CSU Launches $6 Million Center to Address ColoradoS Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage
FORT COLLINS, CO – Colorado State University (CSU) has launched the Workforce Capacity Center (WCC), a new initiative backed by a $6 million investment, aimed at considerably expanding the state’s behavioral health workforce. The center will focus on training, assessment, and equitable access to care, especially in rural and frontier communities, as part of Colorado’s seven-year System of Care rollout.
The WCC is a direct response to growing demand for qualified behavioral health professionals and seeks to improve access to crucial services for children and youth facing mental health challenges. The initiative is funded as the first phase of the statewide System of Care, with a primary focus on building workforce capacity and ensuring consistent, evidence-based treatment approaches.
“More highly trained providers will lead to greater availability and consistency of care,more holistic support and improved long-term outcomes for youth,” explained Dr. Laurie Riggs, a professor in CSU’s Department of Human Growth and Family Studies.
The center’s impact is already resonating with families who have experienced the benefits of comprehensive, team-based care like Wraparound services. ”Before Wraparound, I was overwhelmed and alone trying to manage school, mental health and crisis,” shared one parent of a 14-year-old. “Nothing connected. With Wraparound, we had a team that listened, planned together and supported us.My son is thriving in school again, and I finally feel hope.”
The WCC will support evidence-based training programs and comprehensive assessment approaches, striving to strengthen the provider network and increase regional capacity across Colorado. A key priority is ensuring equitable access to behavioral health services, particularly in underserved areas.
Robert Werthwein, senior advisor for behavioral health and access for the state’s Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, emphasized the importance of the partnership with CSU. “Through our partnership with CSU as the Workforce Capacity Center, we’re taking meaningful steps to strengthen care for children and youth with behavioral health needs for all of Colorado,” he said. “families should no we are committed to a system that is ther for them when they need it moast.”
CSU officials highlight the alignment of the WCC with the university’s land-grant mission.”This is another perfect alignment of CSU’s land-grant mission and our expertise to meet the needs of people across our state,” said Lise Youngblade, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.”We are proud to support positive family and community outcomes, student planning for meaningful careers in behavioral health and partnerships among health care, community services and individuals to elevate skills to address the behavioral health needs of fellow Coloradans.”
Dr. Marc Winokur, a senior research scientist in the School of Social Work, will also play a key role in the center’s work. The Workforce Capacity center represents a fundamental strategy for boosting family well-being,increasing system efficiency and strengthening statewide resilience,according to Riggs.
