# Psychiatrists in Colorado

> A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, and many also offer talk therapy. In a crisis, call or text 988.

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

## When people see one

- You think medication might help with depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
- Your symptoms are severe or have not improved with therapy.
- You take psychiatric medication and need a prescriber.
- You need a diagnosis for a complex mental health condition.

## How it differs

- Psychologist: A psychologist does therapy and testing but does not prescribe medication in Colorado. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe.
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner: A psychiatric nurse practitioner also prescribes and treats mental health conditions. The training path differs, and the day-to-day care is often similar.

## 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

- 1,048 clinicians at 554 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

- [American Psychiatric Association: What is mental illness?](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness)
- [NIMH: Help for mental illnesses](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help)
- [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/)