PAYING OUT-OF-POCKET

there are some benefits to paying out-of-pocket for services.

If you have the ability to choose between paying out of pocket and using insurance benefits to pay for counseling, it is helpful to understand how these payment routes are different. Understanding some of the pros and cons of using insurance vs paying out of pocket can allow you to make an informed choice about which is right for you.

Advantages of Using Insurance:

The main benefit to using insurance is the possibility that insurance will cover your sessions, allowing for increased access and sustainability of needed support services. Each insurance plan is different; your deductible, percentage covered for sessions, whether or not you have coinsurance or copayment fees associated with sessions, length of/ term of coverage, and requirements in order to process payment may all be different as well. Learning about what your insurance benefits cover or don’t cover, and any requirements, helps you be informed about your care.

Possible Advantages of Paying Out-of-Pocket:

MORE CHOICE

While searching for a therapist, it is not unusual to find that the provider you wish to see may not be in network with your insurance carrier. Each provider works with different carriers and plans. Sometimes, when using insurance to cover therapy, you will be restricted “in network providers”, and may find that many therapists are not in your network. Some insurance plans limit the types of services you can receive and the number of sessions covered within a calendar year. Paying for services out-of-pocket allows you to choose the therapist that you want to see, without needing to figure out co-pays, pre-autorization (required in some cases), or tracking possible deductibles and co-insurance costs. The relationship between a client and therapist is one of the strongest predictors for change in therapy. Ideally you can prioritize finding a therapist who feels like a good fit for you. When you have the ability to pay out of pocket, this can broaden your choices.

GREATER CONFIDENTIALITY 

Therapy often includes sensitive information that you may or may not want to share with others. In order to provide therapy services through insurance, at minimum, a therapist must submit a claim with a mental health diagnosis to ensure that services are "medically necessary." Many clients choose to pay out-of-pocket to keep their information private rather than have it recorded in their permanent health record.

NO CRITERIA 

Some  families, children, or individuals seek therapy as a place to address relational difficulties, to improve communication, or to focus on deepening their relationship to themselves or others. These can be rich, important, and rewarding goals for therapy; however, they may not cary a diagnosis that proves their medical necessity. Some folks seek therapy as a preventative measure and a way to learn new skills or prevent problems from getting worse. For these reasons and many others, individuals may not meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Paying out-of-pocket allows you seek therapy for personal growth. 
 

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I look forward to speaking with you.