DENVER (May 1, 2025) – Today, Governor Jared Polis proclaimed that May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Colorado. Observed since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month plays a vital role in fighting the persistent stigma surrounding mental health, and encouraging conversations about mental well-being. This month reiterates the importance of the Behavioral Heath Administration’s (BHA) mission to transform Colorado’s behavioral health care system and deliver easy access to affordable, high-quality care for all people in Colorado.
“Over the last three years, BHA has steered resources into communities across the state to increase access, drive innovation, develop the state’s behavioral health workforce, and improve quality of care,” said BHA Commissioner Dannette R. Smith. “Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, we will reflect on our progress and host honest conversations about the work still ahead. Together we will continue to build a culture of compassion, support and resilience in Colorado.”
Building a culture of support that includes increasing access to care is a priority for the agency, particularly in Colorado’s rural communities. BHA-supported mobile health units (MHUs), help to close that gap in access by meeting the people of Colorado where they are. helping to distribute medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, as well as to provide peer support and resource navigation for mental health services. To date, more than 2,000 unique patients have been cared for using the MHU model of care.
In addition to meeting people where they are, it is also critical to provide culturally responsive care.BHA works closely with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Behavioral Health program and Mógúán Behavioral Health Services to continue to lead impactful efforts within their communities by providing substance misuse education and fostering open conversations that reduce stigma and promote healing. In the Denver metro area, the BHA is actively working with Jeffco Public Schools’ Native American Education Program and Denver Public Schools’ Native American Culture and Education Program to uplift Native youth by integrating culturally grounded practices into behavioral health and substance use prevention strategies.
Major efforts are also underway to meet the unique needs of Colorado’s youth whose mental health challenges often begin in adolescence, including the I Matter program which was made permanent last year. This program provides up to six free therapy sessions to all youth who are 18 and under as well as to those aged 21 and younger who receive special education services. To date, I Matter has provided nearly 100,000 sessions in all 64 counties in Colorado.
Further, BHA recognizes that building a strong and robust behavioral health workforce is also essential to providing high-quality behavioral health services, and driving innovative solutions in this area is paramount.This is why BHA is also focused on developing a career pathways program, Colorado P-Tech (Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools), for high school students interested in behavioral health. In collaboration with Aurora Public Schools and the Community College of Aurora, P-Tech is a first-of-its-kind pilot program that will launch in the fall of 2025 with an estimated 120 high school students set to begin the program, with the ability to earn an associate’s degree in behavioral health.
Throughout the month of May, BHA will highlight various programs available to the people of Colorado to support their mental health. Ranging from crisis services for people of all ages, to free therapy for youth, and even support for loved ones of those dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, many of these low to no cost programs follow below:
988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado) is an easy-to-remember number that allows anyone with emotional, mental health or substance use concerns to be immediately connected with a trained specialist who will listen without judgment. 988 Colorado is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or live chat. 988 Colorado offers English and Spanish call, text, and chat services, and service in over 240 languages via the call options.
I Matter connects youth 18 years of age and younger (21 years or younger if receiving special education services) with a therapist for FREE and confidential counseling sessions. Youth or their parent/caregiver can visit IMatterColorado.org to find a therapist and schedule an appointment in just 10 minutes. Services are available in English and Spanish at YoImportoColorado.org.
Lift The Label works to remove labels and stigma that prevent those with addiction from seeking effective treatment. To learn about stories of individuals in recovery and about resources available for addiction treatment, visit LiftTheLabel.org/GetHelp. Spanish-language resources can be found at QuitemosLaEtiqueta.org.
Recovery Cards Project shares free cards designed to celebrate recovery, the efforts of those working to achieve it, and the people who support and encourage them every day. The cards are available in both physical and digital form. Visit RecoveryCardsProject.com to place and order and learn more.
Next Chapter – At Next Chapter, Veteran leaders, healthcare professionals, and community partners join in a collaborative team initiative to deliver the best support for the variety of challenges, including behavioral health challenges Veterans and their families face as they write their next chapter. Visit NextChapterCO.org for more information about the services and resources it can provide. **Only available in El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo Counties.
Tough as a Mother connects pregnant and parenting people to treatment services and recovery support in their communities. The campaign is candid and compassionate about the pressures of parenthood and speaks to the strength of mothers to overcome challenges, including a substance use disorder. Learn more about how Tough as a Mother can support you at ToughAsAMother.org.
Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a free resource that supports the family members and friends of people struggling with addiction, also known as a substance use disorder. Learn more about how CRAFT can support you in either English or Spanish at bha.colorado.gov/behavioral-health/CRAFT.
# # #
About the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is a new cabinet member-led agency within the State of Colorado, housed within the Department of Human Services and is designed to be the single entity responsible for driving coordination and collaboration across state agencies to address behavioral health needs. Find us online at bha.colorado.gov or follow us on social media at @BHAConnect.