Why Private Pay?
Here’s Why I Don’t Take Insurance and How It Benefits You
One of the first questions many people ask me when they reach out is if I accept insurance. I completely understand why this comes up—therapy is an investment, and insurance can seem like a way to make it more affordable. But I’ve made the decision to only offer private pay services, and I want to explain why this might actually be the best option for you.
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1. Freedom in Your Therapy
One of the main reasons I don’t work with insurance is because I believe that your therapy should be about what you need, not what an insurance company decides is necessary. Insurance companies often put limits on the number of sessions or the kind of therapy they will cover. They might even decide when therapy should end, based on their guidelines, not on your progress or needs. With private pay, we’re free to focus completely on you. There are no outside rules or restrictions. We can take the time you need to work on your goals, without worrying about whether insurance will cover it or not.
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2. Your Privacy Matters
Another big reason I don’t take insurance is because of privacy. When you use insurance, companies often require a diagnosis to justify therapy. This means that diagnosis becomes part of your medical record, which could be seen by others, depending on the situation. By going the private pay route, you don’t have to worry about that. What we discuss in our sessions stays between us. You get to keep control over your personal health information, and there’s no pressure to have a formal diagnosis unless that’s something you want.
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3. Flexibility to Meet Your Needs
Therapy isn’t a “one size fits all” process. Some people need short-term help, while others may need longer support. Insurance can limit how long you’re able to see a therapist, and that can stop progress when it’s not convenient for you. With private pay, you and I decide together what’s best for you. We’re not tied to any limits set by an insurance company. You have the freedom to continue your therapy for as long as it benefits you, with no one telling us when to stop.
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4. Investing in Yourself
I know that paying out of pocket for therapy can feel like a big commitment, but it’s an investment in yourself and your well-being. When you pay privately, you’re investing in a service that’s completely tailored to you, not shaped by insurance rules or policies. I offer flexible payment options to make this easier, and if you’d like, I can provide you with a Super Bill. That’s a detailed receipt you can send to your insurance to see if they’ll reimburse you for the sessions. However, I like to be upfront: there’s no guarantee they will reimburse you, or they might only cover part of the cost. If using insurance is essential for you to afford therapy, I’d be happy to help connect you with a provider who takes your insurance.
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5. No Added Stress
Therapy is already a big step, and I don’t want the stress of dealing with insurance to make it harder for you. By working on a private pay basis, we can focus entirely on your healing without worrying about whether your insurance will approve the treatment or not. It’s all about making sure you get the care you need without any extra hassle.
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So, Is Private Pay Right for You?
At the end of the day, my goal is to make sure that you’re getting the support you need. If you’re looking for therapy that’s flexible, private, and truly personalized, private pay could be a great fit. But if you need insurance to help with the cost, that’s totally understandable too, and I’d be more than happy to provide referrals to in-network therapists who might be a better option. If you have any questions or want to know more about how this works, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help and ready to support you in whatever way makes the most sense for you.