Five Affordable Mental Health Care Options Available in Fort Collins
By Henry Dooley
COVID has been a difficult time for many of us, it has shown us how important social interactions are, how stress can bring on anxiety, and how self-care is an important tool that everyone can utilize. COVID has also hurt people in the wallet, while unemployment rises many are finding it difficult to be able to afford all the necessary health care that they need. One area that is often first to neglected is mental health. With the National Alliance of Mental Illness, FOCO Now is bringing you five affordable mental health care options to get through these difficult times.
1. National Alliance For Mental Illness (NAMI) Larimer County Support. (https://www.nami.org/Find-Your-Local-NAMI/Affiliate/Details?state=CO&local=0011Q000022G8nsQAC)
NAMI is a nationwide group that advocates for affordable mental health care across the country. They also provide education, support groups and help advocate for public funding so that people living with mental illness can live happy and comfortable lives. I spoke to Wayne Kever, the director of the NAMI branch in Laramie County about the services his group provides people struggling to afford mental health care. Kever stated that NAMI “We offer a free 12-week course to family and friends of those suffering with mental illness. The course teaches family members how to show support to those who are struggling without being overbearing. For those struggling with mental illness themselves we offer free weekly support groups for those going through treatment and for those in recovery. Here individuals can also get help and direction in what course of action is most suitable for them.” Kever went on to say that NAMI does not offer treatment themselves but can help point those looking in the right direction to affordable care. They are also a strong resource for anyone looking for support groups during or after the initial treatment has taken place.
2. Open Path Psychotherapy Collective (https://openpathcollective.org/)
Open Path is another national non-profit network that links mental health professionals with those suffering from mental illness that may have trouble affording it. Open Path offers in-office and online counciling from local therapists at very reduced rates so that those struggling can afford the help they need. Alliysn Hollweg is a local therapist who recieved her degree from Colorado State University, she has been working with Open Path for a few years now to provide Northern Colorado residents with affordable therapy and treatment. When I asked Alliysn why she decided to partner with Open Path she said “They provide an those looking for help who may not be able to afford it an alternative option. Many therapists charge upwards of one hundred dollars an hour per session, with the help of Open Path I am able to keep my costs down to between $30-$60 an hour per session.” Allisyn also stated “I have been a therapist for 16 years now and Open Path has connected me with many of my clients who would otherwise be out of luck in finding affordable and effective mental health treatment.” Open Path partners with many more mental health care providers in town but Allisyn has been with them for a while now, almost since the begining. To search for a therapist in your are offering sessions at a cheaper rate, click on the link above.
3. Summit Stone (https://www.summitstonehealth.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjw-5v7BRAmEiwAJ3DpuCO5ohYp_bIghpvxt95AaDpvW2A3-73t6XP8afhiXLcN5mfKWOJuVBoCW_cQAvD_BwE)
Summit Stone Health Partners has been providing affordable mental health care treatment in Fort Collins for nearly 60 years. Summit Stone offers addiction treatment, counciling, and behavioral health care treatments to those who fall below the poverty line in Larimer County. Summit Stone is also one of the few mental health care providers that works with Medicad to provide cheaper services to residents of Northern Colorado. Furthermore UC Health employees and Poudre School District Employees also qualifiy for discounted services as well. Summit Stone is run by a board of directors that is head up by Karen Morgan -Chair. Morgan- Chair has been with Summit Stone since 2016, “ We want to provide top quality care at affordable rates for those who struggle and for those who serve our community the most, that includes teachers and health care workers.” Summit Stone offers 24 hour emergency services as well as many other non emergency forms of treatment right here in Fort Collins. Located at 700 Center Avenue just south of downtown Fort Collins.
4. Hearted Centered Counseling (https://heartcenteredcounselors.com/location/fort-collins/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic)
Heart Centered Counseling is a Colorado based low cost counseling service. They provide low cost help and therapy and they also accept every major insurance company. They offer support for a number of disorders, addictions, and illnesses. Heart Centered Counseling also offers payment assistance plans to those who are struggling without insurance or who may be living below the poverty line.
5. Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Center or SAVA (https://savacenter.org/)
SAVA provides crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy for all those affected by sexual assault and violence in Northern Colorado. SAVA also provides educational programs as well as prevention programs across the Front Range. SAVA offers free support groups, therapy, and individual advocacy as well as 24- hour rape support to sexual violence victims in Northern Colorado. All services are free, no questions asked. SAVA is located on 4812 South College Avenue in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins has a variety of low cost mental health care options around town that can be utalized by students and locals alike. Links to each organization’s website are posted above the information provided. Please reach out if you are experiencing any struggles with mental health. Help is out there and these organizations will all provide top quality care for little to no charge.
