Senate Clears Trio of Bipartisan Bills to Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care in Colorado
The bills will invest millions to increase behavioral health services for Colorado youth, families, and Native American Tribes
DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed three bipartisan bills to improve access to behavioral health services. Two of the bills, SB22-147 and SB22-148, were developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.
SB22-147, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker (D-Centennial) and Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling), aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families through three programs:
$4.6 million for the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program, which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat behavioral health needs. The program connects pediatricians with pediatric psychiatrists who can provide consultations, resources, and referrals for children with mental health or substance use disorder needs.
$5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program, which provides schools with funding to increase the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students.
$1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program, which helps support school-based health centers in Colorado.
“Far too many kids in Colorado are struggling with their mental health,” Kolker said. “We must act urgently to address this crisis and provide critical support to our state’s young people where and when they need it most. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives."
SB22-148, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), will increase access to behavioral health care by investing $5 million to support the development of a behavioral health facility and better meet the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes.
“The Tribes are our partners and neighbors and this is a long overdue investment in behavioral health,” said Donovan. “Everyone deserves mental health support in their communities and this bill will support the Tribes’ efforts.”
HB22-1214, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker (D-Centennial) and Kevin Priola (R-Brighton) will clarify that crisis facilities must provide mental health and substance use disorder services to individuals in crisis, including youth and people with disabilities. This legislation would make it easier for mobile crisis programs and walk-in centers to provide critical services and behavioral health support to all individuals in crisis.
SB22-147 and SB22-148 now head to the House for further consideration. HB22-1214 will now go to the Governor’s desk for signature.