2026 IPA Spring Conference
April 10 & 11, 2026 | Grinnell College
2026 IPA Spring Conference
Grinnell College
Joe Rosenfield Center (click for interactive map)
1115 8th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112
Parking is available in Lot O. If that lot is full, please utilize the Forum Lot Q and then Lot C or D. Overflow parking is Lot A or K.
Day 1: Reconsidering Adult ADHD in the 21st Century: From Conceptualization and Causes to Best Practices in Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
6 CEs | April 10, 2026, 8am – 5pm
Overview
Difficulties due to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains one of the most common reasons people seek mental health care in the U.S., with prevalence estimates approaching 10 percent. The number of adults seeking care for ADHD has been growing steadily, many of whom have never been previously diagnosed. While research has informed comprehensive clinical care guidelines for children, far less work has focused on developing parallel sets of guidelines for adults. Questions regarding the validity of “late-onset” ADHD as well as changing conceptual models and knowledge about causal contributors to adult ADHD have complicated the development of best practices in clinical care for adult ADHD.
During this presentation, attendees will participate in both didactic and small group activities to learn and discuss the current science and practice regarding adult ADHD. Presentation material will focus on understanding recent scientific advances in identifying causal and maintenance factors of ADHD among adults, including recent research that considers the role context and stress in influencing symptom variability. Attendees will also learn and discuss best practices for assessment with a focus on first-time diagnoses of ADHD in adulthood. The presentation day will conclude with a comprehensive review of the latest evidence regarding the efficacy of different interventions for ADHD as well as the types of community supports and resources that may be most helpful for supporting people with ADHD. Clinical care guidelines will be discussed in the context of gender, age, socioeconomic status differences among people with ADHD and their intersection.
About the Presenter
Molly Nikolas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa and the Director of Clinical Training for the Clinical Science PhD program. She is also a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Iowa, and supervises diagnostic evaluations and psychotherapy services for youth and adults with ADHD conducted at the Seashore Psychology Clinic at the University of Iowa. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Michigan State University and her clinical internship at the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences/Seattle Children’s Hospital before joining the faculty at the University of Iowa in 2011. She is the Principal Investigator of the Iowa ADHD and Development Lab, whose studies focus on identifying the biological and contextual processes that underlie the development and persistence of ADHD from childhood through adolescence and young adulthood. The goal of our research is to specify etiological pathways of ADHD that can inform novel assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies. Her current research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Society for Research in Adolescence. Dr. Nikolas is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Attention Disorders and Assessment and is a member of the Epidemiology and Population Sciences Fellowship Scientific Review Group at the National Institute of Health. Dr. Nikolas is deeply invested in training of doctoral students in psychology, both in Iowa and through her work as an elected representative to the Executive Committee of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science.
- Describe recent research regarding causal contributors to ADHD symptom expression in adulthood.
- Integrate new findings regarding the contextual variability of ADHD symptoms and how individual variation in symptoms may require shifts in diagnostic and treatment strategies.
- Implement clinical practice recommendations for assessment and diagnosis of adults with ADHD.
- Evaluate and critique data regarding the efficacy of different treatment approaches of adult ADHD apply findings to real-world case examples.
- Identify supports for people with ADHD that consider differences in gender, age, and socioeconomic status.
Day 2 Reimagining Mental Health: The Promise of Digital Therapeutics
3 CEs | April 11, 2026, 9am – 12:15pm
Overview
Tackling the U.S. mental health crisis demands bold, multifaceted solutions—and digital innovation is leading the charge. Among the most promising advancements are behavioral health digital therapeutics: cutting-edge software programs that deliver clinically validated, evidence-based treatments for conditions like chronic insomnia, panic disorders, and substance use. These aren’t your typical wellness apps—they’re prescribed by licensed professionals and integrated into comprehensive care plans. With the power to dramatically expand access to care, enhance treatment options, and drive progress in population health and equity, digital therapeutics are poised to transform behavioral health. But despite their potential, regulatory hurdles and reimbursement challenges threaten to slow their widespread adoption. This keynote dives into the exciting world of behavioral health digital therapeutics—exploring the science behind them, their role in improving access and equity, the policy landscape, and what successful implementation in real-world clinical settings could look like.
About the Presenter
Vaile Wright, PhD is the inaugural Senior Director for the Office of Health Care Innovation at the American Psychological Association. As a licensed psychologist and researcher, she develops cutting-edge strategies to harness technology and data, tackling critical health care challenges. Her work focuses on expanding access and reach, measuring care, improving efficiencies, and optimizing treatment delivery at both the individual and systemic levels. As a prominent spokesperson for APA, her expertise has been sought out across major media platforms including CNN, NBC News, The New York Times, and NPR on a range of topics including telehealth and technology, AI, and access to mental health care. Dr. Wright earned her PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and is licensed in the District of Columbia.
- Describe the existing and emerging digital tools and how they are different from each other.
- Summarize how digital tools can expand access and health equity to marginalized populations.
- List the regulatory and reimbursement barriers to full health care implementation of digital tools.
Day 2 Student Research Blitz
1.5 CEs | April 11, 2026, 1:15pm – 2:45pm
Overview
In this session…
About the Presenter
Include information about the presenter.
- list objective
- list objective
- list objective
Day 2 Panel Discussion and QA Session Regarding the Business of Psychological Practice
1.5 CEs | April 11, 2026, 3:15pm – 4:45pm
Overview
This panel discussion will bring together a group of experienced, licensed psychologists who share their insights on the practical, ethical, and financial considerations involved in opening and operating private practices of varying sizes—from solo offices to multi-clinician group practices. Panelists discuss startup planning, overhead management, supervision and staffing, compliance with state and federal regulations, and maintaining clinical quality while scaling operations. The conversation will emphasize lessons learned, common pitfalls, and strategies for balancing business growth with professional integrity and client care, offering participants a nuanced understanding of how practice size influences leadership, workflow, and sustainability in psychological services. There will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions that arise that day.
About the Panelists
Dr. Lonning received her doctor of psychology degree from the University of Northern Colorado in August, 1993. Since that time she has resided and practiced in Davenport, Iowa. She and several colleagues created Psychology Health Group, a group of independent practioners in May, 1997. She now is sole owner and a practicing psychologist there. During her time in Iowa, Dr. Lonning has served on the Executive Council of IPA in a variety of positions over a period of almost 20 years including the office of president in 2002. She has completed her post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2010 and serves as the chair of the Psychopharmacology Education Committee for IPA. In this role she led the effort to pass legislation in 2016 allowing advanced trained psychologists prescriptive authority in Iowa, just the 4th state to be able to have this privilege. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for Division 55 (the psychopharmacology division of APA), the Training Director Council for Division 55 and APA’s RxP Designation Committee as Co-Chair. Since 2021, Dr. Lonning has been the Director of Professional Affairs for the Iowa Psychological Association.
Dr. Nicole Keedy is a licensed psychologist who has been practicing in Dubuque, IA since 2010. She received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa, followed by internship and fellowship at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. Dr. Keedy has co-chaired the IPA Membership Committee since 2019 and she served on the Triad from 2021-2023, in addition to serving on several additional IPA committees over the years.
After working for a large multi-specialty healthcare clinic for nearly 15 years, Dr. Keedy transitioned to opening a solo practice in Dubuque in September 2025. She founded Resilient Mind Psychology, providing therapy to general adult clients and specializing in first responder wellness and evaluation services. In addition to providing individual therapy and assessments in her office, she offers on-site annual wellness visits contracted through first responder departments.
Dr. Ashley Freeman, PhD, LP, is a Licensed Psychologist in private practice in Urbandale, Iowa. She is a graduate of Iowa State University’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program, and earned undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She provides individual therapy and career counseling to adults and performs disability evaluations for the State of Iowa. She also provides medical opinions for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs Compensation and Pension process. She serves on the board of the Iowa Psychological Association and is passionate about mentoring fellow psychologists on the business aspects of private practice.
- By the end of the session, participants will be able to compare and contrast the business, operational, and clinical implications of starting a solo practice versus a multi-clinician group practice (e.g., staffing, overhead, workflow).
- By the end of the session, participants will be able to articulate how different practice sizes impact clinical supervision, team culture, and client outcomes, and propose mitigation strategies for common pitfalls (e.g., mission drift, burnout, inconsistent care).
- By the end of the session, participants will be able to describe inclusive hiring practices, culturally responsive service delivery, and equitable access to care across client populations and staff roles.
Registration Cost
Cost / 2-Day
Non-Member: $495
Cost / 1-Day
IPA Student Member: $40
Non-Member: $247.50
Conference Information
Location and Accommodations (Anti-human trafficking Certified)
Conference Location
Grinnell College
1115 8th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112
Hotel Accommodations (Anti-human trafficking Certified)
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
1710 W St S, Grinnell, IA 50112
To book a room within our room block (starting at $89/night exclusive of applicable state and local taxes, fees, and assessments), please visit https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/qs49y6?checkInDate=2026-04-09&checkOutDate=2026-04-11&ratePlanCode=BPSDON
DEADLINE: MARCH 19, 2026
Hotel Grinnell
925 Park St, Grinnell, IA 50112
To book a room within our room block (starting at $139/night exclusive of applicable state and local taxes, fees, and assessments), please visit https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/qf39w9?checkInDate=2026-04-09&checkOutDate=2026-04-11&ratePlanCode=BMLZUC
The block code for calling the hotel directly at 641-236-9250 to reserve rooms is: 0426IAPA
DEADLINE: JANUARY 8, 2026
Conference Program
8am – 8:55am / Check in, light breakfast
8:55am – 9am / Welcome and opening remarks
9am – 10:30am / Dr. Nikolas Presentation
10:30am – 10:45am / Morning break
10:45am – 12pm / Dr. Nikolas Presentation
12:00pm – 1pm / Lunch – IPA Business Meeting
1pm – 2:30pm / Dr. Nikolas Presentation
2:30pm – 3pm / Afternoon break
3pm – 4:45pm / Dr. Nikolas Presentation
4:45pm – 4:50pm / Closing Remarks
5pm – 6:30pm / Social and Student Poster Session
8am – 8:55am / Check in, light breakfast
8:55am – 9am / Welcome and opening remarks
9am – 10:30am / Dr. Wright Presentation
10:30am – 10:45am / Morning Break
10:45am – 12:15pm / Dr. Wright Presentation
12:15pm – 1:15pm / Presentation of the Phil Laughlin Meritorious Achievement Award, DSJ Diversity Graduate Student Award, Outgoing IPA Board recognition, Lunch
1:15pm – 2:45pm / Student Research Blitz
2:45pm – 3:15pm / Afternoon Break
3:15pm – 4:45pm / Panel Discussion and QA Session Regarding the Business of Psychological Practice
4:45pm – 4:50pm / Concluding remarks, farewell
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We understand, sometimes things come up!
Participants must register by Mar 27, 2026, at noon. Cancellation is available on the IPA website until Mar 27, 2026 at noon; No cancellations or refunds will be accepted after Mar 27, 2026 at noon.
Contact: Suzanne Hull, ipa@iowapsychology.org