Thinking About Therapy? Five Reasons Why “Private Pay” Might Be Your Best Fit (Hint: It’s Not Just About The Money)
Hey there,
So you’re thinking about starting therapy? First off—kudos to you. Taking that step isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the bravest things you can do for yourself.
Now, if you’re like a lot of folks, you might be wondering: “Should I use my insurance or pay out-of-pocket?” It’s a fair question! And while insurance can feel like the obvious choice, private pay (paying directly for therapy without insurance) actually offers some pretty meaningful perks—ones that put you, not paperwork, at the center of your healing.
Here’s why many of my clients choose private pay—and why they say it’s worth every penny:
1. Your Privacy Actually Stays Private
When you use insurance, your therapist *must* give you a mental health diagnosis (like “anxiety” or “depression”) to get your sessions covered. That diagnosis then goes into your permanent medical record. With private pay? **No diagnosis required.** Your journey stays strictly between us. No record. No future concerns about life insurance, security clearances, or just… keeping your story yours.
2. Zero Interference From Insurance
Ever had a company tell you what you “need”? Insurance often does just that—limiting sessions, denying coverage if they decide you’re “good enough,” or insisting we use approaches *they* like, not what *you* need. Private pay means **you and I decide** how long therapy lasts, how often we meet, and what we work on. No permission slips. No red tape. Just progress.
3. You Get the Right Therapist (Not Just the One In-Network)
Let’s be real: fit matters. A lot. But many of the most skilled therapists (like those specializing in trauma, EMDR, couples work, or niche needs - myself included) opt out of insurance because of its limitations. By choosing private pay, you open the door to specialists who truly align with your goals—not just whoever’s on your insurer’s list.
4. More Confidentiality (Yes, Even More!)
When insurance pays, therapists have to share detailed notes about why you “need” therapy. It’s invasive, it’s required, and honestly? It takes time away from you. With private pay? What happens in the (virtual) office stays in the (virtual) office. No reviewers. No notes sent off. Just safety, trust, and space to be fully you.
5. Total Flexibility for Your Real Life
Feel like you need longer sessions? Want to meet every week during a tough season, then shift to bi-weekly? Hoping to work on personal growth—even if it’s not a “diagnosable issue”? Private pay gives you total freedom to design therapy around your life, goals, and needs. No justifying “medical necessity.” Just… healing.
“But What About Cost? I’m Not Made of Money!”
I get it—therapy is an investment! The good news? You’ve got options to offset costs:
Superbills: Think of these as your VIP ticket to reimbursement. I give you a detailed receipt (called a “superbill”), and you submit it to your insurance for out-of-network coverage. Many of my clients get 40-80% of their fee back! Bonus: You decide if a diagnosis goes on the superbill—giving you control over your records.
HSA/FSA Cards: Got a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? Great news—therapy is a covered expense! Pay with pre-tax dollars and save 20-30% right off the bat.
The Bottom Line?
You deserve therapy that honors your privacy, your pace, and your humanity.
Private pay is about protecting your story, giving you choice, and keeping your goals at the center of your care. It’s why I offer it, and why so many clients tell me it’s the best decision they’ve made.
Check out the resources below to gain more information about how to navigate private pay therapy options. Below you will find the following:
Schedule a Consultation: Click the link below to fill out the consultation call form in order to connect with me directly. I would love to explore all of your options and answer any questions you may have
Thrizer Benefits Calculator: Want to check and see if you’re elibgible for out-of-network coverage and reimbursement? click the link below to go directly to the thrizer benefits checker, enter your insurance information and get clear and accurate information about your policy’s deductible, and reimbursement payouts
Sessions & Pricing: Want more clarity about the investment of therapy through private pay options? Click the link below for more information about the rates for different sessions and payment options based on where you are located.
Still weighing options? I’m happy to chat. No sales pitch—just clarity. Because your healing journey should feel empowering from day one. Schedule a consultation call today, and we can explore all of your options, together!