# Psychiatric nurse practitioners in Colorado

> A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. They can prescribe medication and often provide therapy. In a crisis, call or text 988.

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

## When people see one

- You want to start or adjust medication for a mental health condition.
- You want one person for both medication and counseling.
- A psychiatrist has a long wait and you need care sooner.

## How it differs

- Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. Both can prescribe, and both can treat most common mental health conditions.
- Nurse practitioner (primary care): A primary care nurse practitioner treats everyday health problems across the board. A psychiatric nurse practitioner focuses on mental health.

## 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

- 1,407 clinicians at 767 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 visits?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment, and do you bill insurance or take self-pay only?

## Sources

- [NIMH: Help for mental illnesses](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help)
- [MedlinePlus: Mental health](https://medlineplus.gov/mentalhealth.html)
- [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/)