Reasons to Choose Private Pay

Private Pay, also known as self-pay are rates that your therapist has established in their practice. This can be based on a number of factors such as experience, certifications and training, and cost of living in your area. Self pay visits are not billed directly to your insurance, but there is an option for you to be reimbursed if you choose to.

Self pay rates can actually be cheaper. If your insurance plan has a high deductible a self-pay option may cost less. If you have a $5000 deductible the contracted rate would be around $122 per visit. This amount would be added per session to your deductible until that number ($5000) is met. The providers self pay rate may be $65 ultimately saving you $57 per session.

A self pay option offers more privacy. When an insurance claim is filed by your therapist it is submitted with your diagnosis. This information may be assessable by other medical providers. With self pay all information given to your therapist remains confidential unless you sign a release of information (ROI).

Self pay also gives you more autonomy to choose your provider. Insurance providers can have strict regulations about which provider you are able to see. They may have restrictions such as location, time constraints, etc. With private pay you are able to seek the therapist that you find most suitable for your needs. This also allows you to add family members to your sessions without the fear of denial from your insurance provider.

With self-pay there is no cap on the number of sessions that you have with your therapist. Some insurance providers only allow 7 sessions which adds limitations to your healing progress. There is also the freedom of your therapist to provide treatment without restrictions from your insurance provider.

While seeing that the provider that you are interested in is self-pay only may be scary it comes with many benefits. Some therapists also offer monthly packages to assist you with private pay. These providers have specific niches that they are experienced in which gives you the a quality therapeutic experience. Keep in mind that budgeting self-pay into your monthly expenses is attainable and legal.