Hi, my name is Jill Rosenthal. Maya Flagg and her children Teddi and Micah are dear friends of mine. Maya and I worked together as early childhood educators and I have the utmost respect for her as a friend, mother and educator. As a single parent, Maya is incredibly loving and devoted. She is doing everything she possibly can to support her daughter, Teddi, while she currently struggles with severe mental health issues. Unfortunately, given this country's extremely broken healthcare system, Maya is unable to find accessible mental health services for Teddi without access to additional financial support. Please read her story and if you are able, donate on her behalf. With much love and gratitude.

My name is Maya Flagg. I am an educator and a mother. A few weeks ago, my daughter Teddi was released from a mental health facility. She was there for three weeks.

Growing up, Teddi had a wonderful, fiery spirit. Though she always had a lot of health issues, she was very resilient. Since our move from California to Arizona about three years ago, things have become more difficult for her than ever. Teddi is now severely struggling with her mental health and, without being too specific (out of respect for her desire for privacy and to prevent any shame or embarrassment, which she has expressed to me), she’s in dire need of the right type of assistance.

She’s struggling with the desire to stay alive, and her light has been snuffed out. We are all trying desperately to give her some hope and joy and, most importantly, the resources necessary to do so.

Among the many types of aid that Teddi’s doctors in the hospital have recommended (as well as research I have done on my own) the following are the ones Teddi and I have decided would be most successful in treating her: Holistic therapy, EMDR therapy, CBT therapy and DBT therapy. Unfortunately, finding the right practitioners for these modalities has proven very tough.

I was able to get her one session with an addiction therapist which was the only thing available at the time after her release. Unfortunately, Teddi didn’t feel at home with the therapist, knowing she was talking to a specialist while not suffering from any kind of addiction herself. Due to the health insurance I have, I am very limited in the places I can approach for medical attention.

Since her release from the hospital at the beginning of February, Teddi had an intake appointment with La Frontera, an outpatient mental health agency that was recommended to us by the hospital. During the interview, I was told there would be a month's wait before she could get a full psychiatric evaluation and a 2-3 month wait until she could begin any behavioral therapy. We’re still waiting to get a case manager who is supposed to oversee all services. Everything is moving very slowly. Too slowly.

Wait times have been unreasonable across the board. Having recently learned that without a referral, my insurance will not cover any costs outside of La Frontera, I asked the organization for a referral so I could seek services elsewhere. I’m being forced into a reality in which I can’t meet Teddi’s needs. I have reached out to several people many, many times and all my requests have fallen on deaf ears. I am extremely frustrated by this country’s healthcare system. Sadly, it seems that my daughter’s life and well-being are not being properly handled or understood by this organization.

Since her release from the hospital, Teddi’s mental health has only deteriorated; she's really struggling. She needs a multitude of services to not only help keep her stable but to help her change the trajectory of her life. My time to legally practice my parental control is short-lived—with only a year before she turns 18. After that, there will be a huge shift in what I’m able to do to help her.

With all that said, I’m asking for help from our various communities, those who have known Teddi and me and my family. Honestly, it's extremely hard for me to put all of this out there, but I know I can't do this alone. I must admit that I am embarrassed to ask for help, however, I’m putting my pride aside because no one gets through this life alone. If you are able and willing to give financial help, it would be much appreciated—though prayers are equally, if not more helpful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your support.

With gratitude,

Maya Flagg