Insurance vs. Self Pay

Seeking mental health treatment

People have been talking about mental health and therapy more in the last few years. There are individuals who do not believe a stranger aka licensed mental health professional can help them with their challenges. In some cases, people know something isn’t right and seek out medication from their primary care physician or a psychiatrist. Medication is acceptable and therapy is not considered an option. Everyone is allowed to have their opinion.

Research your options

If you are on board with therapy, then comes a whole another set of items to consider. Many individuals are only able to seek out therapy through community based agencies. Services are typically free and there can long waiting lists. There is a chance you may see an individual who is in graduate school under supervision. Community agencies often have a lot of experienced clinicians and some agencies have a specific focus like a domestic violence shelter or an agency supporting individuals who have experienced a specific type of grief. There are online platforms which offer therapy services such as Better Help. Open Path Collective requires an application, reviews your financial histoyr and requires a one time fee for you to find a therapist who offers reduced fees for individuals and couples.

Private Practice Offices

There are private practices. There are therapists who are sole therapits. There are group therapy practices filled with a variety of therapists. You can search directories to search specifications such as gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliations, or insurance. Plus you want to search for therapists who have experience in the issues bringing you to therapy in the first place.

If you have searched for a therapist recently, you will find there are therapists who are self pay only. This means the therapist does not accept any insurance. You are expected to pay their full fee. Some therapists will provide a “superbill” if you are going to submit the claims for reimbursement. Check with your insurance to see if out of network benefits are offered with your plan.

There is another group of therapists who chose to work with insurance companies. The therapists get credentialed with each plan and agree to the contracted fee. The therapist will get your insurance information and submit the claims for you. It is a good idea to call your plan to confirm what your behavioral health benefits are. Behavioral health plans vary. You may or may not have a deductible. You may be expected to pay a copay. It definitely varies. Some plans have certain number of sessions. Some companies may want to review information to extend treatment. All insurance companies require a diagnosis. Interacting with insurances can be a challenge.

Each therapist has their own decision about whether they accept insurance or not. It is your choice to find a therapist who takes your insurance or not. The important thing is you get the treatment you need.

Reilly Counseling does accept insurance (BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, United and Magellan). You are expected to upload your insurance card to the Client Portal. All claims will be submitted for you.