Why Therapists Don’t Take Insurance
Navigating the mental health landscape can be complex. One of the biggest challenges we face as therapists is how to promote accessible treatment, while still providing the best possible care for our clients.
At Body Liberation Collective, we are deeply passionate about helping all individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Our practice is built on the belief that everyone is deserving of compassionate therapeutic support.
Our decision to not accept insurance, therefore, might seem counterintuitive. What most people do not realize is that using insurance to pay for psychotherapy poses a number of barriers to both the therapists and their clients.
Our choice to not accept health insurance is rooted in a multitude of reasons (see below), all centered around ensuring that our clients can receive the highest quality of care without the constraints that insurance companies often impose.
Reason #1: Protecting Client Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of any therapeutic relationship and therapy is most effective when there is a strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and the client. The involvement of insurance companies can sometimes create a barrier in this relationship.
When insurance companies are paying for your treatment, they require detailed information about a client's diagnosis and treatment. This not only breaches the intimate nature of therapy, but also puts clients at risk of having their private information shared with third parties.
By not accepting insurance, we can guarantee that whatever you share in our sessions stays only in the room, cultivating a more trusting and open therapeutic environment.
Reason #2: Ensuring Personalized Care
Insurance companies often dictate the type and length of treatment based on generalized guidelines rather than individual needs. This cookie-cutter approach can limit the effectiveness of therapy. By not working with insurance, we have the freedom to tailor our treatment plans specifically to each client without external restrictions. This allows us to use a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches that best suit each individual, promoting overall better outcomes.
Reason #3: Treatment Autonomy
What most people don’t realize is that insurance companies REQUIRE a diagnosis to cover therapy. Because insurance companies operate using a medical model, every service needs to be considered a “medical necessity” for them to cover it. This means that in order for therapy sessions to be reimbursed, we must provide a formal diagnosis. AND, even once a diagnosis is given, insurance companies often dictate the type and amount of treatment based on their guidelines, which may not align with what the client actually needs.
By not accepting insurance, we can offer more flexible and creative therapeutic interventions without the constraints imposed by insurance requirements. This flexibility is particularly important in addressing complex or unique issues that do not fit neatly into the standardized categories that insurance companies use.
Reason #4: Financial Transparency
The financial aspect of therapy should be straightforward and transparent. Insurance policies can be confusing, with various deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums that can leave clients uncertain about their financial responsibility.
And, from our perspective, it can be even worse. It takes an average of 3-6 months (but usually longer!) for therapists to receive the fees the insurance company promised. Sometimes, insurance companies will even ask the therapist to give the money back that they paid out if they find any inconsistencies in the therapist’s diagnosis, treatment plan, or other paperwork. This is known as clawbacks, and it has quite literally bankrupted therapists in the past.
Reason #5: Emphasizing the Value of Quality Therapy
Choosing to invest in therapy without relying on insurance underscores the value and importance of mental health care. It encourages clients to actively participate in their therapeutic journey, knowing that they are making a significant commitment to their well-being. This sense of investment can enhance the therapeutic process and lead to more meaningful, long-lasting changes.
So, what if you can’t afford to pay the full fee but also want to ensure you receive quality care?
Our practice is committed to making mental health support accessible by offering therapy on a sliding scale. Each clinicians reserve a certain number of slots at a lower fee. This means you can receive the same care but for a reduced fee. Just ask!
We also partner with Project Heal to offer support to their beneficiaries. This is a great resource for anyone struggling with an eating disorder who is in need of financial aid to support treatment.
While it may seem unconventional, our decision to not accept insurance was a deliberate choice aimed at providing the highest standard of care to our clients. This approach has allowed us to offer more personalized, confidential, and effective therapy and ensure that each client receives the attention and treatment they deserve, free from external constraints and bureaucratic hurdles.