Colorado Behavioral Health Gap Analysis

Opportunity

HSRI partnered with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) to conduct a Behavioral Health Network Gap Analysis. This work evaluated access to behavioral health providers across the state, helping to identify areas where care may have been insufficient and pinpoint opportunities to improve services for Coloradans in need.

Approach

To uncover gaps in the behavioral health network, HSRI conducted a comprehensive analysis that included:

1. A phantom provider network assessment to identify contracted providers who have not delivered services;
2. An environmental scan to examine behavioral health network adequacy standards in other states;
3. A telehealth utilization assessment; and
4. A data-driven review of behavioral health providers and services using the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD), as well as enrollment, encounter, and substance use disorder data.

Impact

This analysis clarified where gaps existed in Colorado’s behavioral health network, particularly within Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). The findings, presented in a detailed report to HCPF, aimed to inform strategies for strengthening the state’s behavioral health care system, ensuring equitable access to care, and improving health outcomes for residents across Colorado.