At the United Way of Northern Arizona’s recent Kickoff Breakfast, community leaders came together for a panel discussion on a critical issue: youth mental health.
As UWNA President and CEO Liz Archuleta noted, “It’s not enough just to dwell on the statistics; we need to discuss how we can address these issues.”
Facilitated by Devon Forrest, CEO of The Guidance Center, the panel featured Todd Parker, Clinical Manager, Flagstaff Medical Center; Brandy Stuhan, Clinical Director, Coconino County Health and Human Services Youth Behavioral Health; and Camille Drakeford, Clinical Therapist with Flagstaff Unified School District
Their conversation underscored three key areas: the scope of the problem, the resources that exist (and are on the horizon), and the role each of us can play in supporting youth and teen mental health.
Understanding the Challenge
The statistics are sobering. In Coconino County, our young people report higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts than the statewide average. One in three youth report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Todd Parker, who has been with Flagstaff Medical Center for three decades, said he has seen heartbreaking changes.
“When I started, we had 16- or 17-year-olds thinking about suicide. Now, we’re seeing 11- and 12-year-olds dying by suicide,” he said, adding that suicide has moved from the third to the second leading cause of death among youth.
Numbers alone, though, don’t capture the whole picture.
Brandy Stuhan pushed back on a common myth: “What keeps coming up for me is the idea that youth are just naturally resilient—and that’s just not true. They are malleable, and what often gets labeled as ‘resilience’ is really just survival.”
Youth need what Brandy calls “safe harbors” – secure, supportive spaces where they can thrive. That starts at home.
“My children are only as resilient, flexible, and adaptable to the adversities of life as they are safe, secure, and attached to their families, friends, and community,” she said.
Camille Drakeford of FUSD, said that teachers, administrators, counselors and staff are also seeing the toll.
“What we’re seeing in schools is that children are definitely struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression,” she said. “But the great news is that they are surrounded by extraordinary educators and people in the school system who are collaborating, connecting, and building relationships.”
Building Safe Harbors
Even with these challenges, there are resources making a difference – although we might not be talking about them enough. For example, at FUSD there are numerous on-site programs for students. FUSD has also created “tranquility spaces,” giving students a place to reset and regroup when stress feels overwhelming.
Meanwhile, Coconino County Health and Human Services is working toward a major new resource: a Youth Behavioral Health Center set to open in 2026. This center will be more than a clinic, it will be a hub for belonging. Youth will be able to access mental health support, but also find a safe place to do homework, fill out job applications, and connect with community partners.
“Our hope is to provide a safe place for our youth not only to seek mental health support, but also a place for belonging,” Brandy explained.
Devon also noted that while other resources do exist – including free programs – many community members don’t know about them. Raising awareness is a key next step.
What We Can Do
Even with expanded resources, the panel agreed that the most powerful tool we have is each other.
Often, said Todd, youth don’t need parents or other adults to fix their problems, but just to be present. “They need validation more than quick fixes,” he said.
Brandy echoed that sentiment. Noting that she has children who range in age from 14 to 32, she added that it’s good to let our youth know that “it’s okay if you are not okay” and that you will listen without judgment.
“Resources can be scarce,” Brandy added, “but what doesn’t have to be scarce is connection and community.”
Camille said the business community could help by offering vocational training or connect youth with agencies that offer those programs. “I think for our students it is going to be really important to tap into their talents, skills, and gifts – growing them so they can lead and serve our community,” she said. “It’s also another way to foster connection.”
Being a young person today is hard. But our community has the ability to meet these challenges with compassion and connection.
As this panel showed, supporting youth mental health is not just about professional services or new facilities, though those are crucial. It’s also about how each of us shows up: as parents, neighbors, mentors, and everyday community members.