There are a number of reasons I choose not to take insurance - all of them related to being better able to provide the most flexibility and care for my clients. 

 

I prefer to spend my time working with clients - not processing paperwork or waiting on hold. I believe that private-pay services are more personalized, avoid the stigma of labels, offer true privacy and are generally more effective. However, it is always a personal choice whether or not to use your health insurance or use self-pay.  I also recognize that circumstances can and do change and will respect any changes you desire to make along the way.

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Here are a few other things to consider:

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Assessments

• Assessments are often initiated by a legal problem such as a DUI charge or a probation requirement.  It's best to avoid turning a legal concern into a medical problem unless and until it is determined that you have a medical need. 

• Once you have a better sense of what you will need going forward, you may wish to submit a reimbursement claim to your insurer.

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Individual Counseling

• One on one counseling can be highly effective and less costly than a group treatment program.  If you have not yet met your deductible, you will have to pay out of pocket regardless of the treatment modality.

• A few months of individual support may prevent a return to high cost treatment.

• Your insurer may not cover individual substance use disorder counseling but you are able to use HSA and other medical expense accounts to cover these costs.

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Your Privacy and Confidentiality

• Insurers require information about diagnoses, reason for and type of treatment, and progress notes.  If you wish to have an invoice to submit, it will most likely need to contain this information in order to be processed.  This data is maintained as part of your health insurance record.

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