Rural Behavioral Health Institute

RBHI is dedicated to transforming the lives of Park County children by ensuring every student has access to lifesaving mental health care right at school. Our mission is to end youth suicide and build a future in which all children can thrive. Through universal mental health screening and robust, free services delivered in schools, our Screening Linked to Care program identifies children in crisis and connects them, and their families, to immediate, compassionate support. By breaking down barriers to care, we give every child a real chance at hope, healing, and a healthy future. Your partnership empowers us to save young lives and strengthen our communities.

In Park County, one in five middle and high school students have seriously wanted to die or attempted suicide - meaning in a typical classroom of 25, five students have tried to die or seriously considered it. Our communities have lost too many loved ones to suicide. Early identification of children who need extra support and rapid care connection can prevent these tragedies.

RBHI's Screening Linked to Care program is a lifeline for children experiencing suicidality. Over the past four school years, we've offered free, digital mental health screening and immediate support to every school in the county and supported hundreds of students annually. Screenings take less than 10 minutes, and students who report recent suicidality meet with a mental health professional the same day to ensure their safety, build a personalized plan, and involve parents. RBHI's free care coordination and clinical services bridge families to rapid care. In four years, we've identified over 130 students at high risk of suicide and provided them with critical support at school. Your support will help us continue to save lives and connect Park County families and children to life-changing mental health care.

Testimonials

Each time we screen our students we find at least one student who has been struggling that we had not previously identified. This can feel daunting - but then you see the relief from the student who is finally able to share their pain, and the parents who are so thankful that there are resources to support their child. We know if we are able to help our students and families in crisis connect to care, they will be provided the support they need to find their pathway forward!
- School Administrator