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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Denver, CO


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Denver, CO
Addiction recovery support in Denver connects you with 1,248 licensed providers experienced in evidence-based approaches like CBT, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies. Headway offers flexible virtual and in-person sessions with free consultations, helping you access care within days while working with your insurance to keep costs manageable.
I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who works from the belief that people are not broken—and that many of the struggles we call “mental illness” make sense when we look at trauma, context, and lived experience. I’m especially attuned to the ways mental health systems, stigma, and labels can unintentionally cause harm, and I aim to practice in a way that feels respectful, collaborative, and deeply human.
My approach is unconventional and trauma-informed, influenced by perspectives like those of Gabor Maté, which emphasize compassion, curiosity, and understanding symptoms as meaningful responses rather than defects. I do not believe in rushing to pathologize the human experience. As Joni Mitchell once reflected about depression, sometimes what we’re feeling is not an illness to be fixed, but a signal—an honest response to pain, loss, or a world that has not been kind.
I hold a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Somatic Therapy. I have worked for numerous years as a coach, therapist, and instructor for mental health centers and now private practice. I have specific training to trauma and see clients from a wide scope of backgrounds including anxiety, depression, postpartum issues, relationship issues, and life transitions and grief and loss.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve tried therapy before and felt like it didn’t quite click. My approach is active, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when we learn new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to our emotions—not just talking about them.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a trauma-informed lens, specializing in addiction, women’s issues, adolescents, anxiety, and depression. I also have experience supporting parents and individuals impacted by a loved one’s substance use, including navigating boundaries, codependency, burnout, and complicated emotions such as guilt, fear, and grief.
I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel accepted, understood, and gently challenged to grow. Many clients tell me they appreciate that our work goes beyond listening alone—we focus on learning practical skills and applying them to real-life situations.
I also have a background in Christianity and am comfortable integrating faith and spirituality into therapy when desired by the client. I respect each person’s beliefs and values and approach spiritual topics with openness, curiosity, and sensitivity.
Many of the men I work with feel cut off from their emotions, weighed down by anxiety, and uncertain about how to manage stress at work or at home. Together, we uncover what’s getting in the way, rebuild connection to self, and cultivate the tools needed for healthier relationships and a more balanced, rewarding life.
I am a published researcher and licensed professional counselor with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology.
I am trained in the scientist-practitioner model and strive to ensure my clinical approach to therapy is informed by up-to-date and cutting edge research. I strive to create a safe and judgement-free therapeutic relationship where we can collaborate to accomplish your goals.
I offer virtual or in-person therapy sessions in Castle Rock, Colorado. I know what it's like to struggle with depression, addiction, and narcissistic abuse. I became a therapist and an energy healer after going through my own "dark night of the soul." Many clients tell me that they relate to me because I have been though similar experiences and know what it's like to push through depression, and overcome addiction and trauma. My goal isn't to help you merely mask symptoms, but to help you navigate through them while healing the underlying roots, staying grounded, and discovering your most authentic self and a life of fulfillment and thriving.
I use Post-Induction Therapy to heal relational trauma. I have worked everywhere from juevnille correctional settings to affluent Residential Facilities with Professional adults. I honor all clients to be completely understood and how it impacts Love for ourselves, Family and Spiritual engagement. My earnest hope is that we develop courage (Animo) and no client feels like they are wasting time in therapy.
I'm Nicole Shelton, a double board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN, PMHNP, FNP). My experience in ICU and the ER informs my holistic approach to care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma across the lifespan. As a military wife and mother, I emphasize lifestyle balance, encouraging patients to integrate nutrition and exercise. I am dedicated to breaking mental health stigma and advocating for veterans and those impacted by trauma, ensuring you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your journey.
I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.
My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.
I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.
What clients should know before starting
Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.
If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Denver, CO
Finding addiction therapists in Denver starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, prescription substance concerns, gambling, or other behavioral patterns. As you compare therapists, look for experience with approaches like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, and coordination with medication support when needed. Some people also work with a prescriber as part of their care team.
Denver has many therapists across neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, LoDo, and surrounding areas, which can make the search easier to start and harder to narrow. Consider whether you prefer an in-person office you can reach by car, transit, or walking, or a virtual appointment that fits your schedule. Recovery can involve changes over time, so it helps to look for a therapist who describes a nonjudgmental approach and experience with harm reduction or substance use care. Reading therapist bios can show how they talk about addiction, what session structure may look like, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.
Therapy in Denver can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care starts. Headway helps you find many therapists who accept insurance, are accepting new patients, and offer upfront cost estimates after you enter your insurance details. You can browse profiles, compare availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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