Transforming Trauma Care: Science and Policy on Novel PTSD Interventions
October 23, 2026
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains one of the most pressing challenges facing those who protect and serve. While standard treatments have helped many, a substantial number of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders continue to struggle – leading to long-term health consequences, workforce attrition, and significant societal costs.
The conference addresses a critical need: examining emerging scientific advances to inform policy-ready solutions. This inaugural convening brings together leading researchers, clinicians, technology innovators, public safety leaders, and policymakers to examine innovative approaches that have the potential to reshape trauma care.
What Makes This Different
This is not a traditional scientific conference, nor is it a standard first responder symposium. It is a deliberately convened dialogue among distinct constituencies who rarely occupy the same room:
- Academic Researchers advancing the science of trauma treatment
- Clinical Practitioners delivering care on the front lines
- Technology Innovators developing the next generation of treatment tools
- First Responders & Veterans with lived experience of trauma and recovery
- Public Safety Leadership implementing wellness programs in agencies
- Policymakers shaping the regulatory and funding landscape
The Focus: Novel PTSD Interventions
Presentations and discussions will explore cutting-edge approaches to trauma treatment:
- New Paradigms Require Novel Treatments: Operator Syndrome and Beyond
- Chris Frueh, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii; Hilo Chair, Health Advisory Board, SEAL Future Foundation
- Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Combined with Psychedelics for PTSD
- Barbara O. Rothbaum, Ph.D., Paul A. Janssen Chair of Neuropsychopharmacology; Director, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, Emory University
- Why Emphasize the Therapy in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
- Joseph A. Zamaria, Psy.D., ABPP, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
- Peripheral Modulators of PTSD: Stellate Ganglion Block and Acupuncture
- Michael Hollifield, M.D., Section Chief, PCT, Long Beach VA Medical Center, President and CEO, The War Survivors Institute
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment of PTSD
- Frank Andrew Kozel, M.D., MSCR, DLFAPA, FCTMSS, Professor & Mina Jo Powell Endowed Chair – Neurological Sciences, Director FSU Neuromodulation, Florida State University
- BRAVEMIND and Beyond: Clinical VR and AI for PTSD in a Rapidly Changing World
- Albert “Skip” Rizzo, PhD., Director, Medical Virtual Reality – Institute for Creative Technologies; Dept. of Psychiatry and School of Gerontology, University of Southern California
- Cannabis – Treatment Efficacy and Policy Challenges (Moderated Panel)
- Robert D. Smith-Dvorak, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Medicine, University of Central Florida; CAPT., Army Reserves
- Plus, leadership and representatives across veteran affairs, law enforcement, and fire service.
Your Hosts
Hosted by UCF RESTORES
UCF RESTORES is a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based trauma treatment, research, and training. For over a decade, we have pioneered advancements in trauma management, serving first responders, veterans, active-duty personnel, and civilians impacted by mass violence and natural disasters. Our hallmark Intensive Outpatient Program achieves outcomes that far exceed national averages: 76% of first responders and 67% of military combat veterans no longer meet PTSD diagnostic criteria after completing our program.
UCF RESTORES operates at the genuine intersection of research, innovation, clinical practice, and policy. We are uniquely positioned to convene this cross-sector dialogue because we are embedded in each of these worlds through our daily work.
Co-Hosted by Orlando VA Medical Center
The Orlando VA Medical Center represents a new generation of veteran healthcare: a state-of-the-art facility serving Central Florida’s veteran community with comprehensive medical, mental health, and specialty care services. As a co-host and venue partner, the Orlando VA brings deep expertise in serving those who have served our country.
Who Attends
The conference combines an intimate in-person experience with broad digital reach through a hybrid convening designed to maximize both depth of engagement and accessibility.
- First Responders & Public Safety Leadership – Fire chiefs, police chiefs, sheriffs, EMS directors, union leaders, peer support coordinators
- Veterans Affairs Specialists – VA administrators, military behavioral health officers, veteran service organization leaders
- Academia & Research Scientists – University researchers, NIH-funded investigators, clinical trial leads
- Clinical Providers – Psychologists, psychiatrists, LMHCs, clinical social workers specializing in trauma
- Policy & Legislative Influencers – State legislators, agency policy directors, foundation program officers
- Technology & Innovation – Digital health executives, VR/AR developers, health tech founders
Attendance Model:
- In-Person: 150+ attendees including invited thought leaders, speakers, sponsor representatives, and leadership across public safety and legislative policy, as well as select clinical researchers and practitioners
- Virtual Livestream: Open registration for clinical professionals, researchers, and industry stakeholders nationwide
- On-Demand Access: All registered attendees receive post-event access to session recordings
CE Credits will be available for clinicians attending the program (either virtually or in-person)
Sponsorships
Partner with UCF RESTORES to demonstrate your commitment to advancing trauma care for those who protect and serve. Sponsorship supports conference programming, speaker participation, and dissemination of evidence-based knowledge to clinicians, healthcare systems, and policymakers nationwide.