Health Solutions, a non-profit behavioral health and medical care provider, has taken over Mind Springs Health following ongoing financial difficulties at the organization. 

Founded in Pueblo in 1962, Health Solutions operates facilities across Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas counties. The organization offers a range of services, including family medicine, behavioral health support and a medication assisted recovery center. 

“For years, Health Solutions has built a trusted model of care in rural Colorado, meeting people where they are and supporting the whole person,” said Jason Chippeaux, CEO of Health Solutions and Mind Springs Health, now rebranded as Health Solutions West.

The acquisition, announced April 7, followed a turbulent period for Mind Springs Health, which shuttered two of its care facilities in March. 

“The transition comes at a critical time, following growing concerns from residents and local leaders about the availability, consistency and quality of mental health services in the region,” an April 7 news release from Health Solutions states. 

On March 10, Mind Springs Health shut down its withdrawal management facility in Glenwood Springs, much to the frustration of local officials who had invested years of effort and significant funding into the short-lived center.

That same day, the organization also closed West Springs Hospital in Grand Junction — the only inpatient psychiatric hospital on the Western Slope. The closure ended a management agreement between Mind Springs and Florida-based Larkin Health Systems, which was established in November.

A range of factors contributed to the closures, including financial strain, pending regulatory changes in behavioral health care and uncertainty about the future of Medicaid.

Despite the transition, Health Solutions West said it will continue serving existing clients without interruption. The organization also plans to retain staff and remain engaged with the community, according to the news release.

“Community members deserve stability, compassion, and access to care when they need it,” Chippeaux said. “We are here to listen, to collaborate, and to build something stronger together.”