What are the benefits of private pay?

I have chosen not to participate with insurance panels, which means I am not considered an "in-network" provider. As a result, I do not file claims or accept direct payment from insurance companies. This decision is rooted in my belief in practicing therapy from a holistic and collaborative standpoint. With insurance, there is an expectation that therapy will be focused and centered around treating a specific diagnosis. Rather than centering our time on a specific diagnosis, I prioritize treating you as an individual with evolving needs. I believe this personalized approach aligns better with my professional understanding of mental health and promotes autonomy in the therapeutic process.

1. Increased privacy*:  When you use insurance, your personal information and diagnosis are shared with your insurance company. This could compromise your privacy and confidentiality. Having a diagnosis on record with your insurance could potentially impact your career, security clearances, and your ability to obtain life, health, and/or disability insurance.

2. No diagnosis required*:  I do not believe that seeking help should be contingent upon meeting diagnostic requirements. However, when you use insurance, a diagnosis is required to "justify" your therapy services. It is important to be aware that insurance coverage is often limited to specific diagnoses, and they may deny authorization or payment if the diagnosis is not within their approved list. This can happen after you have already received services. As a clinician, it can be difficult for me to reach an "insurance-approved" diagnosis that becomes a permanent part of your health record after just one session. I believe that a single 45-52 minute appointment is insufficient to fully grasp the complexities of your unique life experiences. Moreover, I firmly believe that therapy should not require a diagnosis as a prerequisite for participation.

3. More comprehensive and holistic approach:  Insurance policies rely on the Medical Model, which unintentionally categorizes normal human emotions and experiences like sadness, anxiety, and grief as pathological conditions. Consequently, this contributes to the negative stigma surrounding mental health conditions. By not being bound by insurance limitations, I can provide a holistic approach that does not strictly adhere to the Medical Model. Instead, I integrate the Social Model and Biopsychosocial Model in my work with clients. These models acknowledge that health is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, recognizing the importance of our social and cultural context in shaping our well-being.

4. Flexibility:  With private pay, you are in control of the length and frequency of sessions. When you use insurance, there are often limits on the type, length, frequency and duration of treatment. When paying privately, you have the freedom to have more than one session a week, sessions that last over 45 or 52 minutes, or multiple sessions in a day. This also guarantees we can continue to meet virtually, as some insurance companies may limit or discontinue virtual and audio coverage.

5. Focus on your needs:  When therapy is paid for privately, the focus can be solely on your needs and goals, rather than being influenced by insurance requirements or limitations. Our work together is personalized to fit you.