Stephen Parker, a behavioral health planner at Stantec, was recently named a 2023 Future Leader by Behavioral Health Business, a prestigious recognition that celebrates professionals under the age of 40 who are poised to shape the future of behavioral health. This honor is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a passion for their work, and a strong commitment to advocating for both behavioral health patients and the professionals who support them. Parker’s career, shaped by personal experiences, education, and a deep dedication to improving the mental health field, reflects these qualities and more. In a recent interview with Behavioral Health Business (BHB), Parker shared insights into his journey, his industry perspective, and his vision for the future of behavioral health.
A Personal Connection to Behavioral Health
Parker’s journey into the field of behavioral health is deeply rooted in his personal life, where his experiences have given him an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health and addiction. He explained, “I have a father who has been admitted to a mental health facility. My namesake is a family member who died of addiction. And my godfather is a Vietnam veteran with undiagnosed PTSD.” These personal connections to behavioral health struggles motivated him to pursue a career where he could make a tangible difference.
Additionally, Parker’s academic background further solidified his passion for the field. He focused his thesis work on trauma care for wounded warriors after hearing stories from friends returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. “I did my thesis work in wounded warrior trauma care after my buddies were returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said, sharing how he became drawn to understanding and addressing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. This personal and academic focus on trauma laid the foundation for his eventual career in behavioral health.
A Career Built on Experience and Education
Parker’s professional trajectory within the behavioral health sector was driven by a combination of personal insight, education, and experience. As an architect specializing in mental and behavioral health facilities, Parker’s work has evolved over time, contributing to innovative and much-needed spaces for mental health care. Early in his career, he worked on a project to design an autism clinic for Kaiser Permanente, which sparked his interest in mental health facility design. From there, his role expanded to research and development of design standards, including his pivotal involvement in the creation of the VA’s inpatient mental health design guide. “I spent three years researching the VA, developing their inpatient mental health design guide,” he noted. This work became a stepping stone, leading Parker to increasingly influential roles, ultimately joining Stantec, where he continues to shape the future of mental health facility design.
Understanding Bias and Designing for Diverse Communities
One of the most important lessons Parker has learned over the course of his career is the importance of understanding his own biases and recognizing the diverse experiences of the communities he serves. “We are a very global firm, so we touch many different communities in crisis,” Parker reflected. His work spans a wide array of populations and geographic areas, from designing facilities for indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic dealing with generational trauma, to working on projects for the homeless in Colorado, to supporting youth mental health initiatives in Southern California. Each community presents its own set of challenges and needs, requiring an understanding not just of design principles, but of the lived experiences and cultural contexts that shape those who use these services.
In his design work, Parker strives to consider both his personal experiences and the unique needs of the communities he works with. He explained, “It’s really understanding what is your experience you bring to the table but also the experiences that you’re trying to design for.” This approach is crucial in creating spaces that truly meet the needs of the individuals they serve, whether they are battling addiction, mental illness, or the effects of trauma.
The Push for Parity in Behavioral Health
One of Parker’s biggest goals for the future of behavioral health is to see the industry achieve parity with other forms of healthcare. “I would like to see behavioral health be at the same level and have parity with other sorts of health care typologies and departments,” he emphasized. For Parker, this isn’t just a matter of policy; it’s about changing perceptions and overcoming the stigma that has long been attached to mental health care. He advocates for mental health to be treated with the same respect and importance as physical health, arguing that mental health is health, plain and simple. “It’s the idea that mental health is health,” he said, underscoring his belief that the integration of behavioral health into the broader healthcare system is key to overcoming historical stigma.
A More Holistic Approach to Behavioral Health
Looking to the future, Parker sees the industry embracing a more holistic approach, where mental health is no longer seen in isolation, but as part of a broader understanding of overall well-being. “There’s a more holistic approach,” he said, highlighting how communities are increasingly looking at the root causes of issues like addiction, homelessness, and mental health crises. Rather than simply providing isolated services, the behavioral health field is shifting toward addressing the deeper, underlying factors that contribute to these issues. This includes a greater focus on health equity and social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to care. “It’s just having a more holistic, bigger picture,” Parker explained, emphasizing that true solutions will come from understanding and addressing these root causes.
Leadership in Behavioral Health: A Hopeful Future
When asked to summarize the future of behavioral health in one word, Parker’s response was simple yet powerful: “Hopeful.” He believes that the field is on the cusp of meaningful change, with an increasing recognition of the interconnectedness of mental health, addiction, and social issues. As more people advocate for and engage in these conversations, Parker sees a brighter, more inclusive future for behavioral health care.
As an advocate for leadership in behavioral health, Parker is contributing to a paradigm shift that acknowledges the complexities of behavioral health and the need for coordinated, comprehensive solutions. His work in mental health facility design is just one example of how leadership in behavioral health can result in better outcomes for patients and communities. As the industry moves toward a more integrated and holistic approach, Parker’s leadership is helping to pave the way for a future where mental health is no longer stigmatized but embraced as a core part of overall health.
Advice for the Future
Looking back on his own journey, Parker offered this piece of advice for those starting out in the industry: “Slow down, take a breath. Try to figure out what is driving your purpose and your practice.” This advice speaks to the importance of taking time to reflect, focusing on one’s core motivations, and staying grounded in the purpose behind the work. For Parker, understanding the driving force behind his career has been essential to sustaining his passion and ensuring that his work continues to make a meaningful impact.
Stephen Parker’s recognition as a Future Leader is a well-deserved accolade that reflects his dedication to the behavioral health field and his forward-thinking approach to creating spaces and solutions for those in need. As the behavioral health industry continues to evolve, it is clear that leaders like Parker will be instrumental in shaping its future, advocating for more equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive care that addresses the whole person, not just their symptoms. With professionals like Parker leading the charge, the future of behavioral health looks brighter and more hopeful than ever.
