DENVER - ColoradoDesk -- Colorado's Western Slope — Young People in Recovery (YPR) is now offering free peer recovery coaching exclusively to Rocky Mountain Health Plan (RMHP) members in Colorado. Funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Human Services' Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), this program is designed to provide personalized, peer-led support for individuals navigating substance use recovery in communities across the Western Slope.

Unlike traditional therapy or clinical counseling, Certified Peer Recovery Coaches (CPRCs) are individuals who have lived through addiction and recovery. They are trained to support others with compassion, understanding, and real-life experience. These coaches help participants set recovery goals, navigate complex systems, and find hope — all without judgment or cost.

"A Peer Coach isn't a therapist — they're someone who's been where you are," said Ann Herbst, Executive Director of Young People in Recovery. "Our coaches empower people to move forward by walking alongside them and helping them build recovery in a way that works for them."

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Coaching is available in English and Spanish, and can be delivered virtually through telehealth or in person in select Western Slope communities.

Who Can Access These Services?

• Eligibility: Services are available only to individuals enrolled in Rocky Mountain Health Plans.
  
  
• Location: The program serves Western Slope communities including Durango, Cortez, Cañon City, Grand Junction, Grand County, Routt County, and nearby areas.
  
  
• Language Access: Peer Coaches are available in both English and Spanish.
  
  
• Cost: Services are 100% free. No referral or prior authorization is required.
  
  

How to Get Started

RMHP members can connect with a Peer Recovery Coach by:
Visiting: https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/coach
Or texting the word COACH to: (719) 738-8160

After signing up, participants will be contacted by a Peer Coach to begin the intake and connection process.

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About Young People in Recovery (YPR)

Young People in Recovery (YPR) is a national nonprofit organization that empowers people in or seeking recovery through peer-led support services, advocacy, and leadership development. Since its founding in 2010, YPR has launched more than 40 chapters nationwide, including several throughout Colorado.

YPR's chapter network creates recovery-ready communities by offering local events, workshops, and peer-led programming tailored to young people and families navigating substance use. The organization's programs are designed by people in recovery, for people in recovery.

"This expansion gives us a chance to reach those who are often overlooked," said Herbst. "Our goal is to make recovery support more personal, more accessible, and grounded in lived experience."

For More Information

• Learn more and sign up at: https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/coach
  
  
• Or text COACH to (719) 738-8160 to get started
  
  

Press Contact:
Aaron Young
Vice President of Communications
aaron.young@youngpeopleinrecovery.org
(720) 600-4977