The San Juan County Mental Health Coalition officially launched its inaugural event on May 13 at the Arts and Events Center on the Utah State University campus. This marks a significant step forward to strengthen mental health collaboration across the region. There are more than 40 mental health professionals in San Juan County.
The coalition is led by a partnership of local organizations and professionals, including Aaron Duke of San Juan Counseling, Stephen Hiatt and Niki Olsen of Utah Navajo Health Systems, Thom Lyman of the San Juan School District, and Charlie Bayles of Utah State University.
Together, these leaders aim to build a more connected, resource-rich network for licensed mental health professionals serving San Juan County.
The event brought together clinicians from across the county to introduce the coalition’s mission and outline a wide range of resources designed to support both providers and the communities they serve.
Key initiatives include fostering professional networking, expanding access to continuing education opportunities, promoting local employment openings, and increasing awareness of specialty services available within the county.
A major focus of the coalition is to strengthen local systems of care by developing referral networks that keep clients within their communities whenever possible.
Additional goals include supporting culturally responsive practice, organizing consultation groups for clinicians, and promoting practitioner well-being to address burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue.
The coalition also plans to serve as a central hub for sharing updates on licensing requirements, supervision, and examination processes, while advocating for public policy initiatives that support mental health services.
Future efforts will include identifying service gaps across San Juan County and coordinating collaborative responses to community crisis.
During the event, attendees participated in an ethics-focused Continuing Education Unit (CEU) training led by Charlie Bayles, LCSW, and Nicole Black, LCSW. The training provided valuable guidance on ethical decision-making in clinical practice.
The gathering also featured a tribute honoring Mark Lyman, LCSW, for his many years of dedicated service as a mental health therapist in San Juan County. Colleagues, friends, and family recognized his lasting contributions to the well-being of the community.
Mark Edward Lyman, a pioneering figure in mental health in San Juan County, was raised in Blanding in a large, hardworking blended family after losing his father at a young age. Influenced deeply by his mother’s resilience and his early love of learning, he excelled academically and showed early leadership. After experiencing personal loss during college and serving a mission in Germany, he initially pursued art and even earned a scholarship to study in Copenhagen. However, a temporary job in social services shifted his path. He married Tamra Thomas, raised five children, and ultimately dedicated over five decades to social work, earning a master’s degree and becoming a respected leader, including serving as director of social services and helping establish San Juan Counseling.
Known for blending clinical skill with genuine compassion, Mark worked across diverse areas including foster care, substance abuse, and corrections, while strengthening local mental health services and mentoring professionals. He approached crises with a steady philosophy of reducing harm and helping people feel calmer and supported. Admired by family, colleagues, and clients alike, he is remembered for his integrity, generosity, and willingness to speak hard truths with kindness. His life reflects a deep belief in personal responsibility, growth, and creating beauty and meaning through one’s choices.
At the event Niki Olsen also facilitated an interactive session inviting participants to identify current needs within the county and collaborate on developing a mission statement for the coalition.
The activity emphasized the importance of local input and shared vision in shaping the coalition’s future direction.
With strong attendance and active engagement, the inaugural event highlighted both the need for and enthusiasm behind a unified approach to mental health care in San Juan County.
Organizers expressed optimism that the coalition will continue to grow as a platform for collaboration, professional development, and community impact.
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