Beyond Insurance: Paying for Anxiety Counseling
You’ve located a new therapist that seems A-mazing only to find out they are not a contracted provider for your insurance company… Fear not, here are some options!
Using your FSA/HSA Card for Counseling
Your employer may offer a pre-tax health benefit called a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Money in these accounts can be used to pay for health related expenses, including therapy sessions. Usually, you will be given a payment card that can be used for health services just like any other credit card.
Unsure if you have this benefit? Contact the HR department at your place of employment.
Using Out-Of-Network (OON) Benefits for Counseling
Do you have a PPO or POS insurance plan? With these types of plans, you may have out-of-network benefits. In this situation, you would pay the therapist at the time of the session and then request a “superbill” (a detailed receipt) which you would then submit to your insurance company. Depending upon your plan, your insurance company may reimburse you for all/part of the session fee or apply it to your deductible.
Click here for recommendations on what to ask your insurance company when inquiring about your Out-of-Network (OON) benefits.
Private Pay for Anxiety Counseling
You may be wondering why anyone would choose not to use their health insurance to pay for therapy. Here are some reasons:
The Benefits of Private Pay for Anxiety Counseling:
Increased confidentiality. In order to cover session costs, insurance companies require that certain pieces of your private information be shared with them.
More control over your treatment. Often, insurance companies regulate how often, where and for how long you are allowed to meet with your counselor. In conjunction with the therapist, private pay clients are able to determine the focus, duration, frequency and location of therapy (i.e. in-person or virtual).
A diagnosis is not required. Insurance companies only cover certain diagnoses and the situation for which you are seeking help may not fall into one of those diagnosable disorders. Also, a diagnosis becomes a part of your permanent private health record and may affect qualification and rates of future life insurance or employment opportunities.
Click here to learn why I decided to build a private pay counseling practice.
Specialized treatment with a counselor who is a good fit. Research continues to demonstrate that one of the largest predictors of goal attainment is the relationship between the client and the counselor.
More of your counselor’s time and energy. Between verifying benefits, billing and documentation, the system is archaic and time consuming. Within a private pay system, your counselor is able to focus solely on helping you reach your goals.
Continuity of care. With private pay, you are able to continue sessions with your counselor even if your insurance changes.
