# Licensed professional counselors in Colorado

> 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.

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

## 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

- 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

- 18,933 clinicians at 6,517 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).
- 20,371 active Colorado licenses (DORA).

## 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?

## Sources

- [NIMH: Psychotherapies](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies)
- [American Counseling Association: Mental health resources](https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/mental-health-resources)
- [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/)