Behavioral Health Transformation in Colorado: A New Era of Partnership

In Colorado, access to behavioral health care is more than a policy issue — it’s a lifeline. For thousands of individuals and families, the system can mean the difference between hope and hardship. Today, we stand at the threshold of a profound transformation — one that promises to reimagine how behavioral health is delivered and experienced in our state.

Just as Colorado’s behavioral health system is evolving, so is the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC). Over the past few years, our leadership has shifted, with a number of new CEOs joining our board. This new board is embracing the opportunity presented by the transformation to reimagine CBHC — including the types of organizations we represent, our mission to our members, and how we engage with other stakeholders. As someone relatively new to the association myself, these fresh perspectives have sparked a renewed approach, positioning CBHC to actively contribute to the ongoing transformation of Colorado’s behavioral health landscape.

On July 9th, we celebrated a milestone moment in this journey. Along with over 300 state partners, advocacy organizations, and consumer groups, we marked the official launch of the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOs) and the new Colorado LIFTS (Linking Individuals and Families to Services) care coordination infrastructure. These programs are the culmination of reforms initiated by House Bill 22-1278, designed to improve access to behavioral health services across Colorado by reducing administrative hurdles and enhancing coordination of care.

For years, CBHC’s members have been the bedrock of Colorado’s behavioral health safety net, offering crucial support to vulnerable populations. While not every system change proposed in the past decade has been easy to navigate, the implementation of BHASOs marks a new turning point for our state’s safety net system. By streamlining administration and unifying the processes for mental health, substance use disorder, and crisis care, we’re helping implement a system that is not only more efficient but also more responsive to the needs of all Coloradans.

Of course, meaningful change rarely comes without challenges. As this new system takes shape, we know that questions of financing, workforce sustainability, and infrastructure will continue to test us — especially amid tightening state and federal budgets. These realities make collaboration across the safety net even more essential. Whether you’re a local provider, payer, community partner, or policymaker, we all share responsibility for ensuring this system works for those who need it most.

The new regional care coordination, led by Colorado LIFTS and overseen by the BHASOs, is central to this vision. One of the most significant promises of this new infrastructure is ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. For families, individuals, and providers alike, this means smoother transitions between services, clearer pathways to care, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing every step is supported.

At CBHC, we are excited to work alongside the state, the BHASOs, other providers, and consumer stakeholders to bring this new system to life. Our members are already collaborating on the ground level to ensure the system operates effectively in every community.

As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that Colorado’s behavioral health system truly serves the needs of all residents — particularly those who are most vulnerable. This new chapter holds promise for a future where behavioral health care is not just accessible, but also coordinated, compassionate, and efficient.

We invite everyone — providers, advocates, and consumers — to join us in shaping a system that reflects the dignity and humanity of those it serves. The road ahead is one of collaboration, and together, we can turn the promise of this transformation into tangible, lasting benefits for all Coloradans.