Living well is a common creed among Coloradans; it’s also the foundational sentiment behind the mission of Kairos Wellness Collective.
With headquarters in Boulder and a satellite location in the Capitol Hill district of Denver, Kairos offers customized plans and evidence-based treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety. Lead therapist Natalia Aíza and her partner Matthew Williams have assembled a team of specialized therapists where the region previously lacked such care. Founded as a shared vision for compassionate treatment, the team leans on their own lived experiences with OCD, fueling a palpable passion for their clients. “OCD can be very isolating,” the duo shares, underscoring the empathy of treatment at Kairos. “We get it.”
OCD is complex and can present in many different ways. A big goal of the center is to raise awareness about the ways this condition can impact daily life, share the types of treatment available and provide education for those living closely with someone suffering from OCD.
With the peace of a tranquil garden, the Kairos facility is warm and welcoming upon entry. A soothing aesthetic unites each of the uniquely furnished meeting rooms with comforting tones and intentional decorative touches. The center has seen tremendous success in its not yet two years of operation in the community. Beyond their Boulder location, Kairos operates an office in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver with plans for an expanded presence in the city and hopes for a third location in Fort Collins.
Kairos embodies the meaning of their name–a Greek word used to describe the crucial moment of rightness and opportunity for action. Their approach is gentle and sincere, paired with a practical sensibility aimed at empowering clients to reframe their mindsets and regain control over their lives.
While OCD can take a variety of forms, there is hope for treatment at all levels. Kairos understands that there is no one right path to wellness and offers services in ERP, CBT, psychedelic therapy and more. Their collaborative team works to tailor solutions for clients that offer rehabilitation and discharge rather than continuous reliance on care. Additionally, their holistic philosophy emphasizes the connection between the mind’s cognitive state and the body’s physical reactions. "Our goal,” Aíza explains, “is to recalibrate responses to focus on real safety and well-being rather than the fictional dangers suggested by OCD.”
Aíza and her team know this approach works because they’ve walked through it themselves. "I’ve personally had every category of OCD over the course of my lifetime,” she shares. “When you have that lived experience, you also have a sense of self-awareness.” The first-hand experience with OCD among Kairos’ staff serves as a driving force behind their care for clients and confidence in treatment.
The center’s presence in the local community has been met with a clamoring of gratitude. As they scale, commitment to their culture and personalized approach remains steadfast. With plans for expanded locations and presence, dreams of a Kairos Retreat Center are discussed.
While OCD diagnosis and treatment is still a burgeoning field of medical study, Kairos is eager to enhance the lives of its clients while furthering the effectiveness of its field. The team is not only raising local awareness but also actively participating in the mental health community by sharing their treatment protocols with practitioners at the International OCD Foundation. Their ongoing success stories and innovative approach drive them to maintain their momentum and deliver exceptional care.
Patient successes are celebrated among the Kairos team. Williams explains how treatment can offer clients a sense of empowerment beyond mere relief. “It’s that very real moment when a client is like, ‘Wow, I got a part of my life back. I can do this.’”