Know the Facts

The state of youth mental health in Colorado demands our attention. Understanding the scope is the first step toward creating change. These facts show us where we are, where we need to go and why taking action is critical to connect children with the mental health care and support they need.

According to The State of Mental Health in America 2025, Colorado has the fourth highest prevalence of youth mental illness in the nation at nearly 22%. While Colorado ranks sixth for connecting youth to treatment, 40% of these kids still never receive mental health services.

In 2025, 90% of Colorado voters agreed there is a growing mental health crisis facing child and youth. In 2025 alone, Children's Hospital Colorado cared for more than 14,400 patients across its mental health system, with over 7,800 emergency department visits for mental health concerns.

Between 2020-2024, Children's Colorado saw a 55.7% increase in inpatient admissions, outpatient growth and patient acuity across its continuum of mental health services—the largest growth in demand compared to any other population served within the hospital system.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among Colorado youth ages 10-19. While progress has been made, many kids still experience "extended stays" in the hospital, averaging 18 days in 2025, as they wait for appropriate, longer-term care options to become available.

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The Psyched to Climb Team Benefits the
Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado