Boulder County has introduced new programs to provide mental and behavioral health support to residents at no cost through WellMind Connection and the Crisis Assistance and Treatment (CAT) team. WellMind Connection connects individuals to resource navigators or the CAT team through various contact methods such as phone, email, or the organization’s website. The goal is to refer individuals to the appropriate mental or behavioral health services for assistance.
The CAT team offers culturally responsive services to those facing acute crises, with bilingual navigators aiming to keep individuals in their communities whenever possible. The team works to eliminate barriers for individuals as they navigate through the system to access the necessary support. These programs are part of Boulder County’s response to community needs and the challenges residents face in finding suitable resources for behavioral health care.
In 2023, the Boulder County Commissioners adopted the Behavioral Health Road Map to ensure that all county residents can find the mental and behavioral health support they require when needed. The WellMind Connection navigators assess incoming requests and guide individuals to either the CAT team for urgent needs or resource navigators for continuous support services. The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, allocating $6 million for mental and behavioral health resources.
Kelly Veit, program manager of WellMind Connection, emphasizes the importance of guiding individuals step-by-step to find the right resources tailored to their specific situations. Jessica Jaramillo, program manager and clinical supervisor of the CAT team, aims for the community to view these programs as personal, trustworthy, and relatable sources of support for mental health issues.
Individuals seeking assistance can contact the program by phone at 303-441-1300 from Monday to Friday between 12-4 p.m. or by email at [email protected].