April 2026

Growing Forward, Together

Save the Date: 2026 CBHC Conference

The 2026 CBHC Annual Behavioral Health Conference is set, and we’re excited to bring our community together in Breckenridge this fall. With this year’s theme, “Meeting the Moment for Communities,” and keynote speakers Johnny Crowder and Dr. Amer Kaissi, this year’s conference will offer timely insights, meaningful connection, and opportunities to learn from leaders across the field.

Balanced but Burdened:

The State’s Fiscal Picture

As constitutionally required, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) has finalized a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026–27. The package includes the Long Bill (HB26-1410), which outlines operating appropriations for state departments, along with more than 60 companion “orbital” bills. These additional bills—some sponsored by the JBC and others introduced separately—authorize the statutory changes needed to implement the spending plan.

Lawmakers were tasked with closing an approximately $1.5 billion shortfall, requiring difficult decisions throughout the process. As JBC members noted repeatedly, many of the reductions made this year affect programs that directly support Coloradans.

To balance the budget, the JBC relied on several limited tools. These included one-time cash transfers into the General Fund (and reductions in transfers out), as well as adjustments to TABOR refund obligations for the upcoming year. The Committee also approved a temporary reduction of the General Fund reserve from 15% to 13% through HB26-1363, with a plan to restore the reserve to 15% by FY 2028–29.

Despite recent efforts to increase Medicaid provider rates, the final budget includes a 2.0% provider rate reduction—less than the Governor’s proposed 3.6% cut, but still representing approximately $84 million in General Fund savings (over $220 million total funds). Additionally, certain service rates tied to Medicare benchmarks will be set at 85%, with key exemptions for services such as NICU and pediatric behavioral therapy.

It is important to note that these reductions do not apply to Colorado’s behavioral health managed care program. Services reimbursed within the capitation structure-including PPS payments- are not directly affected by the 2.0% fee schedule reduction.

Additional areas CBHC is monitoring include:

• CCBHC Demonstration Implementation: The budget reflects an assumption of reduced state General Fund share due to increased federal matching funds tied to the anticipated award of a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration grant.

• BHA Funding Realignment: The budget includes net-zero adjustments to the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) line item structure. These changes are intended to improve transparency around administrative costs and better align the budget with the Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BHASO) contracting structure.

Policy Under Pressure

Against this challenging fiscal backdrop, we are now in the final full month of the legislative session. Bills are beginning to reach the Governor’s desk—though under increasingly constrained conditions. In balancing the budget, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) did not set aside funding for new legislation, significantly narrowing the path forward for bills with fiscal impacts. As a result, many bills with fiscal notes are unlikely to advance through Appropriations, further limiting viability this session.

Even so, legislators continue to move policy forward. CBHC remains actively engaged on a number of bills that could significantly impact the financing of and access to mental health and substance use treatment. Below are several key measures where we have been most involved:

• SB26-149 — Pathways for Individuals with Behavioral Health Disorder
  This bill creates new pathways for civil commitment or enhanced protective placement for criminal defendants found incompetent to proceed who have committed serious offenses and pose a substantial risk of harm. Notably, this is one of the few bills this session to move forward with a significant fiscal note. CBHC is working collaboratively with sponsors and system partners to help ensure the policy is implementable in practice and supports access to appropriate care within a system grounded in accountability and respect for civil liberties.

• HB26-1116 — Processes for People with Behavioral Health Disorders
  Originally intended to align emergency hold processes across substance use and mental health, the heavily amended bill now focuses on two technical revisions: extending post-discharge follow-up timelines and modifying fire safety certification requirements for behavioral health facilities, including exemptions for telehealth-only providers and flexibility for outpatient settings to rely on local fire inspections.

• HB26-1195 — Psychotherapy Artificial Intelligence Restrictions

  This bill establishes guardrails on the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy. It limits AI from directly interacting with clients or generating treatment recommendations without clinician oversight, while allowing administrative uses such as scheduling and documentation. CBHC is working with sponsors to further clarify liability provisions to ensure responsible implementation.

• HB26-1002 — Provider Participation in Health Insurance

  This bill addresses ongoing challenges related to network access and reimbursement. Key provisions include requiring insurers to verify network participation, expediting credentialing processes, and allowing reimbursement for pre-licensed clinicians working under supervision. It also reduces clinical hour requirements for LCSW licensure. Together, these changes aim to improve network adequacy, reduce administrative burden, and support workforce development.

You can follow all legislation CBHC is tracking here. If you have any questions about the legislation we are tracking or our positions on them, you can reach out to Veronica Bell, Policy Manager, at vbell@cbhc.org.

Eyes on the Supreme Court: Chiles v. Salazar

In an 8–1 decision in Chiles v. Salazar, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy for minors may violate the First Amendment’s free speech protections, sending the case back to lower courts for further review. If ultimately deemed unconstitutional, the decision could put similar laws in more than 20 states at risk.

Colorado’s law was originally enacted based on broad consensus among medical and mental health organizations that conversion therapy is harmful to minors. CBHC was among the organizations that supported this legislation. We view these protections as an important safeguard to ensure that behavioral health practices remain aligned with evidence-based care.

In a notable dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson emphasized that states have long held the authority to regulate medical treatment—even when that treatment involves speech. She argued that “talk therapy is a medical treatment,” and therefore should be subject to reasonable state oversight, consistent with other forms of healthcare. This perspective underscores the broader concern at stake: whether clinical standards grounded in evidence can continue to be upheld through state policy.

At the state level, policymakers continue to engage on this issue. Representative Alex Valdez is advancing HB26-1322, which would create a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by conversion therapy. The bill would allow survivors to bring claims against licensed mental health professionals, as well as entities responsible for hiring or supervising them. It has passed the House and will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Course Corrections Summit:

A Decade of Progress

In 2016, the Course Corrections Summit brought together more than 200 experts and leaders in behavioral health and criminal justice from across Colorado with a shared goal: to disentangle mental health and the criminal justice system. The convening resulted in a set of 18 recommendations aimed at ending the use of jails as de facto mental health facilities—one of which helped drive SB17-207, legislation CBHC was proud to lead that ended the use of jails for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis who have not committed a crime.

Ten years later, Mental Health Colorado is asking: did we get it right? Revisiting those priorities—from ending the use of jails for involuntary holds to expanding Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)—it is clear that while progress has been made, the work is far from complete.

The 2026 Course Corrections Summit will once again convene advocates, policymakers, and community leaders to advance solutions that reduce reliance on the criminal justice system and expand access to care. Taking place May 7–8, 2026, the Summit will focus on how Colorado can close remaining gaps in the behavioral health system and ensure that care—not incarceration—is the standard response to a crisis.

Register for the 2026 Summit here.

CCBHC Demonstration

Application Submitted

On March 31, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF), in partnership with the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), submitted an application to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Demonstration.

To support HCPF’s application, CBHC coordinated with providers, health systems, advocates, and state partners to demonstrate broad stakeholder support behind Colorado’s CCBHC Demonstration application, culminating in a multi-sector sign-on letter endorsing the state’s submission and the model’s potential to strengthen the behavioral health safety net. In total, more than 40 diverse organizations signed on in support.

If selected, the demonstration would expand access to comprehensive, community-based behavioral health services across Colorado. Notably, it represents one of the most significant near-term funding opportunities in the current fiscal environment, underscoring its significance not just for Colorado’s behavioral health system, but for the larger state budget overall.

The State anticipates hearing back from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by June, with the potential to begin implementation as early as July 1.

You can find the application narrative here.

CBHC will continue to monitor these developments and share updates as they progress.

Gear Up for

Mental Health Awareness Month!

May is almost here, and with it comes Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to elevate conversation, reduce stigma, and celebrate the importance of mental well-being in every community. At CBHC, we’re gearing up for a month dedicated to connection, education, and action across Colorado’s behavioral health landscape.

This year, we invite you to join us in shining a light on the voices, stories, and efforts that strengthen our collective resilience. Whether you’re hosting events, sharing resources, or simply checking in on a colleague or friend, every action helps build a more supportive and understanding community.

Stay tuned throughout May as we share tools, highlight partner work, and uplift the many ways our network is advancing mental health awareness—not just for a month, but year-round.

Let’s make this May meaningful, intentional, and impactful—together.

MHFA Community Gathers in Denver

This month, Denver will host the national Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) community as instructors, coordinators, and partners from across the country come together for a multi-day gathering focused on learning, connection, and shared impact.

The convening will highlight the continued growth of MHFA training and its role in strengthening community-based responses to mental health and substance use challenges. Attendees will engage in sessions focused on best practices, emerging trends, and strategies for expanding access to early intervention and support.

As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, this gathering serves as an important reminder of the collective effort behind building a more informed and responsive behavioral health system. CBHC is proud to recognize the partners and professionals who continue to advance this work across Colorado and beyond.

A-Train Marketing is proud to partner with the CBHC to promote mental health in Colorado and beyond. We serve as deep marketing partners for behavioral health entities and currently support clients in 29 states. Our team understands that marketing in this space requires a unique blend of ethics, sensitivity, and strategic precision to connect individuals with the care they need.

Our Specializations

We focus on delivering results through brand development, high-conversion websites, SEO, and digital advertising. Rather than providing one-size-fits-all solutions, we immerse ourselves in your unique mission, and unique challenges, to create strategies that directly solve organizational challenges. We help bridge the gap between individuals seeking help and the invaluable resources your organization provides.

Whether you are scaling a multi-location system or launching a new service line or brand, we act as an extension of your team to ensure your messaging is both compliant and compelling.

Free Strategic Review

Connect with our team to see how we can help. A-Train’s CEO Timothy Zercher is currently offering a free, no-commitment, strategic review to help you optimize your marketing efforts and increase your impact.

Mental Health First Aid Colorado

Mile High Behavioral Healthcare

Denver has launched a new Recovery Court aimed at handling drug-related misdemeanor and “quality-of-life” offenses- such as petty theft and trespassing- diverting eligible defendants from traditional prosecution into a structured, treatment-focused system. The court replaces the earlier HEM program and will be overseen by Judge Kelly Cherry in partnership with attorneys, behavioral health providers, and community organizations to connect participants with services addressing substance use and co-occurring issues like trauma or brain injury. City leaders, including Mike Johnston, say the goal is to reduce overdose deaths, recidivism, and incarceration by prioritizing recovery and stability over punishment, with success measured by treatment engagement and long-term public safety outcomes. Read the full article here.

Health Solutions West

Wellness Wednesday: Recognizing and Managing Burnout
Burnout can impact anyone, showing up as ongoing fatigue, irritability, and a loss of motivation after prolonged stress. A recent Wellness Wednesday segment highlights the importance of recognizing these warning signs early and taking proactive steps to address them. Prioritizing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and reaching out for support are all essential strategies for restoring balance. As demands continue to grow across our field, taking time to recharge isn’t a luxury—it’s critical to sustaining both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. Watch the full video here.

Mile High Behavioral Healthcare

Qualifacts has selected Mile High Behavioral Healthcare (MHBHC) in Colorado as the recipient of its 2026 “Give Back” initiative, a program where the company donates funding and employee support to organizations making an impact in behavioral health. The donation will help MHBHC expand its services for individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, homelessness, and other barriers to care across the Denver metro and surrounding regions. Leaders from both organizations emphasized that the support will strengthen MHBHC’s ability to provide accessible, community-based treatment and wraparound services for vulnerable populations. The initiative also encourages broader participation during industry events, where attendees can contribute donations and supplies to directly support MHBHC’s programs and clients. Read the full article here.

Jefferson Center for Mental Health

The USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2026 list, highlighted in Coloradoan coverage, recognizes employers across the country—including several in Colorado—for creating strong, people-first workplace cultures based on anonymous employee feedback. The awards, coordinated with workplace research firm Energage, evaluate organizations on factors like trust in leadership, work-life balance, and overall employee engagement, with more than 42,000 companies invited to participate this year. Colorado-based and national employers that made the list are being honored for prioritizing supportive environments, professional growth, and employee well-being, and winners are featured both online and at a national recognition event. The program is widely viewed as a benchmark for workplace quality and a signal of companies that are succeeding in attracting and retaining talent in a competitive labor market. Read the full article here.

Health Solutions West

Behavioral health needs are continuing to rise across Colorado’s Western Slope, putting added strain on already limited local clinics and providers. Experts and health leaders say more people are seeking mental health and substance use services due to factors like increased awareness, lingering impacts of COVID-19, social media influences, and the ongoing drug crisis. At the same time, rural areas face persistent challenges including provider shortages, long wait times, and difficulty accessing care quickly, especially in emergencies. Clinics and organizations in the region are expanding services where possible, but providers emphasize that demand is still outpacing capacity, highlighting a broader statewide shortage of behavioral health professionals and the need for continued investment in workforce and access solutions. Read the full article here.

Valley-Wide Health Systems

The Alamosa Rotary Club recently hosted a meeting featuring the CEO of a regional, valley-wide organization as its guest speaker, who shared insights about their leadership role and the organization’s work serving communities across the San Luis Valley. During the presentation, the speaker discussed ongoing efforts to address regional needs through collaboration, service programs, and initiatives that support residents across multiple counties. The talk highlighted the importance of cross-community coordination in rural Colorado, especially around social services and economic development, and emphasized how local partnerships help expand impact beyond individual towns. The Rotary Club event served as both a networking opportunity and a way to connect community leaders with broader regional initiatives shaping the Valley. Read the full article here.