Sheridan, USA October 08, 2025 Innovation Times Senior Correspondent
As the world prepares to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2025, one event stands out for its urgent call to compassion, leadership, and community action. The Mental Health Capacity Summit 2025 is a groundbreaking virtual conference designed to inspire global conversation and drive tangible solutions under the compelling theme “Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health and Access to Care in Times of Crisis.”
The summit, organized by the Mental Health Capacity Foundation, will bring together some of the most respected minds in psychology, faith, leadership, and humanitarian service. It is scheduled to hold virtually on October 10, 2025, at 10 AM (PST) and 1 PM (EST).
The event’s purpose is simple but profound: to address the silent battles that men face in today’s society and to advocate for greater access to mental health services, particularly during moments of crisis. While mental health challenges affect all genders, men often suffer quietly due to social stigma and cultural expectations. The Mental Health Capacity Summit aims to challenge those barriers by providing education, resources, and inspiration through open dialogue.
Hosted by Dr. Akinyemi O. Samuel, widely known as Psalm Ebube, Founder of the Mental Health Capacity Foundation, this summit is a continuation of his mission to promote mental wellness, resilience, and leadership across nations. As one of Africa’s leading mental health advocates and global change agents, Dr. Samuel has built a movement that connects faith, science, and community healing. His foundation works to improve awareness and equip individuals with the tools they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive mentally and emotionally.
Joining him as Special Guest Speaker is HRH Dr. Clyde Rivers, President of iChange Nations and a world-renowned voice on civility and human rights. Dr. Rivers is an influential advocate for peace, moral leadership, and the dignity of every human being. His message for this year’s event is expected to challenge global leaders to rethink their approach to men’s mental health through the lens of civility; an approach that encourages kindness, empathy, and responsible communication in addressing mental health concerns.
Dr. Rivers’ philosophy on civility emphasizes the importance of how we treat one another, especially in moments of vulnerability. He often reminds leaders that mental health advocacy is not just about policies, but about human relationships and the tone of our interactions. His participation in the Mental Health Capacity Summit 2025 underscores his continued dedication to transforming global culture through respect and understanding.
The summit will also feature a powerful lineup of expert speakers who bring diverse experiences from mental health care, leadership, faith, and personal development. Among them are Dr. Ira Roach III, Dr. Allen Mallari, Dr. Vince Gomez, Pastor Gary L. Wilkerson, Dejan Stancer, Dr. Cicone Prince, Dr. Rev. Temesgen Fissehaye, Dr. Michael Freeland, Coach Joe Grey, Chad M. Smith, Dr. Veney Cochran, Dr. Jesse Salgado, Dr. R. Harrison Baxter, and Dr. Michael Holland.
These global voices represent a wide spectrum of expertise, from pastoral care and trauma recovery to organizational leadership and clinical psychology. Together, they bring a multidimensional approach to mental health, recognizing that no single field or discipline can solve this global challenge alone.
The theme “Breaking the Silence” was chosen to reflect an urgent truth. Around the world, men continue to suffer in silence due to fear of judgment or rejection. The summit’s goal is to shatter that silence and remind men that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of strength and self-awareness.
In recent years, statistics have shown a worrying rise in suicide rates among men, particularly in communities where open discussions about emotions are discouraged. The Mental Health Capacity Foundation believes that change begins with conversation, empathy, and access to qualified support. By opening the dialogue globally, the foundation hopes to normalize the conversation around men’s mental health and reduce stigma in every cultural setting.
Dr. Samuel, through his foundation, has consistently championed the role of collaboration in mental health advocacy. His leadership has influenced policymakers, educators, and faith leaders to work collectively toward a more compassionate world. His efforts emphasize that mental health must be seen as a human right, not a privilege reserved for a few.
Beyond awareness, the Mental Health Capacity Summit 2025 seeks to provide actionable strategies for communities, workplaces, and institutions to improve mental health access. Each speaker is expected to offer practical frameworks that can be applied across different environments, whether in counseling, education, or corporate leadership.
For Dr. Rivers, this summit represents more than another conference. It is a continuation of a lifelong mission to restore human dignity and civility in a world often overwhelmed by chaos and division. His message is expected to connect deeply with both faith and secular audiences, reminding them that compassion and justice are inseparable from true leadership.
The inclusion of leaders such as Dr. Ira Roach III and Pastor Gary Wilkerson further amplifies the spiritual dimension of the discussion. Both bring years of ministry and counseling experience to the table, highlighting the role of faith communities in providing safe spaces for emotional and psychological healing.
Similarly, voices like Dr. Allen Mallari and Dr. Vince Gomez represent the medical and therapeutic frontiers of the movement, bringing evidence-based insight into trauma, stress management, and recovery. Their participation bridges clinical science with community empathy, ensuring that the summit offers both academic depth and personal connection.
Through the summit, Mental Health Capacity Foundation hopes to ignite a worldwide movement that empowers men to speak openly, seek support, and rebuild their lives after crises. Participants will gain access to valuable mental health resources, professional advice, and a network of leaders dedicated to promoting well-being and resilience.
As the world becomes increasingly complex, the need for emotionally intelligent leadership has never been greater. The summit reinforces the truth that strong leadership begins with self-awareness and care. Leaders who acknowledge their mental health challenges can better serve others, build trust, and foster environments of growth.
Attending this event will not only inform participants but also inspire them to become agents of change in their respective spheres. Whether one is a counselor, pastor, corporate leader, educator, or advocate, the lessons shared will offer tools to transform both personal and community mental health outcomes.
Registration for the Mental Health Capacity Summit 2025 is open to everyone across the globe. It is a free event that promises education, transformation, and empowerment. Interested participants can join the global conversation by visiting MentalHealthCapacity.org.
The summit serves as a timely reminder that mental health is not an isolated issue but a shared human journey. As World Mental Health Day approaches, it calls on individuals everywhere to join hands in building a culture of care, compassion, and capacity.
In the words of Dr. Akinyemi O. Samuel, “Healing begins when we choose to listen.” The Mental Health Capacity Summit 2025 offers that very opportunity, a space to listen, learn, and lead toward a more understanding world.
