Colorado Access Announces New Executive Director of Access Behavioral Care

Robert Bremer, MA, LPC, PhD

Colorado Access today announced the promotion of Robert Bremer, MA, LPC, PhD as the Executive Director of Access Behavioral Care, the company’s behavioral health line of business.  Dr. Bremer will succeed LeNore Ralston, MA, LMFT who has served in the position since 2006 and will now assist Colorado Access as an independent contractor.

As a result of a competitive bid process, Access Behavioral Care will continue as the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s Behavioral Health Organization for the City and County of Denver. “Through our new contract with the Department, we will be implementing innovative services and evidenced-based  programs,” said Dr. Marshall Thomas, president & CEO and chief medical officer of Colorado Access. “Dr. Bremer’s behavioral health background and experience as a clinician will be a valued asset as we expand our service.”

Dr. Bremer explains that this expansion includes an increased role of the company’s care management department.  “We recognize that many Access Behavioral Care members with serious mental illnesses do not receive adequate primary care services.  In order to improve health outcomes, our care management department will assist these members in coordinating care between our network mental health providers and the member’s primary care provider.”  

Dr. Bremer has been affiliated with Colorado Access since 1999.  Prior to accepting his current position, he served as the behavioral health quality manager and the deputy director of Access Behavioral Care.  In addition to his work with Colorado Access, Dr. Bremer is an assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and ophthalmology at the University of Colorado Denver.  He is widely published, including work regarding Medicaid managed care and has served as an expert panelist on the topic.  Dr. Bremer has a vast history in the field and holds a number of professional appointments both locally and nationally.  He received a BA in Psychology from Ohio State University, an MA in Counseling from Colorado Christian University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Science, from the University of Colorado Denver.  Dr. Bremer completed his postdoctoral work at the University of Pittsburgh.

“I am excited to lead Access Behavioral Care,” said Dr. Bremer.  “During this difficult economy it is more important than ever to show our members, stakeholders, and the community the value we bring to the healthcare system in Colorado.  My goal is to continue to place a great emphasis on evidenced based services and the outcomes they produce for the members we have the privilege to serve.”

About Access Behavioral Care
Since 1998, Access Behavioral Care has been serving the needs of Medicaid recipients in Denver County. Through a vast provider network and partnerships with key safety-net providers such as the Mental Health Center of Denver, Access Behavioral Care ensures that members have access to behavioral health services.

About Colorado Access
Colorado Access is a private, nonprofit health plan that has served the medical and behavioral health needs of the medically underserved for more than a decade. The company’s four lines of business are Colorado Access Advantage, Access Behavioral Care, Colorado Access Health Plan-Enhanced Care Management, and Child Health Plan Plus. Colorado Access is sponsored by The Children's Hospital, Colorado Community Managed Care Network and University of Colorado Hospital/University Physicians, Inc. More information is available at www.coaccess.com.