The Hop will drop you off at 9th and Arapahoe. Take the N, which goes to Nederland, and get off at Settlers Park Drop off.
By the Whole Connection team · Clinically reviewed by Phillip Horner, LCSW, CGP · Published July 18, 2026
Short answer: Colorado’s free I Matter program gives youth 18 and under (21 if in special education) up to 6 free, confidential therapy sessions — no insurance or legal status needed. Sign up at IMatterColorado.org. For ongoing care, Whole Connection accepts Medicaid and most insurance.
If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, sadness, stress, or big feelings that are hard to name, you are not alone—and help does not have to be expensive or complicated. Colorado offers a free, confidential therapy program called I Matter that connects young people with licensed therapists at no cost to families. Here is what every Colorado parent and caregiver should know.
I Matter is a state-funded program that gives Colorado youth free, confidential access to licensed therapists. Young people can talk through anxiety, stress, relationships, grief, and more. It was created to remove common barriers—like cost and paperwork—so kids and teens can get support quickly and easily.
I Matter is open to Colorado youth ages 18 and under. Young people who are 21 and under and receiving special education services also qualify. There is no income requirement, so families across Colorado can use the program regardless of their financial situation or background.
The program provides up to six free therapy sessions with a licensed therapist. These sessions give your child space to talk, build coping skills, and feel heard. If more support is helpful after those six sessions, a therapist can guide your family toward next steps for ongoing care.
Yes. The six sessions are free to families because the program is funded by the state of Colorado. Sessions are also confidential, giving young people a private, supportive space to open up. This confidentiality helps kids and teens feel safe being honest about what they are going through.
No. You do not need to provide insurance to use I Matter, and the program does not require immigration or legal-status information to sign up. This makes it a welcoming option for many Colorado families who might otherwise worry about cost, coverage, or paperwork getting in the way of care.
You can sign up directly at IMatterColorado.org, the program’s official website, where youth complete a short questionnaire and get matched with a therapist. A Spanish-language sister site, YoImportoColorado.org, is also available. Visit the official site for full details, eligibility, and current program information.
Some kids and teens feel better within six sessions, while others benefit from continued care. If your child needs ongoing support, therapy can continue through Health First Colorado (Medicaid)—which covers youth mental health with no copays for families who qualify—or through private insurance. A therapist can help you plan the transition.
At Whole Connection, we see children and teens and are here for the long term—whether your family is starting with I Matter or looking for continued care. We accept Medicaid and many insurance plans, so ongoing therapy stays affordable. Our team also includes Spanish-speaking therapists to support Spanish-speaking families across Colorado. You can meet our team to find a therapist who feels like the right fit for your child.
Reaching out for help is a caring, courageous first step. To use the free program, start at IMatterColorado.org. When your family is ready for ongoing therapy for your child or teen, we would be glad to walk alongside you. Call Whole Connection at (720) 442-0946 to ask questions or schedule a first appointment.
Want the complete picture? Read our Colorado Medicaid Therapy Guide — how the RAEs work, what it costs, free rides to appointments, and the 2026–2027 changes.
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