Finding a counselor or therapist

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The short version

Counseling is your choice. At Boulder, counseling is not required to begin or continue treatment for opioid use.
Counseling can be an additional source of support. It can help you navigate challenges related to substance use, mental health, and everyday life while complementing medication treatment.
Your Boulder care team can help. If you're interested in exploring counseling, your care team can help you understand your options and connect with resources in your community.

Note: You may hear the terms counselor and therapist used interchangeably. Both provide support for mental health and emotional wellbeing, although their training, credentials, and areas of expertise may differ. For simplicity, we'll use the term "counselor" throughout this article to refer to both.

Choosing whether counseling is right for you

Recovery looks different for everyone, and there's no single approach that works for all. Some people find support through medication, peer-led groups, or the people in their lives. Counseling can be another option, a space to work through feelings, handle challenges, and build ways to cope.

Your needs and preferences may change over time. Your Boulder care team is here to help you explore different options and find what feels right for you, without pressure or judgment.

Different types of counseling and support

Individual counseling is one-on-one time with a counselor to talk about what matters to you. It can help you work through feelings and challenges, set personal goals, and learn new coping skills.

Group counseling brings people together in a group led by a trained mental health professional. It's a place to share experiences, learn from others, understand substance use better, and build skills that support your recovery.

Peer-led groups bring together people with shared lived experiences to offer mutual support, encouragement, and connection. Some well-known ones are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and Recovery Dharma. Each one works a little differently, so it's worth trying a few meetings to find one where you feel comfortable.

Many groups also meet online, so you can join from wherever feels comfortable. Check out our full list of online recovery support groups and meetings.

Why the right match matters

Every counselor has their own training and way of working, even two with similar backgrounds. Counseling tends to help more when you feel comfortable with the person, and when they listen to you and respect your choices.

If you've tried counseling before, think about what helped and what didn't. Some people want to talk about the past, some want to focus on what's going on right now, and others want to work toward future goals. There's no wrong answer.

Whether this is your first time or you're trying again after a while, finding the right person can take some time. It's okay to ask questions and try a few people, and your Boulder care team can help.

How to find a counselor

There are many different ways to explore counseling options, and you can start wherever feels easiest. Here are a few places to look:

Your Boulder care team. Message your care team, and they can help you find counselors near you.
Your insurance. If you have health insurance, you can search your plan's website or call your insurance company to find counselors who accept your coverage.
An online search. Many counselors have websites that share where they work, how they work, and which insurance they take.
Someone you trust. A friend, family member, or someone with a similar concern may be able to recommend someone.
Your primary care provider. They can talk through what you're looking for and refer you to a counselor.

You can try a consultation first

Many counselors offer a short consultation, often about 15 minutes by phone or video, where they introduce themselves and answer your questions. It's a good way to get a feel for someone before you commit to anything. You can talk with more than one counselor and take your time deciding.

Questions you can ask

You don't have to ask all of these. Pick the ones that matter most to you, and notice how it feels to hear their answers.

Their experience

What kind of license do you have, and how long have you been practicing?
How much experience do you have with people who share my concern?
Do you take a trauma-informed approach?

Their approach

What's your counseling style? Can you give me an example?
How will we work together on my goals?

Their view on substance use

How do you support people who are using substances, including those who return to use?
Do you expect me to stop using substances completely before we work together?

Insurance and cost

Do you accept my insurance?
Do you bill my insurance directly, or do I send them the information?
How much will each visit cost me?

How visits work

What can I expect during each visit and between visits?
How often will we meet, and for how long?
Do you offer virtual visits?
What's your policy on canceling?

Next steps

How do I make an appointment?
Is there anything I should know before my first visit?

Shared experiences and identities

You may feel more comfortable with a counselor who understands your background, identity, culture, or lived experiences. It's okay to ask about their experience working with people who share similar perspectives or experiences, while respecting their choice about what personal information they share.

After your first meeting

It can help to jot down a few notes soon after. You might ask yourself:

Did I feel heard, respected, and comfortable?
Did their approach fit what I'm looking for?
What did I like, and what didn't I like?
Is there anything I still want to know?

If you have more questions, you can set up another time to talk with them.

What if it doesn't feel right?

Building trust can take time, but you don't have to keep seeing a counselor who doesn't feel right. You can move on and find someone new, or try a few sessions before you decide.

Your Boulder care team can help you think it through. A good counselor wants what's best for you, and they may even recommend someone who's a better fit.

What matters most is finding someone you feel safe with, who respects your choices and supports your goals.