BHA Streamlines Behavioral Health Access with New Statewide Phone Number 1-844-CO-LIFTS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BHA Streamlines Behavioral Health Access with New Statewide Phone Number 1-844-CO-LIFTS

DENVER (July 21, 2026) – Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) officials proudly announced the launch of 1-844-CO-LIFTS, a free-to-use, unified phone number designed to instantly bridge the gap between those in need of mental health, substance use, and care navigation services. This number represents an important step toward improving access to behavioral health services statewide through Colorado LIFTS (Linking Individuals and Families To Services).

“When someone is seeking behavioral health support, the absolute last thing they need is a complicated directory of different regional phone numbers,” said Alyssa Hetschel, Colorado LIFTS Division Director with BHA. “1-844-CO-LIFTS simplifies the entire process. The early data proves that not only are people finding this resource, but our regional care navigation teams are successfully resolving their needs almost immediately.”

1-844-CO-LIFTS offers a single, memorable point of entry to a list of more than 250 behavioral health providers statewide, routing callers directly to local resources tailored to their specific geographic community. This number also supports individuals with real-time assistance from a care navigator to connect people through the sometimes complex landscape of mental health, substance use, crisis services, and resources when they need it the most.

A resident in rural Otero County faced barriers to specialty behavioral health care due to limited local resources, insurance challenges, and transportation issues. Signal Behavioral Health Network (Signal) provided advocacy and navigation support, helping him stay engaged in pursuing needed care despite a complex and frustrating system.

“We applaud BHA for continuing to improve the experience for individuals and families seeking care by removing a point of complexity from the process.” added Daniel Darting, CEO of Signal.

Signal is one of two partners who works in tandem with BHA to ensure the Colorado LIFTS network works seamlessly across the state, including Rocky Mountain Health Plans. They are tasked with managing, coordinating, and delivering comprehensive, localized behavioral health services, including mental health and substance support, and crisis services, to ensure everyone in Colorado has access to high-quality care.

Colorado LIFTS officially launched in the summer of 2025, primarily accessed through the web and region-specific call lines. By consolidating regional entry points into a single number, 1-844-CO-LIFTS, Colorado is ensuring that help is never more than a few digits away, no matter where a person lives in the state.

In addition to the phone line, residents can find personalized support, access regional maps and localized resource directories, and digital support tools on the official website at Ownpath.co.

About the Behavioral Health Administration

The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is the state administration responsible for ensuring all people in Colorado have access to quality mental health and substance use disorder services, regardless of where they live or ability to pay. As a regulatory body, BHA brings together community groups and governmental agencies to create a behavioral health system for all people in Colorado that is easy to access and offers high-quality care that considers the whole person and their needs. Find us online at https://bha.colorado.gov/.

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