Rural Behavioral Health Institute

Imagine a classroom of 25 kids in Park County. They're passing notes, laughing with friends, thinking about lunch — doing what kids do. But five of those children have seriously wanted to die or have attempted suicide and often they tell no one until it is too late. Our communities have already lost too many. 

This is why our Screening Linked to Care program exists. We want to make sure all children in our county and state have access to support when they need it.

For five school years, we've offered every school in Park County a free, confidential digital mental health screening — less than 10 minutes that can change the entire trajectory of a child's life. When a student reports recent suicidal thoughts, they meet with a mental health professional that same day — because a child in crisis can't wait for an appointment weeks away. Together, they build a personalized safety plan. Parents are brought in. A path forward is mapped.

Our free care coordination services make sure families don't fall through the cracks, bridging the gap between a scary moment and support.

To date, we've identified nearly 150 students with a high risk of suicide. We connected all to essential care the same day they were screened. That's 150 children who were seen, heard, and helped — 150 families who still have their child at the dinner table tonight.

Your gift keeps that lifeline open.

When you support RBHI's Screening Linked to Care program, you're ensuring that every child in Park County gets to grow up.

Please give today. A child's life may depend on it.

Testimonials

Each time we screen our students we find at least one student who has been struggling that we had not previously identified. This can feel daunting - but then you see the relief from the student who is finally able to share their pain, and the parents who are so thankful that there are resources to support their child. We know if we are able to help our students and families in crisis connect to care, they will be provided the support they need to find their pathway forward!
- School Administrator