Greetings
The 9th congress of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association (ACBTA)
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 9th congress of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association (ACBTA), held in collaboration with the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (JABCT), the 27th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Cognitive Therapy (JACT), and the 19th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders (JSARD).
This congress has been made possible through the long-standing dedication of individuals who have advanced the practice, research, and development of cognitive behavioral therapies and related fields. I am deeply grateful for their collective efforts.
The theme of this year’s congress is:
“Beyond borders: advancing science, equity, and global well-being.”
I believe that the congress provides the best opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to exchange their ideas, which will allow us to move beyond various boundaries - those between humans and technology, mind and body, and CBT and other approaches – and help us create a better world. In a time when polarization has become increasingly visible around the globe, I believe this congress will serve as a reminder that the human mind and science have no borders.
I warmly welcome each of you, and I look forward to the conversations and connections that will emerge.
This congress has been made possible through the long-standing dedication of individuals who have advanced the practice, research, and development of cognitive behavioral therapies and related fields. I am deeply grateful for their collective efforts.
The theme of this year’s congress is:
“Beyond borders: advancing science, equity, and global well-being.”
I believe that the congress provides the best opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to exchange their ideas, which will allow us to move beyond various boundaries - those between humans and technology, mind and body, and CBT and other approaches – and help us create a better world. In a time when polarization has become increasingly visible around the globe, I believe this congress will serve as a reminder that the human mind and science have no borders.
I warmly welcome each of you, and I look forward to the conversations and connections that will emerge.
Daisuke Fujisawa, MD, PhD
President-elect, Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association (ACBTA)
President, Japanese Association for Cognitive Therapy (JACT)
The 53rd Annual Convention of the Japanese Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (JABCT)
It is my great honor to announce that the 9th Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association (ACBTA 2027) conference will be held in August 2027. This landmark event marks the first-ever joint conference of four major societies: ACBTA 2027, the 53rd Annual Convention of the Japanese Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (JABCT), the 27th Annual Conference of the Japanese Association for Cognitive Therapy (JACT), and the 19th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders (JSARD). I am deeply privileged to serve as the President of the 53rd JABCT for this significant milestone.
Currently, interest in mental health across Asia is reaching unprecedented levels, driven by economic development in a globalized, advanced information society, changes in social structures, and the experiences of the pandemic. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as a cornerstone of evidence-based psychotherapy, has become a "common language" that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers to support the well-being of people everywhere.
At this conference, we aim for "co-creation"—sharing the latest knowledge while honoring the spirit of diversity and inclusion. By bringing together Japan's leading academic societies, I am confident that we will foster multifaceted and dynamic discussions ranging from fundamental research to clinical practice and social implementation.
As the Conference President, I am committed to making every preparation to ensure that experts from Japan and abroad can find new inspiration and stimulate their innovative minds amidst the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer. I truly look forward to welcoming you all to Japan for this invaluable opportunity to pave the way for the future of CBT in Asia and the world.
Currently, interest in mental health across Asia is reaching unprecedented levels, driven by economic development in a globalized, advanced information society, changes in social structures, and the experiences of the pandemic. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as a cornerstone of evidence-based psychotherapy, has become a "common language" that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers to support the well-being of people everywhere.
At this conference, we aim for "co-creation"—sharing the latest knowledge while honoring the spirit of diversity and inclusion. By bringing together Japan's leading academic societies, I am confident that we will foster multifaceted and dynamic discussions ranging from fundamental research to clinical practice and social implementation.
As the Conference President, I am committed to making every preparation to ensure that experts from Japan and abroad can find new inspiration and stimulate their innovative minds amidst the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer. I truly look forward to welcoming you all to Japan for this invaluable opportunity to pave the way for the future of CBT in Asia and the world.
Eiji Shimizu, MD, PhD
President of the 53rd Annual Convention of the Japanese Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (JABCT)
The 27th Annual Convention of the Japanese Association for Cognitive Therapy (JACT)
It is a great honor for me to serve as President of the 27th Annual Convention of the Japanese Association of Cognitive Therapy and to host this congress as a joint meeting of international and domestic academic societies.
The Japanese Association of Cognitive Therapy (JACT) has promoted the practice and advancement of cognitive behavioral therapies across a wide range of fields, including healthcare, education, welfare, and industry, grounded in multidisciplinary collaboration. In recent years, CBT has gained increasing recognition within Japan’s national health insurance system, and its role in society has become more significant than ever.
JACT is a member of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Association (ACBTA), which is affiliated with the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT). Therefore, it is a major milestone and a great privilege to host this joint congress in Japan together with the 9th Congress of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Association. Having been involved since the first annual meeting, this occasion is especially meaningful to me.
Furthermore, this congress also marks the second time that a joint meeting with the Asian congress has been held in Japan since 2013. We sincerely hope that this meeting, taking place in Tokyo, will bring together colleagues from across Asia and around the world, fostering dialogue, shared knowledge, and new connections. We believe this congress will serve as a meaningful step toward shaping the future of cognitive behavioral therapies, and we warmly welcome your participation.
The Japanese Association of Cognitive Therapy (JACT) has promoted the practice and advancement of cognitive behavioral therapies across a wide range of fields, including healthcare, education, welfare, and industry, grounded in multidisciplinary collaboration. In recent years, CBT has gained increasing recognition within Japan’s national health insurance system, and its role in society has become more significant than ever.
JACT is a member of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Association (ACBTA), which is affiliated with the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (WCCBT). Therefore, it is a major milestone and a great privilege to host this joint congress in Japan together with the 9th Congress of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Association. Having been involved since the first annual meeting, this occasion is especially meaningful to me.
Furthermore, this congress also marks the second time that a joint meeting with the Asian congress has been held in Japan since 2013. We sincerely hope that this meeting, taking place in Tokyo, will bring together colleagues from across Asia and around the world, fostering dialogue, shared knowledge, and new connections. We believe this congress will serve as a meaningful step toward shaping the future of cognitive behavioral therapies, and we warmly welcome your participation.
Shinichi Ishikawa, PhD
President of the 27th Annual Convention of the Japanese Association for Cognitive Therapy (JACT)
The 19th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders (JSARD)
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 9th Congress of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Association (ACBTA), held in conjunction with the 53rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (JABCT), the 27th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Cognitive Therapy (JACT), and the 19th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders (JSARD).
The Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders (JSARD) has been dedicated to advancing research and clinical practice in anxiety and related disorders through multidisciplinary collaboration among professionals in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, education, and occupational health. As awareness of anxiety disorders continues to grow, the importance of early detection, early intervention, and the dissemination of evidence-based treatments has become increasingly evident in both clinical and community settings.
A significant milestone in Japan was achieved in March 2026, when venlafaxine, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), was included in the national health insurance system for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).This development represents a major step forward in anxiety disorder care in Japan and is expected to further promote comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. In particular, psychotherapy—especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—will play an increasingly important role. The integration of pharmacotherapy and CBT, supported by strong multidisciplinary collaboration, will be essential for advancing anxiety care in Japan and beyond.
This congress offers a unique opportunity for researchers and clinicians from Asia and around the world to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and foster innovation in cognitive behavioral therapies and anxiety research. Through interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue, we hope to contribute to the advancement of science and the improvement of mental health and well-being worldwide.
I warmly welcome your participation and look forward to meeting you in Tokyo.
The Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders (JSARD) has been dedicated to advancing research and clinical practice in anxiety and related disorders through multidisciplinary collaboration among professionals in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, education, and occupational health. As awareness of anxiety disorders continues to grow, the importance of early detection, early intervention, and the dissemination of evidence-based treatments has become increasingly evident in both clinical and community settings.
A significant milestone in Japan was achieved in March 2026, when venlafaxine, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), was included in the national health insurance system for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).This development represents a major step forward in anxiety disorder care in Japan and is expected to further promote comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. In particular, psychotherapy—especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—will play an increasingly important role. The integration of pharmacotherapy and CBT, supported by strong multidisciplinary collaboration, will be essential for advancing anxiety care in Japan and beyond.
This congress offers a unique opportunity for researchers and clinicians from Asia and around the world to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and foster innovation in cognitive behavioral therapies and anxiety research. Through interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue, we hope to contribute to the advancement of science and the improvement of mental health and well-being worldwide.
I warmly welcome your participation and look forward to meeting you in Tokyo.
Osamu Takashio, MD, PhD
President, The 19th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anxiety and Related Disorders (JSARD)
