I have decided to no longer contract with insurance companies for several reasons…

1. This choice ensures our work together remains free from external influences such as insurance mandated diagnoses as well as restrictions on treatment planning and access. I believe the therapist and client are the most qualified to determine what type, duration and frequency of treatment is most appropriate in real time.

2. Billing insurance companies requires that I give my clients diagnoses that are deemed adequate for insurance coverage. This means insurance companies do not recognize therapy that focuses on personal growth, identity development, life transitions, racial and political trauma, relationship issues, self-advocacy and boundary setting as billable treatment.

3. Insurance companies simply do not pay fair rates to their contracted providers. So, while insurance companies get paid more each year by raising premiums, copays and deductibles… therapists do not receive any increase in pay. This creates a toxic working model for therapists in agencies and private practice- requiring therapists to treat a very high number of clients per week to earn a livable wage. This ultimately increases burn out for therapists and impacts the quality of care clients receive.

4. Setting my own rates and operating on a sliding scale allows me offer pro-bono therapy to individuals who cannot afford therapy. I’m passionate about continuing this practice to ensure access to quality mental health care is not only possible- but equitable.

Yes! If I can afford to, I will offer therapy at a reduced rate in an effort to keep your treatment accessible and equitable!

We can chat about setting an agreed upon rate that makes sense for your needs. In the meantime… I’d encourage you to consider using this model!

Yes! Here are a few…

1. You and your therapist are in control of your treatment without insurance companies limiting the type, frequency, and duration of psychotherapy you receive.

2. No diagnosis is required for you to receive quality mental health care. To bill an insurance company, you will have to receive a diagnosis. This isn’t inherently bad, but it may impact your health record and coverage when considering the affects of “pre-existing conditions.”

3. Insurance companies will warn you, "A quote for benefits does not guarantee payment…." This means that despite being told verbally (over the phone) that something is covered, you can still be denied once they review the diagnosis. If your claims are denied, you are then responsible to pay for the full session fee.

4. In case of an audit, your health insurance company would have access to all of your personal information including documented content of our sessions.

If you have Out of Network Benefits through your health insurance plan… yes!

Out of Network Benefits typically reimburse clients between 50-80% of each session fee, depending on the individual’s health plan.

To learn more about your Out of Network Benefits, call the Member Services phone number on the back of your health insurance card.

You can also search here.

If you intend to use your Out of Network Benefits…

1. I will collect payment from you at the time of each session.

2. I will give you a Superbill (receipt) showing your name, diagnosis, CPT code, and amount you paid for the session.

3. You will then be able to submit the Superbill directly to your insurance company to request reimbursement.