Boulder County has unveiled new initiatives aimed at bolstering the mental and behavioral health of its residents, courtesy of WellMind Connection and the Crisis Assistance and Treatment (CAT) team, all at no cost.
WellMind Connection serves as the conduit for residents to access these vital resources. Individuals can reach out via phone, email, or the organization’s website, where they will be connected with resource navigators or the CAT team. These professionals assess each case and direct individuals to the appropriate mental or behavioral health support services.
The CAT team specializes in providing culturally sensitive assistance to individuals facing acute crises. Comprising bilingual navigators, the team endeavors to keep individuals within their communities whenever feasible, while also breaking down systemic barriers to access.
In a statement released by Boulder County, these initiatives are described as integral components of the county’s response to community needs, aiming to address the challenges residents encounter in accessing appropriate mental and behavioral health resources.
In 2023, the Boulder County Commissioners ratified the Behavioral Health Road Map, a strategic framework designed to ensure that all county residents can access timely mental and behavioral health support.
Kelly Veit, program manager for WellMind Connection, underscored the program’s commitment to providing personalized guidance tailored to individual needs. “We feel very proud to bring the community innovative ways to approach mental health needs by guiding them step-by-step to find the right resource according to each situation and specific case,” she remarked.
Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, which allocates $6 million for mental and behavioral health services, these programs are positioned to make a significant impact in addressing the mental health needs of Boulder County residents.
Jessica Jaramillo, program manager and clinical supervisor of the CAT team, expressed the team’s dedication to fostering a sense of community and trust among residents. “We hope for the community to feel like we are part of them and that we will be there to help people navigate mental health issues in ways that feel personable, trustworthy, and relatable,” she emphasized.
