This is the question I hear most often from potential clients who are seeking therapy.
It is true, I am one of the many therapists who does not accept insurance and there are several reasons why!
High Demand & Patient Care
Because there is a “high demand” for services when using health insurance, it is likely that you may have to wait for an open appointment at your therapist’s office. Potential clients may be placed on a “waitlist” until a time slot becomes available. This could then impact one’s overall mental health and well-being, especially in times of crisis. In addition to this, many therapists charge anywhere between $150-$350 per session; however, this does not matter when it comes to insurance reimbursement because the insurance companies set the rate for treatment. Most insurance companies pay therapists approximately $40-$90 AND require additional paperwork to receive payment. Since there is a higher need for treatment, less payment, and more work, many clinicians become burned out quite easily. If a therapist takes on more cases than they are capable of handling (because they are receiving less payment for the same level of care), it can become harmful for the client as well as the therapist. When therapists maintain a realistic caseload, they are more capable of focusing their attention on each specific case and even offer a higher quality of care to their existing clients.
Relational & Individual Therapy
When seeking help, it can become a bit more complicated to accommodate care for a couple or family in session. It is difficult because insurance companies must have an identified patient in order to cover the cost of the session-this can be difficult to determine when there are two individuals attending therapy and both are considered a priority in treatment. Though there are specific insurance guidelines for relational therapy, things can still get a little muddled and complicated.
High Demand & Patient Care
Because there is a “high demand” for services when using health insurance, it is likely that you may have to wait for an open appointment at your therapist’s office. Potential clients may be placed on a “waitlist” until a time slot becomes available. This could then impact one’s overall mental health and well-being, especially in times of crisis. In addition to this, many therapists charge anywhere between $150-$350 per session; however, this does not matter when it comes to insurance reimbursement because the insurance companies set the rate for treatment. Most insurance companies pay therapists approximately $40-$90 AND require additional paperwork to receive payment. Since there is a higher need for treatment, less payment, and more work, many clinicians become burned out quite easily. If a therapist takes on more cases than they are capable of handling (because they are receiving less payment for the same level of care), it can become harmful for the client as well as the therapist. When therapists maintain a realistic caseload, they are more capable of focusing their attention on each specific case and even offer a higher quality of care to their existing clients.
Relational & Individual Therapy
When seeking help, it can become a bit more complicated to accommodate care for a couple or family in session. It is difficult because insurance companies must have an identified patient in order to cover the cost of the session-this can be difficult to determine when there are two individuals attending therapy and both are considered a priority in treatment. Though there are specific insurance guidelines for relational therapy, things can still get a little muddled and complicated.
Issues for Reimbursement
Though the field of mental health continues to gain support, there are still obstacles for clinicians when it comes to obtaining reimbursement for the sessions that have already taken place. Can you believe it? Many licensed professionals and doctors wait as long as three months (sometimes more) for reimbursement! While a therapist’s heart is in the right place and they often want to offer help whenever they can, many therapists are responsible for supporting their own households and maintaining their businesses-this can be difficult when waiting for reimbursement.
At the end of the day, every clinician and every office has their preference when it comes to insurance.
However, there is good news!
Even if the therapist you prefer to work with does not accept insurance, he or she could still provide you with “Out of Network” coverage where they would create a “Super Bill” that you could then submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement directly.
A Super Bill is a receipt of services rendered and is accepted by most insurance companies.
Just remember, there are always options. Do not dismiss a therapist that could potentially be a good fit for you simply because they do not accept your insurance plan. Your mental health is important and many take advantage of out-of-network coverage.
