Using insurance for health care needs can be very helpful. When it comes to therapy, however, I believe I can offer even better service by using private-pay billing. Here's why:
1. I don't want to label my clients. In order to have your insurance company pay for therapy you have to be labeled with a mental health disorder diagnosis. I prefer not to think of you as "a disorder."
2. It could impact your future health insurance benefits. If you needed to apply for health insurance in the future, having such a diagnosis on your medical record can potentially make you ineligible, or it could significantly raise the cost of the insurance.
3. Lowers your confidentiality. Insurance companies require periodic reports that state you continue to have this mental health disorder. This report would need to show that you are still mentally unwell; it's possible that as many as 14 people at the insurance company could review this report.
4. Could limit the time we can work together. A person from the insurance company will review these reports to decide whether or not the company will continue to pay for services. They will determine whether or not we can continue working together. I prefer that this decision be made between us, not an outsider who does not know your needs or wishes.
1. I don't want to label my clients. In order to have your insurance company pay for therapy you have to be labeled with a mental health disorder diagnosis. I prefer not to think of you as "a disorder."
2. It could impact your future health insurance benefits. If you needed to apply for health insurance in the future, having such a diagnosis on your medical record can potentially make you ineligible, or it could significantly raise the cost of the insurance.
3. Lowers your confidentiality. Insurance companies require periodic reports that state you continue to have this mental health disorder. This report would need to show that you are still mentally unwell; it's possible that as many as 14 people at the insurance company could review this report.
4. Could limit the time we can work together. A person from the insurance company will review these reports to decide whether or not the company will continue to pay for services. They will determine whether or not we can continue working together. I prefer that this decision be made between us, not an outsider who does not know your needs or wishes.
If you would like to try and pursue reimbursement for sessions from your insurance I can provide you a statement with sessions, summary of costs, and a diagnosis.
