Hope Institute opens new outpatient program to combat suicide rates in Colorado

In Colorado, a new mental health facility, the Hope Institute, has opened in Boulder to address the state's high suicide rates. Established in 2020, this clinic is the fourth location after Ohio, Arizona, and Georgia. It began operations in October 2024, funded by a city grant and already serving dozens of clients. The center's mission is to fill the gap between traditional therapy and hospitalization by prioritizing suicide prevention. The clinical team, including Clinical Director Dr. Benjamin Finlayson and therapist Alexa Waller, focuses on creating a comfortable environment where patients can openly discuss suicidal thoughts, a topic often avoided in traditional therapy. By fostering this dialogue, they work to alleviate fears patients may have about reporting suicidal feelings, such as concerns about being sent to emergency services. The program, stretching over 5 to 12 weeks, emphasizes intensive outpatient treatment aimed at ensuring the clients receive appropriate care while remaining out of hospitals as much as possible. Already, the Hope Institute has demonstrated significant success, with a notable drop in the rate of client return visits for crisis intervention. In the initial stages, the rate was a concerning 90%, but the new approach has reduced this number to under 2% over two years. Dr. Finlayson, who has personal experience with suicidal thoughts and a professional commitment to mental health advocacy, believes in the transformative potential of open conversations about suicide and its prevention. The Boulder location is collaborating with the local mental health response team and the University of Colorado Boulder, establishing a broader support network for mental health care in the area. The partnerships aim to integrate academic and community resources, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing mental health crises among residents, especially students. This ongoing effort is critical, as statistics indicate that Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the United States. Such programs are seen as essential for creating a comprehensive mental health care system in the state.