FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the implementation phase of the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Youth Behavioral Health Project (YBHP) at their December 12, 2023, regular meeting. The YBHP, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will offer preemptive behavioral healthcare for youth utilizing a hub and spoke youth-based and youth–led model. YBHP facilities and services will provide emotional, physical, and social support services for youth aged 12-18.
As a result of the Board’s approval, CCHHS will move forward with the final planning and construction of an innovative, youth behavioral resource center facility in Flagstaff, and begin planning for services in outlying communities including Page, Williams, Tusayan, and Fredonia. The environmental design and facilities will all look different for each community where services are provided, but the approach to facility/environment design will remain intentional and youth led.
The YBHP will utilize the Allcove Model, developed by Dr. Steve Addelsheim and the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing, to guide operations. The strength-based youth mental health model is an evidence-based integrated service model that empowers youth.
Services may include mental and behavioral health drop-in clinical services, physical health services, peer and family support, educational support, community building activities, prevention support including wrap around services and resource navigation, and other services identified as priorities by youth.
Community engagement and partnerships, critical components of the project, will be individualized for each location. CCHHS is meeting with collaborating community partners to discuss project goals and vision and will begin gathering youth feedback. The YBHP calls for close collaboration and coordination with the existing service providers to meet a pressing need for youth in partnership with the current providers.
More information about the project and ongoing project updates can be found at https://coconino.az.gov/3279/Youth-Behavioral-Health-Project
