WHAT TO EXPECT

Some insurance plans include out-of-network benefits, which may reimburse you for a portion of the cost of individual therapy even when you see a therapist who does not participate with your insurance company.

If you have out-of-network benefits and would like to seek reimbursement, I can provide a superbill—a detailed receipt containing the information your insurance company typically requires when you submit a claim yourself. Payment for your session is still made directly to my practice, and any reimbursement would come from your insurance company to you.

It's important to know that using insurance benefits generally requires a mental health diagnosis and the disclosure of certain clinical information to your insurance company. Coverage, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and requirements vary considerably between plans, so I recommend contacting your insurance company directly if you're considering using out-of-network benefits.

You may want to ask:

• Does my plan include out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services?

• Do I have an out-of-network deductible, and if so, how much of it have I met?

• What percentage or amount does my plan reimburse for an out-of-network 60-minute psychotherapy session?

• Is a mental health diagnosis required for reimbursement?

• How do I submit a superbill or out-of-network claim?

You may also be able to use HSA or FSA funds for eligible therapy expenses. Because plans differ, I recommend confirming eligibility with your HSA or FSA administrator.

Insurance works differently for couples counseling, and this is an area where there can be a lot of confusion.

When insurance does reimburse for relationship counseling, it generally requires one partner to be identified as the patient, receive a mental health diagnosis, and have the sessions documented as treatment for that individual's diagnosed condition. 

Because the relationship and your shared goals are the focus of my work with couples, couples therapy with me is a private-pay service and is not billed to insurance.

You may be able to use HSA or FSA funds toward eligible couples therapy expenses. I recommend checking with your plan administrator to determine whether your particular expenses qualify.

Discernment Counseling is a private-pay service and is not billed to insurance. Because it is a specialized decision-making process rather than treatment for a diagnosed mental health condition, I do not submit insurance claims or provide superbills for this service.

If you would like to use HSA or FSA funds toward the cost of Discernment Counseling, I recommend checking with your plan administrator about eligibility before beginning.

Clinical supervision and private practice consulting are professional services rather than healthcare services, so health insurance does not apply.

However, fees paid for supervision or business coaching and consultation may qualify as professional or business expenses for tax purposes, depending on your individual circumstances and how your practice is structured.

I don't provide tax advice, so I recommend speaking with your accountant or tax professional about how supervision, consultation, continuing education, and other professional development expenses should be handled for your particular situation.