Colorado has put the mental health needs of youth and children at the forefront of its policy and funding priorities for 2022/2023. The recently established Behavioral Health Administration has funded the I Matter campaign which connects youth with up to six free counseling sessions with providers across the state. It was created through a 2021 bill that appropriated an initial $9 million from the state general fund for its implementation and was extended during this year’s legislative session with another $6 million appropriation from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. Since its start in October 2021, 3,379 children from 55 counties have received at least one free therapy session through the program, according to data from Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. A sizable number of them return for more care: Over 2,500 participated in a second session. In total, there have been nearly 11,000 sessions so far. The average cost to the state per session is $144. More information can be found at https://imattercolorado.org/
In addition the I Matter campaign, the new national 988 suicide and crisis line was rolled out earlier in July. Although Colorado already had a statewide crisis number, administrators expect to see an increase in calls thanks to the easy to remember number. This multiple language number also has text and chat options. Callers should note that trained crisis counselors are on the other end of the line, ready to support and listen. For more information please check out this website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
