Senate Approves Bill to Improve Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response

SB25-042 would address gaps in crisis response resources so that Coloradans experiencing a behavioral health crisis get the care they need

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve and better integrate behavioral health crisis response resources passed the Senate today.

SB25-042, sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, would help people with serious mental illness access care by extending inpatient mental health care coverage, compiling resources on effective crisis response programs, and collecting and reporting data on existing gaps. 

“We’ve made significant progress over the past several years in expanding access to behavioral health care and lowering costs of mental health treatment,” said Cutter. “However, Colorado still has serious gaps when it comes to emergency crisis response. This bill puts together several life-saving improvements so that Coloradans can access the treatment they need during a behavioral health crisis.”

“The fight to improve mental health care is personal for me, and a top priority in my work as a legislator,” said Amabile. “Coloradans with serious mental illnesses cycle through emergency rooms, jail, and even homelessness because of gaps in our crisis response resources. This bill will help Coloradans access the care they need to get better.”

The bill would increase the number of covered days for inpatient mental health care from 15 to 60 and ensure that no one is prematurely discharged from an emergency mental health hold until they no longer meet the criteria for the hold. The bill would also convene a group to compile and publish resources on existing crisis response programs including alternative, mobile, and co-responder programs. Lastly, the bill would require the Behavioral Health Administration to report on shortages and gaps within the continuum of care and funding opportunities. 

SB25-042 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.