The mental health (MH) field is facing a critical shortage of professionals, especially from diverse backgrounds. However, one innovative program is working to change that narrative. The Diversified Minds Mental Health Institute, a collaborative initiative in Colorado Springs School District 11 the invitation of Districts 2 and 8 is paving the way for high school students to explore careers in mental health and develop essential leadership and workforce skills.
In a recent interview, CWDC State Youth Council subcommittee member and DMMHI’s D11 Neesha Lenzini, shared insights into their comprehensive approach. At the heart of their mission is a focus on equity and inclusion - removing barriers that have historically prevented marginalized students from accessing these opportunities.
Funded primarily by a $300,000 grant from the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), the institute offers credentialing, training, transportation, and free meals to help remove barriers to accessing services. It is collaborating with Lori Stalcar clinical director for Diversus and Diversus Mental Health Agency as a whole to be able to offer this first time opportunity. The hope and work is heading into a MH Pathway developed in Colorado Springs School District 11 and further collaboration with Pikes Peak Board of Employment Assistance and other counseling agencies.
"We've tried to eliminate every possible barrier so that [students] can participate," Neesha explained. This includes providing free transportation, meals, and flexible application requirements that prioritize motivation and commitment over rigid academic standards.
But the institute's impact extends far beyond just removing obstacles. By partnering with a wide range of organizations - from local mental health agencies to colleges and universities - the program is creating diverse pathways for students. This includes concurrent enrollment, certificate programs, and potential job placements.The Diversified Minds Mental Health Institute focuses on creating real-life networking spaces and providing credentialing training like Mental Health First Aid and ASIST Suicide Intervention Program.
"We're really trying to expand that and keep all the pieces in play," Neesha shared. "We're looking at the district potentially taking on this role long-term in its budget." Sustainability is a key focus, as the program navigates funding challenges beyond its initial grant cycle. However, the coordinator remains optimistic, citing the power of true collaboration as a driving force.
"From day one of our very first meeting, the three of us, Neesha Lenzini and Duane Roberson from D11 and Lori Stalcar from Diversus, there has never been a 'no.' It's been a 'Ooh, how would we do that?'" "I am so excited to actually, truly see collaboration happening without territorialism, without fighting, without any of that, but truly, working for the betterment of our community and our kids."
This collaborative spirit extends to the students themselves, who are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the institute. From joining the State Youth Council to establishing a "Brother to Brother" mentorship group, the program is empowering the next generation of mental health advocates.
As the Diversified Minds Mental Health Institute continues to evolve, its impact has the potential to ripple far beyond the local community. By expanding pathways, fostering leadership, and championing true collaboration, this innovative program is poised to inspire similar initiatives nationwide.
The Diversified Minds Mental Health Institute is considering the following strategies to increase awareness and engagement of its programs among the targeted student populations:
Targeted Outreach and Communication:
- The institute has been proactive in sharing information about the program through various channels, including district communications, newsletters, and social media.
- They have reached out to local media outlets to help spread the word and generate broader community awareness.
- The institute plans to have students share their "journey logs" and experiences on social media to provide a firsthand perspective.
Collaboration with School Districts:
- The institute has specifically targeted Districts 11, 2 and 8, due to their large marginalized student populations.
- They are working closely within D11 and in conjunction with D2 and D8 to ensure the program information reaches the intended student audiences.
- By integrating the institute's offerings into the district's existing communication channels, they can better connect with the target student populations.
Leveraging Existing Partnerships:
- The institute has established partnerships with various organizations, including Diversus, Pikes Peak Board of Employment Assistance, LatinX Therapist Project and other local counseling agencies.
- By collaborating with these partners, the institute can tap into their existing networks and communication channels to amplify awareness among the target student populations as well as creating not only a networking channel but future employment pipelines as well. .
Engaging Student Ambassadors:
- As the institute's first cohorts graduate, Neesha plans to engage them as ambassadors and mentors for newer students in the future years of the cohort and MH pathway. .
- This peer-to-peer approach can help build trust and encourage more students to get involved in the program.
Attending and Presenting at Conferences:
- Neesha plans to submit proposals to present the institute's work at various conferences and events.
- This can help increase visibility, share best practices, and potentially connect with new partners or funding sources to spread not only this innovation but hopefully create openings for similar projects nationwide.
Connecting with the State Youth Council:
- Neesha's involvement with the State Youth Council subcommittee provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the institute's programs and connect students to this leadership development opportunity.
By leveraging a multi-pronged approach that combines targeted outreach, strategic partnerships, student engagement, and conference presentations, the Diversified Minds Mental Health Institute aims to effectively reach and engage the intended student populations, and create accessible pipelines to address the mental health professionals shortage that has reached epidemic proportions.
To learn more about the DMMHI and the State Youth Council, please contact Katalina Garcia.