Insurance and Payment Options

Using Insurance or Paying Privately

Deciding whether to use your insurance benefits or pay privately for therapy is a personal decision, and there isn't a single right answer.

Using insurance can make therapy more affordable, especially if your plan has a low deductible or favorable mental health benefits. For many people, this makes accessing therapy much easier.

Private pay offers greater flexibility. Without involving an insurance company, you and your therapist can determine the course and length of treatment based solely on your needs, rather than your insurance plan's requirements.

It's also important to know that insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis before they will reimburse for therapy. That diagnosis becomes part of your health insurance record and is documented in your clinical records for billing purposes. Some people are comfortable with this, while others prefer the additional privacy that comes with paying privately.

If you're unsure which option is best for you, I'm happy to discuss the pros and cons so you can make the decision that feels right for your situation.

Insurance and Payment Options

I partner with Headway to manage insurance billing and claims. Headway provides a secure, easy-to-use platform where you can verify your insurance benefits, review your estimated costs, complete paperwork, and manage billing.

In-Network Insurance

I am currently in-network with the following insurance plans:

Aetna

Anthem Blue Cross

Blue Shield of CA

Carelon Behavioral Health

Cigna

Providence health Plan

If you're unsure whether your plan is covered, feel free to reach out, or you can verify your benefits through Headway before scheduling your first appointment.

Private Pay

My fee for a 50–55 minute therapy session is $225.

Many clients choose to pay privately because it offers greater flexibility and privacy. When paying privately, treatment decisions are made solely between you and me, without the requirements of an insurance company.:

Out-of-Network Benefits

If I'm not in-network with your insurance plan, you may still be able to use your out-of-network benefits. Many PPO plans reimburse a portion of the cost of therapy after you meet your deductible.

If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, you can access a superbill through your Headway Portal that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Because every insurance plan is different, I recommend contacting your insurance company to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before beginning therapy.

If you have questions about using insurance or paying privately, I'm happy to help you.