In 2026, Colorado stands at the forefront of a behavioral health revolution, powered by telehealth innovation and the visionary leadership of WellPower, the state’s largest nonprofit community mental health center. As the demand for accessible, effective mental health care continues to surge, WellPower’s commitment to transforming lives through technology, compassion and community-driven solutions is reshaping the future of behavioral health for Coloradans of every background.
A New Era for Behavioral Health
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a seismic shift in how behavioral health services are delivered. Telehealth, once a niche offering, became a lifeline for thousands, breaking down barriers of geography, stigma and accessibility. WellPower responded by rapidly expanding its telehealth infrastructure, ensuring that individuals and families could receive care safely and securely from their homes, workplaces or wherever they felt most comfortable.
Statewide Impact:
- In 2020, telehealth services with behavioral health providers averaged around 35 services per 1,000 people monthly—a dramatic increase from pre-pandemic levels.
- By 2023, telehealth visits for mental health reasons represented 58% of all telehealth visits statewide, up from 47% in 2020.
- Nearly 28% of adult mental health patients in Colorado relied exclusively on virtual visits in 2021–2022.
Breaking Down Barriers
As a community mental health center, WellPower understands the importance of meeting people where they are, in every sense. Telehealth has offered new opportunities to access care, often eliminating barriers like cost, travel and the time needed to get to appointments. For many, these obstacles previously made seeking help difficult or even impossible. Now, with telehealth, individuals can connect with clinicians from the comfort of their own homes, reducing stress and making care more approachable.
WellPower’s transition to Netsmart’s telehealth platform in 2026 aims to further improve the telehealth experience for people served with enhanced features, including appointment reminders, a digital front desk, appointment scheduling and streamlined access links.
Expanding Access and Equity
WellPower’s reach extends throughout Denver, with services available at more than 30 sites and nearly 200 community locations, including hospitals, schools and shelters. Telehealth has enabled the organization to continue serving over 20,000 people annually, including children, families and older adults who might otherwise face barriers to care.
Therapists at WellPower have pioneered new ways to provide mental health services online, such as using Minecraft for youth therapy, resulting in remarkable engagement and outcomes.
Telehealth has become a staple form of healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans, especially for those who may have difficulty accessing reliable transportation or who may not have the time to attend in-person appointments.
In Colorado alone:
- 86% of Coloradans live in urban counties, accounting for 92% of all telehealth visits statewide.
- In rural communities, Medicaid-insured patients received the most telehealth visits (40%), while in urban areas, commercially insured patients had the most (42%).
- Mental health conditions are the leading diagnosis for both rural (83%) and urban (86%) residents using telehealth.
The Future: Challenges and Opportunities
As Colorado’s behavioral health landscape evolves, WellPower remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, equity and person-centered care. The organization is navigating complex changes in funding, regulation and demand, including shifts in Medicaid enrollment and new federal policies.
Even with changes on the horizon, WellPower also understands that telehealth is here to stay and has become a pillar of service delivery in the digital age.
We know that:
- Telehealth can reduce hospital readmissions by approximately 20% and emergency room visits by up to 20% for chronic disease management.
- The average cost of a telehealth visit is about 20% less than an in-person visit.
- Psychiatry telehealth sessions increased by 200% during the pandemic.
- 74% of patients are willing to use telehealth services and 59% of providers believe telehealth improves patient access.
These statistics point to an ever-growing population of people who understand that seeing their mental health provider online can provide many of the same benefits as an in-person visit, while also eliminating a multitude of barriers to their care.
Looking ahead, WellPower’s leaders urge the community to be bold in reimagining what community mental health can be. The next five years will redefine behavioral health in the United States and WellPower’s ability to lead transformation through technology, partnerships and courageous vision will shape the future for generations.
Getting Started with Telehealth Services
Telehealth has become a cornerstone of behavioral health care in Colorado, dramatically expanding access, reducing costs and improving outcomes. WellPower’s leadership and innovation continue to drive progress, ensuring that every Coloradan—regardless of location or circumstance—can receive the care they need. With nearly 60% of all telehealth visits now focused on mental health and tens of thousands served annually, Colorado’s model offers a blueprint for the nation’s future in behavioral health.
For those interested in learning more about telehealth at WellPower, resources are readily available. Visit WellPower’s telehealth page or call (303) 504-7900 for information on starting services.
For immediate, 24/7/365 support, Coloradans can call, text or chat 988, the Mental Health Lifeline. This service ensures that help is always available, no matter the time or situation. Additionally, WellPower’s Walk-In Crisis Center at 4353 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver offers 24/7 in-person help for those in urgent need.
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