1. CBT Denver (NSAC Denver)
Credentials: Dr. Kristen Pieracci, founder, trained in multiple evidence-based treatments. Former Senior Instructor and Co-Director of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy program at the University of Colorado Depression Center. Former Senior Staff member at the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in New York City.
Specialization: Social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, insomnia, trauma, OCD, and other conditions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Behavioral Activation (BA), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), and EMDR for PTSD.
Populations Served: Adults seeking evidence-based treatment for anxiety, mood disorders, and related conditions. Clients throughout Colorado and PSYPACT participating states.
Background: NSAC Denver affiliate. All clinicians are experts in evidence-based treatments. Approach is goal-oriented, practical, and collaborative. Staff engages in supervision, training, workshop development, and maintains relationships with local organizations and providers. Dr. Pieracci’s approach is skills-based, short-term, and compassionate.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at central Denver location. Teletherapy available throughout Colorado and PSYPACT states.
Location: Central Denver, CO
Contact: https://www.cbtdenver.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation information.
2. Anxiety Solutions of Denver
Credentials: Dr. Michael Stein, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder. Dr. Camaione, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Psychology Today official expert contributors on anxiety and OCD.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), LGBTQ+ community mental health, mood-based and behavioral challenges, ADHD.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with emphasis on Exposure Therapy. Evidence-based treatment methods proven through decades of research. Action-oriented approach teaching clients exactly what to do about their problems.
Populations Served: Children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders and OCD. LGBTQ+ individuals. Individuals seeking intensive, results-focused treatment.
Background: Founded in 2010 by Dr. Michael Stein. Practice differentiated by active approach (showing clients what to do rather than just talking), exclusive use of evidence-based methods, and streamlined administrative processes including fast response times, online scheduling, and automated billing. Dr. Stein recognized by colleagues as one of the most effective therapists for anxiety and OCD.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth sessions available.
Location: Denver, CO
Contact: https://effectivetherapysolutions.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to get started with treatment.
3. Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center
Credentials: Team of licensed psychologists utilizing evidence-based treatment methods.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders including panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, specific phobias, and OCD.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) utilizing most up-to-date techniques customized to individual needs. Treatment methods developed through scientific research and documented for clinical effectiveness.
Populations Served: Adults seeking comprehensive psychological care for anxiety-related conditions.
Background: Practice provides comprehensive psychological care with exclusive focus on evidence-based treatment methods. CBT approach based on recognition that thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviors are interrelated. Goal is to help people recognize negative and unproductive thoughts and replace them with more positive, productive, and logical thoughts.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Denver office. HIPAA-secure telehealth available for those preferring treatment from home.
Location: Denver, CO
Contact: https://coloradoanxietycenter.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to discuss treatment options.
4. Dr. Debbie Sorensen, PhD
Credentials: PhD in Psychology from Harvard University. Licensed clinical psychologist in Colorado (License #3458). Authority to Practice Telepsychology through PSYPACT.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, professional development, burnout, chronic pain, health anxiety.
Therapy Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Effective, research-based approaches helping clients reduce suffering and make lasting changes.
Populations Served: Adults seeking individual therapy.
Background: Clinical psychologist in private practice with training and experience in multiple therapeutic approaches. ACT specialty focuses on helping people change their relationships with thoughts and emotions to build self-awareness and create more meaningful, vital, and fulfilling lives.
Insurance Accepted: Private pay practice. Referrals to less expensive options available upon request.
Session Format: Online video sessions via secure telehealth platform for clients anywhere in Colorado. In-person sessions available during office hours (typically four days per week, 8:30 am to 3 pm). Sessions can switch to online during illness, weather, or COVID exposure.
Location: Denver, CO
Contact: https://www.drdebbiesorensen.com
Initial Consultation: Free 20-minute phone consultation available.
5. CBT 4 Anxiety
Credentials: Josh Kaplan, Licensed Therapist and founder. Over 10 years of specialized experience treating anxiety disorders, OCD, and depression.
Specialization: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, depression.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Exposure Therapy, Behavioral Activation. Evidence-based methods offering more active and impactful approach than traditional talk therapy.
Populations Served: Adults, teens, and children with anxiety disorders, OCD, and depression. Individuals seeking to reclaim their lives from these challenging disorders.
Background: Founded by Josh Kaplan who has personal experience with anxiety, providing profound understanding of its painful and debilitating aspects. Over a decade guiding and empowering clients to recovery. Licensed in multiple states including CO, NV, AZ, NJ, WA, UT, and IL for expanded telehealth reach.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions throughout the Denver area. Online sessions available in CO, NV, AZ, NJ, WA, UT, and IL.
Location: Denver, CO area (in-person); Multiple states (telehealth)
Contact: https://www.cbt4anxiety.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to begin recovery process.
Mental Health Industry in Colorado
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Denver range from $150 to $250 per session depending on provider credentials and experience. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) typically charge $125 to $175 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $175 to $300 per session. Dr. Debbie Sorensen’s rate is $250 for a 50-minute session. Psychiatrists may charge $250 to $400 for sessions including medication management.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Colorado, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate supervised professional experience as required by the Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum passing score is required. Colorado requires continuing education for license renewal.
Telehealth Regulations
Colorado permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Colorado is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. The state has supportive telehealth policies that expanded during COVID-19 and have been maintained.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Colorado has strong mental health parity laws requiring health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equivalent to physical health conditions. Recent legislation has strengthened enforcement mechanisms. The federal MHPAEA applies to group health plans.
Professional Organizations
The Colorado Psychological Association (CPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Colorado Chapter of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides specialized resources. The National Social Anxiety Center has a Denver affiliate (CBT Denver).
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Denver has a growing mental health workforce with psychology programs at University of Denver, University of Colorado, and other institutions. Wait times for new patients typically range from two to four weeks depending on provider and specialty. The state has invested in expanding mental health access in recent years.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Denver, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, trauma/PTSD, substance use concerns, and stress related to altitude adjustment and outdoor recreation pressures. The city’s active lifestyle culture sometimes contributes to perfectionism and burnout concerns.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Colorado Behavioral Health Administration oversees community mental health programs. Mental Health Center of Denver provides comprehensive community mental health services. Colorado Crisis Services offers 24/7 support at 1-844-493-8255.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CBT and ACT for anxiety treatment?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that maintain anxiety. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), offered by Denver psychologists like Dr. Debbie Sorensen, focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, while committing to actions aligned with personal values. Both are evidence-based, and Denver practices like CBT Denver offer both approaches.
How effective is Exposure Therapy for OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of exposure therapy, is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD with approximately 70-80% of patients showing significant improvement. Anxiety Solutions of Denver reports clients experiencing dramatic symptom reduction, with some achieving full recovery in a few months of treatment.
Are there specialized OCD treatment options in Denver?
Yes, multiple Denver practices specialize in OCD treatment. Anxiety Solutions of Denver was founded in 2010 specifically for anxiety and OCD. CBT Denver (NSAC Denver) and CBT 4 Anxiety also provide specialized ERP treatment. Look for therapists with specific ERP training and experience.
What training indicates expertise in evidence-based anxiety treatment?
Look for training from recognized institutions like the University of Colorado Depression Center (where CBT Denver’s Dr. Pieracci served as DBT program Co-Director), American Institute for Cognitive Therapy, or Harvard University (Dr. Sorensen). Psychology Today expert contributor status (like Anxiety Solutions) also indicates recognized expertise.
Can I receive therapy from a Denver psychologist if I live elsewhere in Colorado?
Yes, many Denver psychologists offer telehealth throughout Colorado. Dr. Debbie Sorensen and others provide video sessions to clients anywhere in the state. Through PSYPACT, some psychologists can also see clients in other participating states. CBT 4 Anxiety is licensed in seven states for expanded telehealth access.