In this thought-provoking episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston is joined by Dr. Richard Lopez—a clinical psychologist, educator, and passionate mental health advocate—for a conversation that bridges the gap between theory and real-world care.

With over 20 years of experience in psychology, Dr. Lopez offers a grounded, clinical lens on the youth mental health crisis, highlighting the gaps, progress, and pressing needs of the current system. As the Director of Behavioral Health Services for the Iowa City Community School District, he’s uniquely positioned to speak on how mental wellness can (and must) be addressed both in and outside the classroom.

Core Topics Covered:

The current state of youth mental health and how early we need to intervene

The challenge of reaching “kids who don’t talk”—and why behavior is communication

The ripple effect of suicide and why survivor support is crucial

The role of schools as access points for care—and the need for scalable solutions

Faith, family, and community as stabilizing forces amid emotional chaos

The importance of checking in, not checking out—how to show up consistently

Why mental health must be a daily conversation, not a reactive one

Dr. Lopez shares actionable insights for parents, educators, and anyone working with youth—urging a collaborative, persistent approach to destigmatizing and addressing mental health. His passion is clear: better systems, deeper compassion, and more trained professionals at the table.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to move from awareness to action.

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