#Licensed Professional Counselor Longmont

[danmichelspsychotherapy]

14 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Hakomi Therapist

In today's fast-paced world, mental health has never been more critical. Choosing the right therapist can be a life-changing decision. For those seeking profound healing and growth, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who is also a Certified Hakomi Therapist (CHT) offers a unique and holistic approach to psychotherapy. Here are 14 compelling reasons to consider such a professional for your therapeutic needs.

1. Expertise in Psychotherapy and Counseling

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

An LPC has undergone rigorous training and certification to provide expert counseling services. They possess a deep understanding of various mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationship conflicts. Their license ensures they adhere to high professional and ethical standards, making them trustworthy guides on your mental health journey.

Certified Hakomi Therapist (CHT)

Certified Hakomi Therapists specialize in the Hakomi Method, a mindfulness-centered somatic approach to therapy. This certification means they have mastered techniques that integrate body awareness and mindfulness to uncover and heal deep-seated issues, providing a holistic approach to mental health.

2. Individualized Therapy and Counseling

Individual Therapy

Licensed Professional Counselors offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet your unique needs. They work with you to develop personalized strategies for managing and overcoming mental health challenges, ensuring that your treatment plan aligns with your personal goals and circumstances.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling with a Certified Hakomi Therapist involves a deep dive into your inner world. By focusing on your body’s sensations and mindfulness, they help you explore and resolve unconscious patterns that affect your behavior and emotions. This approach facilitates profound personal growth and self-awareness.

3. Specialized Couples Therapy

Marriage Counseling

Relationships are complex and often require professional guidance to navigate challenges. An LPC skilled in marriage counseling can help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their emotional connection. This service is invaluable for couples seeking to build a healthier and more fulfilling relationship.

Relationship Therapist

A Certified Hakomi Therapist offers a unique perspective on relationship therapy. By integrating mindfulness and somatic awareness, they help couples identify and shift ingrained patterns that hinder their relationship. This method promotes deeper emotional intimacy and understanding between partners.

4. Innovative Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine therapy is an emerging treatment for severe depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. LPCs who offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy have specialized training to safely administer and monitor this treatment. Ketamine can facilitate rapid and profound changes in mood and perception, providing relief where traditional therapies may have fallen short.

Psychedelic Integration Therapy

For those exploring psychedelic experiences, integration therapy with a Certified Hakomi Therapist is crucial. They help you process and make sense of your experiences, ensuring that the insights gained contribute positively to your mental health and well-being. This support is essential for safely navigating the complexities of psychedelic journeys.

5. Comprehensive Clinical Supervision

Individual Supervision

LPCs often provide clinical supervision for other mental health professionals. This service ensures that therapists receive the guidance and support they need to deliver high-quality care. If you are a clinician seeking supervision, working with a licensed supervisor ensures that you meet professional standards and continue to grow in your practice.

Group Supervision

Group supervision sessions led by LPCs offer a collaborative environment where therapists can share experiences, gain insights, and develop new skills. This collective approach fosters a supportive community of professionals committed to excellence in mental health care.

6. Expertise in Hakomi Therapy

Somatic Psychotherapist

Somatic psychotherapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. A Certified Hakomi Therapist is skilled in using body-centered techniques to help clients become more aware of their physical sensations and emotions. This awareness can lead to significant breakthroughs in therapy, as it allows for the healing of trauma and other deep-seated issues.

Hakomi Character Strategies

Hakomi Therapy includes the exploration of character strategies, which are habitual patterns of behavior and thought developed in response to early life experiences. Understanding these strategies helps clients gain insight into their current behaviors and relationships, facilitating lasting change and personal growth.

7. Addressing Relationship Conflicts and Enhancing Emotional Intelligence

Relationship Conflict

Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship but can become destructive if not managed properly. An LPC with expertise in relationship counseling can help you and your partner navigate these conflicts constructively, leading to healthier and more satisfying interactions.

Emotional Intelligence in Relationships

Emotional intelligence is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. Therapists trained in both LPC and Hakomi methods can teach you how to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions effectively. This skill not only improves your relationships but also enhances your overall emotional well-being.

8. Commitment to Social Justice and Understanding Power Dynamics

Social Justice

Many therapists, including those at Dan Michels Psychotherapy, are committed to social justice. This commitment means they are sensitive to the societal and cultural factors that impact mental health. They strive to create an inclusive and equitable therapeutic environment for all clients.

Power Dynamics

Understanding power dynamics is essential in therapy, especially in relationships. LPCs and Certified Hakomi Therapists are trained to recognize and address power imbalances, ensuring that therapy is a safe and empowering experience for all clients.

9. A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Mindfulness-Based Techniques

Mindfulness is a core component of both LPC and Hakomi practices. These techniques help clients stay present and engaged in the therapeutic process, facilitating greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. Mindfulness-based therapy can be particularly effective for managing anxiety, depression, and stress.

Neuroscience and Attachment Theory

LPCs and Certified Hakomi Therapists often incorporate insights from neuroscience and attachment theory into their practice. Understanding how the brain works and how early attachment experiences shape behavior can provide valuable context for therapy. This knowledge helps therapists develop effective treatment plans that address the root causes of mental health issues.

10. Inclusive and Non-Judgmental Environment

LGBTQI and Poly/Non-Monogamy Friendly

Dan Michels Psychotherapy is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for all clients, and their sexual orientations and relationship styles. This inclusivity ensures that everyone receives respectful and affirming care.

Non-Judgmental Space

Creating a non-judgmental therapeutic environment is essential for effective therapy. LPCs and Certified Hakomi Therapists strive to offer a space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. This supportive atmosphere fosters healing and growth.

11. Versatile and Adaptive Therapy Approaches

Variety of Techniques

Therapists at Dan Michels Psychotherapy use a variety of techniques to tailor their approach to each client's needs. These techniques may include Gestalt Therapy, Somatic Experiencing™, and Internal Family Systems. This versatility ensures that clients receive the most effective treatment for their specific issues.

Holistic Mental Health

A holistic approach to mental health considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. LPCs and Certified Hakomi Therapists integrate multiple modalities to address all aspects of a client's life, promoting comprehensive healing and wellness.

12. Trauma-Informed Care

Healing Past Trauma

Trauma can have a profound impact on mental health, and addressing it requires specialized knowledge and techniques. LPCs and Certified Hakomi Therapists are trained in trauma-informed care, ensuring that clients receive sensitive and effective treatment for their traumatic experiences.

Safe and Supportive Space

Providing a safe and supportive therapeutic environment is crucial for trauma recovery. Therapists at Dan Michels Psychotherapy prioritize creating a space where clients feel secure and supported as they work through their trauma.

13. Enhancing Interpersonal Skills

Developing Interpersonal Skills

Strong interpersonal skills are essential for healthy relationships and effective communication. LPCs and Certified Hakomi Therapists can help clients develop these skills, improving their ability to connect with others and navigate social situations.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but how it is managed can make a significant difference. Therapists trained in conflict resolution techniques can help clients learn how to handle disagreements constructively, fostering healthier and more resilient relationships.

14. Integrative and Collaborative Approach

Collaborative Therapy

Therapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. LPCs and Certified Hakomi Therapists work closely with clients to develop treatment plans that reflect their unique needs and goals. This partnership ensures that clients are actively engaged in their healing journey.

Integrative Techniques

Using integrative techniques allows therapists to combine different therapeutic approaches for a more comprehensive treatment. This integration can lead to more effective and personalized care, addressing a wide range of mental health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Hakomi Therapist (CHT)?

Answer: A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who has met the licensing requirements set by their state, which typically includes a master’s degree in counseling, supervised clinical experience, and passing a licensing exam. LPCs are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health issues.

A Certified Hakomi Therapist (CHT), on the other hand, specializes in the Hakomi Method, a mindfulness-centered somatic approach to therapy. This certification involves extensive training in techniques that integrate mindfulness and body awareness to uncover and heal deep-seated issues. Combining these two qualifications, a professional can offer a unique, holistic approach to mental health care.

2. How does Hakomi Therapy work?

Answer: Hakomi Therapy is a mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy that helps clients become aware of their body’s sensations and emotions. It involves creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their inner experiences. Through mindfulness, clients can access unconscious patterns and beliefs, which are then gently processed and integrated. This approach allows for deep healing and personal growth by addressing the root causes of emotional and behavioral issues.

3. What issues can be addressed with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Answer: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) has shown effectiveness in treating a variety of mental health issues, including severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, and treatment-resistant conditions. Ketamine can facilitate rapid changes in mood and perception, providing relief where traditional therapies may not have been effective. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not responded well to other forms of treatment.

4. What is Psychedelic Integration Therapy, and who is it for?

Answer: Psychedelic Integration Therapy is designed to help individuals make sense of and integrate their psychedelic experiences into their everyday lives. This type of therapy is beneficial for those who have used psychedelics recreationally or in a therapeutic setting and need support to process their experiences. Integration therapy ensures that the insights gained from psychedelic experiences contribute positively to one's mental health and overall well-being.

5. What can I expect during an individual therapy session?

Answer: During an individual therapy session, you can expect to work collaboratively with your therapist to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Sessions typically involve talking about your current issues, setting goals, and developing strategies to address them. If you are working with a Certified Hakomi Therapist, the session may also include mindfulness exercises and somatic techniques to help you become more aware of your body’s sensations and emotions. This holistic approach can lead to deeper insights and more effective healing.

6. How does couples therapy differ from individual therapy?

Answer: Couples therapy focuses on the dynamics between partners and aims to improve the relationship as a whole. It involves addressing issues such as communication, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, and relationship patterns. In contrast, individual therapy focuses on the personal experiences and issues of one person. In couples therapy, both partners work together with the therapist to develop healthier ways of interacting and resolving conflicts, which can strengthen their bond and improve their overall relationship satisfaction.

7. What is the process for starting therapy at Dan Michels Psychotherapy?

Answer: To start therapy at Dan Michels Psychotherapy, you can visit the website and contact Dan Michels to schedule a free 20-30 minute phone consultation. During this consultation, you can discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine if Dan's approach is a good fit for you. If you decide to proceed, you will schedule an initial session where you can begin working on your therapeutic goals.

8. How long does therapy usually last?

Answer: The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual's needs and goals. Some clients may find significant improvement within a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. The frequency and length of therapy are determined collaboratively between you and your therapist, based on your progress and the complexity of the issues being addressed.

9. What makes Dan Michels Psychotherapy inclusive and non-judgmental?

Answer: Dan Michels Psychotherapy is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all clients. Dan is LGBTQI and poly/ethical non-monogamy friendly, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds and relationship styles feel respected and understood. This inclusive approach fosters a non-judgmental space where clients can freely explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of bias or discrimination.

10. Can therapy help with both mental health issues and personal development?

Answer: Yes, therapy can address both mental health issues and personal development. While therapy often focuses on resolving specific mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, it can also support personal growth and self-improvement. Therapy can help you develop better coping skills, improve your relationships, enhance your emotional intelligence, and achieve greater self-awareness and fulfillment in life.

11. What qualifications and experience does Dan Michels bring to his practice?

Answer: Dan Michels is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Hakomi Therapist (CHT) with extensive training and experience. He holds a MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University and a MA in International Human Rights from the University of Denver. Dan has additional certifications in PACT Couples Therapy, The Right Use of Power, SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment) training, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. His diverse education and training enable him to offer a wide range of therapeutic techniques and approaches tailored to his clients' needs.

12. What is the significance of mindfulness in therapy?

Answer: Mindfulness is a key component in many therapeutic approaches, including Hakomi Therapy. It involves paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental and accepting attitude. In therapy, mindfulness helps clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, allowing them to gain deeper insights into their experiences and behaviors. This increased awareness can facilitate healing, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

13. How can I schedule a free consultation with Dan Michels?

Answer: To schedule a free consultation with Dan Michels, you can visit his website at Dan Michels Psychotherapy and use the contact information provided to reach out. You can also call or email to arrange a convenient time for your 20-30 minute phone consultation. This initial conversation allows you to discuss your needs, ask questions, and determine if Dan's therapeutic approach is a good match for you.

14. What types of issues can be addressed in couples therapy?

Answer: Couples therapy can address a wide range of issues, including communication problems, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, trust issues, infidelity, sexual concerns, and relationship patterns. It can also help couples navigate major life transitions, such as marriage, parenting, or separation. The goal of couples therapy is to improve the relationship by fostering better understanding, cooperation, and connection between partners.

15. Is therapy at Dan Michels Psychotherapy confidential?

Answer: Yes, therapy at Dan Michels Psychotherapy is confidential. Therapists adhere to strict ethical and legal guidelines to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of all client information. This means that what you discuss in therapy remains private, with certain exceptions related to safety concerns (such as imminent risk of harm to yourself or others). Confidentiality helps create a safe and trusting environment where clients can openly explore their issues and emotions.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Dan Michels Psychotherapy and take the first step towards healing and personal growth.

Conclusion

Choosing a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Hakomi Therapist offers numerous benefits for individuals and couples seeking therapy. From specialized expertise and innovative treatments to a holistic and inclusive approach, these professionals provide comprehensive care that addresses a wide range of mental health issues. At Dan Michels Psychotherapy, clients can expect a safe, supportive, and effective therapeutic experience that fosters healing and growth.

[letsjanukhan]

Law prevents Medicaid recipients from getting out-of-pocket care

Law prevents Medicaid recipients from getting out-of-pocket care

“It is actually illegal for that provider to take private pay or out-of-pocket payment from a Medicaid member,” a licensed professional counselor in Arvada said. DENVER — Getting an out-of-network medical bill could set you back thousands of dollars. A Longmont mother wants to pay out-of-pocket and, essentially, out-of-network for care for her daughter, who is on Medicaid. “I was told by a…

[addictionfreedom]

Addiction Treatment Boulder Co

Contents

Offers medical detox

Alcohol treatment center that served metro-denver’s

Treat the co-existing issues that are

Center helping students fight 'screen

Magnolia … heroin treatment

A professional Boulder interventionist can help you get the message through to your addicted loved one. Contact the top intervention services in Boulder, and …

WALDORF, Md., May 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a community-based addiction …

Learn about the great team at NorthStar Transitions and how we can help you stay on the path to recovery while really enjoying the process.

Connect with Behavioral Treatment Services in Boulder, CO. Research rehab reviews, awards and drug treatment programs. View cost, insurance accepted and …

Boulder Treatment Centers. Find rehab in Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado, or detox and treatment programs. Get the right help for drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders.

a professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The FDA has approved it for use in adults for up to the first two weeks of treatment, which is typically when people experience acute …

Find the the best drug rehabs and alcohol addiction treatment centers in Boulder, CO to help you with a successful recovery program.

Free Insurance Verification – Up To 100% Coverage. We’re Available 24/7!

Addiction Treatment Maine Contents Who have had Reports that the department Centers can … committed Over 80 years! top In Patient Addiction Treatment Centers – Use our treatment facility locator to find Best rehab centers ! Welcome to addiction-treatment-maine.com also known as A Center for Addiction Recovery. Founded in 1995, our facility offers medical detox, substance abuse treatment,

University of Adelaide researchers have made a breakthrough in the treatment of heroin addiction which could improve treatment success rates for millions of heroin users around the world. Researchers in the Discipline of Pharmacology …

NorthStar Transitions, Boulder, Colorado: Rated 4.8 of 5, check 26 Reviews of NorthStar Transitions, Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers In New Mexico Contents Dual diagnosis … come The treatment center Programs drug rehabilitaion Deafblind patients and even walking At Desert Hills, a leading mental health treatment center in New Mexico, we … Additionally, as part of our specialized treatment, we offer a dual-diagnosis … The Dexa equipment market in Asia Pacific can be classified into Japan, India, China,

Boulder, CO – 80304 … Addiction Recovery Center (ARC) Boulder is not not guaranteed to be free but all listing are either free sliding scale, discounted, low cost, …

Call Our Addiction Treatment Center.

Boulder, CO drug and alcohol rehab centers can help you beat withdrawal symptoms and overcome your addiction. Find some of the top addiction treatment  …

So in August 2015, her new 90-day extended care treatment program specializing in addiction, trauma, and dual diagnosis issues opened right here in Boulder, Colorado. Lehnert said "We can take much more complicated clients at the new …

"My gambling addiction … addiction treatment. Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s proposed budget retains the funding. What the Legislature ultimately decides may be somewhere in between. Sen. Kurt Schrader, D-Canby, one of the legislative …

WALDORF, Md., May 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a community-based addiction …

Opioid addiction treatment in Louisville, Boulder, Longmont, Westminster, and Broomfield Colorado using medical assisted treatment. Contact today!

The Maryland Center for Addiction Treatment, formerly known as Recovery Centers … and received a bachelors in sociology from University of Colorado, Boulder. …

Boulder's directory of alcohol treatment centers and drug addiction centers for addiction rehab and detox. Treatment Centers Directory of Boulder, CO.

THORNTON, CO — Arapaho House, a safety-net addiction and alcohol treatment center that served metro-denver’s indigent patients for 42 years will close Jan. 2, the CEO announced Friday. The state’s "largest provider of substance …

(CBS4) – The Longmont Police Department is taking a new approach to drug addiction. They’re now calling for volunteers to help out and be “angels” to people struggling with addiction … Colorado to partner with the Police Assisted Addiction …

Call now 1-800-304-2219. The following article is will help you find treatments for drug and alcohol addiction in Boulder, Colorado.

Apr 23, 2018 … Find local resources in Boulder, Colorado and get help for yourself or a loved one suffering with drug or alcohol addiction. Click now and find …

Get help finding Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in Boulder, CO that are unique to your individual needs. Addiction treatment professionals are here to help 24/7.

Treatment and aftercare of video games, pornography, specific Internet applications, … We identify and treat the co-existing issues that are commonly associated with … CU Boulder Recovery center helping students fight 'screen Addiction'.

Boulder therapist and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Daniel Minerva offers Addiction and Alcohol Treatment in Colorado.

CeDAR is integrated to University of Colorado Hospital, a nationally recognized … Using a chronic care model for treatment of addiction, CeDAR provides a full … Our new Boulder facility is part of the UCHealth Boulder Health Center and …

Feb 19, 2018 … Boulder County panel to consider substance abuse treatment facility … process in Boulder County's Land Use Code, although the company at …

Buprenorphine (BUP) is approved for the treatment of opioid addiction. The current dosing regimen of BUP in pregnant women is based on recommendations designed for non-pregnant adults, but physiological changes during pregnancy …

Your Boulder addiction recovery center: get your suboxone prescription and get rid of heroin addiction with magnolia … heroin treatment Clinic in Boulder, CO.

Holistic, residential and outpatient drug and alcohol rehab. Get help today.

Luxury rehab in Boulder, Colorado is not unattainable, and it's an option that you probably qualify for if you need addiction treatment.

In Boulder County … increase the risk of addiction, according to some studies. …

Personalized, expert care for your mental health and recovery needs. … dedicated to providing high-quality mental health care and addiction recovery services in a supportive, … in Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont and Lafayette offering a multi-disciplinary, compassionate care team … Flatiron Mountains in Boulder Colorado.

Discover addiction treatment options, recovery services & over 300 support groups in the Boulder area. Learn about area drug abuse prevention efforts.

Discover addiction treatment options, recovery services & over 300 support groups in the Boulder area. Learn about area drug abuse prevention efforts.

BOULDER, CO — A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder … rats were found to experience swelling and chronic pain for months after just a few days of treatment with opiates to treat peripheral nerve pain, such as sciatica.

More information: The Planning Commission agenda, including a link from the agenda’s Land Use Department staff’s materials about the NorthStar Transitions group home application, can be viewed at tinyurl.com/y9qb295p Boulder …

BOULDER … Colorado players in double figures, and the Buffaloes held off No. 14 Arizona 80-77 to end the Wildcats’… DENVER (AP) — Colorado is pushing for new approaches to how police officers handle cases involving mental illness …

Browse through our comprehensive directory of drug treatment centers in Boulder, CO.

IOP Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment including Medication-Assisted Treatment. Day or evening programs for those with substance abuse problems. Denver and Boulder outpatient programs available.

Michele Packard PhD is a Licensed Addictions Counselors in Boulder, CO. … Please visit our current blog on 3 Challenges Facing Addictions Treatment today,  …

Because of that code of silence, it’s difficult to know just how many companies are committed to hiring addicts, but law enforcement and treatment specialists say support is strong and strengthening as attitudes around addiction …

Addiction Treatment Providers Contents Among the dozen From minnesota pyongyang. china’s Idaho supreme court alcohol-drug Abuse services. treatment. access Mar 30, 2017 … The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) represents private dependency treatment programs throughout the United … … meets with mental health care providers. Several physicians in Beckley currently provide Suboxone as an approved form of

I am the founder and primary therapist of Porchlight Therapy and Addiction. I moved around a lot when I … in Chicago, go Cubs! I came out to Colorado for school in 2001 and decided to make it my home. I live in Boulder with my husband, […] …

We are a Colorado rehab center and detox serving patients around the country. If you or a … A guided journey to addiction recovery and long-term wellness …

Boulder Integrated Health is an independent, comprehensive medical detoxification program, nestled in one of Boulder, CO's most beautiful neighborhoods. … Boulder Integrated Health provides state-of-the-art drug and alcohol detox.

Mental Health Partners lays off about 17 employees Mental Health Partners, a Boulder, Colo.-based addiction and mental health services … Penrose-St. Francis Health Services lays off 42 employees Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Penrose …

A research team led by the University of Colorado Boulder has discovered a mechanism in the brain that is key to making cocaine seem pleasurable, a finding that could lead to a drug treatment for fighting addiction. The findings build on past …

The post Addiction Treatment Boulder Co appeared first on Freedom From Addiction II.

[chicbamboowear]

Colorado Divide: As pressures mount for Colorado farmers, state pushes crisis hotline into remote, sometimes skeptical communities

Joe Miller’s longtime friend and neighbor committed suicide in the early 1990s. Signs were there – a farmer struggling to make ends meet after consecutive years of downturn coupled with a divorce – but he didn’t reach out for help when Miller drove him home the same night that he killed himself.

“He didn’t say a word,” said Miller, who operates a family farm 15 miles east of Longmont.

Now, after several years of historically low commodity prices, farmers across Colorado are facing financial pressures reminiscent of the 1980s. What’s more, farmers are growing older, and fewer young people are entering the field. Selling the family farm is no longer unthinkable.

With these troubles and the isolated nature of farm work and life come mental health battles, not the least of which is depression, and Colorado has responded by extending a crisis hotline to rural areas in the state. The move aims to lend a hand to a group that historically has high suicide rates.

“I went through the 1980s right when the big crash hit,” said Colorado Department of Agriculture Commissioner Don Brown, who is also a farmer and rancher. “There were lots of foreclosures and people leaving their farms. I see a recurrence of that happening now. That really concerns me because we saw people in terrible distress emotionally, physically and who needed someone to talk to. … I lived it, and I understand the pain they feel in thinking that it’s their fault.”

This is part of an occasional series examining the issues, values and attitudes that can leave rural and urban residents feeling they live in two Colorados.

The hotline isn’t new — it was created in 2014 by Gov. John Hickenlooper as part of a statewide effort to address mental health, which Colorado has struggled to tackle with two high-profile mass shootings and the sixth-highest suicide rate in the nation as of 2012. But now, agricultural agencies — including the Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado State University Extension and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union – are working on a collaborative effort to get the phone number out in isolated, sometimes apprehensive rural communities.

“If we’re not a relevant resource for that population in Colorado, then we’re not servicing Colorado,” said Bev Marquez, CEO of Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners, which runs the hotline in partnership with the statewide crisis system, Colorado Crisis Services.

The Department of Agriculture will provide training to counselors to understand the unique struggles of farmers and ranchers.

Counselors answer the phones and give confidential guidance and support for mental and emotional struggles such as relationship problems, suicidal thoughts, depression and financial crisis. They will stay on the phone with the person calling the hotline until help arrives, which can take up to two hours in remote areas.

Low crop prices

Since 2012, low crop prices have caused an unusually long and deep downturn for the agricultural economy, particularly in the west, according to analysts at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

More than 80 percent of bankers surveyed said farm income in the western part of the district (including all of Wyoming and Colorado, northern New Mexico, and western portions of Nebraska and Kansas) was lower this year than the last. Nonirrigated cropland values fell 24 percent in the same area from the first quarter of 2015 to 2017.

Due to prosperous growing conditions worldwide, commodity prices are depressed. In Colorado, according to Brown, the ground is suited for crops such as wheat and corn, two of the worst-off commodities.

In a state where agriculture contributes $41 billion to the $323 billion economy each year, a crisis for the industry is a concern. Colorado cannot risk agriculture – or the people behind it – being left behind.

“The risk we run is a shortage of farmers, and that has huge implications for food production,” said Kate Greenberg, the western program director for the National Young Farmers Coalition. “That has huge implications for rural economies. … It’s particularly noticeable in rural communities where they see young people leave.”

Miller said he has seen many properties change hands.

“Lots of people have sold their farms,” he said. “Everybody I was in high school with either sold their farm or rented it out. There were 30 or 40 kids I knew in my class who all came from farms, and there’s maybe one or two of us left.”

Joe Miller works loading produce at his farm on Sept. 1, 2017 in Platteville.

Rural communities can’t afford to see the younger generation leave. Baby-boomer farmers are aging out. Colorado farmers, in fact, are aging at a faster rate than their counterparts nationwide. The average age of the Colorado farmer is just under 59, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2012 Census of Agriculture, and the state’s oldest counties are in rural areas.

New challenges

While ag communities are dealing with an economic downturn, the Front Range is simultaneously exploding. Colorado has enjoyed record low unemployment and rising property values – two indications of a healthy economy, but that also presents new challenges to farmers and ranchers. Low unemployment means there are fewer employees to work the fields. Higher property values are making it more expensive for young farmers to get their operation off the ground.

Commodity prices are so low that some aren’t making any money or are below the price of production, according to Chad Vorthmann, executive vice president of the Colorado Farm Bureau. Today, farming doesn’t look like an enticing endeavor for millennials.

So for boomer farmers, there are no heirs to be found. This created a major psychological stressor, according to several members of the agricultural community and psychological experts.

“Farming isn’t just a job, it’s not just a career — it’s a way of life,” Vorthmann said. “There comes a lot of pressure with that. You don’t want to lose the farm on your watch. We were really concerned that people in that situation could take drastic steps.”

Colorado has a beginning farmer tax credit for landowners who lease land to budding farmers. Greenberg thinks it should be elevated to include the sale of land so that young farmers can have a pathway to ownership even if they are burdened with student debt. And Brown said part of the problem is that in farming today, it takes “millions” to get into the business.

Without heirs, elderly farmers and ranchers in rural Colorado work the fields, carry the weight of the state’s third-largest industry, bear the pressure not to lose land their family has maintained for generations and perform tough, physical labor long beyond retirement age.

“Physical health issues add a lot of psychological stress,” said Camille Harding, division director of Colorado’s community behavioral health division and a licensed professional counselor. “They don’t want to be a burden to other people.”

In Colorado, 37.6 percent of the 21 people who committed suicide in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector in 2012 had a physical health problem before their death, according to data collected by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study last year found that farming, fishing and forestry had the highest rate of suicide of all industry sectors, at nearly 85 per 100,000 population in 2012.

Harding said other demographics increase the risk of suicide in rural communities: Those affected by the economic downturn are mostly white and mostly male and are more likely to carry a firearm – all correlated with higher risk of suicide. Their location does not help either. Long mountain passes and vast open spaces make access to mental health services difficult, particularly in the winter.

“I think that isolation is always a factor in depression,” Harding said.

Reaching out

Funding for the expansion, which includes training costs, overtime and the potential hire of more counselors, comes from the state legislation signed in May that earmarked $7 million to expand the crisis system, said Marquez of Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners.

But Harding and others said the most difficult challenge is on farmers themselves: finding the strength to reach out.

“If you think about the population of folks who might be farmers and ranchers, they are pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps (people) and taking care of business,” Harding said. “It’s probably not the first thing that comes to their mind to say, ‘I need help.’ ”

Miller, too, worries farmers won’t call.

“They won’t tell anybody. I’ve seen it firsthand,” he said. “… You always think there’s going to be that one year (that will make up for the many tough ones). But I’m a forever optimist.”

To contact the crisis hotline, call 844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255.

Source Article

The post Colorado Divide: As pressures mount for Colorado farmers, state pushes crisis hotline into remote, sometimes skeptical communities appeared first on CHICBAMBOOWEAR.

Learn More: http://www.chicbamboowear.com/colorado-divide-as-pressures-mount-for-colorado-farmers-state-pushes-crisis-hotline-into-remote-sometimes-skeptical-communities/