What does an addiction counselor do?
An addiction counselor helps people with alcohol or drug use through counseling and recovery planning. They work in clinics, treatment programs, and private practice. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find addiction counselors near you
When people see one
- Alcohol or drug use is causing problems at home or work.
- You want help cutting back or stopping.
- A family member wants support for a loved one's substance use.
How it differs
Licensed professional counselor: A licensed professional counselor treats a wide range of concerns. An addiction counselor specializes in substance use.
Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, including some used in addiction treatment. An addiction counselor provides counseling.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Not on most plans. Kaiser Permanente plans need a referral for some specialists, so ask the insurance company before you book. The other plans don't require one for outpatient mental health care, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Office Visit - Substance Use Disorder" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $0 to $80 a visit on 25 of 56 plans; on the other 31, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $85 a visit on 35 of 58 plans; on the other 23, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans; on the other 4, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 3,452 addiction counselors at 1,594 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 252 locations
- El Paso County: 211 locations
- Arapahoe County: 184 locations
- Jefferson County: 149 locations
- Larimer County: 113 locations
- Boulder County: 112 locations
Counties with the fewest: Yuma (1), Washington (1), Saguache (1), Lake (1), Jackson (1). 12 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name do you use?
- Do you offer telehealth or evening sessions?
- How long is the wait, and do you bill insurance or take self-pay only?