Children Youth & Families

The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Division of Statewide Programs, Technical Assistance and Innovation oversees and purchases substance use and mental health prevention, treatment and recovery services across the state of Colorado. The BHA supports and ensures quality and effective behavioral health programming in community settings and in partnership with consumers, families and community stakeholders.

Click on the sections below to learn more about our resources and programs for children, youth and families.

What is a Crisis Resolution Team (CRT)? 

A Crisis Resolution Team supports families with youth and young adults who are experiencing behavioral health challenges and would benefit from intensive, short-term (up to 42 days), in-home services and linkage to ongoing supports.

Examples of CRT services include: a needs assessment, service planning, care coordination, crisis management, peer support, family skill building, individual/family therapy, psychiatry and medication management. CRT aims to avoid hospital admission whenever possible by wrapping services around the family in an effective manner.

Eligibility Criteria 

Children, Youth and Young Adults: 

• 0 – 21 years of age
• Have presented in the crisis system and/or emergency departments with high acuity behavioral health needs
• Have received a crisis evaluation and is determined to be safe to remain in the home or community to receive intensive, short-term stabilization interventions.

Team-Based Approach

Each family’s team will include: 

• Mental Health Clinician- provide counseling/therapy 
• Case Manager- support clients and families in meeting their treatment plan needs
• Peer Specialist- support person with a shared understanding of current experiences
• Prescriber- provide medication management
• Family Skills and/or Behavioral Coach- assists with goal setting and forming new structure/routines in the home to achieve positive, lasting change.
• Care Coordinator – provide tailored support and fosters connection with additional community resources to best meet the needs of the family

What are the hours of service?

Frequency of the services shall be offered at a minimum of 3 days per week, up to a variety of services multiple times daily depending on clinical need. Duration of services shall be offered for a minimum of 4 weeks, up to 6 weeks depending on clinical need.

How do I make a referral?

Referrals will be accepted from hospital emergency departments and the Colorado Crisis Services continuum. The referring agency would complete the referral form, gather any supporting documentation that would be beneficial to the team, and ensure releases of information are signed. 

Where can I receive these services?

Service Areas

Region 1: Delta, Montrose, Gunnison Counties

Region 2: Greeley

Region 3: Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert

Region 4: Fremont, Chaffee, Lake, Custer

Region 5: Denver

Region 6: Jefferson, Gilpin, Clear Creek 

Region 7: El Paso County  

 

Walk in Centers (WIC)- Open 24/7/365

You’ll check in at the front desk at a local walk-in center location and be asked to complete a brief screening to determine the next steps, which will likely involve meeting with a clinician for a thorough evaluation. This process helps decide what next steps are needed. This may also include a brief physical health screening by a medical professional. 

Crisis walk-in services are available regardless of one’s ability to pay. If an individual has private insurance, a co-payment and other out-of-pocket expenses may be required depending on the plan coverage to your insurance provider. However, no payment is required at the time of service, and no one will be turned away for crisis services, regardless of ability to pay.