The state of Colorado recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month each May. Year round, the state has joined a national movement to raise awareness around mental health, fight stigma, and support the estimated 1 million Coloradans with mental health conditions and their families.

As audiences often witness in theatre productions, youth are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure, lack of acceptance and parental expectations. Those factors can adversely impact the mental health of children and teens.

Locally, the Colorado Department of Human Services provides a list of resources for teens and their guardians, many of which are noted below:

HOTLINES

Colorado Crisis Services: text TALK to 38255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)

Safe2Tell Colorado: 877-542-7233

SERVICES & RESOURCES

Ascent: a community-based program that provides treatment and support to youth and young adults 15-29 years old who may be experiencing an early onset of psychosis.

CDPHE Office of Suicide Prevention: offers a guide for talking about suicide with youth

COACT Colorado: mental health support for families

The Center/Rainbow Alley: a safe space where LGBTQ youth find support and acceptance

Cherry Creek Collective for Mental Health offers a mental health support group for young adults ages 19-28. The group meets every Wednesday from 7-9pm at 1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. B-108. Cost per session is $50-80.

I Matter: free mental health support for Colorado youth

Mental Health Activities for Young Adults: worksheets, videos and activities to spark conversations about mental health

UCHealth Behavioral Care: assistance for individuals to overcome mental health challenges and addiction disorders

Virtual DBT Skills Group meets every Thursday from 7-8:30pm to address dialectical behavior. Cost is $70-80 per session.

For help with any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Trained professionals provide free, immediate and confidential help. Learn more at coloradocrisisservices.org.

Additional resources:

Area Resources for Addiction Treatment, Mental Health Support

Area Resources for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Area Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth

Reentry Programs: Assistance After Incarceration