Understanding the Cost of Therapy
Many factors can affect the cost of therapy, including insurance plans, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits. Understanding these costs can help you choose the best therapist for your needs.
Some therapists avoid the hassle of filing insurance claims and offer sliding-scale fees based on income, making their services more affordable. You can also find low-cost sessions at non-profit and public clinics.
Insurance
Many people are surprised to find that insurance actually covers therapy sessions. Depending on your insurance provider, your coverage will vary. Most plans have a deductible, copays, or other restrictions, so it’s important to understand your insurance plan before scheduling appointments.
Some therapists choose not to accept insurance, either because it’s time-consuming or they don’t want to work with the hassle of filing claims. However, these therapists can still offer their services at a lower cost to those without insurance. They can also offer a sliding scale payment option that is based on your income.
For those with insurance, it’s best to find a therapist in-network to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Your insurance provider can provide information about in-network therapists, session limits, and other important details. They can also help you navigate the process of seeking services, including how to get prior approval and referrals. Some therapists may also be able to help you locate community resources that can provide low-cost or free therapy.
Sliding Scale
Sliding scale is a type of fee structure that allows therapists to offer their services at reduced rates based on a client’s income. This type of fee structure is often used in the legal industry and primary care clinics, and it can help break down barriers to therapy for individuals who cannot afford the typical rate.
When deciding to use a sliding scale in your private practice, it is important to create a clear policy that clarifies how you will determine who qualifies and what percentage of your fee each client will pay. This can prevent any confusion or bias and ensure that clients are aware of what they will be paying before their first session.
Additionally, it is important to remember that sliding scale fees can decrease your overall revenue and make it harder for you to predict how many hours per week you will need to work in order to meet your income goals. As a result, it is often recommended that therapists wait until they have reached a consistent caseload and consistent income before implementing a sliding scale.
In-Network
Many insurance companies have a list of health care providers that they have agreed to contract with at a discounted rate. These providers are called “in-network.” When you go to an in-network therapist, you will pay your coinsurance (the percentage of the therapist’s fee that you are responsible for paying) and the insurance company will reimburse you for the rest of the session.
In-network providers are usually more affordable than out-of-network therapists, but this can depend on your specific insurance plan and how high your deductible is. If your deductible is high, it may be worth paying out-of-network fees to get the services you need.
Because therapists who are in-network with your health insurance provider are in such high demand, they often have long waitlists to accept new clients. This can make it difficult to find a therapist that is the right fit for you and your needs. This is one reason why it’s important to research therapists before you start looking for someone to work with.
Out-of-Network
Sometimes people are not able to find a therapist that takes their insurance, and they choose to see an out of network therapist. If this is the case, it’s important to understand how this can affect therapy cost. Out of network therapists are not required to have a negotiated fee with your insurance provider, which can increase the costs of each session. However, if you’ve met your deductible for the year, you may receive reimbursement for a portion of your sessions.
This is because the therapist will submit your bill and wait to get reimbursed, which can take up to six weeks. Additionally, there is no way for you to know what your therapist’s “reasonable and customary” rates are ahead of time, and that can vary from therapist to therapist. This can also lead to surprise balance bills, which can add up quickly and can feel very uncomfortable. This can be especially difficult for a client who has a strong sense of privacy and wants what they say in therapy to stay private.