Community Bridges, a nonprofit behavioral‑health provider, presented Nov. 24 to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors plans to open youth‑focused crisis stabilization and residential services in Flagstaff.

John Hogel, Community Bridges CEO, said the Flagstaff site on West University Avenue will initially include 24/7 crisis observation for children and adolescents ages 5–17 and a residential unit of roughly 20–24 beds for ages 8–17, with a later phase adding a 16‑bed inpatient program. Dane Binder, director of government affairs for Community Bridges, described a “no wrong door” approach: families, first responders or schools can bring youths to a 23‑hour observation unit where clinicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and peer support staff evaluate them and coordinate warm handoffs to outpatient providers or higher levels of care.

Binder said admissions will prioritize youth with trauma, mood disorders, substance‑use disorders and mild psychotic disorders; exclusionary criteria include moderate‑to‑severe intellectual developmental disabilities and primary eating disorders. Community Bridges said it employs a tribal liaison and will coordinate with tribal nations, Department of Child Safety, juvenile probation and local hospitals to ensure appropriate transfers and follow‑up care.

Supervisors expressed support and called for strong outreach to rural and tribal communities. County staff said Community Bridges will operate under its contracts with managed‑care organizations and that further coordination with Health & Human Services will follow.