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Crisis Stabilization for Youth

At Jefferson Center, our mission is to provide compassionate care and support to children and youth facing mental health crises.

Helping Children and Youth in Crisis

As the only youth Crisis Stabilization Unit in the state of Colorado, we understand the importance of early intervention for youth ages 10 – 18 1/2. Together with youth and their families, we work diligently to improve coping skills, enhance family communication, and ensure a smooth transition back to their home or a community setting.

Our Crisis Stabilization Unit provides intensive individual, group, milieu, and family therapy for youth experiencing an acute mental health crisis, and treatment includes a comprehensive transition plan to appropriate community-based resources so the youth and family can continue to grow in their shared recovery.

As one of the only youth-focused crisis stabilization units in Colorado, this facility plays a critical role in ensuring children and teens ages 5–18 have immediate access to intensive, trauma-informed care when they need it most. Thanks to the Colorado Behavioral Health Association’s ongoing investment, this program is now better equipped than ever to serve more youth, offer more support, and build sustainable paths to healing for families in our region.

What We’ve Achieved So Far

Over the past two years, grant funding from the Colorado Behavioral Health Association has made the following impacts possible:

Your guide to Crisis Stabilization:

Admissions

  • Children and youth must be referred to us from emergency rooms or walk-in crisis centers. They can be transported to our location by a parent/legal guardian or via ambulance.
  • Within 24 hours of arrival, they receive a comprehensive behavioral health assessment.
  • A treatment plan is then created and updated with daily rounds and a team of professionals to provide the best care possible.
  • Children and youth from across the state of Colorado can be admitted.
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Our Team

Our team consists of trained nurses, clinicians and psychiatric prescribers. Their focus is the safety of the children and youth we serve. Together with the child youth and their family, our team works to address issues such as depression, self-injurious behavior, homicidal behavior, or other presenting problems. Family sessions are essential, with a focus on improving family communication and support.

Care and Treatment

  • Treatment includes individual therapy as well as 5 group sessions per day, as an environment of care and community is prioritized.
  • Medicine can be prescribed if the child and parent/legal guardian are interested.
  • Follow-up services are scheduled after discharge and a phone call is made within 24 hours to provide additional support.
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Discharge

  • The average length of stay is 2-5 days, and referrals can be made to other services both within and outside of Jefferson Center.
  • Before discharge, referrals are made to additional resources and support as needed and a follow-up phone call is made to provide additional support.

Contact Us!

If you are a parent, guardian, or community partner seeking help, reach out today at: 303-425-0300.

Programs
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Child and adolescent psychiatry services provide diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Trauma Systems Therapy
Trauma Systems Therapy
Serving families, children and youth between the ages of 4 and 21 who may be at risk of hospitalization, involvement with the legal system, or being placed outside of the home.
Youth Residential Recovery
Youth Residential Recovery
We provide an inclusive environment for adolescents that is purposefully and thoughtfully integrated in its approach to recovery through discovery, personal growth, connection, and hope.
Crisis Stabilization for Youth
Crisis Stabilization for Youth
At Jefferson Center, our mission is to provide compassionate care and support to children and youth facing mental health crises. Helping Children and Youth in Crisis As the only youth Crisis Stabilization Unit in the state of Colorado, we understand the importance of early intervention for youth ages 10 – 18 1/2. Together with youth […]
Ascent Program
Ascent Program
This program is for youth and young adults who have experienced or continue to experience their first episode of psychosis. The goal of the program is to quickly stabilize and reduce symptoms through early intervention.
Collaborative Care Clinic
Collaborative Care Clinic
Are You Ready to Start Your Mental Health Care Today? When it comes to your mental health and substance use treatment needs, you are the expert in what works best for you. At the Collaborative Care Clinics, you will work side by side with your care team to develop a treatment plan that meets your […]
Withdrawal Management
Withdrawal Management
24/7/365 support for those who are intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs and/or who are experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Veteran and Military Family Programs
Veteran and Military Family Programs
We offer counseling, assistance in accessing community resources, and support groups for all who have served our country, their families, and their loved ones.
Residential Recovery Program
Residential Recovery Program
Residential and inpatient treatment programs for adult substance users are effective approaches when it comes to establishing essential psychosocial supports, facilitating relapse management, and developing coping strategies for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Navigation Services
Navigation Services
The navigation team provides information, assessment, and referrals to resources at Jefferson Center and in the community.
Mobile Medication-Assisted Treatment
Mobile Medication-Assisted Treatment
Jefferson Center's Mobile Medication-Assisted (MAT) Treatment brings MAT to people who experience substance use disorders and are unable to get to a traditional brick-and-mortar treatment facility.

Contact Us

Reach out and connect with Jefferson Center today. 

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Getting Started

Jefferson Center provides client-centered services designed to meet your individual mental health, substance use, and wellness needs. We’re dedicated to meeting you where you are in your journey and working together to help you live a satisfying and hopeful life.

Emergency & Crisis Services

  • Hotline
  • Walk-in crisis centers
  • Mobile crisis services throughout the state