What does a licensed professional counselor do?
A licensed professional counselor (LPC) has a master's degree and provides talk therapy for mental health and life challenges. The state licenses counselors through its Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). In a crisis, call or text 988.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find licensed professional counselors near you
When people see one
- You feel anxious, down, or stuck and want someone to talk to.
- You are coping with grief, a job loss, or a major change.
- You want help with stress or relationships.
How it differs
Clinical social worker: A clinical social worker also provides therapy and may help connect you to community services. The degree and licensing board differ.
Psychologist: A psychologist has a doctorate and can do formal testing. Counselors focus on talk therapy.
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 - Mental/Behavioral Health" 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 18,933 licensed professional counselors at 6,517 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 20,371 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.
- Denver County: 1,035 locations
- El Paso County: 895 locations
- Boulder County: 734 locations
- Jefferson County: 660 locations
- Arapahoe County: 648 locations
- Larimer County: 459 locations
Counties with the fewest: San Juan (1), Kiowa (1), Jackson (1), Bent (1), Washington (2). 6 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 visits?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment, and do you bill insurance or take self-pay only?