Advance Your Practice Virtual Summit
Healing Loneliness and Disconnection through RT
January 12 - February 7, 2026
elevate your clinical response
Be a Force for Change
ATRA is excited to announce the Advance Your Practice Summit: Healing Loneliness and Disconnection Through Recreational Therapy. In 2023, the Surgeon General released a landmark Advisory that identified loneliness and social isolation as urgent public health concerns in the United States. Recreational therapists are uniquely qualified to play a critical role in addressing loneliness and social disconnection in our communities and healthcare systems. This virtual event is designed for recreational therapists and professionals in related fields who are eager to deepen their clinical understanding of loneliness and social disconnection and want to advance their leadership on this crucial issue within their workplace and/or community.
SAVE THE DATE!
Watch pre-recorded sessions at your own pace and tune in for live and interactive events throughout the Summit (January 12 - February 7, 2026).
Call for Presenters
We're seeking expert presenters to contribute pre-recorded presentations or participate in live panels and keynotes on priority topics, including:
- Assessment tools
- Social prescribing
- Technology and virtual engagement
- Advocacy and public policy
- Serving high-risk populations
Learn more and submit a proposal below.
Are You Ready...
To deepen your understanding of loneliness as a clinical concern?
To learn evidence-based assessment tools and outcome measures?
To discover real-world program models that foster connection and engagement?
To align your work with national health priorities, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory?
To explore technology and virtual strategies to bridge social gaps?
To strengthen your advocacy, leadership, and systems-thinking skills?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, this Advance Your Practice Summit is for you!
impact real change
Who should attend?
This Summit is designed for recreational therapists and professionals in related fields who want to enhance their clinical understanding of loneliness and elevate their response to social disconnection.
It’s especially relevant for those working in:
- Behavioral health
- Aging and dementia care
- Veterans' services
- Community-based programs
- Schools and youth-focused settings
If your work involves building connection, promoting engagement, or improving psychosocial outcomes — this Summit is for you.
incredible value
What's included?
When you register, you’ll get access to:
- 10–15 on-demand, pre-recorded webinars from subject matter experts and front-line practitioners
- An exclusive summit attendee forum to connect, discuss, and exchange ideas with peers
- 2–3 live events, including a live keynote or expert panel discussion, a Q&A session with featured presenters, and a virtual networking event to build your professional connections
All content is eligible for continuing education credit (pending approval), and recordings will remain available for convenient, on-your-schedule viewing.
Registration coming soon! Return to the top.
ATRA Members Save!
The benefits of ATRA membership are endless! ATRA members enjoy discounted rates for educational offerings, including our Advance Your Practice Summit! Become an ATRA member and start benefiting instantly with the best Summit pricing.
