For people who worry about confidentiality, have high deductibles, or don’t have a mental health diagnosis, choosing to pay out of pocket with a therapist has benefits. Understanding which is best is a frustrating barrier. If you are not sure whether to use insurance or self pay, read this short blog post to learn more.

When you have a high insurance deductible you must meet, you may end up paying MORE out of pocket costs than you would with a self-pay therapist. Therapists who bill insurance often charge a higher rate than those who do not. If you have a high deductible you need to meet, your out of pocket costs during treatment may end up being more than with a self pay therapist.

If you have worries about confidentiality and do not want your diagnosis to be reported and on file with an insurance company, paying out of pocket is best. When a therapist bills insurance, they are required by law to report your diagnosis and treatment method to the insurance company. Insurance companies can audit progress notes from the therapist to make sure your treatment is a medical necessity. Sometimes, your diagnosis can affect how much you pay for life insurance or your co-pay.

Using a self-pay therapist makes the most sense for those who do not have a mental health diagnosis, but who want to work on goals related to personal and professional development, nutrition, physical health, or life transitions. These clients would not have a mental health diagnosis to report to insurance, so they would not be able to use insurance for sessions. Instead, clients would meet with one of our AWESOME health or life coaches like Cydni Keel or Lauren Baker to receive guidance on the best way to move forward and SURPASS goals.

Choosing to self pay with a therapist has its benefits! Insurance doesn’t need to be the factor holding you back from getting the absolute best treatment for your situation. There are many highly skilled therapists and life coaches at Forward Counseling who are excited to partner with you in your journey to reaching your highest self possible. If you have more questions about which option may be best for your situation, reach out to us by clicking the button below.