Will my health insurance cover therapy?
I am currently in-network with several insurance companies and I am able to assist you in determining your benefits. However, regardless of your insurance benefits, paying out-of-pocket has it’s advantages. Below is a balanced overview:
✅ Advantages of Using Insurance for Therapy
Lower Cost per Session
Insurance can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. You might only pay a copay ($10–$50) or a small portion of the session fee instead of the full cost (often $100–$250+ per session).
Access to a Larger Number of Sessions (maybe)
Because therapy becomes more affordable with reduced rate/session, you may be able to attend sessions more consistently or over a longer period.
Parity Laws and Mental Health Coverage
In many regions (like the U.S.), insurance companies are required by law to provide mental health coverage on par with physical health care, which ensures some level of access and protection.
⚠️ Disadvantages of Using Insurance for Therapy
Reduced Privacy / Confidentiality
To bill insurance, therapists must provide a mental health diagnosis (e.g., depression, anxiety disorder).
This diagnosis becomes part of your medical record, which can potentially be seen by future insurers or employers (e.g., when applying for life, disability, or long-term care insurance).
Limited Provider Choice
Not all therapists accept insurance, and those who do may have limited availability or long waitlists. You may not be able to see a specialist who doesn’t take insurance.
Restrictions on Treatment Type or Length
Insurance may only cover certain types of therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy) or a limited number of sessions per year.
Therapists might need to justify continued treatment to the insurer.
If your insurance changes mid-treatment, it is possible that the therapist is not in-network with your new insurance provider.
Less Control Over Your Care
Insurers require treatment plans, progress reports, and sometimes authorization for additional sessions—meaning a third party is influencing your therapy.
Potential Delays or Administrative Hassles
You or your therapist may have to deal with claim submissions, denials, or pre-authorizations, which can delay care.
⚖️ When It Might Make Sense to Use Insurance
You need time-limited therapy, typically 3-6 months (max 1 year for more severe problems), or you can’t afford full out-of-pocket costs.
You’re comfortable having a mental health diagnosis in your record.
You’re seeing a therapist who is in-network and skilled in your area of concern.
💬 When Paying Privately Might Be Better
You want maximum privacy and control over your care.
You prefer a therapist or therapy approach not covered by insurance (e.g., couples therapy, certain trauma modalities).
You don’t want a formal diagnosis in your record.
Generally speaking, insurance prefers to see your problems solved ASAP. If you are hoping for a longer term, ongoing relationship with a therapist that knows you and will be available “as needed”, consider paying out-of-pocket. I offer a sliding scale based on income. Please feel free to schedule a call with me with any questions about this or if you need assistance verifying your benefits.
