Therapy in Colorado: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in Colorado — costs, licensing requirements, telehealth rules, insurance coverage, and how to find a therapist.
$195
Avg. session cost
#18
MH ranking (of 51)
305
Providers per 100K
7.1%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Professions and Occupations.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor | 2,000 | NCE, NCMHCE |
| LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 3,360 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 2,000 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 3,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in Colorado
The average therapy session in Colorado costs $195 — $20 above the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 15% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | $200 | $150–$260 |
| Boulder | $210 | $160–$270 |
| Colorado Springs | $180 | $135–$225 |
Telehealth Rules in Colorado
PSYPACT Member (since 2018)
PSYPACT member state. Out-of-state psychologists may use APIT credentials. Other licensed therapists must hold a Colorado license or practice under a temporary telehealth registration.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Initial visit requires written signed consent; subsequent visits require documented verbal or written consent.
Insurance & Parity in Colorado
Parity enforcement: strong (HB 19-1269 (Behavioral Health Parity))
Medicaid expanded: Yes (no session cap)
Typical in-network copay: $25–$50
Major insurers: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Friday Health Plans
Crisis Resources in Colorado
Colorado Behavioral Health Administration
Crisis Lines
Warm Lines (Non-Crisis Support)
Notable Programs
- Colorado Crisis Services provides 24/7 crisis support through walk-in centers, a statewide hotline, and mobile teams.
- Colorado's Community Mental Health Centers serve all 64 counties with comprehensive behavioral health services.
- The I Matter program offers free therapy sessions to Colorado youth ages 18 and under.
Therapy Landscape in Colorado
Colorado has developed a reputation as a forward-thinking state for mental health. It was among the first to create a statewide behavioral health administration and has invested heavily in crisis services, including a robust crisis hotline and walk-in centers. The Front Range corridor — Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins — has a high density of licensed therapists, with session costs ranging from $130 to $225. In mountain communities and the Western Slope, rates tend to be lower but providers are scarcer.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees licensing for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and psychologists. Colorado also licenses Certified Addiction Counselors and has one of the more active behavioral health workforce development programs in the country. The state's outdoor culture and emphasis on wellness have contributed to a therapy culture that is generally less stigmatized than in many other parts of the country.
Finding a Therapist in Colorado
Start with your insurance plan. Major carriers include Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and Colorado's own nonprofit insurer, Colorado Access. If you are on Health First Colorado (Medicaid), behavioral health services are covered through regional accountable entities.
Consider what modality fits your needs. CBT is widely practiced for anxiety and depression. Colorado also has a notable concentration of therapists trained in somatic therapy and body-based approaches, reflecting the state's wellness-oriented culture. For trauma, EMDR and IFS are popular modalities.
Barriers to Care
Altitude and isolation are not just metaphors in Colorado — they are practical barriers. Mountain communities and the Eastern Plains have significant provider shortages, and seasonal workers and resort-town residents often lack stable insurance. Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, particularly in rural areas, which underscores the urgency of expanding access.
The state's rapid population growth has strained the existing provider workforce. Even along the Front Range, wait times of 3-6 weeks are common for in-network therapists. Housing costs in Denver and Boulder have also pushed some providers to shift to private-pay models, making affordable therapy harder to find. Colorado has responded with workforce incentives and expanded scope of practice for some provider types.
Therapy in Colorado typically costs between $130 and $225 per session. Denver and Boulder rates are at the higher end. Sliding-scale options are available through community mental health centers, and some therapists offer reduced rates for self-pay clients.
Yes. Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers outpatient mental health services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and substance use treatment. Services are coordinated through regional accountable entities.
Colorado has a statewide crisis system that includes a 24/7 crisis hotline, walk-in crisis centers, and mobile crisis teams. The Colorado Crisis Services line (1-844-493-8255) connects callers with immediate support, and walk-in centers are located throughout the state.
Yes. Colorado law requires private insurers and Medicaid to cover telehealth mental health services at the same rate as in-person visits. Both video and audio-only sessions are permitted, and therapists must be licensed in Colorado.
Telehealth is the most reliable option for rural Coloradans. Community mental health centers also serve every region of the state. The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration maintains a directory of providers, and your regional accountable entity can help with referrals if you have Medicaid.
Colorado's combination of progressive policy, growing provider networks, and strong crisis infrastructure makes it a solid state for accessing mental health care. If you are in a rural or mountain community, telehealth and community mental health centers are your best entry points.