How to Find a Therapist Who Takes Medicaid in Colorado
Finding a therapist who accepts Medicaid in Colorado can feel frustrating, especially when many practices have long waitlists or limited availability. Many people specifically search for a Medicaid therapist in Colorado with no waitlist because they need support sooner rather than later. The good news is that there are providers who offer timely appointments, evidence-based therapy, and specialized treatment approaches while still accepting Health First Colorado, CCHA and CO Access. This guide explains how to find a Medicaid therapist in Colorado, what to look for in a provider, and how to get connected to care as quickly as possible.
Understanding Medicaid Coverage for Therapy in Colorado
Medicaid in Colorado, also called Health First Colorado, covers behavioral health services, including psychotherapy. Many clients are also enrolled in Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) such as CO Access, which help coordinate care and referrals.
Covered services typically include:
Individual therapy
Family therapy
Treatment for anxiety, depression, and trauma
Telehealth therapy in many cases
Coverage details can vary depending on your plan and provider network, so it’s always helpful to verify benefits before scheduling.
Step 1: Start with Online Therapist Directories
One of the fastest ways to find therapists who accept Medicaid is to use online directories. These platforms allow you to filter by insurance, specialty, and location.
Helpful directories include:
Psychology Today
TherapyDen
Inclusive Therapists
When searching, use filters such as:
Insurance: Medicaid or Health First Colorado
Issues: Anxiety, trauma, depression, or your specific concern
Location: Colorado
Keep in mind that directory listings are sometimes outdated, so always confirm insurance acceptance when you contact a practice.
Step 2: Contact Group Practices
Group practices often have multiple therapists and are more likely to accept Medicaid than solo providers. They may also have administrative staff who can help verify your benefits and match you with an appropriate clinician.
When reaching out, it helps to ask:
Do you accept Health First Colorado or CO Access?
Are you currently accepting new clients with Medicaid?
Do you offer virtual appointments?
These questions quickly clarify whether the practice can help.
Step 3: Ask Your Primary Care Provider or Care Coordinator
If you have a primary care physician or a care coordinator through your Medicaid plan, they may be able to provide referrals to therapists in your network. This can sometimes reduce wait times because referrals often go to practices known to accept Medicaid regularly.
Step 4: Be Flexible About Telehealth
Many therapists in Colorado offer secure online therapy sessions. Expanding your search to include telehealth can significantly increase the number of available providers, especially if you live outside a major metro area.
Virtual therapy is often just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns and allows you to access specialists who may not be located nearby.
Step 5: Expect Some Waitlists
Because Medicaid providers are in high demand, it is common to encounter waitlists. If this happens, consider:
Asking to be placed on a cancellation list
Contacting multiple practices at the same time
Checking back every few weeks
Persistence often pays off, and openings do come up.
What to Expect When You First Contact a Therapist
Most practices will begin with a brief phone call or intake form. During this process, they may ask about:
Your insurance information
What you would like help with
Your availability
Preferences for therapist style or approach
This information helps match you with the right therapist.
How to Know If a Therapist Is a Good Fit
Insurance coverage is important, but fit matters too. A good therapist should make you feel:
Respected and heard
Comfortable asking questions
Clear about goals and expectations
If the first therapist you meet doesn’t feel like the right match, it’s okay to ask about other options.
Therapy Is More Accessible Than Many People Think
Many people delay seeking therapy because they assume they won’t be able to find a provider who accepts Medicaid. In reality, there are therapists and group practices across Colorado dedicated to serving Medicaid clients.
Starting the search and reaching out to a few providers is often the hardest step—but it’s also the one that moves things forward.
Looking for a Medicaid Therapist in Colorado?
Brave Counseling is a group psychotherapy practice that provides virtual therapy for adults, couples, and families across Colorado. Depending on therapist availability, we work with Health First Colorado and some Medicaid plans and help clients get started as quickly as possible.
Unlike many practices that accept Medicaid, we do not maintain a waitlist whenever possible and work to connect new clients with a therapist promptly. Our clinicians receive advanced training in evidence-based and trauma-informed treatment modalities, allowing us to provide a level of specialized care that is not always available in Medicaid settings. We strongly believe that high-quality mental health care should be accessible to everyone, and our practice is built around making effective, compassionate support available to the communities we serve.
If you would like help finding a therapist or checking your coverage, you can contact our intake team through our website to learn more about current openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an appointment with a Medicaid therapist in Colorado?
Wait times vary widely by practice. Some providers have waitlists, while others may have openings within a few weeks or sooner, especially for virtual therapy. Our practice does not have a waitlist and strives to have availability within a week of your inquiry.
Is online therapy covered by Medicaid in Colorado?
Yes, many Medicaid plans in Colorado cover telehealth therapy services. Coverage can vary, so it is best to confirm with the provider or your plan.
Can I choose my therapist?
Most group practices will help match you with a therapist based on your needs and preferences, and you can request a different therapist if the fit does not feel right.
What if I can’t find a therapist near me who takes Medicaid?
Virtual therapy can significantly expand your options and allows you to work with licensed therapists anywhere in Colorado.