988 Hotline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
- Support available in Spanish and for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. For other languages, language aid services are utilized.
- Please note, when you call, it will route your call to the nearest crisis center according to your area code. If your area code is outside of Colorado, simply call Colorado Crisis Services instead for local information.
Colorado Crisis Services (CCS) provides free, confidential and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists, available 24/7/365 by calling 844-493-TALK (8255), or texting TALK to 38255. Colorado residents can also seek services in person at walk-in centers, regardless of ability to pay. Supports with mental health, substance abuse, or emotional concerns are available.
- 988 and CCS both offer free support through hotlines; however, CCS also offers walk-in support in select areas and will dispatch support if needed. (Trained professionals will respond, but it may take up to one hour in urban areas and two hours in rural areas.)
- Walk-In Location Map (scroll to bottom)
- For hotline support, telephonic translation services are available in over 200 languages. Text services are only available in English. Some walk-in locations have Spanish-speaking staff.
The I Matter program provides access to mental health and substance use disorder services for youth. I Matter is open to youth 18 years of age or younger, or up to 21 years if receiving special education services. The program offers six free virtual sessions with potential for six more if needed.
- Both students and parents are eligible to apply for services for youth.
Youth 12 and older can provide their own consent. Those under 12 need parental consent.
- Care navigators help connect for longer-term support. Offered in English and Spanish.
Second Wind Fund exists to help youth at risk for suicide access professional counseling services by removing financial and social barriers.
- 12 free sessions for youth at risk of suicide (with an additional eight if the mental health professional requests them).
- Referral Form
- One-page overview with more info (info for providers)
- One-page QR flyer (for providers to post)
Children and Youth MH Tx Act- BHA:
The Children and Youth Mental Health Treatment Act (CYMHTA) (C.R.S. 27-67-101, et. seq.), also called House Bill 18-1094, allows for families to access mental health treatment services for their child or youth. CYMHTA is an alternative to child welfare involvement when a dependency and neglect action is not warranted. CYMHTA funding can be available when there is no other appropriate funding source for treatment, such as private insurance.
To be eligible for the Children and Youth Mental Health Treatment Act, a child or youth must:
- Have a mental health diagnosis;
- Be at risk of out-of-home placement;
- Not be eligible for Medicaid;
- Access the program prior to their 18th birthday; and
- Not have a pending or current dependency and neglect action with child welfare.
Behavioral Health Administration -- School Based MH Specialists
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the map of community MH agencies. The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) pays for 21 FTE through 15 different community MH agencies. These School-Based MH Specialists do not offer individual, direct-client services, but overall systemic support (staff trainings, consultation, etc). For more information or questions regarding coverage for your specific area, contact Suzy Morris at susan.morris@state.co.us.
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ youth. They provide information & support 24/7, all year round. Help line.
211 is the FCC designated 3-digit number for information and referrals to social services. This service is provided by more than 200 local organizations that are committed to serving their communities. If assistance is needed in regard to locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem, or exploring mental health treatment options, call 211 to speak with a live person who can help.
- Conversations are confidential, can be made anonymously, and are available in 180 languages upon request.
- A web chat option is available if texting is preferred.
Crime Victim Compensation Fund
If you or your family have been physically or emotionally injured by crime, Crime Victim Compensation may be available to you. It is a victim-service program created by Colorado law to help eligible crime victims recover and includes funding for mental health services. Direct victims, witnesses, and immediate family members may be eligible when a police report has been filed within 72 hours of the event.