Jan. 10, 2022: The Colorado Department of Human Services is coordinating with other state agencies, providers, schools and community organizations to ensure Coloradans’ behavioral health needs are met following the Marshall fire on Dec. 30.
Colorado Crisis Services is staffed to respond to behavioral health crises and can connect Coloradans to behavioral health and other resources as needed. Mobile crisis response, or on-scene assessment, is also available in Boulder County and is dispatched through the crisis line. Reach out by calling 844.493.8255 or texting TALK to 38255. Walk-in options for in-person support are also available and can be found at coloradocrisisservices.org. The Crisis marketing team is increasing media ads reaching residents of the affected areas.
The I Matter program, which offers at least three free therapy sessions to Colorado youth, is ready to serve any youth impacted by the fire or otherwise struggling. The I Matter marketing team is increasing social media ads in the Boulder County region to reach youth and parents, and the outreach team is working with schools and local organizations to spread the word about I Matter. Check out the I Matter digital campaign toolkit. Counseling is available in English and in Spanish primarily by telehealth and can be completed via mobile phone.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment coordinates with disaster teams in community mental health centers and with other Colorado Crisis Education and Response Network (CoCERN) partners to provide psychosocial support and disaster behavioral health response across Colorado. Mental Health Partners is the community mental health center serving Boulder County and can be reached at 303.443.8500 (select option 9 for disaster support) or by visiting www.mhpcolorado.org. Support is also available at active disaster assistance locations, like evacuation shelters and disaster assistance centers. Mental Health Partners has been on the ground supporting both the Lafayette YMCA Evacuation Shelter and the Disaster Assistance Center at 1755 South Public Road in Lafayette, during their hours of operation, with folks trained in Psychological First Aid.
Nearby Community Reach Center is also available to offer support to anyone affected by the fire by calling 303.853.3500 or at Behavioral Health Urgent Care located at 8440 N Bryant St., Westminster. Services are provided on a walk-in basis – no appointment necessary.
Educators in need of support following the fire, or due to COVID, can call 303.724.2500 for a free well-being support line through the University of Colorado’s Department of Psychiatry.
In addition, Boulder County has a resource page on mental health with advice on ensuring you are taking care of your emotional needs during this time of crisis. You can find more fire resources from Boulder County here.