Member Spotlight: Lokiten Behavioral Health Strives to Enhance Access to Quality Mental Healthcare in Colorado Springs
Mental health problems affect more than 1 million people in Colorado, according to the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies trauma, ongoing chronic medical conditions, drug and alcohol abuse, and isolation as some of the causes of mental health issues.
Like most cities in the State, Colorado Springs does not have enough beds to accommodate mental health patients. CBS News reports a continued decline in the number of state psychiatric beds to care for adult patients with severe mental health illnesses. The state has 83 beds per 100,000 people. Colorado also faces staffing problems, especially when it comes to nursing.
Local mental health service providers like Lokiten Behavioral Health are finding innovative ways to address the mental health challenge.
James Garofalo founded Lokiten Behavioral Health in 2023 to improve mental healthcare and make it accessible to patients. As an Army veteran, Garofalo saw firsthand how mental health affects patients and families. “Establishing Lokiten Behavioral Health here allowed us to address the mental health challenges many residents face,” says Garofalo.
The growing need for mental health services, coupled with the region’s supportive business environment, played a role in influencing Garofalo’s decision to establish Lokiten Behavioral Health in Colorado Springs to provide care for all who need it.
The region, like many others in the United States, is facing a mental health crisis, with increasing rates of stress, depression, isolation and even suicide. City of Colorado Springs initiatives like Pikes Peak Rising have been launched to address these issues by raising awareness and improving access to care to build a more resilient community.
Garofalo praises the City of Colorado Springs for leading the fight against mental illness. The city has established a 1,000 gatherings campaign to fight loneliness and mobilized community partners to create access to mental health resources. “Our city’s emphasis on community well-being aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible and effective mental healthcare to those in need,” he says. “We are aligned with community needs by offering a unique blend of virtual and in-person services.”
Lokiten Behavioral Health offers outpatient services to mental health patients, including veterans, teens, and adults. The clinic treats depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and many others. Lokiten combines traditional therapy with psychiatric treatment, ensuring the effective use of medications.
Patients who seek treatment at Lokiten do not require prolonged hospital stays, making mental healthcare more affordable and accessible for many. Colorado Springs’ proximity to rural areas enables Lokiten to extend virtual services to patients in remote areas who may otherwise have no access to care.
Lokiten joined the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC membership last year to connect with the community and engage with like-minded partners in the mental wellness space.
Garofalo credits the Chamber & EDC for supporting Lokiten when it launched in the city last fall. He encourages new members to take advantage of the Chamber & EDC resources, attend events, and be open to learning.
“Building strong relationships and staying involved in Chamber activities can open doors to new opportunities and help you grow your business,” he says.