About PCMH

Partners for Children’s Mental Health

Colorado faces an unprecedented youth mental health crisis. Today, suicide is the #2 cause of death among middle and high school students. More than a quarter of Colorado high school students feel sad or hopeless. Among LGBTQ+ youth, that number doubles.

At Partners for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH), we believe change is possible. PCMH is a community-facing center established by Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine to improve youth mental health in Colorado. 

Our Mission

Bring communities together to build a mental health system that better serves all children, youth, and families.

Our Vision

A future where all children and youth have the mental health care and support they need to thrive.

Creating change

Training Trusted Adults

A quarter of Colorado youth do not have an adult that they can go to for help with a serious problem. Through trainings and programs, PCMH aims to give “trusted adults” the knowledge, skills, confidence, and resources to address the youth mental health crisis. We are focused on high-impact places – especially in schools and primary care – where trusted adults interact with at-risk youth. Since 2020, we have trained thousands of youth-serving professionals to increase their capacity to identify, intervene, and support a kid at risk for suicide. As a center, we are implementing what we know works, while also accelerating research to expand what we know.

Suicide Prevention in Primary Care
School Based Training

Our Five Core Functions

Engagement & Collaboration

Developing key partnerships and a unified vision around children’s mental health.

Workforce Development

Connecting the workforce to impactful training and consultation to transform the way people work with youth.

Research and Evaluation

Analyzing data to inform practice and policy. Evaluating strengths and needs, implementation processes, and mental health outcomes.

Implementation Support

Providing consultation on program design, implementation, and sustainability of evidence-based practices.

Policy and Finance

Influencing children’s mental health initiatives, policy, and legislation.