Boulder County announced that it is offering new programs to support the mental and behavioral health of county residents through WellMind Connection and the Crisis Assistance and Treatment, or CAT, team for no cost.
WellMind Connection connects residents to resource navigators or the CAT team. Residents are able to call, email or connect through WellMinds’s website. The organization will refer patrons to the appropriate mental or behavioral health team for assistance.
The CAT team provides culturally responsive services to those experiencing an acute crisis. The team is made up of bilingual navigators who work to keep people in their communities whenever possible. The team also assists people as they navigate through the system by eliminating barriers.
“Both programs are part of the Boulder County response to community needs to address the challenges residents have in finding appropriate resources and accessing the right behavioral health care,” according to a news release from Boulder County.
In 2023, the Boulder County Commissioners adopted the Behavioral Health Road Map that outlines a vision to help all county residents find the mental and behavioral health support they need at the right time.
“WellMind Connection navigators can assess incoming requests, directing individuals to either the Crisis Assistance and Treatment (CAT) team for urgent needs or to WellMind resource navigators for ongoing support services,” said Kelly Veit, WellMind Connection program manager. “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.”
The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act which provides $6 million for resources that support mental and behavioral health services.
“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," said Jessica Jaramillo, program manager and clinical supervisor of the CAT team.
People can call 303-441-1300 Monday-Friday 12-4 p.m. or email [email protected]. for assistance.
