New Law Affects Unlicensed Psychotherapists
Recent legislative changes will affect the registered psychotherapist profession. HB20-1206 Sunset Mental Health Professionals includes a provision that changes the title “registered psychotherapist” to “unlicensed psychotherapist” for all current psychotherapists on the registry, and discontinues the registration of any new psychotherapists. In addition, the new law states that any person practicing psychotherapy must be registered before the effective date of this new provision. The new law will go into effect immediately upon Governor Polis’ signature.
Please be advised the Division of Professions and Occupations will no longer accept any new applications for registered psychotherapists after the bill goes into effect, and only those already on the registry can lawfully practice psychotherapy in Colorado.
If you have questions, please send them to dora_dpo@state.co.us.
Forms: All Unlicensed Psychotherapist applications and forms are available below:
- Unlicensed Psychotherapist Applications and Forms
- Jurisprudence Resources
- Mental Health Credentials Chart
Communication from the Division: The Division of Professions and Occupations\' primary communication is via email. Please be sure to include your current email address on your application to receive important information about your application status and process.
License Expiration Bump Period for New Applicants: All new applicants who are issued a license within 120 days of the upcoming renewal expiration date will be issued a license with the next expiration date.
License Renewal Information: All Unlicensed Psychotherapist registrations expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years. View your expiration date on your online account. Please note that renewals open approximately six weeks prior to the expiration date.