Free youth mental health counseling service underutilized in the Yampa Valley

Access to behavioral and mental health services is the #1 community health priority identified in the recent 2022 Yampa Valley Community Health Needs Assessment, so local councilors welcome any additional levels of services available to help local residents with mental health therapy.

A state program for youth that offers six free sessions of mental health counseling by a licensed therapist has so far been underutilized in Yampa Valley. The I Matter program, operated through the state Office of Behavioral Health and found online at IMatterColorado.orgtargets youth ages 18 and under struggling with mental health issues or residents age 21 and under if receiving special education services.

Only 27 youth in Routt County have used the I Matter service since its inception in October 2021, and fewer than 10 youth in Moffat County. Services are provided in English and Spanish.

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I Matter is designed to help Colorado youth who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, frustration, or just want to talk to someone. This summer, the state legislature renewed funding for the program to continue through at least June 2023.

“I definitely think the tech world is catching up and doing a decent job of providing options to make care more accessible. Telehealth has been a huge factor, given the shortage of providers, and it opens up a world of options for people who have difficulty accessing treatment where they live.” Gina Toothaker, Director of Programs, Minds Springs Health Steamboat

“With a quick mental health survey, young people can gain insight into their emotions,” according to I Matter materials. “These assessments are also used to match them with the right mental health professional for free, confidential and compassionate therapy sessions.”

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Shelby DeWolfe, behavioral health and restorative practices coordinator for the Steamboat Springs School District, said I Matter is another tool in the toolbox for the community.

“There is a great demand and need for mental health services in our community, and we are always working to increase access to mental health services for our students and families,” DeWolfe said. “We always want all students and their families to be educated and have access to as many mental health resources as possible.”

Gina Toothaker, program director for Mind Springs Health in Steamboat, said she would like to see more awareness in the valley about I Matter so more children can receive assistance.

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“There is a gap in the affordability of services, and in some areas of Colorado, there is also a gap in access,” Toothaker said. “There are not enough therapists who work with children.”

I Matter’s 194 currently registered counselors live throughout Colorado, with most appointments taking place via telehealth, explained Charlotte Whitney, deputy director of communications for the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health. After completing an online survey, youth can choose from recommended counselors and select an appointment within a two-week period.

Despite low usage numbers in Yampa Valley, Whitney said the year-long program has been successful so far, offering at least one therapy session to 4,293 youth and more than three sessions to 2,484 youth. Areas with the highest utilization include Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, El Paso and Jefferson counties. She said 84% of youth keep their scheduled appointments, and the youth seen most often are dealing with depression or anxiety.

“I definitely think the tech world is catching up and doing a decent job of providing options to make care more accessible. Telehealth has been a huge factor, given the shortage of providers, and it opens up a world of options for people who have difficulty accessing treatment where they live.”

Gina Toothaker, Program Director, Mind Springs Health, Steamboat

Whitney noted that school counselors find I Matter especially helpful when school is not in session during vacations and summer breaks. Youth ages 12 and older can complete the online survey on their own. After six free sessions, a Care Navigator contacts participants to see what additional assistance may be needed.

DeWolfe said the free I Matter service can be a short-term resource for young people who need a sounding board to talk about thought distortions, catastrophes or stress in their lives. She said the district’s counseling team believes I Matter can provide some support and relief, but “we haven’t experienced it in addressing the underlying issues, trauma or family systems work that is often needed.”

I Matter aims to reduce barriers such as costs or the potential stigma or hassle of making an appointment at a counseling office. Young people who prefer a more tech-savvy, low-pressure style of advice may also gravitate toward I Matter.

DeWolfe said the telehealth-style counseling service has received mixed reviews from local youth and families.

“Some say the process of accessing services and virtual sessions felt impersonal and fell short of their expectations in terms of addressing their concerns,” DeWolfe said. “Others have shared what they needed while waiting for local in-person support options to be released.”

I Matter is not a crisis support service; Colorado Crisis Services is available by phone or text at 844-493-TALK (8255).

Any organization, from a library to a community center, can request promotional materials to help spread the word about I Matter, Whitney said. Free posters, flyers, stickers or banners can be sent at no charge upon request through an online form at IMattercolorado.org/about.

To contact Suzie Romig, call 970-871-4205 or email [email protected].