Should I Use Insurance for Therapy?
What to Consider Before Your First Session at Helping Hands Counseling
Starting therapy is a brave and personal decision and figuring out how to pay for it can bring up just as many questions as beginning the work itself. Many of the clients at Helping Hands Counseling come to me after trying therapy before, unsure of what worked and what didn’t. Often, the question of using health insurance becomes part of that conversation.
If you're navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, parenting stress, or major life transitions, here's what to consider about using insurance for therapy.
Pros of Using Insurance for Therapy
Lower Cost Per Session
Insurance often reduces your out-of-pocket costs through a copay or coinsurance. This can make weekly therapy more financially accessible, especially for longer-term care.
May Cover Other Mental Health Services
If you’re working with a psychiatrist or seeking additional services like medication management, insurance may help offset those costs as well.
Familiar and Convenient
Many clients already use insurance for medical care, so it may feel familiar or easier to stick with the same system for mental health.
But There Are Some Important Cons to Consider—Especially for Trauma Work
You Must Have a Diagnosis
To use insurance, a formal mental health diagnosis is required and submitted to your insurance provider. For some clients—especially those doing deep, relational work around trauma, grief, or self-discovery—this can feel limiting or pathologizing.
Insurance Can Drive the Pace and Focus
Many plans require proof of “medical necessity,” which may prioritize symptom reduction over holistic healing. If you're looking for space to explore your story at your own pace, this can feel misaligned with your goals.
Confidentiality Is More Limited
Insurance records may be reviewed or audited. While protections exist, your information is shared beyond your therapist. For many of our clients, especially those healing from relational wounds or sensitive experiences, privacy is a top priority.
Limited Choice of Therapists
Not every therapist is in-network. If you’re seeking a specific approach like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), or trauma-informed care, you may have fewer in-network options. Private pay allows you to choose based on fit—not just coverage.
What About Private Pay?
At Helping Hands Counseling, many clients choose private pay because it offers:
More privacy (no diagnosis required)
Greater flexibility in pacing and goals
A collaborative relationship without insurance restrictions
I understand therapy is an investment, which is why I also offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement and sliding scale options when available. I’m also excited to announce I’ll be offering Care Credit as a payment option starting in July 2025.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect answer—but there is a right choice for you. If you’re unsure what’s best, I’m happy to talk it through and help you weigh your options. At Helping Hands Counseling, I believe in providing care that’s thoughtful, compassionate, and aligned with your needs—whether you use insurance or not.
Need help deciding?
Contact us for a free phone consultation.
We’ll walk you through your options—no pressure, just clarity.
