I wanted to share my reasons for why I am only self-pay, as I know it deviates from the insurance-paid model most of us are used to. I have several reasons for operating this way, and freely offer them here, as I believe in transparency in what I do.

First, I operate client-centered, which means that sometimes our focus or therapy goals may shift as life happens. When taking insurance, documentation needs to support the treatment plan goals and diagnoses, and insurance companies can dictate how many sessions they’ll cover for a goal or diagnosis, what type of treatment needs to be used, and other criteria that significantly limits what I am able to do and how I am able to best support my clients. I prefer to have autonomy and for my clients to have autonomy in what therapy looks like and what the support they receive looks like, which means not having to get approval from an insurance company.

Second, submitting billing to insurance companies requires me to provide diagnoses, treatment plan goals, and other personal information. I value the privacy of my clients, and believe that information about what brings you to therapy should stay between you and I, without review or involvement from an insurance company.

Third, insurance companies reimburse at rates they set and are generally only a percentage of full session fees. If accepting that rate, in order to pay my business and personal bills, I would need to see more clients, leading to increase in burnout and sub-par care. I care deeply about showing up as my best self for my clients and not accepting a lower rate than makes sense financially allows me to bring my best self to every session.