Healing in Community: Commún’s Mental Health Program
Commún’s Mental Health Program is rooted in the belief that healing happens best in community. What began as a youth-led initiative has grown into a dynamic model of care that blends individual counseling, group programs, and holistic practices, all designed in close collaboration with community members in southwest Denver.
The program was first shaped by middle school students, who were asked what kind of mental health support they wanted and needed. Their feedback helped build a program that broke away from traditional top-down models. “Oftentimes mental health services are built on the idea that the experts know best,” says program manager Bre Holligan. “Instead, we built this program hand-in-hand with the community.”
Early on, group gatherings became a cornerstone of the work. Dozens of young people would walk over after school to participate in activities, share meals, and openly discuss challenges. This grassroots momentum soon revealed a broader need. With support from Caring for Denver, Commún expanded its services to include individual, couples, and family counseling—while maintaining its strong commitment to group-based healing.
Activities
Shared Meals
Discussing Challenges
Community groups quickly grew in popularity. At their peak, Tuesday night gatherings welcomed up to 180 people, who would share a meal before breaking into smaller sessions. Offerings ranged from adolescent support groups and parent-child sessions to horticultural therapy, hosted at garden sites run by Denver Urban Gardens. “There’s a cultural safety that comes from being with people who look like you, speak your language, and share your experiences,” Holligan explains. “Healing happens in that space.”
Over time, the program evolved. Large group dinners gave way to smaller, more frequent gatherings spread throughout the week, making services more sustainable and responsive to diverse schedules. Groups are now offered in Spanish and Arabic, alongside intergenerational lunch groups that bring high school students and seniors together. Accessibility remains a guiding principle, with therapists and staff deeply integrated in Commún’s broader programming, often greeting families at food shares or sitting down to lunch at community events.
The program has also embraced holistic modalities. Ear acupuncture has become one of its most popular offerings. Originally developed as a response to substance misuse and later used with survivors of trauma, the five-point ear acupuncture treatment is now offered weekly at Commún. Participants report dramatic reductions in stress, and sessions often foster a quiet sense of shared healing.
Under the leadership of Dr. Holly Cappello, Commún’s clinic has grown to include four therapists, with plans to expand further to meet emerging needs. One new offering is a visiting psychiatrist who provides monthly consultations. “What’s special about Commún is that people can find what speaks to them,” Cappello says. “Healing can look different for everyone, and our goal is to make sure people feel welcome, supported, and resilient.”
