Douglas County, Children’s Hospital mark milestone on youth crisis unit
The planned Highlands Ranch unit would provide 48- to 72-hour crisis care, with an opening expected in 2027.
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Douglas County officials and Children’s Hospital Colorado leaders marked a milestone this week in plans for a youth mental-health crisis unit at the hospital’s South Campus in Highlands Ranch. The county expects the unit to open in 2027, according to its Nov. 6 update.
The unit is planned for existing space next to the emergency department at 1811 Plaza Drive. It would provide short-term crisis stabilization and observation for young people, with stays of 48 to 72 hours. Planned features include treatment and de-escalation rooms, nursing and supervision stations, and spaces for consultations and meetings, the county said when it announced the partnership in June.
Douglas County committed $3.4 million in opioid-settlement funds. The county described a total $7 million investment as a goal, with additional community and philanthropic support. Children’s Hospital Colorado was selected through a competitive process to partner with the county.