Colorado ranks second nationwide for mental illness prevalence, making affordable mental health care essential. Health First Colorado or mental health medicaid Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, serves over 1.6 million residents with comprehensive behavioral health services. This coverage removes financial barriers that often prevent people from seeking needed mental health treatment.
The program operates through Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) that coordinate both physical and behavioral health care. This unique approach ensures you receive integrated treatment addressing all aspects of your wellness. You can access mental health services without worrying about session limits or overwhelming costs.
Health First Colorado covers individuals with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program recognizes that mental health challenges affect entire families and communities, providing support systems that extend beyond individual treatment.
What mental health services does Health First Colorado cover
Core treatment services
| Service | Description | Benefits |
| Individual therapy | Private one-on-one sessions with specialists | Complete focus on your personal needs |
| Group therapy | Therapy sessions with others facing similar challenges | Learn from shared experiences and peer support |
| Family therapy | Treatment involving family members | Strengthen relationships and increase support |
| Psychiatric evaluation | Comprehensive mental health assessment | Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning |
| Medication management | Ongoing prescription monitoring and adjustment | Optimize effectiveness and reduce side effects |
| Crisis intervention | 24/7 emergency mental health support | Immediate help when you need it most |
Substance use disorder treatment receives full coverage, including detoxification services and residential treatment options. Case management helps coordinate your care across different providers and services. Intensive outpatient programs offer structured support while allowing you to maintain work or family responsibilities.
Specialized programs and support
The program covers Assertive Community Treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. Clubhouse and drop-in centers provide peer support and community connection. School-based mental health services support children with Individual Education Programs.
Gender-affirming care includes behavioral health support for transgender individuals. Special Connections programs assist pregnant individuals dealing with substance use disorders. These specialized services address unique needs within Colorado’s diverse communities.
Does medicaid cover therapy Colorado patients need
Yes, Health First Colorado covers therapy sessions with no co-pays when you use providers within your regional organization network. This coverage includes evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. You can access both short-term crisis intervention and long-term therapeutic relationships.
The program covers family therapy sessions, recognizing that mental health challenges impact entire family systems. Group therapy provides peer support and shared learning experiences. Most outpatient mental health services have no session limits, unlike many other state Medicaid programs.
Your coverage includes trauma-focused therapy for individuals who have experienced abuse, violence, or other traumatic events. Culturally appropriate services ensure treatment aligns with your background and values.
How to find medicaid therapy providers Denver residents trust
Finding the right provider
Steps to locate service providers:
- Access the Health First Colorado online directory to find mental health professionals in your area
- Contact your assigned Regional Accountable Entity for personalized referrals based on your specific needs
- Ask your primary care physician about behavioral health specialists who accept Health First Colorado
- Connect directly with WellPower – Colorado’s largest community mental health center
- Explore AllHealth Network for additional community-based mental health services
Direct access to care
You can contact mental health providers directly without requiring referrals from your primary care doctor. This direct access removes barriers that might delay your treatment. Call potential therapists to verify they accept Health First Colorado and have availability for new patients.
Medicaid mental health benefits Colorado offers
No-cost coverage structure
Health First Colorado eliminates co-pays for all behavioral health services through regional organizations. You receive free transportation to mental health appointments through non-emergent medical transportation benefits. The program has no annual benefit limits for most covered services.
Coverage integrates physical and mental health coordination, ensuring all aspects of your wellness receive attention. This comprehensive approach prevents gaps in care that could impact your recovery progress.
Crisis support systems
The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line provides immediate 24/7 crisis support through phone, text, or online chat. Mobile crisis response teams can come directly to your location during mental health emergencies. Crisis stabilization programs offer short-term intensive support during acute episodes.
Emergency mental health services receive full coverage when accessed through appropriate channels. The state maintains clear protocols for involuntary holds (M-1, M-3, M-8) when individuals pose immediate danger to themselves or others.
Outpatient mental health medicaid Denver services
Denver area residents have access to numerous outpatient mental health treatment centers that accept Health First Colorado. These facilities offer individual counseling, group therapy, and specialized programs for conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Outpatient services allow you to maintain your daily routine while receiving consistent mental health support. Evening and weekend appointments accommodate work and family schedules. Telehealth options provide flexibility for those with transportation challenges or geographic barriers.
Intensive outpatient programs offer structured treatment several hours per week while allowing you to live at home. Day treatment programs provide comprehensive support during business hours for individuals needing more intensive intervention than traditional outpatient therapy.
Finding medicaid psychiatrists near me Denver Colorado
Psychiatrists who accept Health First Colorado provide medication management and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations. These medical doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through both therapy and medication approaches.
Contact your regional organization for referrals to psychiatrists with availability for new patients. Many community mental health centers employ psychiatrists who work specifically with Medicaid patients. Some psychiatrists offer telehealth appointments, expanding access for individuals in all areas of Colorado.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners also provide medication management services under Health First Colorado coverage. These advanced practice nurses work closely with psychiatrists and can prescribe medications for most mental health conditions.
Regional organizations and care coordination
Colorado’s unique RAE system assigns you to a specific regional organization based on your location. These entities coordinate all aspects of your Health First Colorado benefits, including mental health services. Your RAE can help you navigate available services and connect with appropriate providers.
Care coordination services help manage complex mental health needs involving multiple providers. Your RAE can assist with transportation, housing, and other social services that impact your mental health recovery. This integrated approach addresses social determinants of health that affect treatment outcomes.
Substance use disorder treatment coverage
Health First Colorado provides comprehensive substance abuse treatment alongside mental health services. Coverage includes detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. Recovery support services help maintain long-term sobriety.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. This integrated approach recognizes the complex relationship between these conditions and provides coordinated care.
Getting started with treatment today
Treatment initiation process:
Step 1: Initial contact Contact your primary care provider to discuss mental health concerns and receive referrals to specialists.
Step 2: Find providers You can also reach out directly to mental health providers or community mental health centers.
Step 3: Emergency support The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line provides immediate support and can connect you with local resources.
Step 4: First appointment Your first appointment typically includes a comprehensive assessment to understand your needs and develop a treatment plan.
FAQs about mental health medicaid Colorado
Does Health First Colorado cover unlimited therapy sessions?
Yes, Health First Colorado covers unlimited individual, group, and family therapy sessions with no co-pays when using network providers. Revive Health Recovery accepts Health First Colorado and provides comprehensive therapy services to help you achieve lasting recovery.
Can I see a therapist without a doctor’s referral?
Yes, you can contact mental health providers directly without requiring referrals from your primary care physician. Revive Health Recovery offers direct access to our experienced therapists who specialize in various mental health conditions.
What should I do during a mental health crisis?
Call or text 988 for immediate support from trained crisis counselors available 24/7. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. Revive Health Recovery also provides crisis intervention services and can help develop safety plans.
Does coverage include medication for mental health conditions?
Yes, Health First Colorado covers psychiatric medications and ongoing medication management through qualified providers. Our team at Revive Health Recovery works with psychiatrists to ensure coordinated medication management.
Are there any costs for mental health services?
No, you pay no co-pays for behavioral health services when using providers within your regional organization network. Revive Health Recovery accepts Health First Colorado with no additional costs to you.
Choose Revive Health Recovery for compassionate mental health care
Revive Health Recovery understands the challenges you face when seeking mental health treatment in Denver. Located at 1427 S Federal Blvd, our team provides evidence-based outpatient mental health services to individuals with Health First Colorado coverage.
Our experienced professionals offer individual and group therapy, trauma-informed care, and substance use disorder counseling. We provide culturally sensitive treatment approaches and flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments. Our team works directly with Health First Colorado’s regional organizations to ensure seamless care coordination.
We understand the complexities of the Medicaid system and advocate for you throughout your treatment journey. Our approach combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion, creating a safe space for healing and growth.
Ready to begin your recovery journey? Contact Revive Health Recovery today to learn how we can support your path to wellness. Our caring team is available 24/7 to answer questions and help you get started with treatment.
Call us at (303) 268-4655 – Available 24/7
Email us at contact@revivehealthrecovery.com
Visit us at 1427 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
Mental health support should be accessible and effective. With Health First Colorado’s comprehensive coverage, you can access quality mental health services throughout Denver without financial barriers. Seeking help shows strength, and you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
