Video Therapy for Teens in Colorado: Accessible, Affordable, and Covered by Medicaid

As of 2024, Colorado faces one of the most serious mental health crises in the nation. Our state ranks second worst for mental health prevalence, behind only Oregon, and suicide rates here remain consistently above the national average—the 10th highest in the country. Low-income workers, in particular, die by suicide at higher rates than any other group. At the same time, adults in Colorado report high rates of depression, with 18.5% self-reporting depression in 2020.

Teens are especially vulnerable. Nationwide, about 18% of U.S. teens aged 12–17 reported having at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Even more alarming, 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Add in an epidemic of loneliness—where many teens spend hours on their phones after school until they fall asleep—and the need for accessible therapy has never been more urgent.

Why Video Therapy Matters for Teens and Families

One of the most powerful solutions to this crisis is video-based therapy, also called teletherapy. It has become a lifeline for families across Colorado, offering:

• Convenience & Access: No travel required—perfect for busy families, rural communities, or those without reliable transportation.

• Reduced Stigma: Teens often feel safer opening up in their own room rather than sitting in a waiting room.

• Affordability: If your family has Medicaid, therapy may cost nothing. In fact, it’s illegal for providers to charge families for counseling if they have an active Medicaid plan. Many parents don’t realize this and ask about fees, but virtual therapy through Medicaid is completely covered.

  
  

Organizations like Dynamic Counseling in Colorado partner with Medicaid (CHP+, CHIP+, and other programs) to deliver high-quality teletherapy for children, teens, and families.

Jonathan Haidt on Teen Anxiety and Loneliness

Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has written extensively about the roots of teen anxiety:

• “People don’t get depressed when they face threats collectively; they get depressed when they feel isolated, lonely, or useless.”

• He also observes that “we’ve overprotected our children in the real world and underprotected them online.”

  
  

Today’s teens may spend their nights on chat apps or gaming with friends, trying to meet their need for connection. But too often, this leaves them more anxious, more isolated, and sleep-deprived. Teletherapy offers a healthier alternative: a way for teens to connect with trained counselors who understand what they’re going through and can provide professional, confidential support.

How Teletherapy Helps Combat Loneliness

Video therapy creates meaningful human connection, countering the isolation that Haidt and others identify as one of the most dangerous mental health risks. It provides:

• Consistent support: Weekly or biweekly check-ins that help teens stay grounded.

• Early intervention: Addressing anxiety, depression, or online-related stress before it becomes overwhelming.

• Family involvement: Parents can join sessions, learn strategies, or access parenting support—all via video, all often covered by Medicaid.

Taking the First Step: Medicaid Coverage for Teletherapy

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP coverage, you already have access to counseling services at no out-of-pocket cost. Here’s how to get started:

1. Check your benefits: Confirm your child’s coverage through Medicaid or CHIP.

2. Contact a local provider: Many telehealth providers, including those in Colorado Springs, accept Medicaid.

3. Explore trusted networks: In Colorado, providers like Dynamic Counseling are dedicated to making therapy accessible to every family.

   
   

Support for Parents, Too

Video therapy isn’t just for teens—parents can access resources as well. Many providers offer parent coaching, family therapy, and support groups, all Medicaid-covered. This helps parents learn strategies to support their children, while also receiving their own emotional guidance.

It’s Not Too Late

The mental health statistics in Colorado are sobering, but there is hope. Video-based counseling gives teens a lifeline of connection, guidance, and care—without barriers of cost, transportation, or stigma.

Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, or the effects of too much screen time, teletherapy can help them rebuild balance and connection. With Medicaid coverage, it’s often free.

In a world where loneliness and isolation are taking a toll on young people, teletherapy is one of the most powerful tools we have to give Colorado teens the support they deserve.