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Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC)

425 W. Mulberry St., Suite 112
Fort Collins, CO 80521

970-221-3308
Phone hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Please call to speak with a staff member and make an appointment.
 

Man comforting small child on couchWhen a child, teen, or young adult is struggling emotionally or socially, it can be stressful and confusing for them and their families. The Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC) team offers a unique program that empowers and supports families in navigating the network of behavioral health services available to youth in Larimer County, while bridging gaps in care. CAYAC’s multidisciplinary team helps provide answers, options, and support to help families find care that meets their unique concerns. Our goal is to promote early identification and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders that affect a young person’s health, happiness, family, and school.

Our services are open to all Larimer County youth from 0 - 18 years (or still attend high school) who live within Health District boundaries, as well as their families. Professionals who work with youth and families, such as teachers, coaches, and daycare providers, can also call for information, assistance, resources, and guidance.

Please note that Connections does not provide crisis care.

If you are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis:

  • Call the SummitStone Health Partners, 24/7/365, at 970-494-4200.
  • Go to Behavioral Health Urgent Care at the Larimer County Behavioral Health Services Longview Campus, 2260 W. Trilby Road, Fort Collins (walk-in available 24/7)
  • Call the Colorado Crisis Services line 24/7/365 at 1-844-493-8255 (or text “TALK” to 38255).
  • Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

CAYAC Services

CAYAC can answer your questions; provide assessment, referrals to community providers, and brief in-house services; and support you along the way.

Answers

Whether you are a teen, parent, grandparent, or guardian seeking support, we are here to help identify areas of concern and answer questions. We offer initial screening and assessment to help identify specific needs and next steps. Our staff can also provide education on a variety of behavioral health conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance misuse. 

Teen girl with dyed hair with woman on couch talking with counselorOptions

We guide youth and their families to appropriate care options, including further assessment, counseling, or other resources.

CAYAC does not provide ongoing, long-term treatment. However, we provide assessment and may be able to offer other short-term services, including brief therapy and medication management, and testing, until an ongoing source of care is established.

Support

We can help navigate the often-complex system of behavioral health care, serving as an advocate and go-between as you work with school specialists, providers, and other community resources. We’ll continue to offer support, information, and care coordination as long as needed.

Our fees

Our goal is to remove barriers to care, including cost. Some services are free, and some are available on a sliding-scale basis. Other assistance may be available for families who qualify.

Child participating in game therapy with CAYAC therapist
Education

CAYAC offers a variety of talks and trainings for various groups. Contact outreach@healthdistrict.org for more information.