GRAND JUNCTION Colo. (KREX)- Behavioral health is becoming a growing focus across the country, with new clinics opening, and conversations increasing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health challenges have been increasing for years. Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic intensified struggles.
In Mesa County, that growing demand is one reason more behavioral health clinics are opening.
“You want everybody to have as much access to behavioral health services as is possible in small and rural Colorado,” said Jason Chippeaux, CEO of Health Solutions West.
Health Solutions West is among the providers expanding services in the area, marking one year in Grand Junction. Chippeaux said the distance between Western Colorado and Front Range resources makes local access critical.
“If you have a suicidal teenager on your hands and you need help now, four hours feels like an eternity,” Chippeaux said.
Experts say the increase in clinics also comes from a shift in awareness.
“There has been some ground gained in the realm of stigma, people are accessing care that maybe previously wouldn’t,” Chippeaux said.
Chippeaux mentioned factors such as social media, more dangerous drugs and long-term impacts of COVID-19 as some contributors to rising mental health challenges.
“The escalation in the amount of behavioral health need is hard for organizations to get their arms around,” Chippeaux said.
Local leaders say the entire community is part of the conversation.
“Everybody in our community, at one time, we all meet a behavioral health challenge,” said Mesa County Commissioner JJ Fletcher.
Fletcher said he is committed to supporting behavioral health efforts as demand continues to grow.
“Now that we know that we can freely talk about it, then we can come up with a solution,” Fletcher said.
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