WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren approved a service contract on May 4, 2026, to support the reopening and development of behavioral health services at the Navajo Regional Behavioral Health Center in Shiprock, New Mexico.
President Nygren emphasized that strengthening behavioral and mental health services remains a priority for his administration. “I have always supported the mental and behavioral health of our Navajo people,” said President Nygren. “Too many of our relatives continue to face struggles in silence. I fully support this collaboration because it will help strengthen services for our people, especially those facing mental health challenges. We must continue building systems of care that are culturally grounded, compassionate, and accessible for our communities.”
Under the agreement, Roots Counseling and Consulting LLC will provide professional guidance and consultation for behavioral health services, including strategic planning, program design, implementation, and integrated care development. The contract totals $818,270 and supports efforts to establish sustainable and culturally grounded residential treatment services for adults and adolescents across the Navajo Nation.
The Navajo Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services selected Dr. Nathan Velez and his organization after reviewing and approving their proposal to help lead the project. The 36-month agreement covers all professional services, travel, and materials needed to design, implement, and sustain the behavioral health programs for Navajo adults and adolescents.
Dr. Velez stated that the partnership will focus on creating services that reflect the values and resilience of the Navajo people.
“We will work alongside DBMHS leadership to establish residential behavioral-health services that reflect the values, strengths, and resilience of the Navajo people,” said Dr. Velez.
Dr. Velez is recognized as a behavioral health executive with more than 20 years of experience and is known for combining cultural understanding with clinical excellence to improve behavioral health systems and patient care outcomes.
