The conversation around Colorado’s behavioral health workforce often centers on numbers: how many therapists we have, how many we’re losing, and how many we still need. The projections are stark. In 2026, Colorado is expected to face a shortage of more than 4,400 behavioral health professionals, according to the Colorado Rural Health Center.
But what communities are telling us — and what we see every day in neighborhoods across Denver — is that the issue runs deeper than numbers alone. People are seeking a workforce where they feel safe, trusted and respected with their life experiences. They are looking for providers who reflect their identities, speak their language and understand the communities they come from.
This isn’t just about increasing the number of providers; it’s about the right fit…