You’re on the hunt for a therapist and finally find one you want to see! Then, you realize they don’t accept your insurance. There’s a host of reasons that providers may not accept insurance, leading a growing number of practices to be strictly “private pay.” The cost of therapy can be a barrier for many people, and navigating insurance can be confusing and time-consuming. Paying for mental health counseling in cash may seem daunting, but there are several benefits to consider.
- No insurance required
When you pay for mental health counseling in cash, you don’t have to worry about navigating insurance or dealing with copays and deductibles. This means you can choose any therapist you want without worrying about whether they accept your insurance. Additionally, some people may prefer to keep their mental health treatment separate from their insurance records for privacy reasons.
- Increased flexibility
Paying for mental health counseling in cash gives you increased flexibility in terms of scheduling and session length. Some insurance plans limit the number of sessions you can have or require pre-authorization for each session. When you pay in cash, you can work with your therapist to design a treatment plan that fits your unique needs and schedule.
- More control over treatment
When you pay for mental health counseling in cash, you have more control over your treatment. Insurance companies may require a certain diagnosis or type of therapy, which may not be the best fit for your specific needs. In fact, therapists are required to provide insurance companies a diagnosis during the first session. When you pay in cash, you can work with your therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your individual circumstances and goals, and doesn’t necessarily result in a diagnosis.
- Potentially lower cost
Depending on your policy, copays for therapy can cost the same or more than the cash rate, especially if you are able to be reimbursed. If you would like to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for out-of-network coverage, please check your policy carefully and ask the following questions of your insurance company:
- How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network mental health provider?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many mental health sessions per calendar year does my insurance plan cover? Is there a limit to how many sessions I can participate in per week/month/year?
- How do I submit receipts for reimbursement for therapy with an out-of-network provider?
Still can’t afford your therapist’s fee? Ask about the “sliding-fee scale.” Providers often budget for a portion of their services to be offered at a reduced rate to help those in need.
- Increased privacy
Paying for mental health counseling out-of-pocket can also increase your privacy. When you use insurance to pay for therapy, your mental health information is shared with the insurance company and potentially other providers. However, when you pay in cash, everything stays between you and your therapist, which can help you feel more comfortable sharing personal information.
While paying for mental health counseling can be a pain to budget for, it can provide numerous benefits, including increased flexibility, control, and privacy. If you’re considering therapy but are hesitant about navigating insurance, privately paying for services may be a good option for you. If you want to explore your options, reach out for a consultation today.
