Here in Larimer County, it's not just the mountains that are reaching new heights; a behavioral health program at Colorado State University is setting its own benchmarks. Recognizing this step forward, county officials gave a nod to the CSU team behind an innovative program aimed at easing the transition from incarceration back into the community. The Gary A. Darling Award, a testament to a legacy of community mental health advocacy, was bestowed upon the CSU program, according to Larimer County.
In a speech made on Tuesday, Larimer County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) program manager Jessica Plummer praised the CSU team's role in broadening access to care for individuals with limited options for mandated outpatient counseling. "This award shines a light on transformative solutions that create better paths forward," Jessica Plummer stated in a presentation that showcased the county's dedication to innovative mental health solutions, as per Larimer County.
The program, which is still starting small, is housed within the CSU Psychological Services Center. While it begins with one licensed clinician and interns providing individual outpatient care, the plan is to expand to include additional services like group treatment and substance-use evaluations. It's a small start, but there's a vision for a model that can scale up as demand increases, a necessary strategy given the current gaps in mental health services that can lead to costly hospital and jail stays instead of effective treatment. Using both a $50,000 BHS grant and other funding sources, said Bradley T. Conner, Ph.D., CSU professor and the program's pilot director, is all about providing services to those who need them the most but are often unable to access them. The importance of this program can't be overstated for the underinsured or uninsured, and for those who are struggling to find a foothold after being incarcerated.
Voters took a leap of faith back in 2018 when they approved a 0.25% sales-use tax for Behavioral Health Services. The tax funds were earmarked to bulk up behavioral health services in the county for the betterment of its residents. Now, it's clear that Larimer County isn't just throwing money at problems, but investing in smart resources. "It costs more to not address the gaps in current mental health services in treatment," as stated by Larimer County during the program recognition.
