The True Cost of Using Insurance for Therapy

Seeing a therapist can be a beneficial and valuable experience for many people, but using insurance to cover the cost of therapy may not always be the best option. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider paying for therapy out-of-pocket instead of using insurance:

1. Confidentiality: When you use insurance to pay for therapy, your insurer will have access to your mental health records. This can be a concern for some people who value their privacy and want to keep their therapy sessions confidential. By paying for therapy out-of-pocket, you can maintain control over who has access to your records.
2. Limited choices: Insurance companies often have a limited network of therapists that they will cover. This means that you may not be able to see the therapist of your choice if they are not in your insurer’s network. By paying for therapy out-of-pocket, you can choose the therapist who is right for you, regardless of whether they are in your insurer’s network.
3. Insurance Dictates Your Treatment: That’s right. Insurance companies can dictate how many sessions you can attend and what type of treatment is appropriate. We do not believe insurance companies have your best interest in mind when selecting a treatment plan and prefer to keep them out of your mental health plan.
4. Out-of-pocket expenses: Even if you have insurance, you may still have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses for therapy. These can include copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. In some cases, the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket can be substantial. By paying for therapy out-of-pocket, you may be able to save money in the long run, especially if you have a high deductible plan.
   
   Most insurance companies provide some sort of out-of-network benefits that can be used when paying out-of-pocket. The cost of private pay therapy can be counted towards your deductible or even be partially reimbursed greatly reducing the cost of private-pay therapy. Every plan and policy is different so always call your provider to ask for details on your out of network benefits.
5. Better outcomes: Some studies have found that people who pay for therapy out-of-pocket tend to have better outcomes than those who use insurance. This may be because people who pay out-of-pocket are more committed to their therapy and may be more likely to attend sessions regularly.

Overall, while using insurance to pay for therapy can be cost effective, it may not always be the best option. If you value confidentiality, want more control and choice, want to save money, or want to improve your therapy outcomes, you might want to consider paying for therapy out-of-pocket.