Levels of regulation applicable to mental health professionals

The practice of licensed or registered persons in the field of psychotherapy is regulated by the Mental Health Licensing Section of the Division of Professions and Occupations. The Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners and the Board of Social Work Examiners can be reached at 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, Colorado 80202, (303) 894-7800.

A registered Psychotherapist is a psychotherapist listed in the State’s database and is authorized by law to practice psychotherapy in Colorado, but is not licensed by the state and is not required to satisfy any standardized educational or testing requirements to obtain a registration from the state.

A Certified Addiction Counselor Technician (CACT) must be a high school graduate or equivalent, complete required training hours and 1,000 hours of supervised experience, and pass the NCACI and Colorado Jurisprudence exams.

A Certified Addiction Counselor Specialist (CACS) must have a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health field, complete the CAC T requirements, and obtain additional required training hours, 1,000 additional hours of supervised experience, and pass the NCACII and Colorado Jurisprudence exams.

A Licensed Addiction Counselor must have a clinical master’s degree, meet the CAC S requirements, complete and additional 1,000 hours of supervised work experience and pass the MAC and Colorado Jurisprudence exams.

A Licensed Social Worker must hold a master’s degree from a graduate school of social work and pass an examination in social work.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker must hold a master’s or doctorate degree from a graduate school of social work, practiced as a social worker for at least two years and pass an examination in social work.

A Psychologist Candidate, a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, and a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate must hold the necessary licensing degree and be in the process of completing the required supervision for licensure.

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family counseling, have at least two years post-master’s or one year post-doctoral practice and pass an exam in marriage and family therapy.

A Licensed Professional Counselor must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in professional counseling, have at least two years post-master’s or one year professional counseling, have at least two years post-master’s or one year post-doctoral practice, and pass an exam in professional counseling.

A Licensed Psychologist must hold a doctorate degree in psychology, have one year of post-doctoral supervision and pass an examination in psychology.