What does a clinical social worker do?
A clinical social worker (LCSW) has a master's degree in social work and provides talk therapy. Social workers also help people find community resources such as housing, benefits, and support groups.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find clinical social workers near you
When people see one
- You want therapy and help finding community services.
- You are dealing with a hospital stay, a diagnosis, or caregiving.
- You want counseling for depression, anxiety, or trauma.
How it differs
Licensed professional counselor: A licensed professional counselor also provides talk therapy. Social workers train in connecting people to resources as well.
Marriage and family therapist: A marriage and family therapist focuses on couples and families. A clinical social worker treats individuals, couples, and families.
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 8,840 clinical social workers at 3,922 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 17,546 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.
- Denver County: 794 locations
- El Paso County: 549 locations
- Jefferson County: 395 locations
- Arapahoe County: 381 locations
- Boulder County: 318 locations
- Larimer County: 273 locations
Counties with the fewest: Washington (1), San Juan (1), Las Animas (1), Conejos (1), Cheyenne (1). 9 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?