California Pathways to Practice
2026 Events
Our events are designed to support mental health clinicians* by connecting them with experienced professionals and providing training in essential areas.​
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*Students in masters or doctoral programs, Associate and Licensed social workers, counselors, therapists, psychologists, RNs, LVNs, PhD, Psych NP, DO, NP and registered/licensed professionals working in the mental health space who are working clinically (meaning primary job function is seeing clients).
2026 In-Person Symposium Sponsorship Opportunities are available.
Contact Crayton Daniel for more information: CraytonDaniel@gmail.com​
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The symposium offers a unique opportunity to interact with students, associates, licensed clinicians and other mental healthcare providers. As an exhibitor, you will have the chance to showcase your program and services to a highly targeted audience of emerging mental health professionals eager to learn about the latest tools, techniques, and resources that can enhance their practice.​
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Questions? Contact us at PathwaysToPractice@alignedcarecenter.com
Open Call for Presentations Through 4/1!
2026 In-Person Symposium Speaker, Case Consultation and Panel Submissions
Contact Robyn Caruso with any questions: Robyn@alignedcarecenter.com​
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This year, we will be offering an in-person event at Antioch University Los Angeles, 5150 Goldleaf Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90056
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The California Pathways to Practice Symposium is seeking submissions for presentations to be delivered in-person on September 25 and September 26, 2026.
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Speakers will be paid an honorarium of $200.00 after completion of presentation.
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Submissions are due by April 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
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Decisions regarding presentation acceptance will be made by May 25, 2026.
Our goal is to provide an engaging, high-quality program that addresses the unique needs of mental health clinicians at all levels of experience. We invite anyone (clinical, administrative, outreach, etc.) with relevant experience in the following categories to submit their presentations and/or interactive case consultations and/or panel ideas.
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Presentations:
We are looking for presentations that are dynamic and informative and designed to provide valuable insights, practical skills, and up-to-date information relevant to pre-licensed and early career clinicians.
Presentations are 1.5 hours in length inclusive of 5-10 minutes of Q&A.
YOU MAY SUBMIT AS MANY AS YOU LIKE. PLEASE SUBMIT EACH PRESENTATION SEPARATELY.
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Interactive Case Consultations (clinical, business, marketing, etc.) or Panels (clinical, business, marketing, etc.):
The Interactive Case Consultations and Panels will provide a dynamic platform for attendees to explore complex clinical, business, and marketing challenges. These sessions offer a collaborative and engaging space to:
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Case Consultations: Work through clinical cases, business dilemmas, or marketing strategies with experienced peers and experts. Gain tailored insights, actionable recommendations, and new perspectives to navigate real-world scenarios effectively. Attendees will be able to ask for consultation for their specific situations.
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Panels: Attendees will hear from industry leaders and seasoned professionals on topics such as advanced clinical techniques, ethical business practices, and innovative marketing strategies. Panels are designed to spark meaningful discussions, share expertise, and address current trends and challenges in the field. Panels will include 3-4 panelists which must be submitted for consideration.
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General Topic Ideas:
Career Development and Paths
Leadership and Professional Growth
Financial Management and Budgeting
Digital Marketing (social media, website, SEO, etc.)
Networking and Professional Relationships
Clinical Modalities and Techniques
Clinical Specialization
Technology and Telehealth
Ethical and Legal
Self-Care and Burnout Prevention
Other Relevant Topics
Topics We Cover
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Career Development and Paths
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Leadership and Professional Growth
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Financial Management and Budgeting
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Digital Marketing (social media, website, SEO, etc.)
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Networking and Professional Relationships
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Clinical Modalities and Techniques
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Clinical Specialization
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Technology and Telehealth
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Ethical and Legal
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Self-Care and Burnout Prevention
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Other Relevant Topics
Our Story
This is the first conference of its kind, filling a much-needed gap between graduate education and professional practice. The idea for the symposium was borne out of a conversation between Crayton Daniel and Robyn Caruso on the car ride to a community educational event. Robyn, who is now Clinical Faculty at Antioch University Los Angeles, has navigated the challenges of early career practice herself and understands the needs of emerging clinicians. Crayton's experience, values, and connections within the community inspired him to want to connect early career clinicians with career opportunities and experienced professionals within his network who can make an impact when the timing of said impact can be profound. What better way to do this than through this conference? Additionally, Ethan is a current student at Antioch University and works in business development, bringing a fresh perspective on the current needs of students entering the field.
​Meet Our Founders and Planners
Robyn Caruso (she), LMFT #80168, CEDS-C, CET1
Director of Conference Development & Strategy; Co-Founder
Clinical Faculty at Antioch University, with experience both as an early career clinician and now as an educator, Robyn is deeply attuned to the challenges and needs of new professionals.
Specializing in business development, Crayton has formal training in this area and brings valuable expertise to our planning committee.
Graduate of Antioch University and business development professional, Ethan combines academic insight with practical experience in the field.
Our mission is to provide clinicians with comprehensive resources and support through educational and networking events. We aim to bridge the gap between graduation and professional practice by offering training in essential areas such as networking, financial planning, specialization, and ethical practice. By connecting emerging therapists with experienced professionals, we create opportunities for growth, collaboration, and employment, ensuring that the future of mental health care is in capable and compassionate hands.
Our Mission
Educational Sessions
Covering topics such as clinical innovations, business and marketing tools and strategy, career-planning and more.
Networking Opportunities
Structured meetings outside of educational sessions and exhibit hall conversations to connect with peers and industry leaders.
Exhibit Hall
Engage with exhibitors showcasing the latest tools and resources for mental health professionals.