As demand for mental and behavioral health services continues to grow, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s College of Health and Human Sciences is helping prepare the next generation of providers. In May 2026, Caring for Denver renewed its investment with $889,925 over two years to continue supporting student training, workforce development, and expanded access to care across Denver.
The Building Denver’s Mental Health Workforce program provides graduate students in Social Work and Addictions Counseling with financial support and wraparound career development while preparing them to serve Denver communities after graduation.
The program is expected to make a meaningful impact on access to care. Through field placements and post-graduation service commitments, participating students are projected to provide mental health and substance misuse services to more than 5,800 clients while helping address the region’s growing workforce shortage.
By investing in future behavioral health professionals, Caring for Denver is strengthening Denver’s mental health workforce and expanding access to care for years to come.