ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education

03/20/2026

Join us April 24–26, 2026, for the ACPE Psychotherapy Spring Retreat: “Deepening our Roots: Nurturing the Soul and Growing in Connection” at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, MD.

This is your invitation to step away from the busyness of practice and into a space of renewal, learning, and genuine community.

You’ll hear from an incredible lineup of presenters on topics ranging from AI in therapeutic practice, to drumming, storytelling, lament, spiritual presence, and personal peace — all through a spiritually integrated lens.

📍 Maritime Conference Center | Linthicum Heights, MD
📅 April 24–26, 2026
🔗 Register here: https://sip-com.wildapricot.org/event-6516043?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=4/19/2026

Share this with a colleague who needs a retreat this spring!

03/19/2026

Meet Sandy Himmelrich, Executive Director of Clinical Services and CARES Center and Co-Director of the Behavioral Health Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles — our newest voice in the "Voices of the Administrators" campaign.

"They are small but mighty, and I absolutely cannot imagine what it would be like without them."

Sandy has seen firsthand how CPE-trained chaplains bring the emotional and spiritual maturity to show up for any patient, any family, in any crisis. That kind of presence is irreplaceable.

👉 Watch her story: https://vimeo.com/1170670344?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

03/05/2026

Meet Melissa Fritz, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital (HealthPartners) — the latest voice in our "Voices of the Administrators" campaign.

"ACPE is not an extra. It is a standard that we all need to consider."

Melissa shares how ACPE-trained chaplains bring the clinical rigor and professionalism that elevate not only the spiritual care department but also the entire organization. From leadership teams to frontline staff, the impact is real, measurable, and lasting.

"It doesn't just strengthen the spiritual care department. It does so much more."

We're grateful for Melissa's partnership and her commitment to high-quality, safe patient care.

👉 Watch her full story: https://vimeo.com/1161588372?fl=tl&fe=ec

This is "ACPE Voices of Administrators Campaign: Melissa Fritz Testimonial" by ACPE on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

02/18/2026

Excellence requires accountability.

For Amy Allen, CEO of Baptist Health System in Birmingham, ACPE accreditation represents rigorous, third-party validation that makes a difference.

Nurses notice. Physicians notice. The professionalism and preparation of ACPE-trained residents stand out.

For Baptist Health System, investing in accredited CPE strengthens teams, elevates patient care, and sets their organization apart in a competitive healthcare landscape.

All month long, we’re sharing leadership voices through our Voices of Administrators campaign.

This is "ACPE Voices of Administrators: Amy Allen's Testimonial" by ACPE on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

02/04/2026

Real impact is best conveyed by the people who see it every day.

This is the heart of ACPE's Voices of Administrators campaign, sharing authentic perspectives on how ACPE-accredited CPE programs contribute value and real, lasting change across organizations. Throughout February, ACPE will bring you Voices from among leaders who champion our accredited CPE programs within their remarkable institutions.

In this testimonial, Pete McCanna, CEO of Baylor Scott and White Health, shares how ACPE programs create meaningful transformation- strengthening leadership, empowering staff, and ultimately improving the care delivered to the communities they serve.

▶️ Watch, listen, and hear the impact through the voice of leadership.

12/02/2025

There’s still time to make an impact this Giving Tuesday.

ACPE is closing in on our $10,000 goal, and your gift today helps strengthen the systems and support our students rely on to learn, grow, and lead.

If ACPE has shaped your journey — or if you believe in the future of spiritual care — we invite you to join us before the day ends.

Give now: https://bit.ly/48sFKPN

12/02/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday! Today we’re celebrating the students who power ACPE’s mission.

Our theme — Powered by Students. Strengthened by You. — reminds us that when we invest in our learners, we invest in the future of spiritual care.

Our goal is $10,000, and every gift strengthens ACPE’s commitment to smarter systems, stronger support, and more connected learning environments.

Follow along as we share student stories throughout the day, and join us in making a difference: https://bit.ly/48sFKPN

12/02/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday, and ACPE is celebrating the students who power everything we do.

Our theme — Powered by Students. Strengthened by You. — highlights the heart of our mission: compassionate, committed learners who show up every day to serve their communities.

ACPE is investing in the next era of spiritual care education:

🎯Smarter systems
🎯Stronger student support
🎯More connected learning environments

Our goal today is $10,000, and every gift directly supports the students who will lead the future of spiritual care.

Throughout the day, we’ll be sharing stories and reflections from ACPE students across our social channels. We invite you to watch, share, and add your voice to this movement.

Join us and help strengthen the path for every ACPE student to thrive — connected, supported, and ready to lead.

Make your gift: https://bit.ly/48sFKPN

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to honor and express our deepest gratitude to all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Many in the ACPE community have answered this call, serving as chaplains, caregivers, and spiritual companions, offering presence, comfort, and care in times of uncertainty and need. Your service, both in uniform and beyond, continues to shape lives and communities with compassion and courage.

To every veteran and service member in our midst: thank you for your dedication, your sacrifices, and your commitment to peace and healing.

10/22/2025

Happy Spiritual Care Week!

This year marks 40 Years of Spiritual Support, a time to celebrate the education and practice of spiritual care through professional chaplaincy and pastoral counseling.

ACPE joins our partners across the COMISS Network in honoring and celebrating all who provide pastoral and spiritual care, and the institutions that make this work possible.

We are grateful for the educators, chaplains, psychotherapists, and spiritual care leaders who embody clarity, healing, and compassion every day.

10/01/2025

Write for Reflective Practice

Where we learn and serve shapes who we become. What meaning does your workplace hold? How do your students’ contexts influence their formation? How has your own theory shifted as you’ve moved through different places?

The next issue’s theme (Volume 46 – 2026) is now live—exploring the intersections of location and learning. Consider adding your voice! Submissions are due November 1.

Learn more:

SECTION 2: ASSOCIATION FOR THEOLOGICAL FIELD EDUCATION (ATFE) AND ASSOCIATION FOR REFLECTIVE PRACTICE IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION (ARPTE)