All About Therapy with Me

No.

 

This is a question I’m asked often, and it’s a fair one.

Insurance can make healthcare feel more accessible, so it’s natural to wonder why some therapists choose not to work directly with insurance companies. The short answer is that insurance systems were built for brief, symptom-focused treatment, while good therapy—especially the kind of deep relational work many people are seeking—is often more complex than that system allows.

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When insurance companies cover therapy, they require several things from the therapist. One of the most significant is a mental health diagnosis that becomes part of your permanent medical record. Even when someone is simply going through a difficult season in life or struggling in a relationship, insurance typically requires a diagnosis in order to authorize treatment.

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Insurance companies may also place limits on how therapy is conducted. They often require treatment plans written to satisfy their criteria, periodic reviews of your progress, and documentation explaining why continued therapy is “medically necessary.” In some cases, they may determine how many sessions are allowed or what type of therapy is considered appropriate.

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All of this adds layers of administrative complexity that can take time and attention away from the most important part of the work: focusing fully on the person sitting in the room.

By working outside the insurance system, I’m able to keep therapy more private, flexible, and centered on your needs rather than the requirements of a third-party payer. There is no need to assign a diagnosis simply for billing purposes, and we can focus on the pace and direction of therapy that makes the most sense for you.

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Many clients find that this approach allows for a more thoughtful and personal experience of therapy. If you would like, I can also provide a superbill that you may be able to submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where therapy can remain focused on meaningful growth, understanding, and healing—without unnecessary constraints.