Emergency Mental Health Services

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) is a 24/7 service that provides emergent and individualized evaluation, crisis stabilization, and treatment for patients presenting with psychiatric and/or substance-related emergencies.

PES is a 10-room licensed, secure unit focused on high-quality patient care for patients who may or may not require inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. All admissions to the inpatient psychiatric unit are coordinated by PES staff to ensure continuity of care.

PES works closely with the Emergency Department, Inpatient Psychiatric Units, and Outpatient Mental Health Services to best meet patient needs. PES encourages the referral of patients who are in psychiatric or substance-related crisis. All patients referred for services will be screened to determine the level of care needed.

To access PES services, please go to the Denver Health emergency room.

If you are having an emergency, call 911. If you are unsure whether you should seek care, call our 24-hour NurseLine: 303-739-1211.

The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional, mental health, or substance use concern, call, text, or live chat with 988 today.

When you call, text, or live chat 988, you'll be connected with a trained specialist. They'll ask a few questions to understand your concerns, listen, and provide support. If needed, they'll share relevant information and resources.

When you call 988, you have three options:

• Press 1: Connect with the Veteran Crisis Hotline
• Press 2: Receive help in Spanish
• Stay on the line: Connect with a local crisis center, or speak with a trained specialist with similar lived experiences

As of July 17, 2025, the national 988 system streamlined its call routing. All help seekers, including members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community who previously used the "Press 3" option, will continue to receive affirming, compassionate, and confidential support from trained specialists.

I Matter connects Colorado youth with a licensed therapist for up to 6 free counseling sessions. No insurance, credit card, or legal status information is required. Sessions are available in person or virtually.

Eligibility: Youth 18 years of age or younger, or 21 years of age or younger if receiving special education services.

In May 2024, the Colorado State Legislature made the I Matter program permanent via Senate Bill 24-001 (opens in a new tab). The program is managed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration and reimburses participating licensed therapists.

For general inquiries about the program, view the FAQs on the I Matter website. To receive help with the website or support in scheduling a session, email support@imattercolorado.org.

If you would like to find a mental health or substance use treatment provider for you or a loved one, visit OwnPath.co (opens in a new tab).

I Matter Colorado resources:

• Senate Bill 24-001: Making I Matter permanent (opens in a new tab)
• OwnPath.co: Find a mental health or substance use provider (opens in a new tab)
• I Matter 2024 Evaluation Report: Butler Institute at the University of Denver (opens in a new tab)
• Email support@imattercolorado.org for website help and session scheduling