Where Does Colorado Rank in Mental Health: 2024 Update

Colorado's Alarming Drop in Mental Health Rankings: A Wake-Up Call

In a dramatic turn of events, Colorado has witnessed a steep decline in its mental health rankings, particularly when it comes to children's mental health. Once a leader in addressing youth mental health, the state now finds itself struggling, with its ranking plummeting from 21st to a shocking 44th place in just one year. But the problems don't stop there—Colorado’s overall mental health standing has also taken a significant hit, raising urgent questions about the state’s ability to care for its most vulnerable populations.

The numbers are staggering: more than a quarter of a million Coloradans report serious thoughts of suicide, and the state ranks near the bottom for its prevalence of mental illness. What’s driving this crisis? And more importantly, what can be done to reverse the trend?

This blog explores the factors behind Colorado’s mental health crisis, from the stigma that prevents so many from seeking help to our relationship with substance abuse and DIY solutions for mental health. As the state grapples with its growing challenges, organizations like Axis Integrated Mental Health are stepping up to provide solutions. Dive in to learn more about the current state of mental health in Colorado, why things have gotten worse, and what can be done to turn the tide.

Colorado Ranks 46th in Overall Mental Health

Colorado's overall mental health ranking has also taken a hit, dropping from 30th in 2023 to 46th in 2024. This marks the second-largest year-over-year decline, following the improvement from 37th in 2022 to 30th in 2023.

This decline reflects a combination of challenges in both adult and children’s mental health services. The lack of consistent funding, increasing demand for mental health care, and insufficient crisis intervention resources have all contributed to the state’s worsening position. Colorado has struggled to maintain the momentum seen in 2023, when progress was made in certain areas like expanded telehealth access and public awareness campaigns. However, these efforts have not been enough to sustain long-term improvements.

Colorado Ranks #47 for Adults with Serious Suicidal Thoughts

Colorado's troubling rank of #47 for adults with serious suicidal thoughts underscores the severity of the mental health crisis in the state. According to the latest Mental Health America report, 266,000 adults in Colorado—equivalent to 5.91% of the population—experience serious thoughts of suicide. To put this in perspective, it’s as though the entire populations of Boulder and Lakewood combined are struggling with suicidal ideation. Many of these people are parents, spouses, and significant members of our community. This staggering figure highlights the critical need for mental health services and the urgent need for enhanced prevention, support, and intervention strategies to address the growing mental health challenges in the state.

Children’s Mental Health Rankings Dropped from #21 to #44 in 2024

Colorado's most dramatic change is seen in the children's mental health category, where the ranking plummeted from 21st in 2023 to 44th in 2024. This sharp decline stands in contrast to the state's strong performance in 2022, when it ranked 13th.

Several factors likely contributed to this significant drop. The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have taken a heavy toll on children's mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people. Unfortunately, Colorado has not kept pace with the growing demand for children's mental health services. The state faces a shortage of pediatric mental health providers, and school-based mental health programs remain underfunded and understaffed.

The decline from 21st to 44th underscores the urgent need for Colorado to prioritize youth mental health, particularly as the long-term effects of the pandemic continue to unfold.

Colorado Ranks #50 for the Prevalence of Mental Illness

Colorado ranks #50 for the prevalence of mental illness, with only Oregon experiencing more widespread mental health challenges. Several factors drive this concerning statistic, including the state's high rate of substance use disorders, where Colorado ranks #48 in the nation. The intertwining of substance abuse with mental health struggles exacerbates these conditions, making treatment more complex and less effective. Additionally, Colorado's cultural mentality that mental health issues can be solved independently, often through unregulated treatments lacking clinical data like psilocybins, kratom, and recreational marijuana, further complicates the landscape. While these alternative substances are touted as solutions, they can sometimes worsen underlying mental health conditions, delaying professional intervention and making treatment more difficult. This self-reliant attitude may inadvertently contribute to the growing prevalence of mental illness in the state, highlighting the need for professional, evidence-based care to address these issues head-on.

Colorado Ranks Near the Bottom of Every List for Substance Abuse Issues

Across multiple reports, Colorado ranks near the bottom of every list regarding substance abuse issues. Another study by WalletHub looked at data comparing overdose rates, number of opioid prescriptions, drug arrests, and other statistics to see which states have the most issues with drug use and abuse. This is one of the main drivers of our poor performance overall with mental health. In many cases, drug use is a form of self-medication that can make it harder to recover from milder forms of mental illness.

Access to Care is Not the Real Issue in Colorado

While access to mental health care is often seen as a critical issue in Colorado, data suggests that the state's larger challenge is stigma, not access. In fact, Colorado ranks #17 in the nation for access to mental health care and is among the top 10 states for mental health workforce availability. These rankings reflect that the infrastructure and resources are present in the state to help individuals receive the care they need.

Moreover, although the number of residents living in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) increased to nearly 3 million in 2023—accounting for over 50% of the state's population—there has been progress in 2024. According to the latest data, the population living in HPSAs was reduced to 2.7 million, now representing 46.5% of the state’s population. While this reduction indicates that efforts to expand the workforce and services in underserved areas are working, access remains available to most of the state's residents.

Mental Health Stigma is the Real Barrier to Care in Colorado

Stigma remains one of the largest obstacles to addressing Colorado’s mental health crisis, with nearly half of Coloradans reporting that they avoid seeking care due to fear of judgment, according to the Colorado Health Institute. This stigma not only discourages individuals from getting the help they need, but also perpetuates a cultural reliance on alternative and sometimes unproven treatments like psilocybins, kratom, and marijuana, further complicating mental health challenges. At the same time, the state continues to support pharmaceutical interventions, such as ketamine treatments, by covering them through its Medicaid program. However, non-pharmaceutical interventions like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are not covered, leaving many patients without access to these potentially life-changing treatments. This imbalance between drug-based solutions and other evidence-based therapies reinforces the stigma that only traditional, medication-focused treatments are valid, while excluding other proven methods that could benefit those struggling with mental health issues. Colorado must not only address stigma but also re-evaluate its support for a wider range of treatment options to improve overall mental health outcomes.

An Analysis of the Primary Drivers of Colorado’s Drop in Mental Health Rankings

Worsening Workforce Shortage

Colorado continues to face a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with many leaving the field due to burnout, low wages, and high demand. According to Colorado Behavioral Health Administrations workforce development director, the number of openings for behavioral health jobs in the state increased 152% from 2019 to 2022 and projections show that the figure could rise another 30% from 2023 to 2030. This is concerning especially since the top reason people reported the didn’t get needed mental health care in 2023 was the lack of availability of appointments. Clinics and hospitals across the state report high turnover rates among providers, which directly impacts the ability to provide consistent care, especially in rural areas.

Insufficient Funding for Mental Health Programs

In the latest studies taken from 2020 data, Colorado continues to rank 47th in the nation for mental health spending per capita. A look through previous year’s data shows that we have steadily dropped in mental health spending over year. To put into perspective the gap in mental health spending, the District of Columbia spent $14,381 per capita on mental health whereas Colorado spent $10,191 in the same time frame. Although funding may have slightly increased in subsequent years, it still lags far behind other states.

Without adequate funding, programs that could expand services and improve the quality of care are underdeveloped, and this lack of resources is reflected in the state’s continued poor performance.

Geographic Disparities in Mental Health Services

The geographic disparities in access to mental health care have become even more pronounced in 2024. Urban areas along the Front Range are seeing slightly improved access, but rural regions continue to be left behind. Efforts to expand telehealth have faced significant barriers, including inconsistent broadband coverage, making it difficult to reach patients in remote areas. The lack of telehealth availability, combined with the existing professional shortages, has created a severe gap in care.

Crisis Response and Emergency Care Shortcomings

Colorado's crisis response infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing demand for mental health services. "The number of state psychiatric hospital beds for adults with severe mental illness has continued to decline to a historic low of 36,150, or 10.8 per 100,000 population in 2023," says the Treatment Advocacy Center, a Virginia based nonprofit.”  Emergency room visits related to mental health have continued to rise in 2024, leading to overcrowded facilities and delayed care. The lack of robust crisis services has further harmed the state's ranking.

Access to Mental Health Services

Surprisingly, access to care is not one of the things that Colorado struggles as acutely with as other states. Although in 2023 we reported number of residents living in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas increased to nearly 3 million, accounting for more than 50% of the state's population, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2024 the population living in HSA’s was reduced to 2.7m representing 46.5% of the population.

What Axis Integrated Mental Health is Doing to Improve Mental Health Services in Colorado

Axis Integrated Mental Health is actively working to address the mental health crisis in Colorado by working to destigmatize mental health care in Colorado and offering a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care. Here’s a summary of what we’re doing:

Creating a 1-stop shopping experience to simplify care

Patients have consistently expressed confusion about how to find care for their mental health needs. They do not know whether they need to go to a psychologist, a therapist or a psychiatrist and often turn to uninformed resources, who often perpetuate the stigma that is rampant against mental health care in Colorado, for advice.

By combining psychiatry, therapy and treatment all under one roof, not only can we reduce inaccurate self-diagnosis and potentially dangerous self-treatments, we also ensure patients can maximize their insurance benefits. This delivers the lowest possible cost for our patients, even for advanced treatments like esketamine and TMS. In many cases, patients spend nothing for their treatments through our constant advocacy for them with their insurance companies.

Destigmatizing Mental Health

We have increased marketing spending to promote mental health in a playful and fun way. This is designed not to trivialize mental health but to make mental health approachable through humor and through the channels they interact, including Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit. Several of our campaigns have gone viral, enabling us to reach a wider demographic of people and get them into treatment earlier before it becomes a life-threatening and harder-to-treat condition.

Our patients have also joined the fight by graciously sharing their stories in our #bravenotbroken video series. By sharing their authentic stories, they deliver hope to those still suffering in silence.

We have expanded our philanthropic efforts and have written off more than $300,000 to support pro-bono mental services. To date, we are still the ONLY mental health clinic in Colorado to treat Medicaid patients with TMS and CBS News’ coverage of our program has dramatically increased demand. It has also gained more traction for advocating for mental health policy reform, working alongside lawmakers to secure more funding for mental health programs across the state.

Appointment Availability Within 7 days:

The Colorado Health Access Survey found that the top reason people reported they didn’t get needed mental health care in 2023 was that appointments weren’t available. We have made it a standard KPI that appointments are made available to patients within 7 days and can be accessed through telehealth or in person. Axis also strives to accept nearly every insurance plan possible to ensure the broadest accessibility for Colorado’s population.

What All Coloradans Can Do to Improve Mental Health Services in Colorado

Improving mental health services in Colorado requires collective action from individuals, communities, and organizations. Here are several ways everyday Coloradans can contribute to creating a more supportive environment for mental health:

Normalize Conversations About Mental Health

One of the most impactful steps we can take to combat stigma is to normalize conversations about mental health. Whether it's sharing your own experiences or offering support to someone who might be struggling, open dialogue helps to dismantle the misconceptions and shame surrounding mental health. By making mental health part of everyday conversations, we can encourage others to seek help without fear of judgment. 

Download and share our guide if you'd like tips on how to support someone with depression.

Follow Us on Social Media and Share Our Posts

Another powerful way to support mental health initiatives is by spreading awareness. Follow organizations like Axis Integrated Mental Health on social media to stay informed about the latest mental health resources, services, and news. Sharing these posts with your network can help raise awareness about available support and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.

Make an Appointment and Set an Example

One of the best ways to lead is by example. If you're experiencing mental health challenges, making an appointment with a mental health professional shows others that it's okay to seek help. Whether it's scheduling therapy, psychiatry, or wellness sessions, your actions can inspire others to take the same step toward better mental health. Setting this example helps normalize the use of mental health services and breaks down barriers for others who may be hesitant.

Take Advantage of FAMLI Leave

Colorado's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program provides paid time off for people dealing with serious health conditions, including mental health issues. If you're struggling with burnout, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, FAMLI offers a safety net to take time off and prioritize your mental well-being without the fear of losing your income. By taking advantage of this resource, you set a precedent for the importance of addressing mental health concerns early, before they worsen and, force employers to create better workplace conditions for others. Our article, Taking FAMLI Leave for Mental Health, makes it easy to understand how to benefit from this program.

Advocate for Expanded Mental Health Services

Beyond individual actions, advocacy plays a crucial role in pushing for systemic change. Supporting policies that increase funding for mental health programs, expand telehealth services, and reduce stigma can lead to more comprehensive mental health care across the state. Engage with your local representatives to express the need for broader mental health resources, particularly for underserved communities.

By taking these actions, Coloradans can help create a more supportive environment for mental health, encourage others to seek care, and contribute to the development of a more robust mental health care system across the state.

Where Colorado Ranks in Mental Health is Up To Us

In conclusion, while Colorado has made significant progress in expanding access to mental health care, ranking #17 in the nation for access and placing in the top 10 for workforce availability, the state continues to face severe mental health challenges. The 2024 reduction in the number of residents living in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) from 3 million to 2.7 million shows that access issues are improving.

However, these advancements are undermined by the persistent stigma surrounding mental health, which remains one of the largest barriers to care. Nearly half of Coloradans cite stigma as the reason they have not sought the help they need, and this reluctance exacerbates untreated mental health conditions, making recovery more difficult.

Colorado's struggles with high rates of mental illness, compounded by a culture that often turns to unproven treatments over professional care, reveal that access alone is not the solution. To truly address the mental health crisis, the state must focus not only on expanding services but also on breaking down the societal barriers that prevent people from seeking professional help. Only by tackling both the systemic issues of access and the deep-rooted stigma can Colorado begin to improve its mental health rankings and create a healthier future for all its residents.

To promote wider awareness of the mental health crisis in Colorado, Axis Integrated Mental Health is pleased to release a comprehensive infographic that is available for free distribution and can be shared in its entirety across all digital platforms without restriction. Please cite "Axis Integrated Mental Health" when sharing