Fremont Economic Development Corporation is announcing a new mental health resource offering counseling and clinical supervision in Fremont County.

Deborah Bradfield and Jenifer Burbank of Staywell Counseling provide services specializing in depression, anxiety and trauma for adults, adolescents and children.

Professionals interested in the mental health field are invited to an open house from 2-6 p.m. March 24 at their new location at 303 N. 7th St., Suite 202, in Cañon City. For more information, contact Burbank at 719-671-1036.

The local entrepreneurs have created an inventive business model that will help alleviate challenges facing mental health therapists.

“During these challenging times, there is a high demand for mental health care and a need for licensed providers, especially in rural areas like ours,” Deborah Bradfield, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, said. “Depending on the professional license, candidates must obtain the equivalent of two years of oversight by a qualified supervisor. Our new office provides candidates with the needed counseling supervision along with a place to launch and/or operate their practices.”

Bradfield and Burbank were first brought together by members of FEDC WellSTART, a wellness initiative focused on business and job creation in Fremont County.

FEDC WellSTART Chairperson Becky Romano said while working on the behavioral health career pathway initiative, the team became aware of a gap between new clinicians needing clinical supervision and qualified professional providers.

“As we searched for solutions, we were fortunate to find two very qualified and experienced clinicians willing to step up and provide this service as a private business,” she said. “As one good idea led to another, it expanded beyond the original concept into this innovative entrepreneurial business model.   Congratulations to Jen and Deb for leading the way in our very own Fremont County.”

Deborah Bradfield said she recently had retired and was looking for volunteer work in the community when she was introduced to FEDC and Jenifer Burbank.

“FEDC WellSTART needed someone to supervise therapists so they could start private practice sooner,” she said. “They introduced me to Jen, I realized that I could help her, and I knew that I wanted to help others. “

Burbank said her long-term goal has always been private practice, but after college no one was available to provide supervision.

“I was fortunate to be introduced to FEDC WellSTART, and through that connection I met Deb who agreed to supervise me,” she said. “Prior to that I had reached out to over 30 providers in Colorado and wasn’t able to find anyone available for supervision.

“FEDC WellSTART provided me with that support, and now we are committed to providing new therapists a place to come to so they won’t have to do it alone. The two of us started brainstorming on what that should look like, and our new business idea was born.”