The Chronic Illness Therapist Conference
A Conference Specifically For Therapists, Physical Therapists, Registered Dietitians, and Occupational Therapists Specializing in Chronic Pain and Illness
October 8 & 9, 2027 | Virtual and In-person | Atlanta, GA The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Chronic Illness Therapist Conference is purpose-built for counselors, physical therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and allied health professionals who work with people navigating chronic pain and illness. Instead of piecing together training from scattered resources, come for evidence-based tools, approved continuing education credits (for mental health and physical therapists), and a community of peers who genuinely understand this work, because they do it too. Join us October 2027 in Atlanta or virtually.
Meet the founders
Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC
is a private practitioner in Atlanta, Georgia who specializes in complex medical conditions, medical trauma, and ADHD. She offers therapy intensives to individuals and couples dealing with chronic illnesses, host The Chronic Illness Therapists podcast, and run the Welcome To The Waiting Room membership as a low-cost support option for folks with chronic illnesses.
Victoria Rodriguez, PhD LPC
is an all-telehealth private practitioner right outside of New Orleans, Louisiana.
She is a recipient of the 2024 Louisiana Counseling Association Distinguished Professional Service Award and member of the Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review board with the Louisiana Department of Health, She dedicated her career to supporting chronically ill/disabled people so they can live well and rest without shame.
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Expertise Through Experience
We believe that the most effective chronic illness mental health care comes from the intersection of clinical training and lived experience. Our community includes therapists who understand chronic illness from both professional and personal perspectives.
Evidence-Based, Holistic Understanding
We recognize that chronic illness impacts every aspect of a person's life - identity, relationships, work, dreams, and daily functioning. Mental health care must address this complete picture, not just isolated symptoms, while remaining grounded in research and best practices.
Nervous System-Informed Care
We understand that living with chronic illness, along with the medical experiences that often come with it, can take a real toll on the nervous system. We integrate this knowledge into trauma-informed, body-aware therapeutic approaches.
Collaborative Care
We champion interdisciplinary collaboration because chronic illness touches every part of a person’s life. By bringing together mental health clinicians, medical providers, dietitians, physical therapists, and other specialists, we help create care teams that understand each other’s roles and work toward the same goals.
Justice and Accessibility
We believe that people living with chronic illness deserve care from clinicians who understand disability, identity, and economic hardship as part of the clinical picture, not separate from it. That belief shapes what we teach, who we invite to speak, and the questions we ask about how this field serves people. We see accessibility as ongoing work rather than a finished goal, and we take feedback from our community seriously as we continue to grow.
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Sensory Accommodations
Fragrance-free environment with posted notices throughout the venue
Quiet sensory room available for breaks, equipped with fidget toys and comfortable seating
Reduced fluorescent lighting wherever possible, with natural and softer lighting options
Communication & Learning Support
Live captions for all main sessions and presentations
Large print materials available upon request
Extra transition time built into the schedule between sessions
ADHD-friendly reminders including visual schedules and gentle transition announcements
Clear signage throughout the venue with high contrast and easy-to-read fonts
Health & Safety
Hand sanitizer stations located throughout the venue
K95 Masks in every welcome bag & extra masks available on registration tables
Flexible attendance options for those who need to step out or take breaks
Air purifiers running in meeting spaces
Physical Accessibility
Accessible seating in all meeting rooms with designated wheelchair spaces
Accessible parking available near the venue entrance
Non-slip flooring and clear pathways maintained throughout the space
Service animal relief areas clearly marked with guidance provided at registration
Caregiver Support
Complimentary caregiver passes available for essential support persons
Caregiver seating accommodated in all sessions
Caregiver break areas with comfortable seating and resources
Additional Support
Accessibility coordinator available throughout the event for questions or concerns
Flexible seating arrangements to accommodate various mobility needs
Digital copies of all materials available for screen readers and assistive technology
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When and where is the 2027 conference?
The conference will be held in October 2027 in Atlanta, GA. Exact dates and venue will be announced soon — sign up here to be notified the moment they're released. The full conference will also be available live virtually.
Who is this conference for?
The conference is designed for licensed mental health professionals (CRCs, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs), physical therapists, registered dietitians, nurses, child life specialists, rehabilitation counselors, and other allied health providers who work with — or want to specialize in — chronic illness populations. Graduate students are also welcome and encouraged to apply for volunteer scholarships.
Are there conference discounts or scholarships available?
We offer scholarships for graduate student volunteers — apply on our volunteer page. The EARLYBIRD code gives Professional ticket holders a significant discount during early registration. Our goal is to expand scholarship offerings as our sponsor community grows. You can help by sharing our sponsorship page with your employer or agency.
Are virtual and in-person tickets the same price?
Yes! As disability-affirming therapists, we don’t ascribe to the idea that online options are “less valuable” than in person. We hold accessible online experiences to the same standard as in person experiences and have invested in high quality audio-visual services for our online attendees.
What if I want to switch my ticket from virtual to in-person (or vice versa)
No problem! If we still have available space in our conference hall, you’re more than welcome to join us. Just email admin@thechronicillnesstherapist.com to inquire if space is available. PLEASE do not just show up. We will absolutely accommodate you if we can and if we know in advance.
If you’re in person and want to switch to virtual, that’s also ok! We’d love to know as soon as you can tell us, so that we can open the room to folks who want to be in person. But also, we are chronically ill therapists ourselves. We understand if you need to switch on the day of.
Is a payment plan available?
Yes, a payment plan is available for Professional tickets. Select the payment plan option at checkout.
How can I get involved as a sponsor?
For sponsorship, visit our sponsor page to view packages, or book an intro call with Destiny to discuss a personalized option.
The Chronic Illness Therapist has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7980. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Chronic Illness Therapist is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.