Yes, Health First Colorado covers therapy. Here's how Colorado's Medicaid mental health system actually works, what it costs, and how to find a therapist who accepts it.
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Yes. Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program, covers medically necessary therapy for eligible members, and in most cases you don't need a referral from a primary care doctor to start. Coverage is administered regionally through what the state calls Regional Accountable Entities, or RAEs — and understanding that one detail is the key to actually finding a therapist who takes it.
Unlike a typical commercial insurance plan, Health First Colorado's behavioral health benefit isn't administered directly by the state for most members. Since 2018, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has delivered mental health and substance use coverage through seven Regional Accountable Entities, each covering a different part of the state. Your RAE is responsible for building the network of therapists in your area — which is exactly why a therapist can be "in-network with Medicaid" in one Colorado region and not automatically in another.
This also means the fastest way to find real options isn't searching "Medicaid therapist near me" and hoping — it's confirming a practice is actually contracted with your specific RAE.
Health First Colorado is designed to keep behavioral health accessible, with minimal to no cost-sharing for covered services for most members. Most outpatient mental health visits also don't require a referral from a primary care provider, which removes a step that often delays people from getting started. The specifics can still vary by plan, so it's worth asking directly before your first appointment rather than assuming.
Not every practice that lists "accepts Medicaid" on a directory is actually taking new Medicaid clients in your region. A few things worth asking before you book:
Are they contracted with your specific RAE? This is the detail directories often skip, and it's the one that actually determines whether your visit is covered.
Is a referral required? Most behavioral health services don't need one, but it's worth confirming.
What will the visit actually cost? Ask upfront rather than finding out at checkout.
Do they offer both in-person and teletherapy? Many Colorado Medicaid plans cover both, which matters if transportation or scheduling is a barrier.
Overcomers Counseling accepts Health First Colorado alongside most major insurance plans, with therapists across Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Pueblo, plus statewide teletherapy. Our team verifies your Medicaid eligibility and handles the paperwork before your first appointment, so the process of getting started doesn't become one more thing standing in your way. You can read more about how we work with Health First Colorado coverage here.
Cost shouldn't be what's standing between you and feeling better. Get matched with a therapist today.
Yes, Overcomers Counseling accepts Health First Colorado (Medicaid) at little to no out-of-pocket cost for eligible members in Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Pueblo.
Health First Colorado behavioral health benefits typically cover therapy at little to no cost for eligible members. Our team verifies your enrollment before your first appointment.
Yes, Medicaid members can use their Health First Colorado benefits for statewide online counseling, an important option for members in rural areas.
Health First Colorado is accepted at our Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Pueblo offices, plus statewide online counseling.
Share your Health First Colorado enrollment details with our care team, and we'll verify your eligibility and benefits before scheduling your first appointment.
