The long and short of it is that insurance is a nightmare for both you and me.
Indiana private practice therapists are all in cahoots chit chatting about this very topic. Here’s what I’ve learned: all too often, insurance companies neglect re-imbursing therapists for services provided. Issues such as unexpected charges for clients ensue as well. Overall, it’s just messy. I’m not going to name names of insurance companies, however I can tell you that petitions and movements rage against these insurance companies currently.
I do not want to partake in the messiness because my passion is mental health counseling. Providing quality client care supersedes succumbing to the messiness.
When you are already at a crossroads in your life and seeking support, navigating a maze of co-pays and insurance denials seems decidedly unhelpful. It can feel demoralizing and dehumanizing to possess very little bandwidth, then encounter significant barriers to receiving treatment. Likewise, it feels awful to encounter surprise costs. With self-pay, you know the cost upfront.
Additionally, insurance often limits the number of sessions covered. On top of sometimes requiring outrageous out-of-pocket fees even if you have good insurance, insurance companies micro-manage the care that you are able to provide as a clinician, and receive as a client. Meanwhile, they are documenting whatever mental health diagnosis is forcibly given. They demand a diagnosis. Inherently, I disagree with this practice.
That’s why I choose to offer self-pay. You will not be blindsided. You will not have insurance companies cataloguing your mental health. I will charge you the agreed upon amount only. That is a promise.