WESTON, W.Va. – William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital hosted the 2026 Western Psychiatric State Hospital Association (WPSHA) Conference, bringing together leaders and professionals from state psychiatric hospitals for three days of education, collaboration and discussion focused on improving care in publicly operated mental health facilities.
“We are incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to host this year’s conference,” said West Virginia Department of Health Facilities Cabinet Secretary Michael Caruso. “Welcoming colleagues from across the region to West Virginia reflects our commitment to collaboration, education and improving the quality of care we provide. Events like this remind us that we are all working toward the same goal: providing the best possible care and support to those we serve.”
The conference was held Sept. 1 through Sept. 3 at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke. Participants shared experiences, discussed common challenges and explored effective approaches to mental health treatment, rehabilitation and hospital management. Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital, another state-owned and operated psychiatric facility, also presented during the conference.
For William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital, hosting the conference provided an opportunity to showcase West Virginia’s work while contributing to a broader regional discussion about the future of public behavioral health services.
“Bringing leaders and professionals together gives us the chance to share what is working, learn from one another and identify new ways to strengthen the care we provide,” said William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital Administrator Patrick Ryan. “The work of state psychiatric hospitals is challenging and complex, and collaboration allows us to draw on the experience and expertise of our colleagues across the region.”
“A heartfelt thank you to the state of West Virginia and the incredible team at William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital for opening their doors to the WPSHA family,” said WPSHA President and Arizona State Hospital CEO Mike Sheldon. “Your commitment to advancing public psychiatric healthcare through academic partnerships and fostering meaningful regional collaboration made this event a resounding success.”
Education and collaboration are central to WPSHA’s mission of ensuring effective, state-of-the-art mental health treatment and rehabilitation services for people served by publicly operated hospitals. The annual conference allows participating hospitals to build professional relationships, exchange successful practices and work together on challenges shared by state-operated psychiatric facilities.
For more information, visit Overview | Western Psychiatric State Hospital Association.
The West Virginia Department of Health Facilities (DHF) seeks to coordinate, oversee, and provide direction of state-owned health care facilities, including one acute medical hospital and two acute psychiatric hospitals. DHF also works diligently to improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians who utilize the services of these facilities.