Mental Health Pilot Program Expands After Success In Littleton

LITTLETON, CO — A behavioral health screening pilot program at Planned Parenthood Littleton Health Center was successful, and it's set to be expanded statewide, the health plan organization Colorado Access said.

The organization partnered with Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains to implement the screenings at the Littleton center. Between May 17 and Oct. 20, 160 of 2,150 incoming patients screened at the center showed symptoms of depression, the data shows. Those patients then underwent a more in-depth behavioral health screening, and those who had a depressive disorder were connected with a licensed therapist, Colorado Access said. The patients gave "overwhelmingly positive" feedback about the program, the organization said.

The program then expanded to Planned Parenthood centers in Aurora, Denver Central, Park Hill, Arvada, Fort Collins and Boulder, and there are plans to expand to all 17 Colorado centers by the end of the year, the organization said. More than 3,600 patients have been screened so far, the group said.

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"We are thrilled to offer this service as a part of our preventive care,” said Adrienne Mansanares, chief experience officer with Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, in a statement.

“We're seeing a rising need for this kind of care and are grateful to Colorado Access for the opportunity to support our patients and help meet the needs of our communities."

Behavioral health related ER visits, anxiety and depression went up during the pandemic, particularly among teens and young adults, according to the JAMA psychiatry network.

“We’re working to normalize discussions around mental health and make it a routine component of health checks,” said Rob Bremer, VP of network strategy at Colorado Access.

“It’s very encouraging to see this screening program expand statewide so more Coloradans can get the help they need.”

After the Colorado expansion, there are plans to expand the screening program into New Mexico and Nevada in early 2022, Colorado Access said.