Local Mental Wellness Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we share a list of local resources dedicated to the mental wellness of individuals and families in the Denver community.

Mental illness is one of the most common health conditions in the United States, with more than one in five adults living with some form of mental illness.

Mental health impacts all areas of our life, like how we approach interpersonal relationships, handle stress, and make day-to-day choices. Mental wellness is a critical component of our overall health, and the month of May is a designated time to recognize and raise awareness of that fact.

“The stigma associated with mental health has an impact not only on the number of persons seeking therapy but also on the resources available for effective treatment,” said Brian Tallant, director of the Denver START program and a licensed professional counselor. “For those suffering from underlying mental illnesses, these may be insurmountable difficulties, but through awareness and advocacy, individuals can be encouraged to identify their symptoms, practice self-care, and seek therapy or medical support if necessary, and can contribute by spreading the word about mental health care.”

While mental health challenges can present in all professions and walks of life, there are some occupations where it can be more prevalent. For example, individuals in the caring professions are more likely to experience what is known as compassion fatigue, a unique type of stress that can occur as a result of prioritizing the ongoing needs of others.

“It is important to understand the effects of secondary stress on our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being,” commented Tallant. “Moreover, it is critical that we learn what elements make up our personal resilience and what functions those people, events, and activities contribute to our resilience. It is only then that we can seek, foster, enhance and savor those things that keep us healthy and happy as we care for others.”

Whether you are handling a mental health condition or supporting a loved one with a mental health challenge, you are not alone. Here are just a few of the many resources available in the Denver community that provide support for anyone affected by mental illness.

Colorado Crisis Services

Colorado Crisis Services offers free, immediate, and confidential support and counseling for all Coloradans, including those with concerns about a friend or family member. Both their text line (Text TALK to 38255) and call line (1-844-493-8255) are available 24/7, every day of the year. Calls are answered by a clinician and can be transferred to a peer specialist upon request. Translation services for more than 200 languages are also available. Colorado Crisis Services walk-in centers are also available statewide to provide in-person help, and most of their facilities are open 24/7.

Parentline Colorado

Parentline Colorado is a program piloted by the Perinatal to Five Mental Health specialty at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Parentline serves pregnant and postpartum families by providing free telebehavioral health services in the form of brief, targeted sessions over video chat or telephone. The program is intended to reduce the barriers of stigma, childcare, transportation, and language for people in need of mental health care. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

Parent to Parent of Colorado

Parent to Parent of Colorado is a Mill Levy Community Initiative that provides informational and emotional support to parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs, including mental health needs. Parent to Parent provides individual peer parent support to parents upon request, and their services are available in both English and Spanish.

Activity Options

Activity Options is a Mill Levy Community Initiative that works to empower people with disabilities to take part in recreational activities that help them build confidence, life skills, independence, and social connections. These skills benefit all-around health as well as mental health. Activity Options provides supported opportunities for those with special needs to enhance their personal growth through activities like horseback riding, domestic and international travel, skiing, trips to music festivals and concerts, and more.

National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is dedicated to supporting families who have children ages 0 through 21 with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs, as well as substance use challenges. This organization provides trainings, peer support, education, referrals to other resources and services, and advocacy for participating families. Many of these services are free and accessible on their website.

Managing a mental illness or helping a loved one through a crisis can be a challenge, but there are resources available in your community to support you or a loved one in finding balance, peace, and safety.

To find more resources for mental and behavioral health support, please visit the RMHS Community Resources page. This resource bank includes resources related to a wide variety of topics, including health care, childcare, employment, accessibility, and more.

About RMHS: Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) was founded in 1992 and is a nonprofit organization that offers person-centered case management and direct service programs for children, adults, and veterans. With offices in Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and programs throughout Colorado, RMHS is committed to collaborating with individuals and their families to help them achieve their goals.

To learn more about RMHS, visit ​RMHS | Denver | Human Services (rmhumanservices.org).