Anniversary
Canadian Muslim Mental Health Conference 2026
A decade of bringing faith and mental health together.
Ten years of conversation. One shared purpose.
Since 2016, CMMHC has brought together mental health care professionals, allied health care professionals, physicians and students to explore mental health in the context of spirituality and Islam.
Open to Canadians of all faiths and backgrounds, the conference provides evidence-based psychoeducation to the public and works to decrease the stigma of mental illness within the Muslim community.
Highlights from CMMHC 2025
Who Should Attend
- Psychiatrists, physicians & residents
- Psychologists, therapists & social workers
- Researchers & students
- Imams, chaplains & faith leaders
- Community organizations & advocates
Registration is now open. Follow @muslimmeds on Instagram for speaker and agenda updates.
Register NowMoments from CMMHC 2025
Clinicians, researchers, faith leaders and community members came together at Delta Hotels Toronto for our 9th conference.
A Decade of the Conference
From its first gathering at the University of Toronto in 2016 to a national meeting place for Muslim mental health.
Select a year to see the details.
2016Bismillah: Where It All Began
The first conference explored mental health through the lens of Islam and spirituality, bringing together clinicians, students, faith leaders and community members.
Keynote: Dr. Marwa Azab
Watch the Highlights →2017Healing Hearts and Minds
The second year deepened the conversation on depression, addictions and the role of spirituality in healing.
Keynote: Dr. Rania Awaad
2018Mercy for the Caregivers
Two morning keynotes, including a focus on self-care for the professionals and caregivers supporting Muslim mental health.
Keynote: Dr. Asim Yusuf & Dr. Rania Awaad
Watch the Highlights →2020Patience Through a Pandemic
Held online for the first time, the conference explored strength and unity in Black Muslim communities and how families and young people could cope through the pandemic.
Keynote: Dr. Kameelah Mu’Min Rashad
Watch the Talks →2021Grief, Faith and Resilience
Grief, collective trauma and resilience in the face of adversity and anti-Muslim discrimination.
Keynote: Dr. Ahmed Hankir
Watch the Talks →2022Care That Honours Faith
Speakers explored how mental health assessment and treatment can be adapted for Muslim patients, and how to support individuals and communities affected by Islamophobia.
Keynote: Dr. Rania Awaad & Dr. Javeed Sukhera
Watch the Talks →2023Gathering as One Ummah
Back in person at CAMH, keynotes from psychology, psychiatry and social work offered international perspectives on caring for Muslim communities, alongside new research from across Canada.
Keynote: Dr. Mona Amer, Dr. Amy Gajaria & Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim
Watch the Talks →2024A Refuge for Every Heart
The conference focused on refugee mental health, building the understanding and capacity needed to support Muslims who have been displaced from their homes.
Keynote: Dr. Audrey McMahon, Dr. Mohamad Elfakhani & Dr. Mohamed Baobaid
Watch the Talks →2025Where Faith Meets Clinical Care
Speakers shared models for bringing spiritual and cultural practices into clinical care, with sessions on fathers’ mental health, sleep, medication and psychosis.
Keynote: Dr. Asim Yusuf, Dr. Kenneth Fung & Heather Lash
Watch the Talks →2026A Decade of Healing Hearts
Our tenth conference marks a decade of bringing faith and mental health together. Speakers and the agenda will be announced soon.
Register Now →Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the conference?
The Canadian Muslim Mental Health Conference brings together students, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates to discuss current topics in mental health through keynote speakers, workshops, research presentations, and networking opportunities.
Who can attend the conference?
The conference is open to students, healthcare professionals, researchers, faculty, and anyone with an interest in mental health.
Where and when is the conference?
Date: Sunday, December 20, 2026
Location: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2B7
Registration
How do I register?
Register online at bit.ly/mmaccmmhc26. Follow @muslimmeds on Instagram for speaker and agenda updates.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Registration transfers may be permitted. Please contact the organizing committee before the registration deadline of December 7, 2026.
What happens if I can no longer attend?
Please notify the organizing committee at cmmhc@muslimmeds.ca as soon as possible. This lets us offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. Refund eligibility depends on the conference cancellation policy.
For Abstract Submitters
Can I still submit an abstract?
Abstract submissions for 2026 closed on October 1, 2026. Thank you to everyone who submitted.
When will I know if my abstract has been accepted?
All authors will be notified by email once abstract decisions have been made.
Can I withdraw my abstract after submission?
Yes. Please notify the organizing committee as soon as possible so we can adjust the conference program.
If my abstract is accepted, do I still need to register?
Yes. All presenters must complete conference registration to present.
Presentations
What presentation formats are available?
Accepted abstracts may be selected for oral presentations or poster presentations.
Will presentation guidelines be provided?
Yes. Detailed presentation instructions will be emailed to accepted presenters.
What if my abstract is accepted but I can’t attend?
At least one author, either the primary presenter or a co-author, must attend in person to present the accepted abstract. A co-author may present on your behalf, provided the organizing committee is notified before the conference.
Can I present my abstract virtually?
At this time, virtual presentations are not available. All accepted abstracts must be presented in person on the day of the conference.
Conference Day
What should I bring?
- Your registration confirmation
- A notebook or device for notes
- Poster materials (if presenting)
Will food be provided?
Yes. Food is provided and included in your ticket price.
Is parking available?
Yes. There is an underground garage beneath Daniels Spectrum, with the vehicle entrance at Sackville St. and St. Bartholomew St. (also accessible via Sackville and Sumach streets). There are other lots nearby, and limited daytime street parking along St. David Street and surrounding streets.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us at cmmhc@muslimmeds.ca before the conference.
Certificates
Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes. Certificates will be emailed after the conference.
Will presenters receive a presentation certificate?
Yes. Presenters will receive a certificate acknowledging their presentation.
Past Conferences
Every conference since 2016, with recordings of the talks where available.
9th Annual Conference
December 7 · Delta Hotels
Watch the Talks →
8th Annual Conference
December 15 · University of Toronto
Watch the Talks →
7th Annual Conference
December 16 · CAMH & online
Watch the Talks →
6th Annual Conference
December 11 · Online
Watch the Talks →
5th Annual Conference
December 11–12 · Online
Watch the Talks →
4th Annual Conference
December 12–13 · Online
Watch the Talks →
3rd Annual Conference
December 16 · University of Toronto
Watch the Highlights →
2nd Annual Conference
October 22 · University of Toronto
Recordings coming soon
1st Annual Conference
November 5 · University of Toronto
Watch the Highlights →Support a Decade of Muslim Mental Health
Partner with the Canadian Muslim Mental Health Conference to reach clinicians, researchers, students, faith leaders, and community organizations from across Canada, and help make culturally and spiritually informed care more accessible.
Connect with healthcare professionals, trainees, and community leaders in one room.
Recognition on the conference website, event materials, and social media.
Help sustain research, education, and community initiatives in Muslim mental health.
Or email us at advertising@muslimmeds.ca
Have a question?
Reach out to the CMMHC organizing committee about registration, abstracts, accessibility, or anything else about the conference.
Muslim Mental Health can help you
Find Programs and Services
Facilitates connections between individuals seeking mental health support and professionals who understand the cultural and religious contexts that shape their experiences.
Conference
Mental Health Professionals and the general are invited to join in-person.
Educational Resources
Access to mental health toolkits, articles, and guides that combine clinical insights with Islamic teachings.
Professional Networking & Development
Connect with mental health professionals working with Muslims across Canada
Research
Research projects aimed at evaluating culturally and spiritually adapted psychoeducation material.
About Us
MMAC’s Mental Health Project Objectives
CMMHC is an inclusive learning environment and welcomes all mental health professionals working with Muslims.
Objective 1
Bring together and strengthen connections between health care providers, organizations, individuals with lived experience, students, spiritual leaders and researchers working with Muslim mental health issues in Canada
Objective 2
Provide evidence based psychoeducation to the general public on mental health topics in the context of spirituality and Islam
Objective 3
Decrease the stigma of mental illness within the Muslim community.
Objective 4
Increase access to evidence based culturally and spiritually appropriate mental health resources to the Muslim community
Objective 5
Increase the capacity for healthcare providers, religious scholars, teachers, organizations and community members working to provide care to Muslims with mental health challenges