Clear Creek County Behavioral Health Needs Assessment

Clear Creek County engaged Omni to assess behavioral health needs and identify actionable solutions to better serve residents across its diverse and aging population. Omni’s process included analyzing years of historical health data, conducting focus groups and interviews with 31 stakeholders, and identifying core themes related to access to care, crisis response, youth and older adult services, and the impact of COVID-19. This work was conducted to inform the County’s strategic use of CARES funding and long-term planning.

The findings highlighted systemic challenges (such as limited transportation, fragmented service navigation, and community distrust) that impede timely access to behavioral health care. Youth in the county reported higher-than-average indicators of mental health distress, while older adults faced increasing isolation and difficulty accessing services. At the same time, the community demonstrated deep resilience, strong informal networks, and excitement around emerging assets like a new integrated care clinic in Idaho Springs. Stakeholders also emphasized a need to reduce stigma, improve technology access, and coordinate cross-agency efforts to support both acute and long-term behavioral health needs.

Omni’s recommendations focused on immediate and long-term actions: establishing a navigation and crisis response system, improving inter-agency collaboration, investing in community-centered outreach, and building on the county’s strong volunteer base. With attention to both structural and cultural dynamics, the report offers a clear roadmap for advancing equity and access in behavioral health—centered on the voices, values, and strengths of Clear Creek residents.

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