10th World Congress on
Mental Health

Isaac Carreon is a highly accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in mental health services, community engagement, and program management. As an Affiliate Faculty member at Pacific Oaks College, he brings extensive expertise gained from leadership roles across healthcare and community organizations. At Kaiser Permanente, he served as Chronic Care Coordinator in the Psychiatry Department, where he introduced innovative mental health programs, including Social Skills and Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups, while strengthening community partnerships and support networks. Previously, Isaac led Community Initiatives at the San Antonio Housing Authority, expanding the department significantly and overseeing numerous self-sufficiency, workforce development, and community improvement programs. Under his guidance, the organization secured millions in grant funding and launched health-focused projects such as farmers’ markets, community gardens, bicycle ownership programs, and recreational trails. Earlier in his career, Isaac played a key role in establishing the Mental Health Program at CareMore Medical Group. He developed comprehensive services for older adults, creating referral systems, assessment tools, therapy programs, and educational resources. His efforts expanded access to mental health care for thousands of seniors while improving care coordination and reducing hospital admissions. His accomplishments include successful technology transfer initiatives, the development of numerous in vitro diagnostic (IVD) and point-of-care (POC) technologies, and an extensive publication record comprising over 250 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers. He is also the author of two scientific books and an inventor on multiple patents. Recognized internationally for research excellence and innovation, he actively contributes as a journal editor, scientific reviewer, funding agency advisor, and technology consultant. His research interests focus on immunoassays, in vitro diagnostics, point-of-care testing, bioanalytical sciences, nanotechnology, and digital healthcare solutions.

Social Skills and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) programs while establishing strategic community partnerships to expand access to support services and resources. 

Professor Elizabeth Midlarsky has a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Her clinical training was in both psychodynamic and social learning approaches, across the lifespan, and in both individuals and in family groups. She has research and scholarly interests in altruism and aggression through the life-span, gender and racial differences in mental health health-seeking, eating disorders, gender roles, and helping behavior as a means for coping with stress.She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Federal University of Goiás in 1992 and later completed both her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular Genetics at the Federal University of Uberlândia in 1998 and 2001, respectively. Since 1996, Professor Vivian has been actively involved in one of Brazil’s leading multiuser research laboratories specializing in Nanobiotechnology. Her research interests encompass the discovery of novel biomolecules through Phage Display and Cell-SELEX technologies, with a particular focus on identifying bioactive peptides, nucleic acids, and combinatorial antibody fragments for therapeutic applications. Her work also extends to regenerative medicine, where she has explored the use of mesenchymal stem cells and nanoparticles for tissue repair and biomedical innovation. Throughout her career, Professor Vivian has developed extensive expertise across a broad range of scientific disciplines and advanced laboratory techniques. Her experience includes DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, phage display, Cell-SELEX methodologies, immunological analyses such as flow cytometry, microbiology, cell biology, and three-dimensional cell culture systems using magnetic levitation. She is also proficient in tissue characterization techniques, including immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, along with numerous other molecular and cellular research technologies. With her multidisciplinary background and significant contributions to biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, and regenerative medicine, Professor Vivian continues to advance innovative research and scientific development in the biomedical sciences.

Examination of altruistic behavior and religious commitment across different stages of life, including acts of rescue during the Holocaust and the experiences of survivors and subsequent generations. Investigation of the origins, development, and long-term impacts of both altruism and violent behavior in individuals and societies. 

Dr. Nitschke is an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Wisconsin, with expertise in both clinical psychology and neuroscience. His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying emotions, anxiety, and depression, particularly anxiety-related disorders. He conducts studies involving both clinical populations and healthy individuals, utilizing advanced MRI techniques along with behavioral assessments, genetic analyses, and physiological measurements. Together with his research team, he has developed an experimental model of anxiety that examines anticipatory responses occurring before emotional events. His additional research interests include exploring the influence of expectations on human experience and the role of positive emotions in mental health.

Psychiatry and Psychology.

Dr. Richa Bhatia, MD, FAPA, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult mental health. She serves as the Medical Director of the Child and Adolescent OCD Residential Program at McLean Hospital and is an Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.A Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Bhatia previously held the position of Acting Medical Director of the Inpatient Psychiatry Units at Dartmouth. Her clinical approach combines evidence-based psychiatric care with individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Her research focuses on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents. She is a member of the editorial boards of the Journal of Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry and the Journal of Clinical Case Reports. Dr. Bhatia also serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of Women Psychiatrists and is actively involved in mentoring future mental health professionals. She is a strong advocate for global mental health awareness and education.

Global mental health advocacy, Psychiatry

Dr. Andrew Weyman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath with more than two decades of experience in applied psychology and human factors research. His work focuses primarily on the Psychology of Risk, examining how individuals and organizations perceive, assess, and manage risk in complex environments. Throughout his career, he has contributed to advancing knowledge in workplace safety, risk management, and human behavior, helping to bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical applications across a range of industries.Following postdoctoral studies at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Klibanov joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he advanced through the academic ranks and currently holds an endowed professorship in Chemistry and Bioengineering. His research activities encompass a broad spectrum of areas, including drug discovery, enzyme technology, antimicrobial materials, biotechnology applications, and advanced pharmaceutical formulations. Through decades of pioneering research, he has contributed innovative solutions that bridge fundamental science and practical healthcare applications.

Research on public perceptions of risk and the effectiveness of risk communication strategies. Focuses on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk management practices, including system design, preparedness planning, and emergency response frameworks.

Dr. Mohamad Qasim Abdullah is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of Aleppo, Syria. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Damascus in 1985 and completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, in 1992. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to psychological research, training, and professional practice. He has held several leadership positions at the University of Aleppo, including Vice Dean for Scientific Affairs, Vice Dean for Student and Administrative Affairs, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Vice President of the University. Dr. Abdullah has actively participated in national and international conferences, workshops, and media programs related to psychology and special education. He is a member of several academic and professional organizations and has chaired numerous university committees. His responsibilities have included overseeing student affairs, academic standards, and psychological support programs. In addition, he serves on the editorial boards of academic journals in psychology and neuroscience. A prolific scholar, Dr. Abdullah has authored more than 70 research articles and 27 books in the fields of psychology and education, making significant contributions to academic research and professional development.

Psychopathology, Clinical Psychology, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, counseling theories and psychotherapy. Research and science ethics, Personality theories and clinical implications. Adolescent and child mental health. Topics of positive psychology and psychological research methodology.

Dr. Francesco is a medical doctor currently affiliated with Sapienza University, Italy, where he contributes to academic, clinical, and research activities. With a strong foundation in medical sciences, he is actively involved in advancing healthcare knowledge through education, patient care, and scientific investigation. His work focuses on promoting evidence-based medical practices and supporting innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. As an academic professional, Dr. Francesco collaborates with researchers, healthcare specialists, and students, contributing to the development of future medical professionals and the advancement of medical research. His commitment to excellence in medicine and education has made him a valued member of the academic and healthcare community.In 2006, Dr. Zhan joined the Cleveland Clinic as a Project Scientist and Staff Researcher, where he concentrated on proteomic studies and biomarker discovery related to ocular diseases. He returned to UTHSC in late 2007 as an Assistant Professor of Neurology, expanding his research to include proteomics and biomarker investigations in lung diseases and brain tumors. During this time, he also initiated research programs centered on predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) in cancer.

Cognitive Science, Experimental Psychology, Emotion

Dr. Lidia Martinez earned her Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 2004 and has built an extensive career in mental health and addiction counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, and Master Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP). In addition, she holds certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. Dr. Martinez serves as a part-time core faculty member in the online Mental Health Therapy and Addiction Education programs at Nova Southeastern University. With more than two decades of professional experience, she has promoted a holistic approach to treatment by integrating evidence-based therapeutic methods with medical interventions to support overall wellness. Her clinical expertise includes anxiety disorders, parenting concerns, obesity and weight management, addiction recovery, life adjustment challenges, and trauma-related issues. She is dedicated to helping individuals build resilience, achieve personal growth, and maintain long-term well-being. Through her telemedicine platform, Dr. Martinez provides flexible and innovative counseling services via text, phone, video, and online chat, making mental health support more accessible to her clients.Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Sharif has worked with leading global pharmaceutical organizations, including Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert (Pfizer), Syntex Research (Roche), Alcon-Novartis, and currently serves as Executive Director in the R&D Division at Santen Inc.

Mental health, Women and mental health, children, and adolescents and mental health, Addiction