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How to Find Sliding-Scale Therapy in Colorado

Sliding-scale therapy exists in every major Colorado metro area — it's just not well-advertised. Most sliding-scale therapists charge $30-80 per session based on your income.

Colorado snapshot
Colorado mental health insurance landscape

Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers mental health. Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) coordinate.

Full parity enforcement Medicaid expanded

Open Path Collective (first stop)

All Open Path therapists charge $30-80 flat. One-time $65 lifetime membership. Nationwide. Visit openpathcollective.org and filter by {state}.

Graduate training clinics

Universities in Colorado with clinical psychology or social work programs run sliding-scale clinics where doctoral trainees (supervised by licensed clinicians) see patients for $20-60. Often excellent quality.

Community mental health centers

Every county in Colorado has a community mental health center (CMHC) that sees patients regardless of ability to pay. State-funded. Often has waitlists but sees everyone eventually.

Private practice with sliding scale

Many private therapists hold 1-2 sliding-scale slots. Don't be afraid to ask — 'I can't afford your full rate; do you have sliding-scale openings?'

Colorado-specific

Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers mental health. Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) coordinate.

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