MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERS

In 1971, the Center is federally designated as a comprehensive community mental health facility, and changes its name to the Mental Health Center of Boulder County (MHCBC). 

 

In 1972, MHCBC opens its first facility in Longmont and begins operating the Outpatient Services team in Broomfield. This same year, the Rape Crisis Team (which would later be renamed to Moving to End Sexual Assault) launches, becoming the first and only sexual violence resource center in Boulder County. 

In 1982, MHCBC establishes an outpatient clinic in Louisville (which later moves to Lafayette). 

 

In 1987, MHCBC opens its first facility in Broomfield to meet the region’s growing needs. 

 

In 1988, the Community Infant Program (CIP) - in collaboration with Boulder County Social Services and Public Health – is nationally recognized as an outstanding child abuse and neglect program by the American Association for Protecting Children. 

In 1992, MHCBC opens its Chinook Clubhouse – an internationally certified social and vocational rehabilitation program based on NYC’s innovative Fountain House model of Recovery.

 

In 1998, in collaboration with Boulder County Social Services and the juvenile justice system, MHCBC develops the IMPACT program of integrated services to prevent out-of-home placements of youths at high risk. 

In 2000, in collaboration with the criminal justice system, MHCBC develops the PACE (Partnership for Active Community Engagement) program to help divert adults with mental illness and substance use disorders from jail by providing integrated services in one place.

 

In 2007, MHCBC’s Senior Reach program receives the Golden Light Bulb Award for excellence and innovation from the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council.

 

In 2008, MHCBC receives an award from the St. Vrain Valley School District for the organization’s leadership and partnership. 

In 2010, the organization changes its name to Mental Health Partners (MHP) to showcase a deep commitment to partnering with clients, community, and colleagues to achieve health and wellness goals. This same year, MHP opens a new facility in Longmont called the Wellness Education Center, focusing on whole-health and community integration.

 

In 2013, MHP launches its Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) to provide critical resources and support to residents impacted by catastrophic flooding.

 

In 2014, MHP's Ryan Wellness Center in Boulder, named after former CEO Barbara Ryan, opens as a modern, innovative, and welcoming community space to further invest in whole-person, integrated health.

 

In 2016, MHP opens its Lafayette location to house the Coal Creek Clinic, Moving Beyond Trauma (MBT), Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA), and administrative offices. The Norton Center for Behavioral Medicine, named after former CEO Phoebe Norton, also opens to expand services in Boulder.

 

In 2018, MHP becomes a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), the first provider in Colorado to achieve this “gold standard” in the delivery of mental health and addiction recovery care.   

In 2021, MHP launches an innovative Anxiety Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to provide cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care for adults and teens experiencing high levels of anxiety.

 

In 2021, MHP opens the Boulder Strong Resource Center – in partnership with King Soopers – to support survivors and community members following the King Soopers Table Mesa shooting.

 

In 2022, MHP’s Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) begins providing critical support and resources to people impacted by the Marshall Fire and Wind Event.

 

In 2022, Co-CEOs Dixie Casford and Jennifer Leosz are invited by President Joe Biden to represent MHP and the Boulder community at the White House for the signing of The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – an historic $13 billion investment in mental health, school safety, and state-led crisis intervention programs with nationwide impact.

 

In 2022, MHP opens a new location in Nederland – in partnership with Clinica Family Health – to make mental health and substance use care more accessible for rural mountain communities.

 

In 2023, MHP launches the You-CAN campaign with the goal of saving lives and preventing opioid/fentanyl overdose deaths through greater access to life-saving harm reduction tools. 

Today, Mental Health Partners employs over 400 passionate and dedicated professionals – including therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, case managers, and peer support specialists. We serve over 10,000 clients (and many more community members) each year through dozens of programs, services, and embedded community partnerships.

 

Looking forward, we remain as committed as ever to making community-based mental health and substance use care more affordable, convenient, and culturally responsive for all.