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). Takes effect August 12, 2026 (enacted without a safety clause).
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
Signed into law June 3, 2026; effective August 12, 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 June 20, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.