This bill establishes the Youth Prevention Mental Health Pilot Program to expand behavioral health support for students in Colorado.
Key Provisions:
Pilot Program Implementation
The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) will oversee the program.
Provides 42,000 students access to an electronic behavioral health prevention tool.
Third-Party Administration
BHA must contract with a third-party provider by January 1, 2026.
The provider must offer:
Online behavioral health education resources
Peer-to-peer support services
Private online counseling sessions with professionals
Program Expiration
The pilot program ends on June 30, 2027, unless extended by future legislation.
Potential Impacts:
Increases accessibility to mental health support for students.
Provides early intervention to prevent worsening mental health conditions.
Short-term nature of the program raises concerns about sustainability beyond 2027.
Would you like insights on similar programs in other states or recommendations for improvements?
Summary
The bill creates the youth prevention mental health pilot program
(pilot program) in the behavioral health administration (BHA) to provide 42,000 students access to an electronic multicomponent behavioral health prevention tool (prevention tool).
No later than January 1, 2026, the bill requires the BHA to enter into a contract with a third party to administer the pilot program. The third party must have the capability to provide access to a prevention tool that includes access to online behavioral health educational resources, peer-to-peer support services, and online private counseling sessions with a behavioral health professional.
The pilot program repeals on June 30, 2027.
