Jennifer Koch
MSSW • LCSW • SEP • Director of CAPS

Over the last 28 years, I have worked to integrate mental health and substance abuse services into academic settings and community based counseling centers. I have been in a Program Director role over the last 23 years leading diverse teams of counseling professionals. Prior to coming to CAPS, I worked for 14 years as the Director of Integrated Behavioral Health for Denver School Based Health Centers working to remove barriers to accessing mental health treatment for inner city students, immigrants, and refugees in Denver.

I have specialized throughout my career in victim services, treating the impact of trauma/PTSD, and training counseling professionals on trauma informed practice working within multicultural settings. I currently volunteer at the Denver Human Rights Clinic providing psychological evaluations for asylum seekers.

In 2013, I completed a 3-year advanced training from the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute working to integrate mind/body neuroscience principals into clinical practice and leadership to promote nervous system resilience and integration and healing. I am passionate about leading large complex departments to meet the needs of today and training the next generation of counseling professionals.

Education

  • BSW: Miami University, Oxford, OH
  • MSSW: University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work, Louisville, KY

Areas of interest

  • Providing clinical mental health and substance abuse supports for adolescents and young adults. 
  • Neuroscience of trauma, somatic experiencing, EMDR, and Polyvagal research. 
  • Providing leadership and program management to large diverse teams. 
  • Growing programs to expand services and integrating mental health services. 
  • Providing clinical trainings at local, state, and national conferences and training the next generation of counseling service professionals to meet the moment and the needs at our university and in our community.

The thing you'd most like to do

Traveling is a passion and I hope one day to visit New Zealand.

Connect with CAPS

To message a specific provider:

  1. Go to mycuhealth.colorado.edu
  2. Click "Get Started" under the Counseling and Psychiatric Services clinic
  3. Go to "Messages" tab
  4. Click "Compose New Message"
  5. Find applicable provider to message or message ASK CAPS