Khobar, Saudi Arabia, will host a specialized conference on the latest scientific approaches to diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including treatment-resistant cases and conditions affecting children and adolescents.
The first Khobar Conference on Psychiatry and Mental Health, organized by the Saudi Psychiatric Association, will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Khobar. Held under the theme “Contemporary Psychiatry: From Scientific Evidence to Best Practice,” the event will bring together 19 speakers and around 300 specialists and healthcare practitioners through four scientific tracks and four hands-on workshops.
Turning Evidence Into Care
Dr. Firas Al-Awad, president of the Saudi Psychiatric Association, said the conference aims to translate recent research and scientific evidence into clinical practices that improve the quality of mental health care and strengthen the capabilities of healthcare professionals.
He said the program brings together 19 speakers and four session chairs from among experts and specialists, promoting knowledge exchange and integration across health disciplines. It also seeks to meet the training needs of practitioners in the Eastern Province and other parts of the Kingdom.
Al-Awad added that the conference has been accredited as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity.
Psychosis, Treatment Resistance
The first track will examine psychotic disorders, with a focus on early diagnosis, timely intervention, complex cases, the latest medication options, and the management of treatment-resistant conditions.
Sessions will also address ways to improve adherence to treatment plans, prevent relapse, and support patients’ psychological and social recovery to ensure continuity of care and better outcomes.
Children, Adolescents
The second track is dedicated to mental health disorders among children and adolescents, covering assessment methods and early diagnosis of both common and complex cases.
Participants will discuss sensitive clinical challenges, including self-harm, suicidal behavior, and eating disorders among adolescents. The sessions will also review evidence-based psychological, pharmacological, and family-based interventions.
Mood Disorders, Psychotherapy
The third track will focus on mood disorders and treatment-resistant cases, improving diagnostic accuracy, managing special populations, preventing relapse, and exploring the latest therapeutic developments.
The fourth track will address clinical psychology and therapeutic interventions, including psychological assessment tools, structured interviews, evidence-based psychotherapies, and treatment planning through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Practical Training
The conference will include four hands-on workshops designed to strengthen practitioners’ skills in assessing and managing mental health cases, conducting clinical interviews, analyzing complex cases, and applying focused psychotherapy techniques.
The workshops have been scheduled to allow participants to attend both the clinical psychology sessions and practical activities without conflicts.
Broad Professional Participation
The conference aims to attract approximately 300 participants, including psychiatrists, specialists, psychotherapists, primary care and neurology physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, medical students, researchers, and health leaders.
The event is part of the Saudi Psychiatric Association’s efforts to advance treatment practices, promote continuing medical education, and strengthen collaboration across mental health disciplines, ultimately improving the quality of care provided to patients.
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