Submitted by Melissa Harrington
Maricopa County, Ariz. –Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc., has expanded its West Phoenix/Glendale, Arizona services to Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Goodyear Avondale, Surprise and Anthem.
“This expansion reflects our strong commitment to delivering essential family support, behavioral coaching, and therapy services to young people and families in area where we’re most needed,” said YAP Maricopa County Behavioral Health Program Director Melissa Harrington. “By reaching areas with a high demand and few options for affordable mental health services, including some rural parts of Maricopa County, we can support youth and families who can most benefit from our services.”
YAP® is a national nonprofit in 33 states and Washington, D.C., providing services that reduce the nation’s overreliance on y placing young people in correctional and residential care facilities and psychiatric hospitals. Celebrating its 50th year in 2025, YAP® partners with public systems to provide community-based wraparound and behavioral health services as an alternative out-of-home placements.
The YAP® Maricopa County, Arizona Family Support Behavioral Health Program provides children and youth ages 5-18 with behavioral health services through staff who advocate for and support their individual and family emotional, economic, and educational needs. YAP’s behavioral health professionals meet program participants where they are providing services for various mental health challenges including abuse, neglect or violence. Program participants are referred to the program through agencies or can request services by emailing yapazbh@yapinc.org. Medicaid and private insurance is accepted.
The YAP® Maricopa County, Arizona Family Support Behavioral Health Program provides children and youth ages 5-18 with behavioral health services through staff who advocate for and support their individual and family emotional, economic, and educational needs. YAP’s behavioral health professionals meet program participants where they are providing services for various mental health challenges including abuse, neglect or violence. Medicaid eligible participants are referred to the program through agencies or can request services by emailing yapazbh@yapinc.org.
With the expansion, Harrington’s former team of five serving 52 individuals grows to 25 professionals who can now support 117 young people and their families. Additionally, consistent with principles of YAP’s five-decades-old service model, the YAP® Maricopa County, Ariz. Behavioral Health Services staff are connected to the communities they serve. Harrington said the practice fosters a profound sense of pride, dedication and understanding, Harrington added.
“This authentic commitment to our community drives the success of our program and propels us forward into 2025 and beyond,” Harrington said. “Our intentional focus on employee engagement has resulted in the majority of our 25 staff members remaining with YAP for over a year. This stability and team continuity enable us to deliver consistent, high-quality services that genuinely impact people's lives.”
The YAP® south central Arizona team is thrilled to be able to broaden its reach and services to serve more young people and families in Maricopa County.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we are invigorated by the growth and impact we have already achieved, and we eagerly anticipate what the future holds,” Harrington said. “Our commitment to community-based care, employee empowerment, and mission-driven work will continue to guide our efforts as we expand our reach and improve lives for the better.”
For more information on YAP, visit yapinc.org.