2026 program strengthened with practical psychopharmacology sessions in partnership with Psych Congress.
By W. Clay Jackson, MD, DipTh
Practical Updates in Primary Care Steering Committee Member
Do you find yourself addressing mental health concerns more often during routine office visits? If so, you’re not alone.
More than 20% of US healthcare visits now involve mental health, and primary care clinicians are increasingly on the front lines of triaging those complaints and are called upon often to manage the initial care plan and follow-up.
At Practical Updates in Primary Care, we have heard you, loud and clear. The 2026 virtual series is designed to support your professional growth and clinical confidence across four live events: May 13–15 (ET), July 22–24 (CT), August 19–21 (PT), and October 14–16 (ET).
In addition to the high-quality general clinical content that distinguishes Practical Updates in Primary Care, this year’s program is strengthened with new mental health content developed in partnership with Psych Congress.
What is Practical Updates in Primary Care?
Practical Updates in Primary Care is a fully virtual education series designed to help primary care clinicians turn current practice guidelines into real-time, real-world decisions that improve patient care. Each three-day event offers access to all live sessions, up to 14 CME or CE credits, and a flexible format built for the full primary care team — without the hassle and expense of travel.
What Makes the Partnership Unique
We've combined the general clinical educational strength of Practical Updates in Primary Care 2026 with the standard-bearer in the mental health space, Psych Congress.
As the nation’s #1 conference for practical psychopharmacology, Psych Congress brings to this collaboration practical prescribing strategies, case-based learning, and clear clinical guidance into the primary care setting. The synergy of the partnership reflects how care is delivered today, where mental and physical health are addressed together.
What You Can Apply in Practice
Our goal is to support you as you make crucial clinical decisions that happen every day in primary care. My session this year focuses on one of the most common and complex challenges clinicians face:
- Polypharmacy in Primary Care: Practical Strategies for Safer Prescribing and Deprescribing
May 13, July 22, August 19, October 14 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Dr. May 13, July 22, August 19, October 14 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Dr. Brandt and I will focus on helping clinicians identify patients at risk from polypharmacy and conduct efficient medication reviews. The session also provides practical strategies for deprescribing and aligning treatment decisions with patient goals of care through shared decision-making.
Built for the Way Primary Care Practices Today
Practical Updates in Primary Care 2026 is designed for the full primary care team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and pharmacists.
The virtual format and multiple live date options make it easier to participate without stepping away from patient care, while still benefiting from real-time learning and faculty Q&A. Each three-day event offers up to 14 CME or CE credits, with complimentary registration.
Why This Matters Now
Primary care continues to take on a larger role in managing mental health, often without additional time or resources.
Practical Updates in Primary Care 2026 helps translate evolving guidance into practical strategies that fit into everyday clinical workflows and support better patient care. I hope you will join me for our 2026 series to learn practical strategies you can use right away and connect with colleagues navigating the same challenges, here on the front lines, where patient need meets clinical excellence!
Event Details
- Event: Practical Updates in Primary Care 2026
- Format: Virtual
- Dates:
- May 13–15, 2026 (ET)
- July 22–24, 2026 (CT)
- August 19–21, 2026 (PT)
- October 14–16, 2026 (ET)
- Event Website
- Full Educational Program
- Registration Rates and Information
W. Clay Jackson, MD, DipTh, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and a practicing family physician with expertise in behavioral health and integrated care.