FAQs
Why I Don’t Accept Insurance – And How It Benefits You
As a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience and specialized training in trauma recovery, I’ve dedicated my career to deepening my skills and staying at the forefront of effective therapeutic approaches. This allows me to provide the highest quality care tailored to your unique needs.
I understand the appeal of using insurance for therapy. However, choosing to pay privately for your sessions offers benefits that directly enhance the quality of your care and the progress you make. Here’s why this matters:
1. Your Privacy is Fully Protected
With extensive specialization in trauma recovery, I’ve seen firsthand that therapy can be transformative for anyone—regardless of whether they meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis.
When you use insurance, a formal diagnosis is required to justify treatment. This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record, which can have long-term implications.
Insurance Requires You to Be “Sick” – Insurance will only cover therapy if you’re struggling enough to meet certain diagnostic thresholds. This creates a system where you must be “sick” enough to receive help. I believe deeply that therapy is beneficial not just for those in crisis, but for anyone seeking healing, growth, and a deeper connection to themselves. You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to engage in meaningful therapeutic work.
Impact on Future Insurance – A mental health diagnosis can sometimes affect your ability to obtain life insurance, disability insurance, or certain types of employment.
Stigma and Misunderstanding – Even as mental health awareness grows, a formal diagnosis can still carry stigma in some contexts.
Limited Control Over Your Records – Insurance companies may request detailed information about your treatment, and once submitted, this data can be difficult to control.
By paying privately, your therapy remains entirely confidential between you and me. With my decades of experience in trauma recovery and other advanced modalities, we can focus fully on what supports your healing—without the constraints of an insurance model that may not recognize the full scope of your needs.
2. Tailored and Flexible Treatment
Insurance companies often limit the type, length, and frequency of sessions. Private pay allows us to craft a treatment plan that fits your needs—not one dictated by an insurance provider. Whether you need longer sessions, a blend of modalities, or approaches not covered by insurance, private pay gives you the freedom to access therapy in a way that truly serves you.
3. We Focus on You—Not Paperwork
Working outside of the insurance system means I can devote my energy to our sessions rather than navigating administrative hurdles and submitting reports to justify care. This creates a therapeutic space that is more focused, present, and aligned with your goals.
4. An Investment in Real, Lasting Change
Engaging in therapy without insurance is an investment in your personal growth and healing. Clients who make this investment often feel a greater sense of ownership in the process, leading to deeper, more lasting transformations.
5. No Arbitrary End Dates
Insurance may dictate when your therapy should conclude, even if you feel the work is unfinished. Private pay allows us to continue for as long as necessary, ensuring we follow the natural arc of your healing process.
Considering Your Options
I recognize that private pay therapy isn’t the right fit for everyone. If you’re uncertain, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. We can discuss how this approach may benefit you, and I’m happy to explore options that make therapy accessible while honoring the depth of work we aim to achieve together.
Investing in yourself is one of the most profound decisions you can make. I’m here to support you in that journey.