Bill > HB1160

This bill establishes a Youth Prevention Mental Health Pilot Program within the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) designed to provide 42,000 students with access to an electronic multicomponent behavioral health prevention tool. The program will include students from urban, rural, and suburban counties and aims to offer comprehensive mental health support through an online platform. By January 1, 2026, the BHA must contract with a third-party administrator who can provide three key components: online behavioral health educational resources, peer-to-peer support services (including a pre-moderated online chat space), and online private counseling sessions with licensed Colorado behavioral health professionals. The bill requires the BHA to report annually on the program's effectiveness, including detailed metrics such as participant numbers, tool utilization, hours of service, crisis service referrals, and user satisfaction. The pilot program is subject to available funding and has the potential for expansion, with a built-in sunset provision that will automatically repeal the program on June 30, 2027, unless further action is taken. The bill's effectiveness will depend on the selected third-party administrator's ability to create an accessible, supportive, and comprehensive online mental health resource for students.

Health and Social Services

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1160