Youth Mental Health Summit
The Youth Mental Health Summit (YMHS) is Teton Youth & Family Services’ biennial gathering dedicated to understanding, discussing, and addressing the mental health challenges facing young people in the Mountain West. Over three days, youth, families, educators, mental health professionals, and community members come together for honest conversation, shared learning, and collaborative problem-solving.
Grounded in courage, compassion, and community partnership, the Summit exists to shine a light on difficult topics, especially suicide and the increasing impact of technology on youth mental health, and to inspire actionable, long-lasting solutions.
To create a safe, supportive, and informed space where our community can openly discuss youth mental health challenges, learn from experts, and move toward meaningful solutions.
A community where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered, and where the adults who care for them have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to help them thrive.
Why Youth Mental Health Matters
Youth mental health concerns are rising nationwide, and Wyoming is no exception. Technology, social isolation, limited access to services, and the unique pressures facing youth in rural mountain communities all contribute to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
The Summit provides a rare chance for community-wide conversation, bringing together teens, families, educators, clinicians, and policymakers to better understand what young people are experiencing today and what we can do collectively to support them.
- Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among youth ages 10–24.
- Screen time, social media use, and digital isolation have been directly linked to increased anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Rural youth face additional barriers to mental health care, including geography, stigma, and limited resources.
The Youth Mental Health Summit exists because our young people deserve answers, support, and hope.
About the Inaugural Summit
The first Youth Mental Health Summit was held May 14–16, 2025, in Jackson Hole, bringing together hundreds of attendees - youth, parents, educators, mental health providers, nonprofit leaders, and policymakers - from across Wyoming and the Mountain West.
Highlights from YMHS 2025 Included:
Community Kickoff
The Summit opened with a family-friendly gathering at Astoria Hot Springs featuring food, music, intention-setting, healing practitioners, and a Summit blessing.
Expert-Led Learning
Internationally recognized speakers and practitioners presented throughout the Summit, including:
- Dr. Megan Moreno – adolescent health and digital well-being
- Dr. Nicholas Kardaras – technology addiction and youth mental health
- Clark Fairbanks, ACES trainer – childhood trauma and resilience
- Dr. Drew Ramsey – nutrition and mental health
- Senator Fred Baldwin – policy insights and community impact
- Drew Petersen, athlete and mental health advocate
Hard Conversations & Healing Spaces
Attendees engaged in youth-led panels, listening sessions, applied stress management workshops, and facilitated discussions about suicide prevention, technology use, community resilience, and what young people say they need most.
Collaborative Solutions
Focus groups and policy dialogues allowed community members to reflect on what they heard, share their experiences, and explore actionable pathways to creating a healthier future for youth.
What We Learned
- Youth want more safe spaces to talk about mental health, without stigma or judgment.
- Adults need more education and support to understand digital-age challenges.
- Community collaboration is essential; no single organization can solve this alone.
- Mental health solutions must include both immediate support and long-term prevention.
- Our community is ready - and hungry! - to have open, courageous conversations about suicide and technology.
The inaugural YMHS demonstrated just how powerful it is when a community comes together to talk about the hard stuff.
This is a 3-day event which will delve into suicide and the effects of technology on our children’s mental health.
The summit will serve as an opportunity for teens, adults, families, teachers, policymakers and more to come together and have a real, heartfelt and honest discussion about suicide and modern day technology’s effects on our youth.
Join us for this important opportunity to shed some light on a tough subject!
Did you know?
You can earn continuing education credits from the American Psychological Association and American Medical Association when attending this summit!
READ MORE
Summit Event Schedule & Program
Youth Specific Event Opportunities.
This health summit is FREE to all youth 18 & under.
Youth Impact Circles
Sign Up Here
Youth-only Digital Wellness Lab by Boston Children’s Hospital
Sign Up Here
Lodging and room blocks at the Virginian
Enjoy the comfort of staying at the same location where the conference in being held.
Surrounded by the wide open spaces of Jackson Hole, the Virginians retro-inspired Wyoming lodge has everything you need for memory-making: spacious rooms, a lively saloon, all-season pool, and cozy fire pits for winding down after a day of learning and collaboration.
Event Contact
Emma Getsinger
Relationships & Events Manager
203-644-2317
egetsinger@tyfs.org
Press Information, Media Kit, & Outreach:
Looking for more information? Check out our Summit Overview & Index!
Please direct all event questions and press credential & interview requests to Emma Getsinger.
FAQ's
(We recommend the mental health summit for anyone ages 12 & up.)