News Clips
Some of the 1,400 patients of a Western Slope clinic are still struggling to find care a month after its abrupt closure
March 13, 2024
By: Tatiana Flowers
Mental health experts said they understand state leaders needed to shut down the clinic to ensure patient safety. But the national behavioral health crisis is making it difficult for some former Integrated clients to find competent care, especially in rural areas, where mental health care options are scarce and the distance between medical offices is vast.
But when a clinic shutters in a small, rural community, that’s an emergency too, said Vincent Atchity, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado.
Patients can lose ...
Oregon psilocybin facilitators share their experiences with professionals preparing for rollout of mushroom distribution in Colorado
March 13, 2024
By: Shane Ersland
The meeting was the third part of an ongoing webinar series hosted by Mental Health Colorado and the Healing Advocacy Fund to discuss the impact of psilocybin legalization in the state. Nearly 1.3 million residents voted affirmatively for Proposition 122 in 2022, making Colorado the second state in the nation to approve a state-regulated program for legal access to psilocybin therapies.
Ashley Perales, partnerships and development manager for Mental Health Colorado, said the organization is dedicated to promoting mental health and ...
Eating disorder survivors say new law is needed to establish standards of care
February 29, 2024
By: Carly Moore
Vincent Atchity with Mental Health Colorado said this bill would put in place standards of care for eating disorder treatment programs.
"Until now, there had been no such thing as formalized standards of care in those settings," Atchity said. “And the testimony on the part of consumers of eating disordered care is sort of hair-raising when it comes to the kind of experiences that folks have had in those settings. And that’s what has really motivated this work to bring this bill about that Senator Lisa Cutter has ...
Bill aims to improve regulations at Colorado eating disorder care centers
February 29, 2024
By: Carly Moore
"We are grateful to Colorado legislators for prioritizing compassionate, culturally-competent and gender-affirming care for all patients seeking treatment for an eating disorder, one of the most prevalent and deadly mental health conditions. When the treatment is worse than the illness, we know we will not see the positive outcomes our communities and patients need. This legislation is an important step forward to put more Coloradans on the path to recovery." - Vincent Atchity
Read the full article in KDVR
Bill to improve eating disorder care passes Colorado House Committee
February 28, 2024
By: Alexander Brunet
"We are grateful to Colorado legislators for prioritizing compassionate, culturally-competent and gender-affirming care for all patients seeking treatment for an eating disorder, one of the most prevalent and deadly mental health conditions. When the treatment is worse than the illness, we know we will not see the positive outcomes our communities and patients need. This legislation is an important step forward to put more Coloradans on the path to recovery." - Vincent Atchity
Read the full article in KRDO
Housing measures, gender-identity names bills considered by legislature this week
February 26, 2024
By: Seth Klamman
Elsewhere Monday, a group of legislators and advocates unveiled HB24-1072 at a press conference in the Capitol. The bill would expand the state’s rape shield law and tighten evidentiary limits on sexual assault cases, including barring the use of a victim’s manner of dress or hairstyle as evidence of their consent.
The measure is bipartisan and is backed by a broad coalition of groups, including the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council and Mental Health Colorado. But it’s opposed by the Criminal Defense Bar, which worries ...
Fix archaic medical policy failing Coloradans with mental health needs | OPINION
February 20, 2024
By: Vincent Atchity
Many are aware Colorado is in a dire crisis of mental health, substance use and homelessness. We see every day too many of our friends, family members and neighbors are experiencing difficulties. We see we don’t have the proper supports and safeguards in place to stop people from experiencing preventable worst outcomes. What most are unaware of, however, is how outdated and seemingly benign policies perpetuate this vicious cycle in which so many Coloradans are trapped.
We’re constantly seeing tragic stories play out in our ...
For Coloradans already struggling with their budgets, the cost of mental health care is increasingly out of reach
February 9, 2024
By: Tautiana Flowers
The high cost of mental health care has long influenced who can get the care they need and who cannot, perhaps since its origin, said Vincent Atchity, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado.
When it originated, for example, psychotherapy was mostly accessible to wealthy Americans who could afford to pay hundreds of dollars per hour to those professionals, who would spend hours examining their life experiences to identify root causes of distress and discomfort, he said.
“It’s always been kind of a culture of the ...
Denver Gymnastics to Host First ‘My Ribbon, My Reason’ Meet
February 7, 2024
By: The University of Denver
The University of Denver gymnastics team will host its first "My Ribbon, My Reason" meet on Sunday, February 11, when DU competes against Iowa State and SE Missouri State in Magness Arena.
During the competition, gymnasts from all three teams will wear colored hair ribbons that represent causes that each student-athlete has identified as important to them. DU has partnered with campus and local organizations to help raise awareness for the causes that the Denver gymnasts have selected. Some organizations will be in ...
First MindFest mental wellness and health fair coming to Conifer Feb. 17
January 31, 2024
By: Jane Reuter
Eight speakers are scheduled throughout the day, talking about subjects ranging from cyberbullying to anxiety. Keynote speaker Vincent Atatchy, president of Mental Health Colorado, will talk about the definition of a mentally well community and how to create one.
Games like self-esteem bingo, a scavenger hunt and a mood jar assembly station are also on the docket, as well as raffles and swag bags.
“We all know laughter is the best medicine, so there will be a number of opportunities to be silly and laugh,” Lipson said. ...
