# Addiction counselors in Colorado

> 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.

Source: Colorado Health Insurance Colorado Care Index (https://coloradohealthinsurance.com/care/addiction-counselor), data updated 2026-11-11. Published by Grove Benefit Advisors LLC, a licensed Colorado health insurance agency.

## 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

- 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.
- Visit cost by metal level (standard plans):
  - Bronze: $0 to $80 a visit on 25 of 56 plans
  - Silver: $0 to $85 a visit on 35 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $0 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 3,452 clinicians at 1,594 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).

## 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?

## Sources

- [SAMHSA: Find help and treatment](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help)
- [NIMH: Co-occurring substance use and mental disorders](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health)
- [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/)