Experts say Colorado’s mental health care system is ‘failing’

As the Summit County community processes the aftermath of an incident involving mental health issues where officers shot and killed an 18-year-old who police say pointed a weapon at officers, experts say young people need better access to mental health care to help prevent such tragedies.

Yet, demand for mental health services is higher than ever, straining the system in Colorado, which is already “one of the worst places in the country for accessing mental health care,” according to Mental Health Colorado President Vincent Atchity.

“What really ought to concern people in regards to their mental health is how difficult it is to access care if you’re a parent or you have a loved one who you’re worried about,” Atchity said. “That is the worst-case scenario because it is so hard to access care, and people often only recognize that when they are experiencing serious mental health needs.”