Navigating Medicaid and Telehealth Counseling in Colorado
Navigating mental health care with Medicaid in Colorado can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how Telehealth counseling fits into the picture. Fortunately, Woodswalk Counseling works with all branches of Colorado Medicaid. So, if you'd rather not dive into the details, feel free to email us, and we’ll double-check everything for you. Otherwise, read on!
This guide will help you understand how Colorado’s Medicaid system works and what it means for accessing Telehealth counseling and therapy, whether you live in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, or rural areas like Alamosa, Montrose, and Gunnison.
What Is Medicaid and How Does It Work in Colorado?
Medicaid is a public health insurance program that provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Colorado, the Medicaid program is known as Health First Colorado, and it offers comprehensive benefits, including coverage for mental health services such as counseling and therapy.
Telehealth counseling is fully covered under Medicaid in Colorado, meaning you can meet with a licensed therapist remotely without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
What Are RAEs and How Do They Impact Medicaid Mental Health Services?
Colorado’s Medicaid system is divided into Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs). RAEs are organizations that manage Health First Colorado benefits, ensuring that members have access to both physical and behavioral health care in their region. There are seven RAEs across Colorado, each serving specific geographic areas.
Here’s a breakdown of the RAEs and the areas they cover:
RAE 1 (Rocky Mountain Health Plans)
Serves the Western Slope, including Grand Junction, Montrose, Gunnison, and surrounding areas. Also serves Larimer County and Fort Collins.
RAE 2 (Northeast Health Partners)
Covers northern and northeastern Colorado, including Greeley, Sterling, and other communities.
RAEs 3 and 5 (Colorado Access)
Covers most of the Denver metro area, including Aurora and surrounding cities. In parts of RAE 5, Colorado Access operates as Denver Health Medicaid Choice (DHMC). While DHMC affects medical provider choice, it uses Colorado Access's mental health network. Providers who accept Colorado Access can see clients with DHMC Medicaid.
RAE 4 (Health Colorado, Inc.)
Includes southern and southeastern Colorado, including Pueblo, Trinidad, Lamar, La Junta, and surrounding areas.
RAEs 6 and 7 (Colorado Community Health Alliance)
Serves the Colorado Springs area and portions of central Colorado. These RAEs also cover Boulder, Longmont, and all of Jefferson County, including cities in the Denver metro area like Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, and Westminster.
How RAEs Affect Telehealth Counseling
Your RAE determines which providers you can see and coordinates your care. Here's where things can get confusing with Telehealth counseling: you can see any provider via Telehealth who is in-network with your RAE. While networks vary slightly between RAEs, all Medicaid members have consistent access to Telehealth counseling as part of their benefits.
Fortunately, Woodswalk Counseling is in-network with all of Colorado's Medicaid RAEs, making the process much simpler!
Benefits of Telehealth Counseling for Medicaid Members
Telehealth counseling offers a range of benefits, especially for Medicaid members across Colorado:
Accessibility in Rural Areas
For residents of rural towns like Alamosa and Eagle, finding local therapists can be a challenge. Telehealth removes this barrier by connecting you to therapists anywhere in the state.
Flexibility and Convenience
Whether you’re balancing work, school, or family responsibilities, Telehealth counseling lets you fit therapy into your schedule without commuting.
Cost-Free Services
Under Medicaid, Telehealth therapy sessions are fully covered, so you can prioritize your mental health without financial stress.
How to Get Started with Medicaid and Telehealth Counseling
If you’re ready to explore Telehealth counseling, follow these steps:
Check Your RAE RegionLocate your RAE based on your location. This will determine the network of providers you can access. Not sure how? Reach out to us, and we can check it for you!
Search for Medicaid ProvidersMany therapists and counseling practices across Colorado accept Medicaid and offer Telehealth services. You can use the Health First Colorado website or contact your RAE for a provider directory.
Schedule Your First SessionOnce you’ve found a provider, contact them to schedule your first session. Most Telehealth platforms are user-friendly and require only a stable internet connection and a device.
Telehealth Counseling: A Convenient Option for Mental Health Support
Colorado’s Medicaid system and RAEs make it possible for everyone, regardless of income or location, to access high-quality mental health care. With Telehealth counseling, you can connect with a therapist from the comfort of your home, whether you’re in Fort Collins, Boulder, Colorado Springs, or Alamosa.
If you’re a Medicaid member and want to explore Telehealth counseling, reach out to us at info@woodswalkcounseling.com. We’d be happy to help!
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