How to Start Online Therapy in Colorado

Step one: be in Colorado for your sessions

Online therapy follows the rules of the state you are in when the session happens, not the state where the therapist sits. Our Colorado therapist is licensed in Colorado, so you need to be physically in Colorado during each video session. That is true whether you live here year-round, attend school here or are here for work.

If you travel, tell us ahead of time so we can plan around it. Colorado's Division of Professions and Occupations notes that therapy across state lines depends on the rules of the state the client is visiting, so a session from another state may not be possible.

Step two: get matched with a Colorado-licensed therapist

Each therapist on our team is licensed in specific states, and we match each client with a therapist licensed where they are. For Colorado, that is a Licensed Professional Counselor on our team who works with depression, anxiety, trauma, and with children and teens.

You can check any Colorado counselor's credentials yourself. The Division of Professions and Occupations licenses professional counselors and links to an online license lookup from its Professional Counselor page. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests asking any therapist about their credentials, their approach and whether they have experience with your concern and age group.

Step three: book a free consultation

The first conversation is a free 15-minute consultation. It is a chance to describe what is going on in your own words, ask how therapy would work and get a feel for whether this is a good fit. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that a free introductory session can help you decide whether a provider is a good match, and that rapport and trust are essential.

For a child or teen, a parent or guardian usually books and joins this first call. Colorado law lets some minors 12 and older consent to outpatient therapy themselves, with conditions, and we talk through consent and privacy with each family at the start.

Step four: insurance or self-pay

Coverage depends on your plan and the state. For clients in Colorado we are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare plans, including their related plans. Before your first session, our administrative team verifies your benefits and tells you what we found. If you prefer not to use insurance, or your plan does not cover the care, self-pay is available. Our insurance and fees page explains how this works.

If you would like to check on your own as well, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests confirming with your insurer that telehealth appointments are covered, since policies vary from state to state. Useful questions are whether outpatient therapy is covered, what your copay or coinsurance will be, and whether your deductible applies first.

Step five: your first video session

You book a time directly from the therapist's online calendar, so you can pick a slot that fits around work, school or family. On the day, you join a secure video link from a phone, tablet or computer. There is no office to visit and no commute, which the National Institute of Mental Health lists among the benefits of virtual care.

1. 1Find a private spotThe National Institute of Mental Health notes that video visits can feel less private if others can overhear. A closed door, a parked car or headphones can help.
2. 2Check your connectionA steady internet connection and a charged device make the session smoother. It helps to agree with your therapist on what to do if the video drops.
3. 3Expect to talk about youThe first session usually covers what brought you in, your history and what you hope will change. You set the pace and can ask questions at any time.
4. 4Agree on next stepsBy the end, you and your therapist will talk about goals and how often to meet. If something did not feel right, it is fine to say so: a good fit matters.

What we offer in Colorado

In Colorado, our therapist works with adults, teens and children on depression, anxiety and trauma, and with young people through teen therapy. Sessions are online only, by secure video, and in English. Read more on our Colorado online therapy page.

When you are ready, book your free 15-minute consultation on our booking page. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services. In Colorado, 988 connects you to the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line, which is free, confidential and open 24/7.