January 2025
Altitude Pediatrics Awarded State Grant to Expand Behavioral Health Services
GRAND JUNCTION, CO— Altitude Pediatrics, a leading pediatric practice in the Grand Valley, is proud to announce that it has been selected to receive the Integrated Care Grant House Bill 1302. This grant has allowed Altitude to expand its office space and services, further enhancing its commitment to providing exceptional care for the children of the Western Slope.
This exciting development marks a pivotal milestone in Altitude’s growth, receiving the grant just two years after opening its doors. Founded and owned by Dr. Katie Joy, Dr. Paula Lopez, Dr. Mary Willy, and Dr. Shannon Murphy, the practice has rapidly grown into a trusted pediatric healthcare provider in the region. Since its inception, Altitude has been recognized as the #1 Pediatric Practice in the Best of the West awards for three consecutive years.
The state grant will primarily support the expansion of Altitude’s integrated behavioral health program, an essential service aimed at addressing the growing demand for mental health resources for children in the Grand Valley led by Behavioral Health Program Manager, Rickelle Hicks. Behavioral health services are exclusively available to established Altitude Pediatrics patients, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive approach to care.
With the funding, Altitude has increased its office space by 3,700 square feet, adding six new patient rooms, three behavioral health clinical offices, and a behavioral health playroom. This expansion is expected to increase the practice’s capacity for behavioral health appointments by 25%.
“We are thrilled to bring more resources to the Western Slope and continue offering exceptional behavioral health services to the children of the Grand Valley,” said Chelsey Wells, Practice Manager at Altitude Pediatrics. “This grant allows us to expand not only our space but also our ability to provide much-needed mental health care, supporting the growth of the behavioral health workforce in the region.”
As part of the grant, Altitude has developed a comprehensive training program for masters-level interns, providing invaluable hands-on experience to students pursuing careers in behavioral health. The practice has hired two interns and is actively continuing the recruitment process for additional students, aiming to expand the team to four by the end of the three-year grant period. This initiative aims to increase the number of trained clinicians in the valley, ultimately expanding access to care.
The grant, totaling a portion of $29 million allocated across the state, is a part of the Integrated Care Grant initiative through House Bill 1302. Up to 70 practices across Colorado have received funding, with Altitude being one of the select few in the Western Slope region.
Altitude Pediatrics continues to be a leader in providing comprehensive care, and with this new funding and expansion, the practice will make a significant impact on the behavioral health services available to families in the Grand Valley.