The Larimer Center for Mental Health's mission is to deliver to the residents of Larimer County high quality mental health and specialized addictions treatment, education and supportive services to promote improved quality of life for persons with emotional and stress-related disorders, substance use disorders and mental illness.

One in four Americans will have a mental illness at some point in their life. Over 66,000 Coloradans have a mental illness and are not receiving treatment. About 10% of children ages 9-17 have a serious emotional disturbance.

May was Mental Health Month. As we, at Larimer Center for Mental Health, think about what this means, it is important to contemplate that it is not Mental Illness Month. Language matters and the words we use when we talk about ourselves and our beliefs can resonate deeply. Our children and our friends are listening. Since the deinstutionalization of those with mental health disorders took place in the 1950s and 1960s, our society has made great strides in educating itself about the science that surrounds disorders of the brain. Unfortunately, the fear that surrounds mental health disorders remains. In fact, according to the Surgeon General, “the perception of people with psychosis being dangerous is stronger today than in the past.” This uninformed opinion has often been sited as the root of the social stigma that continues to burden those with mental health disorders. It has led us to use our jails to re-institutionalize those who are struggling with diseases of the brain.

“Bringing together behavioral health services in Larimer County is the right thing to do, and it’s our response to what the community has said they want,” says Randy Ratliff, Larimer Center for Mental Health Executive Director. “Nearly 50% of our consumers struggle with both mental illness and substance abuse disorders. By making substance abuse services an integral part of what we do at LCMH, we are able to treat all of our consumers holistically – focusing on their comprehensive needs as individuals.”

Stigma is something often discussed in the field of mental health. Why are diseases of the brain perceived so differently than diseases of other organs? Why is it that someone who discovers a lump on her breast might immediately seek diagnosis and treatment, while someone who becomes aware of a persistent abnormality of thought will wait, on average, seven years to seek treatment? As with cancer or diabetes or asthma, mental health disorders have benefited from the advances of modern science; yet, because of shame or fear or lack of resources, many continue to suffer in silence and isolation.

Since the 1950s, the suicide rate of Caucasian males between the ages of 15 and 24 has tripled. It is estimated that, in Larimer County alone, someone takes his or her own life every nine days. Can you imagine how we would react, as a community, if we lost so many of our neighbors, friends and families to swine flu?

We know that helping others boosts our own mental health, and so we challenge each and every one of you to take a few minutes and look closely at those around you. Muster the courage to overcome whatever it may be inside you that threatens to silence your voice, and ask, “Are you OK?” And know that whatever the answer, not only will you find treatment here at Larimer Center for Mental Health - you’ll find hope.

“Our Story” tours are an opportunity for anyone in the community to learn more about Larimer Center for Mental Health. Through these events, we hope to share the message that recovery and treatment are available for those afflicted with mental health and substance use disorders. We believe that education and information are important steps in fighting the stigma and hopelessness that often accompany these disorders. If you haven’t already attended an “Our Story” tour, or would like to come again, we invite you to join us. Please call Emily Dawson Petersen at (970) 494-4226 for more information.

• Thursday, June 4, 12 - 1 pm, 1250 N. Wilson Ave., Loveland
• Wednesday, June 17, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, 1250 N. Wilson Ave., Loveland



• Thursday, July 16, 12 – 1 pm, 525 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins
• Wednesday, July 22, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, 525 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins



• Thursday, August 6, 12 – 1 pm, 1250 N. Wilson Ave., Loveland
• Wednesday, August 12, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, 1250 N. Wilson Ave., Loveland



• Thursday, September 3, 12 – 1 pm, 525 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins
• Wednesday, September 9, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, 2001 S. Shields St., Building K, Fort Collins

Other Upcoming Events:

NYPUM (National Youth Program Using Minibikes) Poker Run. July 11th, 2009

Namaqua Center’s Annual Give Hope event. September 18th, 2009

Spirit Crossing’s Annual Walking for Wellness. October 17th, 2009

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© 2004 Larimer Center for Mental Health

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