Telehealth vs. In-Person Therapy in Colorado: What’s Right for You?

Since 2020, telehealth has become a familiar way for many Coloradans to access mental health support. Whether you live in Boulder, Denver, or a more rural area of the state, therapy is now more accessible than ever before. But with so many options available, you might be wondering: Should I go with in-person therapy, or is telehealth enough?

At Thrive, we offer both. Here’s what you should know when deciding what works best for you or your family.

The Case for In-Person Therapy

In-person sessions offer something uniquely grounding. You’re in a room with your therapist—no screens, no tech glitches, just a quiet space that’s fully yours for 50 minutes. For some clients, that physical container creates a strong sense of presence and trust.

In Colorado, many people choose in-person sessions for:

  • Somatic or body-based therapy, which can benefit from physical cues and in-room tools

  • Children and adolescents, especially for play therapy or attention challenges

  • People feeling burned out on screens or who process better in a shared environment

  • Clients seeking deeper relational or trauma work that feels more connected in person

Our Boulder office is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and private—and our therapists are happy to see clients in-person when it’s a good fit.

The Case for Telehealth Therapy

Telehealth is here to stay—and for good reason. Colorado law allows licensed therapists to provide care via secure video platforms anywhere in the state. That means whether you’re in Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, or even a mountain town like Steamboat or Durango, you can still work with a skilled therapist who fits your needs.

Telehealth may be ideal if:

  • You need flexibility with your schedule or commute

  • You live in a rural or underserved area

  • You have mobility or health concerns

  • You’re a busy parent or professional looking to fit therapy into a full day

  • You’ve already built a relationship with a therapist and want to maintain continuity remotely

At Thrive, all of our telehealth sessions are HIPAA-compliant and easy to access through our secure client portal—no downloads or tech skills required.

What Colorado Law Says

Colorado has strong protections in place for telehealth services. Most insurance plans in Colorado are required to cover telehealth sessions the same way they would cover in-person therapy, as long as the therapist is licensed in the state.

If you’re not sure how your plan handles telehealth, we’re happy to help verify your benefits and walk you through what’s covered.

A Hybrid Approach? That’s an Option Too.

Some Thrive clients use a mix of in-person and telehealth sessions, depending on their needs each week. For example, you might come into the office once a month for somatic work and use telehealth in between for talk therapy. Or you might start telehealth-only and shift to in-person as your comfort grows.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—and we’re here to help you find what works for you.

Looking for a therapist who offers both options?

We have clinicians across Colorado who are ready to support you—whether you’re logging in from home or walking into our Boulder or Denver offices. Complete our intake form to get started.

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