GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Health Solutions, a long-standing behavioral healthcare provider based in Pueblo, has officially taken over operations of the embattled Mind Springs Health system, a move that dramatically reshapes the mental health landscape across Western Colorado.
The transition comes just weeks after Mind Springs, which served 10 counties on the Western Slope, abruptly ceased operations amid ongoing financial instability and community concerns about service quality.
“This is not just a takeover—it’s a chance to reimagine what behavioral healthcare can look like across these communities,” said Jason Chippeaux, President and CEO of Health Solutions. “We’re not here to cut—we’re here to stabilize, grow, and deliver.”
From Southern Colorado to the Western Slope
Health Solutions has served rural communities in Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas counties for more than six decades. The organization is now expanding its footprint under a new regional banner: Health Solutions West.
The transition includes all of Mind Springs’ corporate structure and responsibilities, encompassing both outpatient services and broader county-level behavioral health coordination.
“This is about continuity,” said Chippeaux. “We have no plans to shut down services or reduce staff. On the contrary—we want to invest in the workforce that’s already here.”
10 Counties, 10 Sets of Needs
With this acquisition, Health Solutions now oversees behavioral health services for 10 counties in Western Colorado, including Mesa, Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin. While these counties share common challenges such as provider shortages and substance use crises, the cultural and logistical differences are significant.
“What works in one community may not work in another,” said Heather Hankins, Chief Operating & Clinical Officer. “We’re not bringing a one-size-fits-all model. We’re going to listen first and act second.”
The group plans to retain outpatient services immediately under the Health Solutions West name. More detailed branding and operational transitions will continue in the background over the coming months.
A map of affected counties:
| Region | Counties Served by Health Solutions West |
|---|---|
| Western Slope | Mesa, Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle, Routt, Moffat, Summit, Rio Blanco, Grand, Jackson |
A Reset After Mind Springs Collapse
Mind Springs, once a major regional mental health provider, had faced sharp scrutiny in recent years over access issues, quality of care, and lack of transparency. Its sudden closure in March 2025 raised fears that hundreds of patients would be left in limbo.
“We’re not interested in dwelling on the past,” said Chippeaux. “The future of this organization—and the safety net it represents—is now in much stronger hands.”
The group emphasized it will work with local and state stakeholders to determine the fate of West Springs Hospital, a critical care facility once operated by Mind Springs. No immediate changes have been announced regarding inpatient services.
Vision for Growth, Not Just Survival
Health Solutions is positioning the acquisition as more than just a rescue—it’s a relaunch.
“Preserving this system is critical, but so is ensuring it grows,” Chippeaux said. “We need a behavioral health system that’s not just intact but evolving with the needs of the people it serves.”
Staff from Health Solutions are already embedded in Western Slope offices, assessing systems and needs on the ground. The organization says it’s focused on building trust, transparency, and long-term care models that can sustain rural communities long underserved by the behavioral health system.
“Hope. Health. Together,” said Hankins. “That’s the vision. That’s Health Solutions West.”
