Meet Keynote Speaker Brandon Saho at 6th Annual Behavioral Health Summit

If you've ever left a training with pages of notes but no real change in your daily life, you understand what many communities are desperately seeking: experiences that are human, practical, and authentic.

The 2026 Summit on Behavioral Health in Energy Country embodies this vision. It won't just be a meticulously crafted agenda; it will be a transformative gathering designed to equip attendees with meaningful insights, foster deeper connections, and provide actionable tools for supporting those they care for and serve.

As we continue our planning, we're excited to announce that our lineup will continue to evolve, ensuring an enriching experience. We are actively reaching out to speakers, confirming agenda details, and will share updates on the Vision West ND Behavioral Health page as logistics take shape. A highlight already confirmed is a keynote presentation from Brandon Saho, the visionary behind The Mental Game, which promises to inspire and ignite change. Join us as we work together towards a collective transformation in behavioral health.

Brandon Saho, an inspiring keynote you don’t want to miss

Brandon is a former sports reporter and a passionate mental health advocate whose insights are deeply rooted in his own lived experiences. He candidly shares his journey through years of depression and suicidal thoughts, highlighting a pivotal moment in 2022 when he embraced therapy and sought hospital care. His story isn't just a personal narrative; it resonates with the silent struggles many endure, even those who appear to thrive on the outside.

In western North Dakota, we are acutely aware of how quickly life can demand resilience. The real question is not whether individuals will encounter stress, grief, isolation, or burnout, but rather whether they will have access to the support, tools, and encouragement needed to discuss these challenges openly before they escalate into a crisis.

Get ready for an inspiring journey

Brandon’s keynote promises to be an engaging and interactive journey, blending compelling stories, lively discussions, and hands-on exercises. The focus isn’t on overwhelming attendees with theory; instead, it’s about equipping them with practical strategies that can seamlessly integrate into their everyday lives.

Saho will share inspiring stories from public figures who bravely shared their personal battles with mental health challenges and triumphs with him. This powerful aspect of the keynote challenges the detrimental myth that mental health struggles are limited to a select few, breaking down stigma one story at a time.

Brandon’s presentation is grounded in research-backed strategies crafted in collaboration with the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and mental health experts. Key topics will include managing stress and anxiety, building resilience in tough times, effective self-care techniques, and recognizing the signs that indicate when to seek help for oneself or others.

The session will conclude with an open forum discussion, encouraging everyone to share and explore ways to support one another’s mental health and foster a culture of understanding and acceptance through our everyday actions.

Join the conversation and be part of the change.

A keynote sparking transformative conversations beyond the summit.

Each attendee will walk away with a copy of The Mental Game Parent Conversations Playbook. This invaluable resource emphasizes that mental health is not a taboo topic but a crucial aspect of family and community dialogue. With thought-provoking questions, it opens the door to conversations about stigma, support, and the importance of seeking help. Plus, it inspires practical habits like daily check-ins and crafting a personalized mental health toolkit. Let’s break the silence and start building a healthier future together.

A respectful note on sensitive topics

This keynote may cover sensitive content, including depression, anxiety, suicide, alcohol and drug use, bullying, and therapy or counseling. Discretion is advised.

If you are looking for a summit that treats behavioral health as a shared community responsibility, Brandon Saho’s keynote is one reason to be in the room. As the rest of the lineup is confirmed, we will continue to share updates so you can see how the full program is coming together.

Purchase tickets at https://VWNDSUMMIT26.givesmart.com.

For summit updates, speaker announcements, and new posts in this series, visit https://www.visionwestnd.com/behavioral-health.