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Team Up provides youth mental health vouchers

Nov 18, 2020 | Featured Articles, News | 0 comments

Mental health vouchers help children in Dolores
The Youth Mental Health Action Team, a project supported by Team Up Southwest Colorado, has launched a Mental Health Voucher Program in Dolores County. The project received funding from The Dolores County Department of Social Services and The El Pomar Foundation to reimburse local mental health providers for counseling visits with Dolores County youth. The goals of this program are to help raise awareness about mental wellness, promote self-care and reduce the stigma of accessing mental healthcare.

The program launched in the fall of 2020 to coincide with the start of the school year. The pandemic added to the usual stressors that many youth experience.  Remote learning adjustments and social isolation may put youth in a position where some professional guidance or an impartial listening ear could be of great benefit.  According to the Dolores County Department of Social Services, the vouchers may be picked up at R.O.C.K, Social Services, Dolores County schools, the Sheriff’s office, Doves Nest, Public Health Nurse, STUD, Beyond the Nest, and at Dove Creek Integrated Healthcare.

Axis is thrilled to partner with Team Up on this initiative. Our team of child and family therapists is ready and waiting to provide counseling services for Dolores County youth. “We are committed to helping to remove financial barriers and make youth and families feel comfortable if they would like to access behavioral health services,” said Casie LaMunyon, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and behavioral health manager at Axis.

Dolores County community members should make sure to mention the Youth Wellness Voucher when they call. To make an appointment, call 970.565.7946. Any youth up to the age of 21 can use these vouchers for free behavioral health services – up to six visits – to make it easier to connect to care. If someone needs more than six sessions, Axis can help the youth with ongoing care and financial assistance.

Please contact Angie Buffington at Dolores County Department of Social Services at 970-677-2250 x. 6 if you would like more information, to receive a voucher or to help distribute the vouchers.

Walk-in crisis services can be accessed during business hours at Dove Creek Integrated Healthcare or by calling the 24/7 Axis 24/7 Care Line at 970.247.5245.