joint release: Legislation to Streamline Crisis Response Services, Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care Takes Effect
SB25-236 improves efficiency and expands access to crisis response services by consolidating the Colorado Crisis Line and the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line
DENVER, CO – Legislation to streamline access to crisis response services and expand access to behavioral health care will take effect on July 1, 2025.
Sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, SB25-236 consolidates crisis response services by moving the Colorado Crisis Services Line under the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise. Starting July 1, 2025, any time someone calls or texts the Colorado Crisis Services line at 1-844-493-8255 or 38255, they will be connected to the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line for support and services, just as if they had called or texted 988 directly.
“Streamlining access to mental health care will help save more lives,” said Amabile. “Colorado has amazing crisis response services that help people during their difficult times, and this legislation makes them even stronger. Combining the two separate lines into one will make it that much easier for Coloradans to access quick, supportive services that help them get back on their feet.”
“In Colorado, we’re taking steps to improve the efficiency of our crisis response, not tear it down,” said Sirota. “At a time when our youth are experiencing a worsening mental health crisis, the Trump administration plans to cut funding for the 988 crisis hotline, eliminating counselors specifically suited to help LGBTQ+ youth. This law streamlines access to crisis response services so that everyone in Colorado can receive the support they need during a behavioral health emergency.”
“In Colorado, efficient government means cutting red tape, not cutting support,” said Bridges. “While lawmakers in Washington slash suicide prevention funding in pursuit of ‘efficiency,’ we’re taking steps to streamline our services and make sure every Coloradan is able to access the help they need in moments of crisis.”
The Colorado Crisis Line was created by SB13-266 to respond to and assist individuals who are in a behavioral health emergency. The 988 Crisis Hotline is a national network of local crisis contact centers designated by Congress in 2020. Earlier this month, the Trump administration eliminated funding for specialized support on the 988 Crisis Hotline for young LGBTQ+ callers.