New mental health support for Southern Colorado students as school starts

Colorado Schools Emphasize Mental Health Resources for Students

As Southern Colorado schools begin the new academic year, mental health experts are highlighting the availability of various resources to support students and families. With many school districts, including D49 and Fountain-Fort Carson, already welcoming students back to the classroom, the focus on mental and behavioral health has never been more critical.

Dr. Kelly Causey, Deputy Commissioner of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), emphasized that access to high-quality mental health support can significantly strengthen both school environments and families. “When children and youth have easy access to high-quality mental and behavioral health support, our school environments and families get stronger,” she said.

The transition into the new school year can be a challenging time for many students. According to Chloe Rekow, a Marketing Specialist with 988 Colorado, the late summer and early fall months often bring a sense of uncertainty. “We hear a lot from youth we are working with and youth-serving organizations that youth really, it’s transition, to go back to school, to go back to a routine, whatever has transpired over the summer, what kind of experiences they had, how their friendships have changed, family dynamics,” she explained.

This year marks a significant change as the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line will be printed on student ID cards for the first time. The 24/7 hotline connects individuals with emotional, mental health, or substance use concerns to trained specialists. Rekow noted that response times have been reduced to just 15 seconds, ensuring that people can receive help quickly.

“Whether it’s anxiety, depression, talking about relationships, or feeling the pressures of school and academics, having that resource available is really important,” she said.

In addition to the 988 line, student ID cards will also include contact information for Safe2Tell, an anonymous reporting system for safety concerns. According to the Attorney General Phil Weiser’s office, Safe2Tell received 30,641 reports during the 2024-2025 school year.

Colorado students also have access to six free in-person or virtual therapy sessions through I Matter, the state’s flagship program. This initiative provides therapy regardless of insurance coverage. Since its launch in 2021, I Matter has supported over 16,000 students across Colorado’s 64 counties with more than 70,000 free therapy sessions.

Rekow encouraged anyone struggling with mental health challenges to seek help. “I would say really start talking about it with other people, but just know, call, text, or live chat 988 at any point here in the state as well as nationally,” she said.

School Start Dates in the Pikes Peak Region

Here are the start dates for major school districts in the Pikes Peak region:

• Harrison District 2: Monday, Aug. 11 (K-6 and 9) and Tuesday, Aug. 12 (everyone else)
• Widefield District: Monday, Aug. 11 (all grades)
• Colorado Springs District 11: Tuesday, Aug. 12 (K, 6 and 9) and Wednesday, Aug. 11 (everyone else)
• Cheyenne Mountain District 12: Friday, Aug. 15 (K-6) and Monday, Aug. 18 (7-12)
• Manitou Springs District 14: Friday, Aug. 15 (1-12) and Monday, Aug. 18 (Kindergarten)
• Academy District 20: Tuesday, Aug. 12 (K-6 and 9) and Wednesday, Aug. 13 (everyone else)
• Lewis-Palmer District 38: Wednesday, Aug. 13 (K-7 and 9-12) and Thursday, Aug. 14 (8th)
• Pueblo District 60: Tuesday, Aug. 19
• Pueblo County District 70: Monday, Aug. 11
• Woodland Park RE-2: Wednesday, Aug. 20

With these resources and support systems in place, Colorado is making a strong commitment to the mental well-being of its students as they return to school.