Why Do Most Highly Experienced Psychotherapists Only Take Cash?
Seasoned therapists generally take cash. The reason is that insurance companies vastly underpay mental health professionals (think less than half of the "going rate"). Additionally, companies make it a headache to file claims, and to keep up with acceptances and denials. They often requiring herculean efforts to prove that the client's treatment is "medically necessary". If the therapist can't get insurance approval, she doesn't get paid at all.
Some therapists do take "in-network insurance". Therapists who choose to take insurance tend to be brand new professionals with very little experience, inadequate training, and few clinical hours behind them. Fresh out of graduate school, they are usually hoping to build a private practice by taking referrals from insurance companies. If you're looking for someone with plenty of know-how and training - unfortunately, you usually won't find that expert level of treatment with counselors who are on your insurance.
In addition, there are typically long waiting lists to get an appointment with in-network counselors. Understandably so, since so many clients need affordable mental/emotional health. Sadly, many newly licensed psychotherapists only stay with insurance companies a short while, as they soon find out how little they will be paid, and how difficult the companies are to work with. What this means for you is a lot of turnover, and an inability to keep a therapeutic relationship with just ONE counselor.
Some therapists do take "in-network insurance". Therapists who choose to take insurance tend to be brand new professionals with very little experience, inadequate training, and few clinical hours behind them. Fresh out of graduate school, they are usually hoping to build a private practice by taking referrals from insurance companies. If you're looking for someone with plenty of know-how and training - unfortunately, you usually won't find that expert level of treatment with counselors who are on your insurance.
In addition, there are typically long waiting lists to get an appointment with in-network counselors. Understandably so, since so many clients need affordable mental/emotional health. Sadly, many newly licensed psychotherapists only stay with insurance companies a short while, as they soon find out how little they will be paid, and how difficult the companies are to work with. What this means for you is a lot of turnover, and an inability to keep a therapeutic relationship with just ONE counselor.
What About Big Companies like Better Help?
Better Help, and other similar companies don't take in-network insurance either. However, the rates are generally lower than "the going rate" for your area. That's because the therapists take the hit financially. The big companies usually take a monthly contract from you, requiring that you pay for an entire month of therapy upfront - non-refundable. Sessions are 50 minutes in length, (average but inadequate in my mind). You will usually pay around $360 - $425 per month for Better Help. It CAN BE cheaper - but there are drawbacks to your service. For instance, I hear reports of people losing counselors as often as once a month. It's very hard to build a trusting relationship with someone you like - much less a relationship that leads to therapeutic outcomes - with that much turnover.
Conglomerate companies hire only brand new therapists with little training.. They usually have few, if any - certifications, and are not specialists in their field. These counselors use mainly CBT (talk therapy), which has not shown therapeutic benefits for trauma, PTSD, or Complex PTSD survivors. New counselors are not equipped to handle complex cases for clients with a lifetime of pain, abuse, emotional wreckage, severe depression or anxiety. In short - the "big-box therapy mills" can cater only to the mildest needs of clients. If you need more depth and breadth of experience, and solid know-how - it's time to seek a master therapist.
With my insurance assistance, you'll likely pay less than what Better Help charges. My expert services include much longer session time with me: 65-minute sessions, and 24/7 texting communication. Whenever you need support, I'll be there. With 12,000 clinical hours under my belt, and extensive experience in complex cases, long-term attachment issues, PTSD, Neuro-affective symptoms, expert Hypnotherapy and other highly effective modalities, its clear why therapists with at least 10 years' experience are the better choice for effective psychotherapy and healing.
Conglomerate companies hire only brand new therapists with little training.. They usually have few, if any - certifications, and are not specialists in their field. These counselors use mainly CBT (talk therapy), which has not shown therapeutic benefits for trauma, PTSD, or Complex PTSD survivors. New counselors are not equipped to handle complex cases for clients with a lifetime of pain, abuse, emotional wreckage, severe depression or anxiety. In short - the "big-box therapy mills" can cater only to the mildest needs of clients. If you need more depth and breadth of experience, and solid know-how - it's time to seek a master therapist.
With my insurance assistance, you'll likely pay less than what Better Help charges. My expert services include much longer session time with me: 65-minute sessions, and 24/7 texting communication. Whenever you need support, I'll be there. With 12,000 clinical hours under my belt, and extensive experience in complex cases, long-term attachment issues, PTSD, Neuro-affective symptoms, expert Hypnotherapy and other highly effective modalities, its clear why therapists with at least 10 years' experience are the better choice for effective psychotherapy and healing.
What is the "Going Rate" for Private Pay Therapists?
A "Master Therapist" is one who has accumulated multiple trainings and certifications, and who has over 1000 clinical hours of experience. In Texas, master therapists charge somewhere between $180 - $250 cash, PER SESSION, (or $720 - $1000 per month.)
YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY THAT MUCH with my creative out-of-network benefits plans. If you have insurance benefits, I can help you save approximately 40% - 90% of your cash fee.
Check my Rates and Insurance Information Here.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY THAT MUCH with my creative out-of-network benefits plans. If you have insurance benefits, I can help you save approximately 40% - 90% of your cash fee.
Check my Rates and Insurance Information Here.
I Want to Help.
I see a great public need for affordable psychotherapy, and I intend to meet that need in the best way I can. That's why I work with Texas insurance companies on an out-of-network basis to get you every dollar you're entitled to. I'll do all of your out-of-network billing for you. I will communicate with your insurance company to find out what your out-of-network benefits are, your yearly deductible amount, and the amount you'll be reimbursed for therapy. I will fight for your claims to make sure you receive your reimbursement checks in a timely manner.
You pay dearly for your health insurance! Let's squeeze the most out of it that we can!
You pay dearly for your health insurance! Let's squeeze the most out of it that we can!
I'm based in Austin Texas, but insurance covers e-therapy wherever you live in the state of Texas.