Why I don’t take insurance
Why I Don’t Accept Insurance—and What That Means for You
One of the most common questions I receive is: “Do you take insurance?”
The short answer is: I don’t currently bill insurance directly. I understand that navigating the cost of therapy is a major consideration, and I want to be transparent about the reasons behind this choice—so you can make the best, most informed decision for your care.
1. State Laws Limit Insurance Billing for Associates
As a therapist working under associate licensure, I am currently unable to bill most insurance companies directly due to state regulations. These laws restrict associates in private practice from contracting with insurance panels, regardless of experience or qualifications. While this may change in the future, it currently creates a legal barrier to in-network insurance billing for many clinicians like myself.
2. Insurance Requires a Mental Health Diagnosis
To approve therapy sessions, insurance companies typically require a formal mental health diagnosis that becomes part of your permanent medical record. This can be necessary and appropriate in some cases—but it doesn’t always reflect the reasons people come to therapy, such as navigating life transitions, improving relationships, or building emotional insight.
By working outside of insurance, you and I can focus on your goals without being limited or labeled by a diagnosis that may not fully capture your experience.
3. Administrative Burden and Privacy Concerns
Billing insurance involves extensive administrative work, including paperwork, phone calls, and compliance requirements that can take time away from what really matters—providing thoughtful, consistent care. In addition, submitting claims means sharing personal information with third parties, which can raise privacy concerns for some clients.
4. Risk of Non-Payment and Clawbacks
Even when sessions are initially covered, insurance companies can deny or reverse payments months later—a practice known as a “clawback.” These unexpected costs can create financial instability for both therapists and clients, making it difficult to maintain the continuity and predictability that therapy deserves.
What Are Your Options?
While I don’t bill insurance directly, I’m happy to provide a superbill—a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients receive partial reimbursement this way, depending on their individual plan.
It’s important to note that it is your responsibility to verify your out-of-network benefits before starting therapy. You can usually do this by calling the number on the back of your insurance card and asking:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my deductible and how much has been met?
What percentage of the session fee will be reimbursed?
Is pre-authorization required?
Final Thoughts
I know that paying for therapy out of pocket is a significant investment, and it’s not one I take lightly. My goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate care that puts your needs—not insurance requirements—at the center of our work together.
By staying outside of insurance, I’m able to offer a more flexible, confidential, and personalized experience—one that supports your growth without the constraints of diagnosis codes or session limits.
If you're considering therapy and have questions about reimbursement, superbills, or how to talk with your insurance provider, I’m happy to guide you through the process. You're not alone in navigating this, and I'm here to help you find the support you need.