You’ve been struggling with issues lately and things don’t seem to be getting better. They say when “it rains, it pours”, but it isn’t simply a cliche: it describes your life! There might be different reasons you’re not pursuing therapy, even though you feel like it could help. But if your choice has come down to how you’re going to pay, you might want to think about these benefits before making your final decision.
What’s Holding You Back?
There are various ways that you can pay for therapy, depending on your employer. It may be covered as part of your medical benefits, or you may have your employer may have an EAP (employee assistance program). But, if those resources aren’t available to you or you don’t want to use them, you can still get the help you need. Yes, you’ll pay out of pocket, but these 5 benefits can outweigh that cost. Here’s what you need to know.
Your Privacy
Who sees your records? Though employers don’t normally receive information from an EAP, you still may not be comfortable with that information sitting in your file. If you skip services from an EAP, there won’t be any records with your employer. You also lose some of your privacy when you use your insurance to pay for services. To pay for services your insurance company will require that your therapist submit a mental health diagnosis to your insurance company. In addition, this private information is usually kept by the MIB Group, Inc. (formerly, Medical Information Bureau and owned by approximately 500 insurance companies) and though the Affordable Care Act has offered protections against using prior information (pre-existing conditions) to deny a person insurance, private insurers usually do not offer such protections.
Increased Availability
We’ve all got tons of things to do and finding room for another appointment in your busy week seems impossible. You may be able to get in to see your therapist more quickly or on days and times that better fit your schedule when you don’t use your insurance.
Take Advantage of Technology
Some offices offer phone or video sessions but not all insurance plans will cover those types of visits. If that better fits your schedule or preference, it may be worth skipping your insurance plan.
Cost vs Copay
Everyone assumes that paying for something with insurance automatically lowers your out-of-pocket cost, but that’s not always true. Depending on deductibles and what your plan covers, you might be surprised how little difference there is in the cost to you of getting therapy without insurance.
More Choices
You’re probably familiar with the way your medical or dental insurance works and having to find a doctor that accepts your insurance. That process often limits which providers you can see though. By paying out of pocket, you can choose the therapist who’s right for you, not just one who accepts your insurance.
The Bottom Line on Getting Therapy Without Insurance
Choosing to start therapy is an important decision and shouldn’t be one that you base solely on insurance coverage or cost. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Investing in therapy may often save you both time and money in the long-term, as the cost of loss in productivity can exceed what you might invest in therapy in the short-term. If you have additional questions or want to schedule a free consultation, please contact us today. Our experienced staff is here to help.