CO AI Psychotherapy Restrictions
Colorado Psychotherapy Artificial Intelligence Restrictions (HB26-1195)
Prohibits licensed mental health professionals from using AI to detect emotions, generate treatment plans without clinician review, or directly interact with clients therapeutically. Allows AI for administrative support with consent.
Jurisdiction
Colorado
Enacted
Jun 3, 2026
Effective
Aug 12, 2026
Enforcement
Colorado Attorney General (Consumer Protection Act)
Signed by Governor Polis on June 3, 2026 (Chapter 358). Took effect August 12, 2026, the default effective date for 2026 legislation enacted without a safety clause. The Colorado General Assembly bill record shows no action after the June 3, 2026 signing (no referendum petition, no recorded legal challenge as of August 16, 2026).
Colorado General AssemblyWhy It Matters
Establishes clear regulatory boundary between AI tools and licensed psychotherapy practice in Colorado, complementing the state's existing Colorado AI Act (us-co-ai-act) with sector-specific restrictions.
Recent Developments
In effect since August 12, 2026. No amendments, referendum petition, or reported court challenge appear on the official bill record as of August 16, 2026.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Licensed psychologists
- Professional counselors
- Social workers and clinical social workers
- Marriage and family therapists
- Addiction counselors
- Unlicensed psychotherapists
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Prohibits AI from detecting emotions or mental states in therapeutic contexts
- Prohibits AI from generating treatment plans without clinician review and approval
- Prohibits AI from directly interacting with clients therapeutically
- Requires written informed consent for AI session recording or transcription
- Allows AI for administrative tasks (scheduling, billing, recordkeeping)
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
Fines under Colorado Consumer Protection Act
View on map
Colorado
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
Colorado. (2026). Colorado Psychotherapy Artificial Intelligence Restrictions (HB26-1195).
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Last updated August 16, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.