the panel will select presenters for the program.- Authors will receive notification of their abstract status: accepted, waitlisted, or declined.
We will have a waitlist available should there be a cancellation. You may qualify for the waitlist and potentially be invited to present in a second round of submission notification.
And for those who will not be presenting at the conference, they will be offered opportunity to get involved in:
- ACA webinar series
- Presenter at symposium
- Article submission
Criteria
The key evaluation criteria for submissions encompass these essential aspects:
Topic Importance and Relevance: The significance of the topic in relation to preferred themes and current real-world concerns – Score type: From 0 to 10 - Weighting: 25%
Originality: The presentation offers fresh approaches, perspectives, or evidence aimed at expanding audience knowledge and skills. – Score type: From 0 to 10 - Weighting: 25%
Quality: Evaluation of the engagement level, interactivity, and practicality (for workshops), alongside evidence-based best practices, clarity of presentation, and presenter credentials. – Score type: From 0 to 10 - Weighting: 25%
Discussion Provocation: The ability of the submission to stimulate discussion and resonate with current real-world concerns. – Score type: From 0 to 10 - Weighting: 25%