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2026 MHMAZ CONFERENCE
THE HUMAN ALGORITHM
Reclaiming Human Connection in a Digital Age
4th Annual Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference
FREE COMMUNITY CONFERENCE
Saturday, September 26, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM MST
ASU SkySong Campus & Online
📍 1365 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
The event is free. A box lunch will be provided for in person attendees. Online attendees will receive a link via email one day prior to the event.
Technology is changing how we communicate, connect, learn, and understand the world around us. AI, social media, algorithms, and digital communities are becoming part of everyday life, especially for young people. But as our digital lives grow, one question becomes increasingly important: How do we protect the human connection we need to thrive? At this year's conference, we'll explore the intersection of technology, mental health, and wellbeing, examining where technology can help, where it can create new challenges, and why human connection still matters.
ONE DAY. BIG CONVERSATIONS.
REAL CONNECTIONS.
Explore important conversations around:
A DAY OF PURPOSE
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
A thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Lisa Strohman.
LIVE EXPERT + YOUTH PANELS
Multiple perspectives. Real experiences. Important conversations.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Go deeper into the topics affecting our communities.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR
Connect with organizations, services, and resources.
NETWORKING + CONNECTION
Because some of the most meaningful conversations happen between sessions.
FREE CE HOURS
Opportunities for eligible attendees to earn continuing education credits.
DR. LISA STROHMAN
Founder - Digital Citizen Academy
Clinical Psychologist • Author • Speaker
Dr. Lisa Strohman is a clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and founder of the Digital Citizen Academy, where she helps students, educators, and parents navigate the impact of technology on youth wellbeing. With more than a decade of experience working with adolescents and families, along with experience as an FBI Visiting Scholar, Dr. Strohman brings a unique perspective to the intersection of technology, youth, and mental health.
MEET THE KEYNOTE
Meet the Voices Behind the Conversations
Nate Perrizo
Perrizo Counseling Services + The Emergence Scottsdale
This presentation will cover technology addiction, screen time and social media habits, and healthy decision making regarding these topics. It is important for teens and young adults to be able to understand the risks and consequences of excessive technology use, and the effects that has on mental health and emotional regulation. It is also important for parents and clinicians to be able to speak to risks, consequences, and decision making regarding uses of technology, social media, and AI.
MSC, MSP, LPC
Tech Addiction &
Mental Health
Tech Addiction &
Mental Health
Amy Neville
Alexander Neville Foundation
Behind the filters and disappearing messages, a silent threat is reaching kids where they spend most of their time, online. Inspired by the story of 14-year-old Alexander Neville, this presentation exposes how social media platforms have become a primary gateway for drug dealers to target teens, why kids hide it from the adults who love them, and what parents, educators, and communities can do, starting tonight, to keep them safe.
Mom + Preseident
The Digital Frontline: Youth, Social Media & the Drug Pipeline
Amanda Scott
Cultivate Families Therapy + Palo Verde Behavioral Health
As AI increasingly shapes young people’s lives, families need tools to navigate its benefits and risks. This presentation explores the intersection of AI, body image, and eating disorders, helping participants recognize warning signs, identify harmful content, and understand when support may be needed. Participants will gain practical strategies for fostering healthy conversations about body image, food, social influences, and technology while helping youth build resilience, critical thinking, and healthier relationships with their bodies and the digital world.
LPC
Finding the Balance: Eating, Body Image, &
Identity in an AI World
Beyond Screen Time: Understanding the
Digital Lives of LGBTQIA+ Youth
Lennon Torres
The Attention Studio
For many LGBTQIA+ youth, the internet can be a vital source of identity exploration, community, connection, and support. At the same time, digital spaces can expose young people to bullying, misinformation, privacy concerns, and mental health challenges. This interactive session explores how digital environments shape LGBTQIA+ youth experiences and provides trusted adults with practical tools to help young people navigate online spaces safely and confidently. Participants will gain strategies to foster digital literacy, trust, belonging, and meaningful connection in an increasingly digital world.
Founder
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES. IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS.
Some conversations are more powerful when we make room for different voices.
This year’s conference features two live panel discussions, bringing together experts and young people to explore mental health, technology, connection, and the issues shaping our communities.
EXPERT PANEL
Perspectives from professionals working on the front lines of mental health and wellbeing.
Hear from experienced voices as they share insight, expertise, and real-world perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.
YOUTH PANEL
Hear directly from the generation
growing up in a digital world.
Young people bring a perspective that can't be replaced. This conversation creates space for youth voices to share their experiences, insights, and ideas about technology, mental health, connection, and wellbeing.
DON'T JUST LEARN. CONNECT.
Meet organizations and discover resources available across Arizona
The Community Resource Fair gives attendees the opportunity to connect directly with organizations offering information, services, support, and resources related to mental health and wellbeing.
THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE.
Come Curious. Leave Connected.
Whether you're looking for information, exploring new perspectives, searching for resources, or simply want to better understand the challenges facing our communities, this conference is designed to create space for learning, conversation, and connection.
POWERED BY COMMUNITY.
This conference is only made possible through the support of our sponsors and community partners.
September 26, 2026 | ASU SkySong + Online
Watch the 2025 Conference Replays
Insight. Connection. Learning.
Now Available On Demand!
Whether you joined us in person, tuned in online, or couldn’t make it this year, you can now watch the full lineup of conference sessions at your convenience. Dive into powerful conversations, expert guidance, and community stories that matter.
2025 MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS ARIZONA CONFERENCE
YOUTH PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderated by: Koren Hudson, MA, LPC, NCC
KEYNOTE
SPECT Imaging: A Breakthrough Approach to Diagnosing, Understanding, and Healing the Brain
Presented by: Dr. Mark Anderson, DO
EXPERT PERSPECTIVES
Approaches To Trauma Treatment: Perspectives From Three Experts
EMDR – What is EMDR Therapy? How it Heals & Who it Heals
Presented by: Carlie Deadman, LPC
Somatic Experiencing – Trauma related dissociation and the nervous system
Presented by: Chelsey Valeri, LCSW
Brainspotting – Brainspotting: Accessing the Brain’s Natural Healing Capacity
Presented by: Eryn Cloutier, LIAC