Mental Health Care That Meets You Where You Are

Whether you're navigating the turbulence of adolescence, managing the complexities of adult life, or supporting someone you love through their mental health journey—we're here with care that understands the unique challenges of each life stage.

Teen & Adult Care Table of Contents:

Ages We Serve: 12 to 65+

Teens & Adolescents (12-17): The teenage years are intense. Identity formation, peer pressure, academic stress, family dynamics, social media, hormones, figuring out who you are and where you fit—it's a lot. And when mental health struggles show up during this time, they deserve real support, not dismissal as "just a phase."

Young Adults (18-25): Emerging adulthood brings its own challenges: college pressures, career decisions, relationship complexity, financial stress, moving away from home, figuring out who you are separate from your family. Mental health struggles during this transition are incredibly common and deserve support.

Adults (26-64): Adult life is complex: work stress, relationship challenges, parenting, financial pressures, health concerns, caring for aging parents, identity questions, life transitions. Mental health struggles don't stop at 25, and you deserve care that understands adult complexity.

Older Adults (65+): Aging brings transitions: retirement, health changes, loss of loved ones, changing roles, cognitive concerns, isolation. Mental health in older adulthood is real and treatable, not just "part of aging."

Teen & Adolescent Psychiatric Care (Ages 12-17)

We Understand Teen Mental Health:

  • The teenage brain is still developing (especially the prefrontal cortex)
  • Hormones affect mood and behavior
  • Identity formation is a legitimate developmental task, not just "being dramatic"
  • Peer relationships are incredibly important
  • Social media creates unique pressures
  • Academic stress is real and can be overwhelming
  • Family dynamics affect mental health
  • Trauma affects teens differently than adults

Common Mental Health Concerns in Teens:

  • Depression: Not just sadness—irritability, withdrawal, changes in sleep/eating, loss of interest
  • Anxiety: Social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, school avoidance
  • ADHD: Difficulty focusing, organization, time management, executive function
  • Trauma/PTSD: From abuse, bullying, accidents, or other traumatic experiences
  • Self-Harm: As a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions
  • Suicidal Thoughts: Incredibly common and need immediate support
  • Eating Disorders: Restrictive eating, binge eating, body image concerns
  • Substance Use: Often co-occurring with other mental health conditions
  • Behavioral Issues: Sometimes actually symptoms of underlying mental health struggles

Our Approach to Teen Care:

  • Age-Appropriate Communication: We talk to teens, not at them or over them
  • Respect for Autonomy: Teens are involved in treatment decisions
  • Family Involvement: When appropriate and helpful
  • Confidentiality: We explain confidentiality limits clearly
  • School Coordination: We can work with schools when needed (with permission)
  • Developmental Understanding: We consider where teens are developmentally

Medication for Teens: We're thoughtful about medication in adolescents:

  • Careful consideration of developing brains
  • Lower starting doses with gradual increases
  • Close monitoring for side effects
  • Family education about medications
  • Respect for teen and family concerns
  • Regular follow-up

Parent/Guardian Involvement:

  • Parents are involved to the extent that's helpful and appropriate
  • We balance teen autonomy with parent involvement
  • Family sessions available when helpful
  • Parent education about teen mental health

Young Adult Psychiatric Care (Ages 18-25)

We Understand Young Adult Challenges:

  • Transitioning to independence
  • College or career pressures
  • Identity exploration and development
  • Relationship complexity
  • Financial stress and instability
  • Living away from home for the first time
  • Managing responsibilities independently
  • Late-stage brain development (yes, your brain is still developing into your mid-20s)

Common Mental Health Concerns in Young Adults:

  • Depression & Anxiety: Often worsening or first appearing during this life stage
  • ADHD: Continuing from adolescence or newly diagnosed as demands increase
  • Trauma: Processing childhood experiences or new traumatic events
  • Substance Use: Often developing or intensifying during this period
  • Eating Disorders: Peak onset age for many eating disorders
  • Bipolar Disorder: Often first appears in late teens/early 20s
  • Identity Questions: Sexual orientation, gender identity, values, beliefs
  • Quarter-Life Crisis: Real and deserving of support

Our Approach to Young Adult Care:

  • Understanding of unique life stage pressures
  • Respect for independence and autonomy
  • Flexibility for unpredictable schedules
  • Support for life transitions
  • Career and relationship guidance (within our scope)
  • Coordination with college counseling centers when helpful

Adult Psychiatric Care (Ages 26-64)

We Understand Adult Complexity:

  • Work stress and career challenges
  • Relationship and family dynamics
  • Parenting pressures
  • Financial stress
  • Caring for aging parents while raising children
  • Identity questions don't end at 25
  • Life transitions: divorce, job changes, moves, illness
  • Chronic stress and burnout

Common Mental Health Concerns in Adults:

  • Depression: Often related to chronic stress, life transitions, or loss
  • Anxiety: Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety
  • ADHD: Continuing or newly recognized in adulthood
  • Trauma: Processing past experiences or current traumatic events
  • Bipolar Disorder: Ongoing management or late diagnosis
  • Perinatal Mental Health: Pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders
  • Midlife Crisis: Real psychological experience deserving support
  • Burnout: Especially in caregiving professions
  • Grief & Loss: Death of loved ones, relationships, identity, health

Our Approach to Adult Care:

  • Respect for life experience and autonomy
  • Understanding of competing demands and time constraints
  • Whole-person care that considers work, relationships, family, health
  • Coordination with other providers (therapists, medical doctors, etc.)
  • Support for complex life circumstances

Special Populations:

  • Parents: Understanding the stress of parenting
  • Caregivers: Support for those caring for others
  • Healthcare Workers: Understanding professional burnout and moral injury
  • First Responders: Trauma-informed care for those in high-stress professions

Older Adult Psychiatric Care (Ages 65+)

We Understand Aging & Mental Health:

  • Mental health struggles aren't just "part of aging"
  • Depression and anxiety are treatable at any age
  • Cognitive concerns vs. mental health symptoms
  • How medical conditions affect mental health
  • Medication considerations for older adults
  • Life transitions: retirement, loss, changing roles
  • Isolation and loneliness

Common Mental Health Concerns in Older Adults:

  • Depression: Often undertreated in older adults
  • Anxiety: Related to health concerns, safety, loss
  • Grief: Loss of spouse, friends, independence, health
  • Adjustment Disorders: Related to life transitions
  • Sleep Problems: Common but treatable
  • Cognitive Concerns: Distinguishing from mental health symptoms

Our Approach to Older Adult Care:

  • Careful medication selection considering metabolism changes
  • Attention to medication interactions with other drugs
  • Coordination with medical providers
  • Understanding of age-related life challenges
  • Respect for life experience and wisdom
  • Support for aging-related transitions

What Psychiatric Care Looks Like Across Ages

Initial Evaluation (60-90 minutes): Comprehensive assessment of:

  • Current symptoms and concerns
  • History and life circumstances
  • Previous treatment and what's helped
  • Goals for treatment
  • Medical and family history
  • Cultural and identity considerations

Treatment Planning: Collaborative development of treatment plan including:

  • Medication management (when appropriate)
  • Lifestyle and behavioral strategies
  • Coordination with therapy or other services
  • Family involvement (when appropriate)
  • Crisis planning

Ongoing Care: Regular appointments (typically 30-45 minutes) for:

  • Medication monitoring and adjustment
  • Supportive counseling
  • Treatment plan adjustments
  • Coordination with other providers

Telehealth Across All Ages

Benefits for Teens:

  • More comfortable in their own environment
  • Less time away from school
  • Privacy from peers
  • Easier to manage anxiety about appointments

Benefits for Adults:

  • No time away from work
  • No childcare barriers
  • Accessible regardless of location in Colorado
  • Easier to fit into busy schedules

Benefits for Older Adults:

  • No transportation concerns
  • Reduced physical demands
  • Comfort of home environment
  • Easier for caregivers to participate

Insurance & Access

We accept most major insurance including:

  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • United Healthcare
  • Oscar
  • Optum
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Private pay options

Note: We do not accept Medicaid or Medicare at this time.

Crisis Support by Age

For Teens:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
  • Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth): 1-866-488-7386
  • 911 if in immediate danger

For Adults:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
  • Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255
  • 911 if in immediate danger

Age-Appropriate Mental Health Care Matters

Mental health struggles look different at different life stages. Cookie-cutter approaches don't work. You deserve care that understands where you are developmentally, what challenges you're facing, and what support actually makes sense for your life stage.

Ready for Age-Appropriate Care?

Whether you're a teen struggling with overwhelming emotions, a young adult navigating life transitions, an adult managing complex life demands, or an older adult facing age-related challenges—we're here.

Book an appointment online or call us at (719) 212-1951.

Same-week appointments available throughout Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can parents attend teen appointments?

It depends on the teen's age, situation, and preference. We typically start with the teen alone, then bring parents in for part of the session. We explain confidentiality clearly.

Do you prescribe ADHD medications to adults?

Yes. ADHD doesn't disappear at age 18. We provide evaluation and treatment for adult ADHD.

Is telehealth effective for teens?

Yes. Many teens are more comfortable with telehealth than in-person appointments.

Do you coordinate with therapists?

Yes. With your permission, we coordinate with therapists and other providers to ensure comprehensive care.

Can you provide school accommodations documentation?

Yes, when clinically appropriate, we can provide documentation for school or work accommodations.

Forest Path Psychiatry & Healing is a nurse-led psychiatric practice serving all of Colorado via telehealth. We provide age-appropriate psychiatric care for teens, young adults, adults, and older adults with trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches.