Welcome from the Scientific Program Chairs

To Our Global Community of Friends and Peers,

We warmly welcome you to the 2026 Congress of the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT) to be held in San Francisco, California, from June 25-28, 2026.

This Congress provides a rare and important opportunity for the global CBT community to come together, share knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore the future of our field. In a time of significant and far-reaching challenges, we are dedicated to advancing Health for All: Affirming, Equitable, and Sustainable CBT and examining how our work can address the complex realities of today’s world with scientific rigor, cultural humility, and social responsibility.

San Francisco offers an ideal setting for this Congress. As a city long associated with innovation, inclusion, and progressive movements in health and social change — including foundational contributions to the development of CBT — it provides a rich cultural and historical context for us to gather during this pivotal time. With its iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and beautiful surroundings, San Francisco is also a wonderful place to explore and enjoy while attending the Congress.

Our goal is to curate a scientific program that reflects the diversity, creativity, and commitment of the CBT community worldwide. We encourage submissions from individuals across all regions, professional backgrounds, and career stages. Whether you are advancing basic science, testing innovative interventions, working within communities, or shaping systems and policy, your contributions are essential to our shared mission to further CBT’s role in promoting Health for All.

We are also proud to present an exceptional lineup of Invited Addresses and Post-Congress Workshops. Our distinguished speakers — representing six continents — include both internationally recognized leaders and emerging voices whose innovative work is shaping the future of CBT. Together, they will offer global perspectives on urgent themes including equity and access, culturally responsive care, scalable interventions, prevention science, and the integration of mental and physical health. Post-Congress Workshops will provide opportunities for in-depth, hands-on learning across a range of cutting-edge clinical and research topics.

We hope that WCCBT 2026 will not only deepen our knowledge but also inspire new pathways for impact — improving care, promoting equity, and strengthening the sustainability of our work and workforce.

We are thrilled to host you in San Francisco for an exciting, forward-looking Congress.

Warm Regards,

Amelia M. Stanton, Ph.D.
Scientific Chair, WCCBT 2026

Jasper S. Lee, Ph.D. & Alyssa M. Farley, Ph.D.
Associate Scientific Chairs, WCCBT 2026