Finding a therapist, counselor, or psychologist in Boulder, Colorado

Life in Boulder, CO has a lot to offer: natural beauty, plenty of sunshine, ample access to outdoor activities, cultural and educational opportunities, and a vibrant food scene. Even in a place as great as Boulder, though, life can still take a toll. If you are looking for some support through depression, anxiety, or trauma, a counselor, therapist, or psychologist may be a good source.

I want to help you find a therapist in Boulder

Searching for a therapist can be stressful. A quick Google search for “therapist Boulder Colorado” identified over 16 million (!) hits. Six. Teen. Million. Obviously, no one has time to comb through 16 million websites to compare potential therapists. And if you’ve already started reaching out to candidates, you’ve probably found that it can be difficult to find someone who is a good fit and will actually call you back.

I get it. It sucks.

I’d like to offer a few tips for finding your way through the weeds to a great therapist for you.

Just ask.

You know people. And the people you know know people. Chances are, the people you already talk to either have been to therapy or know someone who has. So, asking around can be a good place to start your search for a therapist. If you are feeling vulnerable about seeking therapy, talk to a close friend or your doctor. (Also, know that you are not alone. One in five adults seek therapy each year.)

Seeking recommendations from a trusted source is a great way to start your search, because you can get a sense of what to expect before you make a call or Google search. I love it when clients refer friends or family members to me. Because they already know something about the way I help, our work together begins with a sense of ease and familiarity. Some questions you might ask your friend about their therapy are: What did you find most helpful in therapy? What was it like to be “in the room” (or online) with your therapist?

In-person or Online

Another consideration when choosing a therapist in Boulder is where therapy will take place. Traditionally, therapy has happened in a provider’s office. However, technology has made it possible to access therapy from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a phone or internet connection. Both in-person and online therapy can be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma. Which is right for you?

Online therapy offers the convenience and comfort of being able to receive therapy from your home or office. No commuting. No chance of running into your boss in the waiting room. (Yes, that has happened to me.) If you have a private space and a good internet connection, online therapy can be a great choice. Online therapy also allows you to access providers from across the state, rather than being limited to the therapists in your community. 

In-person therapy is a good choice if you are able to find a compatible therapist in your area. Some clients need to meet in person because they lack privacy, safety, or internet access at home. 

Fees and Insurance

Understanding what therapy will cost and how you will pay for it are important elements in your search for the best therapist for you. Fees for therapy are paid for either by the client, medical insurance, or a combination of both. 

If you have insurance, and would like to use it to pay for therapy, I suggest starting by understanding what your insurance covers. Depending on your plan you may have copays or deductibles that you are responsible for paying. You may need a referral from your doctor before beginning therapy or be limited to a certain number of sessions. You also may need to select a therapist from a list of “in-network” providers. Your insurance plan should be able to provide you with this information.

If you do not plan to use insurance to pay for therapy, you are free to select the therapist of your choice without externally imposed restrictions. In this case, you will be responsible for paying the therapist’s fee. Therapists’ fees generally fall in the range of $100-200 per session. Many therapists offer a sliding scale for clients who could not otherwise afford therapy. Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a nonprofit dedicated to providing mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to clients in need. This is a great resource if you need to find a therapist with a sliding scale.

Therapy is an investment in yourself that can lead to healing trauma, improving mood, and feeling more empowered and confident in yourself. 

A free therapy consultation in Boulder

I hope these tips can help you find a great therapist in Boulder. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to contact me here or call me at 909-332-2192 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety, trauma, or depression, you can read more about how I can help here.