Teller County Suicide Awareness Symposium
Explore the Teller County Mental Health Alliance
Woodland Park | Divide | Florissant | Victor | Cripple Creek
For someone with an immediate life-threatening emergency call 911
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis:
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or
Call or text 988 or
Chat online at 988lifeline.org
Explore the many local and online resources available to you
Meet the members of our alliance and our amazing team
Get Help Now
Like medical emergencies, mental health emergencies can occur unexpectedly.
Emergency psychiatric help is necessary for those whose clinical presentation requires treatment in an inpatient setting for their health and safety, such as:
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or dial 911 in case of emergency.
For someone with an immediate life-threatening emergency call 911
The Teller County MHAP (Mental Health Assessment Program) team is made up of paramedics with training in assessment, verbal de-escalation techniques and crisis management, as well as a greater knowledge of local resources specific to mental health and substance abuse problems.
This team works to decrease the stigma around mental health and substance abuse problems and to streamline and increase access to care for these patients, while avoiding costly ambulance transport or an emergency room visit.
When should I call?
- Medical emergency
- If you or a loved one is experiencing a drug or medication overdose
- If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, such as:
- Risk of harm to self or others
- Significant emotional or behavioral changes
- Impending or active withdrawal symptoms
- Dispatch will gather basic information such as your name, phone number and address. In the case of a mental health crisis or substance use disorder, they will try to determine if there is also a medical crisis or risk to first responders while calling up resources. Once that is completed, dispatch will send responders to the scene of the emergency right away.
- Dispatch will send a specially trained paramedic to your location in an SUV or truck, with an ambulance and/or firetruck, with appropriate resources.
- Depending on the circumstances of the call, a police officer or deputy may also be dispatched to ensure the safety of everyone on scene. If a police officer or deputy is dispatched, their primary role is to make the scene safe for you so that a person in crisis can be treated by responding paramedics.
- Upon arrival, the paramedic will help you feel welcome and comfortable while they verify your identification and collect basic demographic information, as well as health insurance information, if applicable.
- Next, our team will perform a vital signs assessment that includes temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and pain assessment. If vital signs values are within guidelines, our team will conduct a mental health assessment.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis:
Call 844-493-8255 or
Call or text 988 or
Chat online at 988lifeline.org
When should I call?
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health or substance use crisis
- Any other kind of emotional distress
These crisis lifelines are confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting you with trained crisis counselors
What will happen when I call?
- You’ll hear an automated message while your call is being routed to your local network crisis center
- You’ll hear some music while you are connected to a skilled, trained crisis worker
- A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone
- This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.
- Counselor will assess risk and determine if a local mobile response is necessary
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use problem, there are several resources available to find out more information or get connected with help.
Check out some mental health resources below:
Help Navigating Resources
Aspen Mine Center
Client case management, senior case management, Medicaid healthcare navigation, employment assistance, financial health, food pantry, thrift store, etc.
719-689-3584
Visit Website
Teller County Community Partnership
Client case management, Wraparound services, caregiver support, financial health, food pantry, parenting supports and classes, playgroups, cooking classes, etc.
719-686-0705
Visit Website
Mental Health Resources
Diversus Health
Mental health support services for children, adolescents, adults, and families seeking crisis services, psychiatric wellness, and more
Call 844-493-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255 for crisis
Call 719-572-6100 for appointments and other needs
Visit Website
Family Care Center
Comprehensive behavioral services, including therapy, medication management, and more
719-540-2100
Visit Website
Advocacy, Self Help, and Support Groups
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental health support services for offers peer-led and free programs and support groups for people living with mental illness and their family members
719-473-8477
NAMI Colorado Springs
Mental health education
Peer-led support groups
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them
719-473-8477
Find a local support group
Tessa
Domestic violence/sexual assault support. Provides immediate safety for women and children in crisis .
For advocacy and crisis* 719-633-3819
For other inquiries* 719-633-1462
Visit Website
Alcoholics Anonymous
Work with a group of men and women with a shared experience with the goal to recover from alcoholism
719-573-5020
National Website
Meetings in Teller County
Hotlines
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988
Safe2Tell Colorado
An anonymous way for students, parents, school staff, and community members to report concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others
877-542-7233
Visit Website
NAMI Information Helpline
Staff and volunteers are prepared to answer your questions about mental health issues including symptoms of mental health conditions, treatment options, education and job programs and more.
1-800.950.NAMI (6264)
Visit Website
The Trevor Project Lifeline
24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people (ages 13-24)
(866) 488-7386 or text “TREVOR” to (202) 304-1200
Visit Website
Veterans Crisis Line
Free, 24/7, confidential support is a click away. The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
Dial 988, Option 1 or send a text to 838255
Chat Online
Visit Website
About the Mental Health Alliance
The Teller County Mental Health Alliance (The Alliance) is a multi-organization collaborative supporting the mental health needs of the community.
The Alliance began in 2018 as a grassroots effort in response to growing community concerns about mental and behavioral health in the community.
By pooling individual resources and establishing a shared agenda, The Alliance orchestrates a coordinated set of actions to foster a resilient and healthy community.
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to TCMHA with non-emergency comments or questions.
TCMHA Advisory Council
Michael Rodriguez
Chair
UCHealth, Chief Nursing Officer
Michelle Wolff
Vice Chair
Director, Teller County Department of Public Health and Environment
James McLaughlin
Treasurer
Director of Community Paramedicine, Ute Pass Regional Health District
Christine Sines
Secretary
EMS Liaison, Center for EMS Excellence
Ashlee Shields
Suicide Prevention Project Coordinator
Community Health Partnership
Darlyn Baker
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Bright Futures Psychiatry
Roberta Renfro
Manager, Healthcare Transformation
Diversus Health
Ted Borden
Executive Director
Community of Caring
Lynn Shull
Community Outreach Navigator/Community Member
Diversus Health
Tina Cassens
Interim Superintendent
Woodland Park School District
Cory Gorton
Vice President of Programs
Community Partnership