Why Would Someone Choose to Pay Privately for Therapy Instead of Using Insurance?

When you're considering therapy, one of the first questions that often comes up is: "Do you take insurance?"

The short answer is yes—I do accept insurance.
But sometimes, private pay (also known as self-pay) is actually the better choice for your long-term healing and support.

Let’s talk about why.

1. More Privacy & Confidentiality

When you use insurance, your provider requires a mental health diagnosis to approve and reimburse your sessions. That diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record. Private pay allows us to keep your therapy completely confidential—just between you and me. No third-party reporting, no paperwork trail. You get to keep control of your personal health information.

2. More Flexibility in Treatment

Insurance companies often have strict limitations—only covering a certain number of sessions, requiring justification for ongoing treatment, or denying claims based on what they consider "medically necessary."

With private pay, we’re not limited by those rules.
We can:

• Meet as frequently (or infrequently) as you need

• Set goals based on your needs—not insurance checkboxes

• Use a wide range of therapeutic approaches, even those not covered by insurance (like IFS or certain parts of EMDR)

It puts you in the driver’s seat of your healing process.

3. Fewer Surprises, More Predictability

High deductibles and unexpected claim denials can create stress and confusion when using insurance. With private pay, you know the exact cost of your session up front. No billing headaches. No waiting on approval. No hidden fees.

4. No Required Diagnosis (Unless You Want One)

Sometimes people seek therapy for support with life transitions, grief, parenting, burnout, or just needing someone to talk to. These may not “qualify” under insurance without a diagnosis.

Private pay allows you to receive support without having to pathologize your experience.

Final Thoughts

Insurance can be a great resource, and I’m happy to use it when it makes sense for you. But it’s also important to know your options.
Choosing private pay is an investment in personalized, flexible, and confidential care—tailored entirely to you.

If you have questions about private pay or want help deciding what’s best for your situation, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to walk you through it!