1) What is Colorado Crisis Services?
We are Colorado’s first statewide resource for mental health, substance use or emotional crisis help, information and referrals. We formed as a part of the initiative set forth by Gov. John Hickenlooper, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, to strengthen Colorado’s mental health system. Our purpose is to provide greater access to mental health services, ensuring Coloradans get the right services in the right locations at the right time.
2) How can Colorado Crisis Services help?
If you don’t know where to begin getting mental health, substance use or emotional help for yourself or someone you know, start here. Colorado Crisis Services provides confidential and immediate support, 24/7/365, on the phone or in person at our walk-in centers.
3) What can I expect when I call?
When you call Colorado Crisis Services, you will be immediately connected to a crisis counselor—a trained professional with a master’s or doctoral degree—or a trained peer specialist who has overcome similar experiences. We offer translation services for non-English speakers, we engage in immediate problem solving, and we make follow-up calls to ensure you receive continued care.
4) What kinds of people are answering the phones? What are their backgrounds?
Depending on the reason for your call, you will either be connected to a crisis counselor or a trained peer specialist. Crisis counselors are trained mental health professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree. Peer specialists are individuals who have overcome similar mental health experiences and are now providing insight and guidance to others. They are trained to offer support on a variety of topics.
5) What kinds of things can I call about?
Crisis is in the eye of the beholder—so if you aren’t sure how to handle a crisis, or a situation that may lead to a crisis, our services are open to you. You can call about anything in your life that you feel you need help with or want to talk about. Common call topics include: depression, substance use, grief & loss, self harm & suicidal thoughts, bullying, stress, parenting concerns, PTSD, drugs & alcohol, relationship problems, family crisis, anxiety, domestic violence, homelessness, disability, concerns for a friend or family member, recovery support, and resource questions.
6) What is the difference between the Colorado Crisis Services line and the Suicide hotline?
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255 (TALK)) is based in New York and is routed by area code to regional providers. The area codes for Colorado are routed to two organizations locally, including Colorado Crisis Services, which is a certified Lifeline provider. Most calls are related to suicide prevention or rescue. The Colorado Crisis Services line is dedicated to Colorado and provides access to the statewide crisis system. There is no wrong door for any behavioral health crisis or resource need, and anyone can call either number and get access to the same professional and expert response.
7) What is the difference between the Colorado Crisis Services hotline and the Colorado Crisis Services warm line?
The same number, 1-844-493-TALK (8255), will reach both the hotline and warm line. The hotline is staffed by professional crisis counselors who are equipped to handle a wide range of crisis scenarios. The warm line is staffed by peer support specialists, individuals who have gone through crisis personally and are now available to help others. Upon calling, the counselor or specialist will determine which line will best serve your needs.
8) Do I have to tell them my name when I call in?
The counselor will ask for at least a first name and call back number in case the call gets dropped or disconnected. However, it is not required to give your name.
9) Where can I get help in person?
Our walk-in centers are open 24/7 and offer confidential, in-person crisis support, information and referrals to anyone in need. If you need in-person assistance or are helping others with a crisis, you can always go to a walk-in center near you. Walk-in centers are located statewide, including the Denver Metro region, Northeast region, Western Slope region and Southeast region.
10) What happens when I go to a walk-in center?
The appropriate intervention will be determined and if needed, you will receive an assessment. This includes a brief physical evaluation by a medical professional. If admitted to a Crisis Bed, you will meet with a Psychiatrist within 24 hours, as well as participate in developing a treatment plan that will allow you to transition home safely, with additional supports if needed.
11) How often can I call or walk-in?
You can call whenever you need additional support or feel that you are in crisis. You may also just show up at any of the walk-in crisis centers if you are experiencing some sort of mental health, substance use or emotional issue.
12) Do your counselors speak other languages?
The hotline counselors, as well as the staff at the walk-in centers, have access to over two hundred languages via telephonic translation services. There may also be bilingual staff at some of the locations.
13) Can you come to me?
A Mobile Crisis Clinician may be dispatched by calling the hotline (1-844-493-TALK (8255)) if it is deemed appropriate. A mobile clinician may go to a variety of locations in the community (schools, homes, churches, etc.).
14) Are the services free?
Crisis services are available regardless of one’s ability to pay. If an individual has private insurance, a co-payment may be required depending on the plan coverage. No one will be turned away for crisis services. A co-payment is not required at the time of service.
15) Can I request help for a loved one?
A family member or friend of an individual in crisis may certainly call the hotline and discuss the situation with the clinician to determine the best plan.
