UCHealth’s $150 Million Investment Dramatically Expands Behavioral Health Access across Colorado
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In response to Colorado’s growing mental health crisis, UCHealth made a $150 million commitment in 2019 to expand behavioral health services across the state. Six years later, that investment has considerably improved access to care across Colorado, helping to address one of state’s most pressing public health challenges.
“When the initiative launched, more than 380,000 colorado residents where not receiving the mental health care they needed,” saeid Elizabeth B. Concordia, UCHealth president and CEO. “we knew we had to take a bold step to help address this growing problem. Behavioral health is essential to overall health and today,our patients have access to numerous outpatient options,virtual behavioral health services,new inpatient behavioral health units and interventions to help prevent suicides and unnecessary arrests.”
!Light was a key element in designing the new inpatient behavioral health unit at Poudre Valley Hospital, complemented by large, luminous nature murals like this one in a group therapy room. Photo by kelly Tracer, UCHealth.
Light was a key element in designing the new inpatient behavioral health unit at Poudre Valley Hospital, complemented by large, bright nature murals like this one in a group therapy room. Photo by Kelly Tracer, UCHealth.
behavioral health experts integrated into primary care settings
One of UCHealth’s most impactful investments was to integrate behavioral health into primary care clinics. To date, licensed behavioral health specialists are embedded into 62 primary care clinics, growing to 65 by year’s end. These specialists work hand in hand with primary care physicians to provide immediate resources to patients. To date, more than 204,000 visits have taken place.
“At UCHealth, integrating behavioral health into primary care reflects our commitment to caring for all our patients’ needs, both physically and mentally,” said Elicia Bunch, UCHealth’s vice president of behavioral health. “We know that individuals with behavioral health conditions in our communities often do not get necessary treatment. This approach brings mental and physical health together in a familiar setting and helps reduce the stigma and barriers that have kept too many patients from getting the help they need.”
!Therapy dogs move through the halls of UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital with thier handlers, bringing comfort to patients.
Therapy dogs move through the halls of UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital with their handlers,bringing comfort to patients.
UCHealth Expands Behavioral Health Services, Joins Collaborative for Improved Mental Healthcare
UCHealth is significantly expanding access to behavioral health services across Colorado, growing its group programming and partnering with leading institutions to advance mental healthcare through research and clinical innovation. This expansion addresses a critical need for increased support and treatment options for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Growth of Group programming & Inpatient Care
Over the past three and a half years, UCHealth has dramatically increased its behavioral health group offerings. Starting with a limited number of groups for patients at risk of hospitalization, the system now provides 17 groups focused on fostering human connection, providing education, and offering vital support.
This growth is coupled with improvements to inpatient facilities. The UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital recently unveiled a new inpatient behavioral health unit featuring a secure outdoor recreation space for patients (pictured below).
Collaboration with University of Colorado Anschutz and Children’s Hospital Colorado
Looking ahead,UCHealth is strengthening its commitment to behavioral health through a partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz medical Campus and Children’s Hospital Colorado. This collaboration centers around the University of Colorado Anschutz Campus Mental Health Collaborative.
Funded by the Anschutz Foundation,the collaborative aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. By merging these two areas, the initiative seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of mental health care throughout the state of Colorado. The collaborative’s focus will be on translating research findings into tangible improvements in patient care.
Why This Matters: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
These developments come at a crucial time, as Colorado, like many states, faces a growing mental health crisis. increased access to care, coupled with research-driven advancements, are essential to meeting the needs of individuals and families affected by mental illness. UCHealth’s expansion and collaborative efforts represent a significant step towards building a more robust and effective mental healthcare system.
Key Takeaways:
* UCHealth has expanded its group behavioral health programming from a few groups to 17 in just over three years.
* The UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital has opened a new inpatient behavioral health unit with a secure outdoor recreation space.
* UCHealth is partnering with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children’s Hospital Colorado through the Anschutz Campus Mental Health Collaborative to integrate research and clinical care.
* This collaborative is funded by the anschutz Foundation and aims to improve mental health care across Colorado.