1041 results for author: Mental Health Colorado
Navigating the health care system
Navigating the health care system is essential for mental health treatment
With one in four adults in America expected to experience a mental health or substance abuse disorder each year, it is crucial to navigate the health care system to receive the care that you or a loved one may need.
That’s why the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC), and Mental Health Colorado have joined together to offer these tips for understanding mental health needs and navigating Colorado’s mental health care system.
Here is a quick checklist for assessing one’s needs and accessing health care support:
Det...
Kefalas honored for mental health advocacy
Kefalas, a Fort Collins Democrat, and Reps. Lois Landgraf, a Republican from Fountain, and Dianne Primavera, a Democrat from Denver, were named 2016 Legislators of the Year by Mental Health America of Colorado, or MHAC. Coloradoan (Fort Collins) Monday, February 29, 2016
2010s: Renewed Focus on Early Intervention
In 2010, MHAC received a grant from the Statewide Strategic Use Fund that allowed its Pro Bono Counseling & Referral Program to expand to the Pueblo area. This program has continued to thrive, particularly in Pueblo – where there are many volunteers helping with short-term mental health counseling – and throughout the Denver metro area, where MHAC is currently partnered with dozens of organizations that provide free mental health counseling services.
2000s: Mental Health Parity
The 2000s brought another decade of steadfast advocacy for MHAC. MHAC continued to build relationships with fellow mental health agencies and create new services for the people of Colorado.
1990s: Major Policy shifts
The 1990s saw concerted efforts at both the state and national level to increase public awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. In the fall of 1989, MHAC became one of 29 community partners with the National Institute of Mental Health to promote the Depression/Awareness, Recognition and Treatment Program (D/ART) through public forums, work site programs, distribution of materials, and a variety of other creative ways. The program's primary goal was to help the public recognize the symptoms of depressive disorders and to teach them where and how to access treatment. The D/ART program also informed primary care physicians and mental health specialists about the latest treatment options for depression.
1980s: Focus on Youth and Families
In 1981, MHAC established the TEANS (Teach Early Adolescents New Skills) Program. This program taught 14,000 Denver area adolescents stress management techniques, guidance on how to handle peer pressure, and problem-solving skills. 1982 also proved to be a busy year, with the start of MHAC's Early Intervention Program (later renamed "Building Self Esteem in Preschoolers").
1970s: Public Policy Advances
In 1971, the Colorado Association for Mental Health (CAMH) adopted general principles to serve as guidelines in the Association's efforts to secure and maintain comprehensive mental health services for all of Colorado's citizens.
1960s: A Decade of Growth
The 1960s brought advancements in advocacy – with the formation of community mental health services in local areas, improvements to mental health hospitals, and greater outreach to youth. Today, we are still committed to these efforts.
1950s: Establishing the Cause
November 20, 1953: The first annual meeting. Mayor Quigg Newton opened the meeting by calling attention to the inadequate facilities at the state institutions in Ridge and Grand Junction. He stressed the need for action and the institution of a campaign to obtain adequate facilities and administrative reform.
Before Stage 4: In treating mental illness, early intervention is key
Mental illness is treatable. In fact, treatment for depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder — among other illnesses — is effective in 60-80 percent of cases. That means the treatment of mental illness is, on average, more effective than the treatment rates for heart disease. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Sunday, December 27, 2015
