Our September CO-PLA  meeting is our quarterly networking event showcasing a local space, this month is kindly being hosted by Banyan Treatment Centers!

About Banyan Treatment Centers:

Banyan IN Castle Rock offers a serene and supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. Nestled in the beautiful landscape of Castle Rock, this facility combines state-of-the-art amenities with the natural beauty and tranquility of Colorado, providing an ideal setting for recovery. 


 Lunch and networking from 11 am- 1 pm

Here's what you can look forward to at CO-PLA events:

Engaging Discussions: Participate in conversations about the latest trends and developments in the behavioral health field. Share your expertise, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, peers, and professionals from various disciplines. Expand your professional network, discover potential collaborations, and forge new friendships with individuals who share your passion for behavioral health.

Community Building: Strengthen our Colorado behavioral health community by coming together as a unified force in supporting mental health and well-being. 

Remember, CO-PLA is your community and we invite you to embrace the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and growth. Let's celebrate summer by strengthening our bonds and advancing the field of behavioral health in Colorado!

Summary:

Effective outreach in behavioral healthcare is about more than marketing. It’s rooted in clinical understanding, authentic relationships, and intentional business strategy. This presentation explores how professionals can strengthen their personal brand by leading with empathy, communicating clinical information in a relatable way, and building meaningful connections with referral partners, colleagues, and families. Attendees will gain practical strategies to enhance networking, improve communication, foster lasting professional relationships, and approach outreach with a balance of compassion, credibility, and business acumen.

Objectives:
 •    Recognize the role of clinically informed, relationship-centered outreach in building trust with referral partners, families, and patients.

    •    Apply effective communication and personal branding strategies to strengthen professional relationships and enhance outreach efforts.

    •    Identify practical business development techniques that balance authentic connection with strategic growth in behavioral healthcare.

 OUR PANELISTS:

•Tom Parker LISW  - Director External Relations, Lindner Center of HOPE

•Eve Boyd - Community Ambassador, Guiding Bright Minds

•Christopher Bennett - CEO, Ava Health

•Liz McGhee - Director of Engagement, Stride Denver

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch & Space Provided by: 

Lunch & Location Sponsored by

Our June CO-PLA  meeting is our quarterly networking event showcasing a local space, this month grasciously hosted by Chroma Wellness Center! 

About Chroma Wellness Center:

At Chroma Wellness Center, we envision a world where the LGBTQIA+ community is embraced without stigma, identities are celebrated, and every individual has equitable access to compassionate, high-quality mental health services and recovery programs—fostering acceptance, strength, and holistic well-being, and empowering each person to reach their fullest potential.


 Lunch and networking from 11 am- 1 pm

Here's what you can look forward to at CO-PLA events:

Engaging Discussions: Participate in conversations about the latest trends and developments in the behavioral health field. Share your expertise, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, peers, and professionals from various disciplines. Expand your professional network, discover potential collaborations, and forge new friendships with individuals who share your passion for behavioral health.

Community Building: Strengthen our Colorado behavioral health community by coming together as a unified force in supporting mental health and well-being. 

Remember, CO-PLA is your community and we invite you to embrace the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and growth. Let's celebrate summer by strengthening our bonds and advancing the field of behavioral health in Colorado!

Summary:

As behavioral health providers, our understanding of gender identity directly impacts client engagement, treatment outcomes, and workplace culture. This panel brings together gender-diverse professionals and experienced clinicians to explore the role of gender identity competence in behavioral healthcare. Panelists will discuss how a client’s relationship to gender identity can influence treatment experiences, barriers to care for gender-diverse individuals, and the unique perspectives of gender-diverse professionals working within behavioral health settings. Attendees will leave with practical insights to strengthen inclusive referral practices, improve admissions conversations, and support affirming clinical environments.

Objectives:
 •    Increase understanding of gender identity and its relevance in behavioral health treatment

    •    Explore how gender identity impacts treatment engagement, retention, and outcomes

    •    Learn practical strategies for inclusive admissions, outreach, and business development practices

    •    Gain insight into the experiences of gender-diverse professionals in behavioral healthcare settings

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch & Space Provided by: 

Objective:
To increase awareness and clinical understanding of the intersection between neurodivergence, substance use disorders (SUD), and co-occurring mental health conditions, while equipping behavioral health outreach representatives with practical, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming strategies to improve engagement, screening, referral, and support outcomes.

Learning Goals

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how neurodivergent traits (e.g., ADHD, autism, learning differences) may influence vulnerability to substance use and other mental health challenges.

2. Recognize common pathways to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.

3. Understand barriers to treatment access and retention for neurodivergent individuals.

4. Apply neurodiversity-affirming and harm-reduction-informed outreach strategies.

5. Identify referral considerations for co-occurring conditions.

OUR PANELISTS:

Cale Dunlap - Campus Director Brightmont Academy Broomfield

Amanda Wallace - Speech Language Pathologist

Joan Godbolt, LPC - Owner, Therapist Seeds of Strength Counseling

Lisa Cramer, MA Clinical Psychology, LPC, BCN, Licensed QEEG-D, Owner/Director- Mind Body Neuro

Megahn Bonde - Neurodivergent speaker coach, Neuro-inclusive learning and development experience designer, Tedx speaker - Intensity Hub

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch & Space Provided by: 

Our March CO-PLA  meeting is our quarterly networking event showcasing a local space, this month graciously hosted by The Hazelden Betty Ford Children's Program! 

About the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation's Children's Program:

"Hazelden Betty Ford’s pioneering Children's Program, offered in-person at our Greenwood Village facility as well as virtually, helps kids who are impacted by a loved one’s substance abuse.

With content and activities designed for kids ages seven to 12, the Children’s Program is led by highly skilled counselors who blend learning and play through storytelling, small group discussions, games, recreational activities, role-playing and more.

These activities and experiences help children learn that:

• An adult's substance use disorder can never be a kid's fault

• Their family is not alone

• It’s okay to talk about their feelings with people they trust

No child is turned away due to the inability to pay."

 Lunch and networking from 11 am- 1 pm
_____

Here's what you can look forward to at CO-PLA events:

Engaging Discussions: Participate in conversations about the latest trends and developments in the behavioral health field. Share your expertise, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, peers, and professionals from various disciplines. Expand your professional network, discover potential collaborations, and forge new friendships with individuals who share your passion for behavioral health.

Community Building: Strengthen our Colorado behavioral health community by coming together as a unified force in supporting mental health and well-being. 

Remember, CO-PLA is your community and we invite you to embrace the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and growth. Let's celebrate summer by strengthening our bonds and advancing the field of behavioral health in Colorado!

Join us at Edgewater Public Market to celebrate our successes from 2025 and to network with new and returning CO-PLA friends.

Please wear holiday attire, ugly sweaters, etc. Casual, but fun & festive is the dress code.

See you there.

Our goal is to provide professionals with practical insight into how to better navigate treatment options with Medicaid, understand upcoming changes, address fears surrounding these changes, and create a space where questions can be addressed openly. We are hoping this discussion can help reduce barriers to treatment for individuals covered by Medicaid.

OUR PANELISTS:

Emily Schrader, LPC, CAS: Emily is an LPC, CAS in Colorado and has 19 years of experience in behavioral health in the areas of treatment, supervision, Medicaid documentation, training, and credentialing, with a focus on providing ethical and clinically sound services for Medicaid Members. She currently works as a Clinical Director, credentialing specialist, evaluator, and consultant and provides services through her agency, Dimensions Counseling and Consulting. Emily’s passions in behavioral health lie in helping people with co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns and assisting agencies to provide services for these individuals and families. A New Yorker born and raised, her heart is split between the mountains of Colorado and the grit of New York. Emily has a teenage daughter and two 7-year-old dogs and lives in Northglenn. (photo attached) 

Kelly Keeler, LPC, ACS: Kelly is proud to own Four Pillars Counseling, a small group practice in Fort Collins and Windsor Colorado. She holds an LPC and a Masters in counseling as well as a certification in Depth Psychology from Regis University. Kelly has over 20 years of

experience in the field starting with her early experience as a CAC II in residential
treatment in 2004. In her work with clients, she uses a variety of approaches, including
DBT, EMDR, IFS, and Depth. In her practice she accepts most major sources of private
insurance, as well as all Colorado Medicaid RAES. (photo attached) 

Anne Taylor: Anne has dedicated most of her career to working with health care organizations that support vulnerable individuals and communities throughout the Denver Metro Area. Over the past 35+ years, she has gained extensive experience in various aspects of healthcare administration, including provider recruitment and retention, contract negotiation, integrated healthcare implementation and sustainability, revenue cycle management, and cost containment. Before joining Colorado Access eight years ago, she worked on the provider side, and she leveraged that knowledge to better serve the providers in our network. Currently, as the Manager of Provider Recruitment, Anne and her team are responsible for recruiting providers for Medicaid Behavioral Health and Child Health Plan Plus lines of business, with particular emphasis on SUD and mental health residential services

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch Provided by: 

Space Sponsored by: 

When a client or family is in crisis, the way we handle referrals can make all the difference. This panel will explore best practices for navigating the referral process and matching individuals to the right level of care — from detox and residential to outpatient and aftercare. Panelists will share real-world strategies, highlight common pitfalls, and discuss how professional liaisons can work together to ensure continuity, collaboration, and the best outcomes for clients.

OUR PANELISTS:

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch Provided by: 

Space Sponsored by: 

Our September CO-PLA  meeting is our quarterly networking event showcasing a local space, this month grasciously hosted by Denver Springs! 

About Denver Springs:

“Denver Springs is a behavioral health hospital located in Englewood, CO, part of the Denver-Aurora metro area. We provide inpatient and outpatient programming for those facing mental health and addiction challenges. Our programs offer caring, compassionate treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, as well as specialized programming for active duty military, veterans, first responders, and other high-risk frontline professionals.

Programs include inpatient mental health and addiction treatment, inpatient psychiatric treatment for adolescents (12+), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Help for Heroes®.”

Denver Springs Changes has additional outpatient service locations in Westminster & Parker, CO


 Lunch and networking from 11 am- 1 pm

Here's what you can look forward to at CO-PLA events:

Engaging Discussions: Participate in conversations about the latest trends and developments in the behavioral health field. Share your expertise, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, peers, and professionals from various disciplines. Expand your professional network, discover potential collaborations, and forge new friendships with individuals who share your passion for behavioral health.

Community Building: Strengthen our Colorado behavioral health community by coming together as a unified force in supporting mental health and well-being. 

Remember, CO-PLA is your community and we invite you to embrace the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and growth. Let's celebrate summer by strengthening our bonds and advancing the field of behavioral health in Colorado!

Join us for an engaging, interactive conversation and workshop around forging authentic connections and combating social anxiety as business development and outreach professionals in Colorado’s Behavioral Health community.

We’ll explore the following ideas:

1. What is Social Anxiety? How does it differ from regular anxiety, what are the key symptoms and common triggers?

2. Social Anxiety in the Workplace - how it shows up in ourselves and our colleagues. How we may mistake it for other personality traits or attitudes.

3. The importance of psychological safety in outreach roles and how the way we show up impacts our relationships and potential clients. How do we foster connections rather than avoidance?

4. Proper language and strategies to combat social anxiety and misunderstandings. How to increase engagement, transparency, and have difficult conversations.

Presented by:

Amanda Wroblewski, LCSW

Amanda serves as the Program Coordinator for the PILLAR Program at Boulder Community Health. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver and has extensive experience with a variety of organizations and systems in Colorado.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch Provided by: 

Space Sponsored by: 

Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring the creation of a more inclusive recovery community and approaches improving treatment for underserved populations.

We’ll:

• Explore practical, equitable, and culturally grounded strategies for building service spaces that effectively serve LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, women, & other marginalized communities.

• Discuss root issues & barriers to trust

• Create a vision for the future that centers inclusion in our practices and establishes accountability for improving access & equity of care.

Attendees will gain practical insights and ethical considerations to apply in their own practice.

Whether you're new to the topic or looking to deepen your expertise, this conversation will offer valuable perspectives on the current landscape in treatment and how to make care more accessible and valuable for all people.

OUR PANELISTS:

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch Provided by: 

Space Sponsored by: 

Our June CO-PLA  meeting is our quarterly networking event showcasing Peaks Recovery Centers! 

”Peaks Recovery Centers is a true dual diagnosis facility offering treatment for most adults 18 and older. Our model of care and curriculum utilizes inclusive language supportive of each individual’s mental health needs; addiction being just one example of a mental health issue we treat.”

“Our mission is to save lives and our vision is to disrupt our industry through quality of care.”

 Lunch and networking from 11 am- 1 pm

Here's what you can look forward to at CO-PLA events:

Engaging Discussions: Participate in conversations about the latest trends and developments in the behavioral health field. Share your expertise, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, peers, and professionals from various disciplines. Expand your professional network, discover potential collaborations, and forge new friendships with individuals who share your passion for behavioral health.

Community Building: Strengthen our Colorado behavioral health community by coming together as a unified force in supporting mental health and well-being. 

Lunch! 

Remember, CO-PLA is your community and we invite you to embrace the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and growth. Let's celebrate summer by strengthening our bonds and advancing the field of behavioral health in Colorado!

Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring the complex world of process addictions—compulsive behaviors such as gambling, gaming, sex, shopping, and internet use that can significantly impact mental health and functioning. 

We’ll:

•  Examine current clinical approaches

• Explore the connection between process addictions and co-occurring disorders, 

• Consider the role of technology, culture, and trauma in both the development and recovery process. 

Attendees will gain practical insights and ethical considerations to apply in their own practice.

Whether you're new to the topic or looking to deepen your expertise, this conversation will offer valuable perspectives on an often overlooked but increasingly prevalent area of addiction treatment so that we can foster collaboration in our communities.

OUR PANELISTS:

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch Provided by: 

Space Sponsored by: 

Our March CO-PLA  meeting is our quarterly networking event showcasing Banyan Castle Rock! 

”Banyan Castle Rock in Colorado offers comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment in a serene, supportive environment. Our state-of-the-art facility provides detox, therapy, and family counseling tailored to address substance abuse and mental health challenges. Using evidence-based therapies and holistic practices, we craft personalized plans to empower lasting recovery. With inpatient and Telehealth options, our compassionate team is dedicated to helping clients rebuild their lives and achieve long-term success.”

 Lunch and networking from 11 am- 1 pm

Here's what you can look forward to at CO-PLA events:

Engaging Discussions: Participate in conversations about the latest trends and developments in the behavioral health field. Share your expertise, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, peers, and professionals from various disciplines. Expand your professional network, discover potential collaborations, and forge new friendships with individuals who share your passion for behavioral health.

Community Building: Strengthen our Colorado behavioral health community by coming together as a unified force in supporting mental health and well-being. 

Lunch! 

Remember, CO-PLA is your community and we invite you to embrace the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and growth. Let's celebrate summer by strengthening our bonds and advancing the field of behavioral health in Colorado!

Join us at Edgewater Public Market to celebrate our successes from 2024 and to network with new and returning CO-PLA friends.

A contest for the person that wears the most unique and creative ugly Holiday sweater!

See you there.

Panel Discussion: Ethics, Standards, and Policy Updates for Sober Living Homes in Colorado

Join us for an insightful panel discussion focused on the critical landscape of sober living homes in Colorado. As the demand for recovery resources continues to rise, so does the need for robust ethical standards and comprehensive policy frameworks. This event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore the latest updates in regulations, best practices, and ethical considerations in the sober living environment.

Key topics will include:

• Current Policy Developments: An overview of recent legislative changes impacting sober living homes in Colorado and how these policies aim to enhance the quality of care and safety for residents.

• Ethical Standards: A deep dive into the ethical responsibilities of sober living operators, staff, and stakeholders in creating supportive and respectful environments for individuals in recovery.

• Best Practices: Sharing successful models and innovative approaches that promote accountability and community engagement, ensuring that sober living homes serve as effective stepping stones on the path to recovery.

• Community Impact: Discussion on the broader implications of sober living homes within communities, including the role of local residents, businesses, and organizations in supporting recovery efforts.

This panel aims to foster an open dialogue about the challenges and opportunities facing sober living homes, with the goal of shaping a more effective and ethical framework for recovery in Colorado. Whether you are a service provider, policymaker, or community member, your voice is vital in this conversation. Join us to engage, learn, and collaborate for a better future in sober living.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Lunch Provided by: 

Space Sponsored by: 

Unscripted Success:
Leveraging Improv Techniques for Enhanced Business Development/Outreach

This interactive presentation/workshop applies the principles and techniques of improvisational theater to enhance various aspects of building relationships, addressing conflicts, and fostering a supportive community in the field of outreach and business development. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants will learn how to navigate unexpected situations with confidence, effectively handle challenges within the industry and referral relationships, and cultivate a network of advocates to support their work.

The Presenters:

Gina Thorne 

With over 30 years of experience in prevention, treatment, and recovery support, Gina is a seasoned veteran in the field of behavioral health. Her extensive background in marketing and operations has led her to collaborate with a wide range of organizations, including in-patient treatment programs, psychiatric hospitals, and institutions of higher learning. Gina's expertise spans mental health and substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and she has made significant contributions at a national level. Gina launched GTC Consulting to address internal and external challenges hindering census growth, offering tailored solutions to enhance employee culture, brand visibility, and the reputation of behavioral health organizations within their communities.

Gus Vieweg 

Gus has spent most of his career leading innovative teams with empathy and effectiveness. He has spearheaded Intrapreneurial Initiatives for a major corporation, including co-creating a Training and Education department. Beyond the corporate world, Gus has founded a 350-member Improvisational Thinking community, taught over 1,000 students, and performed at the North Carolina Comedy Festival. Gus uses his creative leadership experience and his professional acting and improvising experience to create engaging workshops that foster participants’ Improvisational Thinking abilities.

Workshop Objectives

• Learn improvisational techniques for active listening, empathy, and rapport-building to establish meaningful connections with referral partners and potential clients.

• Practice spontaneous communication and collaboration exercises to foster trust and authenticity in initial interactions.

• Develop strategies to embrace uncertainty and adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or opportunities.

• Explore how improvisation can help participants cultivate a mindset of agility and resilience to confidently navigate unfamiliar or high-pressure situations.

• Acquire tools and frameworks from improvisational theater to effectively address conflicts and challenges within the industry and referral relationships.

• Role-play scenarios to practice conflict resolution techniques, such as active listening, reframing, and collaborative problem-solving, to promote constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

• Foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among participants through group activities and shared experiences.

• Encourage the cultivation of a professional network of advocates and allies who champion the work and mission of the organization within the community.

We look forward to your presence at this interactive presentation!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Lunch Provided by: 

Space Sponsored by: 

Our March CO-PLA  meeting is our quarterly networking event showcasing AIM House! 

AIM House is an individualized, young adult transitional living program. This program is designed for the individual who is transitioning from residential treatment centers, primary treatment, wilderness programs, and therapeutic boarding schools. They provide a structured living environment and a supportive, personalized program. AIM House is a leader in the world of transitional living and is celebrated for our ability to truly help find and connect participants to what they are passionate about. 

 Lunch and networking from 11 am- 1 pm
Brief remarks from the founder Danny Conroy at 11:45am 

Clinical Staff will be available to discuss programming12:30 pm option to tour AIM Health 1 mile away 12:30 pm option to tour Made Life 1 mile away Shuttle van will also be available to anyone who would like a ride 

Here's what you can look forward to at CO-PLA events:

Engaging Discussions: Participate in conversations about the latest trends and developments in the behavioral health field. Share your expertise, learn from others, and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, peers, and professionals from various disciplines. Expand your professional network, discover potential collaborations, and forge new friendships with individuals who share your passion for behavioral health.

Community Building: Strengthen our Colorado behavioral health community by coming together as a unified force in supporting mental health and well-being. 

Lunch! 

Remember, CO-PLA is your community and we invite you to embrace the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and growth. Let's celebrate summer by strengthening our bonds and advancing the field of behavioral health in Colorado!

You're Invited to a Thought-Provoking Panel Discussion! 

Join us for an engaging and insightful panel discussion on "Finding Balance Between Clinical and Business Goals" hosted by CO-PLA.

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, striking a harmonious balance between clinical excellence and business objectives is paramount for success. This panel brings together seasoned professionals and industry leaders to explore strategies, share experiences, and spark meaningful dialogue on navigating the intersection of clinical care and business operations.

Agenda:

• Introduction: Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Panel Discussion: Expert Insights on Balancing Clinical and Business Goals

• Interactive Q&A: Audience Engagement and Discussion

• Networking Session: Connect with Peers and Industry Experts

Panelists:

• Mark Oberg, LPC, LAC, Executive Director, Flatirons Recovery

• Briana Severine, MS, LPC, LAC, CPRP, Founder, Sanare Psychosocial Rehabilitation

• Michael Damioli, LCSW, CSAT, Clinical Director, Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

• Sarah Zubrin, MFT, LAC, Owner, Family Addiction Recovery, LLC

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives, exchange ideas, and network with like-minded professionals passionate about driving positive change in healthcare.

Whether you're a healthcare practitioner, business leader, or industry enthusiast, this event promises to inspire and enlighten as we collectively explore the dynamic balance between clinical excellence and business sustainability.

We look forward to your presence at this enlightening discussion!

This presentation will address some of the common challenges in working cross functionally between teams, as well as offer strategies for successful communication and collaboration with both admissions and leadership.

Presentation by Alix Moore, CAS, Community Relations Director at Northstar Transitions

Celebrate Valentine's Day by deepening your understanding of yourself and those around you through the wisdom of the Enneagram. Join us for a captivating Valentine's Day interactive presentation on the Enneagram, a powerful tool for self-discovery and understanding relationships.

Delve into the nine personality types, explore your own unique traits, and learn how this ancient system can enhance your connections with others. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, interactive exercises, and gain insights that can transform your approach to love and self-awareness. 

Justin Virant, MA, LPCC is a psychotherapist at Flatirons Recovery and in private practice who has a passion for Enneagram and other forms of personal discovery. Justin graduated from Naropa University with an MA from its Mindfulness based Transpersonal Psychology Counseling program. He has a long term interest in the fields of recovery, healing and psychological development. He is also interested in mindfulness and the relationship between psychological and spiritual growth.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Lunch Provided by: 

AIM Health

Space Sponsored by: 

Antelope Recovery