Introducing Denver START
About Denver START
The Denver START program at Rocky Mountain Human Services is a proven, evidence-based approach that provides accessible and timely crisis mental health care for Denver residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
We provide:
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Access to START certified team members with unique experience in the mental health aspects of IDD
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Person and family-centered approach
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Cultural humility and competency
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Coordinated care and assistance for the person supported, their families, and their service providers
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24hr/7day crisis prevention and intervention
Program Referral Requirements
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Age 6 or older
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Must be found eligible for Intellectual and Developmental Disability services by a Colorado Community Centered Board. Click on this link to see the Colorado IDD eligibility criteria.
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Must have a mental health diagnosis or symptoms that result in mental health crises
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Must reside within the Denver city limits or are a youth in the custody of Denver Department of Human Services.
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Please email Denver START for question about program eligibility at start@rmhumanservices.org
Submit a Referral
To submit a referral to join the program, please fill out our online form or call 303-636-5600 and select option #8 or email us at start@rmhumanservices.org.
The National START MODEL
The START program, which stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment, is new to Denver but is a nationally recognized model with a rich history of success. Developed in 1988, the National START model aims to improve diagnosis and treatment, support effective services, create service linkages, promote health and wellness, and decrease the need for emergency services.
Funding
In 2021, RMHS engaged in a competitive contract selection process with Denver Human Services (DHS), ultimately winning the contract to develop a local START program. Denver START is funded by local taxpayer dollars through DHS’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Equitable Access to Services (IDDEAS) program.
