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Building Strong Community Mental Health Support

Communication and collaboration play pivotal roles in fostering well-being, learning, and safety.  Community mental health support thrives on communication and collaboration across its protective, teaching, and healing components. These interactions not only address immediate concerns but also establish a foundation of empathy and understanding within the community. To strengthen the fabric of community mental health, it’s imperative to encourage conversations, partnerships, and a collective commitment to the well-being of all its members. Let’s engage in a dialogue about how we can promote these essential connections within our communities.

man hand reachingPROTECT: For our police partners who work tirelessly to protect our communities, we understand that mental health is an essential part of community well-being. By collaborating, we can help protect individuals in crisis. Our experts can provide valuable training in crisis de-escalation and mental health awareness, enhancing safety for all.
Learn how Health Solutions West protects mental health first responders in your community.

kid running to grown up for a hugTEACH: In schools, where young minds learn and grow, mental health education is vital. Health Solutions West is here to teach students, teachers, and families about emotional well-being. By integrating mental health education into the curriculum, we aim to empower students with the knowledge they need to navigate life’s challenges.

doctor examining girlHEAL: Hospitals are places of healing, and mental health is an integral part of this process. Through collaboration, we can ensure that individuals receive the holistic care they need. Together, we can help by creating seamless transitions between physical and mental health care, enhancing patient outcomes.

We aim to protect individuals in crisis, teach the importance of mental health, and ensure that healing is comprehensive, addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
By working together, we can create a strong support network that nurtures the mental health and overall well-being of everyone in our community.
mind springs foundation services logo

PEOPLE PROTECTING PEOPLE

TOGETHER WE CAN

At Health Solutions West, we believe that mental health is everyone’s concern, and collaboration is key to addressing the growing need for mental health education and support in our communities. We understand that police and first responders are on the front lines of community safety, and we value your dedication to serving and protecting.

Below are just a few programs and services Mind Springs provided to help protect and ultimately ensure a healthy community.

Contingency Management Program

Empowering Positive Change with Contingency Management at Mind Springs

At Health Solutions West, we believe in empowering positive change through innovative therapies like Contingency Management. This approach is a type of behavioral therapy where individuals are rewarded for positive behavioral shifts. In our supportive environment, we encourage individuals to embrace these positive changes.

Contingency Management has shown significant effectiveness, especially in the realm of substance misuse treatment. We utilize this evidence-based method to reinforce positive behaviors, often using

Learn More

Mental Health is Everyone’s Concern, and Collaboration is Key

  1. A Shared Responsibility: Mental health is a shared concern within our community. It affects not only those seeking help but also the broader safety and well-being of the community. Police and first responders are integral to this shared responsibility.
  2. Training and Education: We emphasize the importance of mental health training and education for you. Ongoing learning about mental health conditions, crisis de-escalation techniques, and available resources is an investment in more effective and compassionate responses to mental health crises.
  3. Collaboration, Not Confrontation: Collaboration is our goal when addressing individuals in crisis. We’ve seen the positive impact of mental health professionals working alongside first responders. This approach leads to better outcomes for individuals in distress.
  4. Resource Sharing: We’re here to support you. Health Solutions West offers resources and expertise to assist you in handling mental health crises. You can count on us for contact information, crisis intervention protocols, and specialized services.
  5. De-Stigmatization: We encourage an open dialogue about mental health stigma. Be aware of the stigma surrounding mental health issues and how it can affect the way individuals seek help. Promote a compassionate and non-judgmental approach in your interactions.
  6. Community Partnerships: Let’s build strong partnerships between Health Solutions West, law enforcement, and first responders. Together, we can allocate resources more efficiently and collaboratively solve problems.
  7. Continual Feedback: We value your experiences and insights. Establishing a feedback loop helps us refine and improve our mental health response protocols continually.

At Health Solutions West, we aim to foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and cooperation between mental health professionals and first responders. Our shared goal is to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the care and support they need, while enhancing the safety and well-being of the community.

Collaboration between our two essential pillars of community well-being is paramount in addressing the mental health challenges of our time. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.

Health Solutions West is a Provider of:

To strengthen the fabric of community mental health, it’s imperative to encourage conversations, partnerships, and a collective commitment to the well-being of all its members. Let’s engage in a dialogue about how we can promote these essential connections within our communities.

TOGETHER WE CAN

IT STARTS WITH YOU

At Health Solutions West, we recognize the importance of effective communication with schools and families in our shared mission of promoting mental health and well-being. We understand that schools and families are vital components of a child’s support system. Here are the key messages we want to convey:

Mental Health Matters for Everyone, and Partnership is Essential

  1. A Shared Responsibility: Mental health is a shared concern within our community. It affects not only individual students but also the overall well-being of our schools and families. Schools and families play crucial roles in this shared responsibility.
  2. Education is Empowerment: Mental health education is empowering. We encourage schools to integrate mental health awareness into their curriculum. Understanding emotions, coping strategies, and seeking help when needed are essential life skills we can impart to our children.
  3. Open Dialogue: Promote open dialogue about emotions and mental well-being within families. Encourage parents and caregivers to create a safe space for children to express their feelings without judgment.
  4. Early Identification: Schools can help identify early signs of mental health concerns in students. Teachers, counselors, and parents should work collaboratively to recognize changes in behavior or mood that may indicate a need for support.
  5. Supportive Environment: Schools should strive to create a supportive environment where students feel valued and safe. This includes anti-bullying initiatives, promoting empathy, and offering counseling services within the school.
  6. Access to Resources: Families should be aware of the mental health resources available to them. Health Solutions West is here to provide support, information, and guidance to families facing mental health challenges.
  7. Stigma Reduction: Both schools and families should work together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Encourage open conversations about mental well-being, showing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
  8. Partnership: Establish a strong partnership between schools, families, and Mind Springs. Collaboration allows us to provide comprehensive support to students and their families.

At Health Solutions West, we aim to foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and cooperation between mental health professionals, schools, and families. Our shared goal is to ensure that children grow up emotionally resilient and well-supported.

Working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our students and their families, nurturing a community where mental health is a priority and seeking help is a natural and supported step.

SCHOOL BASED MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY

SCHOOL NEEDS ASSESSMENTS

TRAINING AND RESOURCES SUPPORT

CUSTOM SERVICES

Resources for Today’s World

Download Coloring PagesColoring book pages

To strengthen the fabric of community mental health, it’s imperative to encourage conversations, partnerships, and a collective commitment to the well-being of all its members. Let’s engage in a dialogue about how we can promote these essential connections within our communities.

TOGETHER WE CAN

IT STARTS WITH YOU

Healthcare Networks

Health Solutions West aims to foster a culture of collaboration and partnership between mental health organizations and healthcare networks. Together, we can ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs.

Medication Assisted Treatment

Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (also known as MAT) combines counseling and other recovery supports with prescribed medications to help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that come from stopping opioid use.

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Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Mental health is important to overall health. Mental disorders are chronic health conditions—conditions that last a long time and often don’t go away completely—that can continue through the lifespan. Without early diagnosis and treatment, children with mental disorders can have problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. Mental disorders can also interfere with a child’s healthy development, causing problems that can continue into adulthood.

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Care Transitions

A patient-centered experience that bridges the gap between hospital or emergency department discharge and a strong recovery. Through proactive planning, this program provides continuity of care for individuals who are transitioning home, which can be an especially vulnerable time. Health Solutions West provides outpatient consultation and services for 4-6 weeks to help you stabilize and achieve beneficial wellness.

Referrals originate from the hospital or emergency department for those returning home.
Children, adolescents, and adults are eligible. Medicaid is accepted.

Learn More
(877)603.7045

SERVICES FOR HOSPITALS

HOSPITAL-TO-HOSPITAL ADMISSION TRANSFERS

Effective communication between the two healthcare teams is essential during a hospital-to-hospital transfer. Medical records, test results, medications and treatment plans are required to ensure a smooth transition. See our Medical Admission Criteria policy document for additional information on allowable medical conditions under state law.

 

Learn More
(877)603.7045

Ensuring Comprehensive Care

The integration of mental health into overall healthcare is vital for comprehensive patient well-being. Collaborating with organizations like Health Solutions West enables holistic care, addressing physical and mental health needs. Timely access to mental health services is crucial, as these conditions often coincide with physical health concerns. Establishing clear referral pathways and coordination between healthcare and mental health providers ensures appropriate care. Implementing mental health screening tools allows early intervention, while collaborative treatment plans enhance patient recovery. Mind Springs offers support, resources, and collaboration, fostering a feedback loop for continuous improvement in mental health services within healthcare settings.

Suicide Risk 1 Month After Psychiatric Hospitalization

The Suicide Risk of Discharged Psychiatric Patients
“30% of all suicides (37.2% using the broad definition) occurring in the first year after discharge.”
Ting-Pong Ho, M.D. – https://www.psychiatrist.com/

Suicide in recently discharged psychiatric patients

“Forty-three per cent of suicides occurred within a month of discharge, 47% of whom died before their first follow-up appointment. The first week and the first day after discharge were particular high-risk periods.   The weeks after discharge from psychiatric care represent a critical period for suicide risk. Measures that could reduce risk include intensive and early community follow-up. “

Cambridge University Press

Suicide Risk After Discharge From Medical Hospital

Deaths by suicide and their relationship with general and psychiatric hospital discharge: 30-year record linkage study

“Those who died by suicide were 3.1 times more frequently last discharged from general than from psychiatric hospitals; 24% of deaths occurred within 3 months of hospital discharge (58% of these from a general hospital).”

Cambridge University Press

Suicide Risk After Discharge From Psychiatric Hospital

Short-term Suicide Risk After Psychiatric Hospital Discharge

“After psychiatric hospital discharge, adults with complex psychopathologic disorders with prominent depressive features, especially patients who are not tied into a system of health care, appear to have a particularly high short-term risk for suicide.”

JAMA Network- American Medical Association

To strengthen the fabric of community mental health, it’s imperative to encourage conversations, partnerships, and a collective commitment to the well-being of all its members. Let’s engage in a dialogue about how we can promote these essential connections within our communities.

TOGETHER WE CAN

IT STARTS WITH YOU

mind srpings foundation building sanctuary logo
The Mind Springs Foundation was launched in early 2020, with the goal of serving as the philanthropic arm of both Mind Springs Health and West Springs Hospital.

The process to create the Mind Springs Foundation began well before the first COVID-19 case in Colorado, however, the timing of the newly created 501(c)(3) was welcome, as research is showing us that there will be a significant increase in demand for behavioral health services as our state and nation continue to cope with the ramifications of this virus. Substance use and addiction are on the rise as well.  All gifts to Mind Springs Health and West Springs Hospital are now directed and receipted through the new Foundation, which will help alleviate confusion and will provide an easier process for donors making philanthropic gifts.  The Foundation will create greater program transparency, while allowing the Mind Springs Health organization to support mental health programming and efforts throughout Colorado in the future.

Care Transitions

A patient-centered experience that bridges the gap between hospital or emergency department discharge and a strong recovery. Through proactive planning, this program provides continuity of care for individuals who are transitioning home, which can be an especially vulnerable time. Mind Springs Health provides outpatient consultation and services for 4-6 weeks to help you stabilize and achieve beneficial wellness.

Referrals originate from the hospital or emergency department for those returning home.
Children, adolescents, and adults are eligible. Medicaid is accepted.

Learn More
(877)603.7045

Mission

Mind Springs Foundation Mission: We connect philanthropic passion with exceptional programs to support a mentally healthy and vibrant Western Slope.

Vision and Values

Vision:  Our vision is for a mentally healthy and vibrant Western Slope.

Values:

  • Innovation
  • Consistency
  • Effectiveness
  • Visionary
  • Quality
  • Collaboration
  • Connectivity

How we support the mission

There is a crisis, a crisis of epic proportion in our nation, states, communities and neighborhoods. This crisis is mental illness and addiction. Mind Springs Health and West Springs Hospital, the largest and most comprehensive behavioral health organization on the Western Slope is committed to providing much needed clinical and inpatient services to combat this crisis. We cannot solve this crisis overnight or on our own, and the work we have in front of us will not be easy. There is no roadmap for how this should be done; we will embark on our journey with compassion, partnership and determination. An estimated 382,000 Coloradans said they needed treatment for mental health services but couldn’t access the help they needed. Another 67,000 reported needing substance abuse treatment.

Everyone deserves to be happy and live a fulfilled life, but there are always obstacles to overcome. We must remember that mental health and addiction are part of our overall health, and just like we take care of our physical bodies, we must also nurture our minds.

The Mind Springs Foundation was created to providing philanthropic support to meet these pressing needs. The Foundation’s first priority is to underpin the work of Mind Springs Health and West Springs Hospital as these two organizations provide outpatient and inpatient services for our families, friends and communities on the Western Slope.

We need the philanthropic support of our communities and friends to meet the challenges of providing mental health and addiction services throughout our 10 county service areas, ultimately allowing us to achieve the mission: We Save Lives.

To strengthen the fabric of community mental health, it’s imperative to encourage conversations, partnerships, and a collective commitment to the well-being of all its members. Let’s engage in a dialogue about how we can promote these essential connections within our communities.

INVEST IN CONNECTION
TOGETHER WE CAN

IT STARTS WITH YOU
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