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How Much Does Therapy Cost Without Insurance in Colorado?

By the Whole Connection team · Clinically reviewed by Phillip Horner, LCSW, CGP · Published July 18, 2026

If you’re paying for therapy on your own, the first question is usually a simple one: what will this cost me? That’s a fair thing to ask, and there’s no shame in it. Money matters, and knowing the numbers up front helps you plan. Below is an honest look at what therapy costs without insurance in Colorado, plus the lower-cost and free options many people don’t know about.

Short answer: In Colorado, paying out of pocket (called self-pay) for therapy commonly runs about $100 to $250 per session. The exact price depends on the therapist’s training, location, and specialty. At Whole Connection, our self-pay rate is $135 per session, which sits on the lower end of that range.

How much is therapy without insurance in Colorado?

In Colorado, paying out of pocket (called self-pay) for therapy commonly runs about $100 to $250 per session. The exact price depends on the therapist’s training, location, and specialty. At Whole Connection, our self-pay rate is $135 per session, which sits on the lower end of that range.

What is a sliding scale?

A sliding scale means the fee slides up or down based on what you can afford. Therapists lower the cost for people with less income, so care stays within reach. Whole Connection keeps a limited number of sliding-scale spots for those who qualify. Spots fill up, so it’s worth asking early when you reach out.

Is there free or low-cost therapy in Colorado?

Yes. Community mental health centers offer care based on your income, and university training clinics provide low-cost sessions with supervised graduate students. Telehealth can also trim costs. And if you have Medicaid or a child 18 or under, free options exist, which we cover in the next sections.

Does Medicaid make therapy free?

If you have Health First Colorado (the state’s Medicaid program), covered therapy costs you $0. There are no copays and no limits on the number of sessions. Whole Connection accepts Medicaid and can help you get started. Learn more on our Medicaid therapy page.

Is there free therapy for kids in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado youth age 18 and under can get 6 free therapy sessions through the state’s I Matter program, at no cost to your family and with no insurance needed. You can read the details and connect with a therapist at IMatterColorado.org. It’s a simple, private way for a young person to start.

How can I lower the cost of therapy?

A few things help. Ask about sliding-scale spots, check whether you qualify for Medicaid, and use free programs like I Matter for kids. Community clinics and training clinics cost less too. And always ask a practice to verify your insurance first, since you may be covered without knowing it.

Is telehealth cheaper than in-person therapy?

Often, yes. Telehealth (meeting your therapist by video) can lower your total cost because there’s no travel, no gas, no parking, and no time off work to drive across town. The session fee itself is usually the same, but the everyday savings add up, and many people find it easier to keep appointments.

How do I start at Whole Connection?

Getting started is simple. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance, and we verify your benefits before your first session so there are no surprises. Whether you use insurance or self-pay, we’ll walk you through your options. See our costs and insurance page or meet our team.

You don’t have to figure out the cost of therapy on your own. Call us at (720) 442-0946 and we’ll help you find the option that fits your budget and get your first session on the calendar. Support is closer, and more affordable, than you might think.

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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Request an appointment online, or call and a real person answers, Monday to Friday.

Request an appointmentCall (720) 442-0946