# Mental health clinics and programs in Colorado

> A mental health center is a clinic that offers therapy, medication management, and crisis services in one place. Colorado's community mental health centers serve people regardless of ability to pay. In a crisis, call or text 988.

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

## When people see one

- You want therapy and medication care from one clinic.
- You need care and cost is a concern.
- You need help during or after a mental health crisis.

## How it differs

- Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is one clinician. A mental health center is a clinic that can include psychiatrists, therapists, and case managers.
- Community health center: A community health center offers primary care with some behavioral health. A mental health center focuses on mental health and substance use care.

## 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

- 1,477 locations in public records.

## Questions to ask the office

- Do you take my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name?
- Do you offer sliding-scale fees if I am uninsured or have a high deductible?
- Do you offer telehealth?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment?

## Sources

- [SAMHSA: Find help and treatment](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help)
- [NIMH: Help for mental illnesses](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help)
- [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/)