You want highly personalized services
If a therapist isn’t constrained by only providing services they can bill to an insurance company, they are often able to spend more time and creativity crafting the perfect treatment plan for you in a way that best fits your life and workstyle to help you accomplish your goals faster.
You are ready to start therapy as soon as possible
In cities such as Boston, San Francisco, New York, and Washington D.C., many therapists choose not to accept insurance, and those who do, tend to be full. It can be challenging to find a therapist who is in-network and accepting new clients if you have an uncommon insurance plan. If you limit your search by insurance, you may have to spend months on a waitlist before seeing a therapist. Private pay therapists tend to have more availability and greater flexibility in scheduling new clients.
You’re looking for out-of-the-box treatment solutions
Out-of-network therapists can offer longer or more frequent sessions than insurance might cover and also explore out-of-the-box solutions. For example, you’ve been to a therapist and used your insurance; at the 50-minute mark, the therapist says, “our time is almost up,” but you feel like you are just getting somewhere and would prefer to keep going. Or you have a hectic schedule, and you travel a lot, you can connect via video therapy and never miss a session.
Additionally, staying in-network means you are limited to only therapists in your immediate area, out of network, and video sessions mean you have the ability to find the perfect therapist no matter where either of you is located.
You’re looking for a therapist with a unique skillset
While most therapists are qualified to treat common challenges, such as anxiety or depression, private pay therapists often have niche practices. So if you come across a therapist whose skills or experience speaks directly to your needs – perhaps needs you didn’t even know to look for – it’s worth reaching out.
At the end of the day, your relationship with your therapist is one of the most important aspects of the healing process.
Privacy: from your family, work, or health insurance company
For your insurance to pay for therapy sessions, therapists are required to provide the company information regarding your sessions, including a diagnostic code.
If you don’t want your insurance company to have access to any information about your mental health, consider out-of-network options.
You have a high-deductible plan
Many insurance plans have a high deductible that you may not reach if you haven’t had any other medical expenses yet in the year.
You have good out-of-network benefits
If you have good out-of-network benefits, your insurance company may reimburse you as much as 80% of each session fee, depending on your plan and the therapist’s rate.