Why we don’t accept insurance for therapy
Why don’t you accept insurance for your therapy or other services?
We get asked every single day by people if we accept insurance for counseling services.
We will share just a few reasons why we don’t. There was a time when we did and it was not to the advantage of the clients. Therefore we have made the decision to no longer accept insurance.
Reduced Ability to Choose
Most insurance companies offer limited options for mental health coverage. In order to be covered, you must explain to an insurance representative (who may not be a mental health professional) why you need mental health services. They make a determination as to whether you will be covered and offer a predetermined number of sessions allowed (8-10 is average). As a client, you are given a limited list of providers to choose from and a limited time to accomplish mental health goals.
Pre-Authorization and Reduced Confidentiality
Insurance typically authorizes a few therapy sessions at a time. When these sessions are finished, your therapist must justify the need for continued services. Sometimes additional sessions are not authorized, leading to an end of the therapeutic relationship even if therapeutic goals are not completely met. Confidentiality cannot be assured or guaranteed when an insurance company requires information to approve continued services. Even if the therapist justifies the need for ongoing services, your insurance company may decline services.
Negative Impacts of a Psychiatric Diagnosis
Insurance companies require clinicians to give a mental health diagnosis (i.e., “major depression” or “obsessive-compulsive disorder”) for reimbursement. Impacting you accordingly: Denial of insurance when applying for disability or life insurance; Company (mis)control of information when claims are processed; Loss of confidentiality due to the increased number of persons handling claims; Loss of employment and/or repercussions of a diagnosis in situations where you may be required to reveal a mental health disorder diagnosis on your record.
This includes but is not limited to: applying for a job, financial aid, and/or concealed weapons permits. A psychiatric diagnosis can be brought into a court case (ie: divorce court, family law, criminal, etc.).
We would not be allowed to offer reduced fees to non-insurance clients
We are currently able to offer services at a variety of rates (including significantly reduced rates) to meet the needs of all clients. Insurance companies dictate what we must charge or it is considered insurance fraud. This creates less opportunity for mental health treatment overall.
Less time working with clients
The astounding amount of time required to process claims, defend treatment plans, and send additional documentation to insurance companies lessens our time available to actually see clients. Our goals are focused on helping you feel better, not equipping an insurance company to continue limiting your healing process.
Our clients want to have control & choice in their care.
Not being limited to a specific provider, pre-determined number of sessions, psychiatric diagnosis, and time offer more options and freedom in your healing process.
You can focus on the work of learning new skills, coping strategies, and increase your personal awareness of how you interact with others and what values are important to you in relationships and life at your own pace.
We do want to note that some clients are able to receive reimbursement from their insurance companies but it is limited and based on pre-approval from your insurance company. Please contact your insurance company to see if you can be reimbursed for services.
Also, many clients have used HSA or FSA accounts to pay for services.
We offer significantly reduced session fees with our pre-licensed therapists who are under supervision and training.
We also offer groups throughout the year that help you make progress and gain support when therapy is not an economical decision.
The bottom line is this: we are here to focus on client wellness and progress. We are committed to helping you find hope & healing…that’s not limited by red tape. 🚩