The Denver Channel | Meghan Lopez
“There’s a shortage of mental health providers nationally. Colorado is definitely up there. We are ranked 47th out of 50 in the country when it comes to need for care versus access to care.”
Earlier this month, sponsors from both sides of the state legislature introduced HB21-1258: Rapid Mental Health Response for Colorado Youth. If passed, the bill will offer a free mental health assessment and as many as three mental health sessions with a licensed professional for all children under 18, which the state would pay for. These services would also be offered to people 21 and younger who are enrolled in special education classes.
