The Benefits of Choosing a Private-Pay Therapist

When looking for a therapist, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to see someone who is in-network with your insurance or opt for a private-pay practitioner. While using insurance may seem like the obvious choice, there are several significant advantages to working with a private-pay therapist that are worth considering:

Greater privacy and confidentiality: When you use insurance for therapy, your therapist must provide your insurer with information about your diagnosis and treatment in order to get reimbursed. This means your private mental health information is no longer just between you and your therapist. With a private-pay arrangement, you can feel secure knowing that the details of your therapy are being kept strictly confidential.

More flexibility and control over your care: Insurance companies put limits on the type, frequency, and duration of therapy they will cover based on what they deem “medically necessary.” This can be very restrictive. A private-pay therapist is not bound by these constraints and can work with you to design a treatment plan and session schedule that best meets your specific needs and goals. You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to decisions about your care.

A wider selection of providers to choose from: When you’re limited to in-network providers, you may have trouble finding a therapist who is a good fit in terms of specialty, approach, personality, and availability. Expanding your search to private-pay practitioners gives you many more options to find the right therapist for you. Don’t settle for someone who isn’t an excellent match just because they happen to be covered by your insurance.

Potentially lower costs in the long run: While private-pay therapists may have higher per-session fees than your insurance copay, seeing an in-network therapist often involves a separate deductible for mental health services, which must be paid out of pocket before coverage kicks in. With a private-pay therapist, you know exactly what your costs will be upfront, with no surprise bills down the line. Many private-pay therapists also offer sliding scale fees if cost is a concern. When you factor in the ability to make faster progress with a therapist who is an optimal fit for you, paying privately could save you money over time.

No loss of coverage if your benefits or job changes If you rely on insurance for therapy and your benefits change or you leave your job, you may suddenly find yourself without mental health coverage and unable to afford continuing care. Paying privately protects you from disruptions to your treatment and gives you peace of mind that you’ll be able to maintain consistency in your care no matter what happens with your insurance situation.

At Thrive Counseling Services, we believe you deserve to get the best possible care on your terms. That’s why we’ve chosen to operate on a private-pay basis – so we can focus fully on your needs and well-being without third-party interference. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and experience the difference that working with a private-pay practice can make, we invite you to contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you thrive!