1027 results for author: Mental Health Colorado

Journeys that lead mental health advocates to the cause

Those willing to speak publicly and advocate passionately for mental health often have personal journeys that lead them to that place. Linda Rinehart is a powerful example. After being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at the age of 24, Linda faced an uncertain future. Forced into medical retirement when many of us are taking our careers to the next level, she entered a very dark time of depression. Eventually, Linda accepted her diagnosis and turned a life-saving corner – not just for herself, but for so many others who find hope and inspiration through her journey, her incredible strength, and her decision to use her personal ...

Anthony, Seth, Matthew, Aaron, and Daniel: Climbing out of the darkness

The views and opinions expressed in following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado. It began with a simple vision. Anthony Reinert, an avid climber who had been attending Fort Lewis College in Durango, was looking for a way to bridge his passion for the outdoors with his desire to advocate for the cause of mental health. After talking with friends and family about assembling a hiking team united behind that purpose, he found four young mountaineers who were intrigued by the idea: Seth Pooler, Matthew Cranston, Aaron McDowell, and Daniel Frauenhoff. And the 2015 Climb Out of ...

Brianna: Learning to express myself

The views and opinions expressed in following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado. When Brianna, a middle school student, was having some difficulties at her school, she came across a weekly group through Check Your Head, a school-based program offered by Mental Health Colorado. Through Check Your Head’s student-centered approach – which helps young people identify and communicate their mental health needs and explore issues like self-identity and conflict resolution – Brianna was able to find a supportive environment where she could talk to girls her own age about her ...

Linda: Ardently advocating for mental health

The views and opinions expressed in following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado. First diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 1984 – at the age of 24 – Linda saw her life change dramatically when she was forced into medical retirement, after her mental health disorder began to interfere significantly with her ability to maintain a successful corporate career. After two dark years in a deep depression, and an attempt to take her own life, she finally began to accept her condition and found a renewed life purpose by speaking out with her own story of recovery. Today, ...

Mental health champions from across Colorado come together for Legislative Education & Advocacy Day

If advocating for a brighter future for mental health is ultimately left to younger generations, then a group of local high school students has demonstrated that we are in good hands. Students from Green Mountain High School and Highlands Ranch High School joined roughly 200 advocates from across the state for Mental Health Colorado’s 2016 Legislative Education & Advocacy Day. Check out this 9NEWS report about the event, which includes an interview with one of the students. As the leading advocate for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, Mental Health Colorado helped attendees explore the ...

High school students honored for mental health work

It's something that hits you really hard and kind of blind-sides you and you don't really understand what's happening until it's almost too late. . . 9NEWS, Thursday, March 3, 2016

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.