DENVER — As Colorado faces a looming shortage of behavioral health professionals — projected to exceed 4,400 vacancies by 2026 — a new initiative at Metropolitan State University of Denver is stepping in to help bridge the gap.
The Building Denver’s Mental Health Workforce program, launched by MSU Denver, offers financial and professional support to graduate students pursuing careers in behavioral health. In return, students commit to serving in Denver’s mental health sector for a minimum of six months after graduation.
Lissette Uribe, one of six members of the program’s first graduating class, will receive her master’s degree in social work this week. For Uribe, the initiative offers more than just financial assistance; it represents a chance to make a lasting impact in her community.
“It just makes me feel really great to know that there are other people who have similar passions,” Uribe said. “We’re all trying to address different gaps, but ultimately, we all want to help others.”
Participants in the program receive a $7,500 stipend, along with access to one-on-one career navigation, mentorship, and professional development workshops centered on community and inclusion. The comprehensive support is designed to prepare students for long-term careers in behavioral health.
As part of her clinical internship with the Colorado Dream Foundation, Uribe has spent the past year offering individualized mental health support to middle school students in Denver. Her work focuses on creating safe, open environments for young people to share their experiences — something she said she didn’t have growing up.
“In middle school, I was going through a lot of difficult feelings,” she recalled. “I tried to see the school psychologist or social worker, but they were always busy or said my problems weren’t serious enough. I just wanted someone to talk to.”
Today, Uribe meets with students weekly to provide that listening ear.
“I’m here to just listen and take this in whatever direction they want to take it,” she said. “When I think back to myself at that age, I didn’t necessarily want someone to fix my problems — I just needed a space to vent and explain what was happening at home.”
Though her time with each student is limited to weekly sessions, Uribe believes the relationships she builds are impactful. Her experience aligns with the broader mission of the MSU program: to increase access to care by preparing graduates for immediate placement in the field.
Uribe will begin full-time work with the Colorado Dream Foundation on June 1 — a seamless transition after committing to a three-year term with the organization.
“Yeah, I would say it makes me feel safe, comfortable, secure,” she said.
As she prepares to graduate, Uribe is not only stepping into her professional future — she’s helping build a stronger mental health support system for Denver’s youth.
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