2025 Events

Join our next event to connect, learn together, and spread awareness!

FIND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

3rd Annual Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference

Saturday, September 27th, 2025

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 Zoom link via email one day prior to the event.

The Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference is an insightful and impactful event dedicated to promoting awareness, understanding, and support for mental illness at no cost to attendees. The conference brings together a diverse group of professionals, experts, advocates, and individuals passionate about mental health from various sectors and backgrounds. The event features various engaging and informative breakout sessions, panel discussions, and keynote speeches covering a broad spectrum of mental health topics. Renowned experts and thought leaders will share their knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches to addressing mental health challenges. The conference aimed to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where attendees could learn, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. It provided a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for promoting mental wellness and resilience in their respective communities.

Keynote Address • 2025 MHMAZ Conference

Dr. Mark Anderson, DO

Amen Clinics

SPECT Imaging: A Breakthrough Approach to Diagnosing, Understanding, and Healing the Brain

Dr. Mark Anderson of Amen Clinics will present on Brain SPECT Imaging, a breakthrough tool that reveals how the brain functions by measuring blood flow and activity. Unlike traditional approaches, SPECT combines imaging with clinical interviews, testing, and lab work to create a complete picture of each individual. This allows clinicians to identify overactive and underactive brain regions, reduce misdiagnoses, and deliver more personalized treatments for complex conditions. Attendees will gain a new perspective on brain health, practical tools for supporting patients and loved ones, and renewed confidence in the future of psychiatry.

Breakout Sessions • 2025 MHMAZ Conference

Mental Health

Dr. Kari Millican

Phoenix Children's

In an age where therapy-speak trends on TikTok and self-diagnosis is just a scroll away, how do we support youth and young adults in navigating the flood of mental health content? This session explores the rise of pop psychology and its impact on brain health—both the benefits of destigmatization and the risks of oversimplification. Through the humorous and relatable examples, we’ll examine how to distinguish evidence-based practices from viral advice. Attendees will leave with tools to guide young people toward credible, compassionate, and brain-healthy mental health support.

PsyD., LPC-S, PMH-C, ACS

From Glimmers to Gaslighting: What Pop Psychology Gets Right—and Wrong—About Brain Health

Substance Use

Lindsay Taylor

Soul Soldier Network, LLC

This session explores how high-potency marijuana impacts the developing adolescent brain, affecting motivation, memory, emotions, and decision-making. Backed by neuroscience and real-world data, it offers tools to communicate risks, bridge the gap between perception and science, and apply evidence-based approaches to support youth.

LMSW

Behind the Smoke: The Truth About Marijuana and Youth Brains

Eating Disorders

Liz Lees

Root Cause Nutrition

It is estimated that 28.8 million (9%) of the US population will have an eating disorder in their lifetime and nearly three-fourths of those with an eating disorder also suffer from mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Eating disorders are associated with increased risk of medical and nutritional complications despite the size or weight of an individual. While the cause(s) of eating disorders is not known, there are several risk factors that have been identified to contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors such as food restriction, self-induced vomiting, binging and overexercise. This presentation will cover the basics of what eating disorders are, how nutrition can impact mental health and the relationship between the “gut” and brain in regards to eating disorder assessment and dietary interventions.

MS, RDN, CGN

Eating Disorders and The Gut-Brain Connection

LGBTQIA+

Rebecca Duffy

evolvedMD

This presentation explores milestones that have contributed to the development of recognizing the need for quality behavioral healthcare and increased access to care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The presenter will discuss the disparities that continue to impact rates of treatment seeking for the community. The presenter will explore the effectiveness of utilizing the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) to reduce barriers and increase access to quality, culturally competent behavioral health treatment to the LGBTQIA+ community. A Q&A session will be included to create discussion to obtain feedback and knowledge from subject matter experts of the audience and feedback from audience members willing to share personal experiences.

LPC

From Barriers to Bridges: Transforming Mental Health Care for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Expert Perspectives • 2025 MHMAZ Conference

Innovative Approaches to Trauma Treatment: Perspectives From Three Experts

Three expert clinicians share innovative approaches to trauma treatment, each highlighting a distinct therapeutic model. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies, treatment insights, and tools to better tailor care for diverse needs.