It’s no secret that many therapists don’t accept insurance. But do you know why? It’s not because we’re greedy, unprofessional, or trying to restrict access. In fact, there are a few very good reasons why many of us don’t take insurance. Today, I want to share those reasons with you and dispel some of the myths that abound about therapy and insurance. Read on to learn more!
Some therapists believe that accepting insurance compromises their therapeutic relationship with clients
When therapists accept insurance, they are essentially agreeing to be beholden to the insurance company’s guidelines and protocols. This means that the therapist is not able to truly tailor the therapy to meet the unique needs of the client. Instead, the therapist has to adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach that may not be effective for everyone. Additionally, when therapists accept insurance, they are also agreeing to have their sessions monitored and recorded by the insurance company. This can create a feeling of unease and mistrust between therapist and client, as the client may feel like they are being judged or evaluated by someone who is not part of the therapeutic process. Therapists generally aim to create a safe and supportive environment for their clients, free from any outside interference. Accepting insurance can hinder that.
Many therapists don’t have the resources to hire someone who can manage billing and insurance claims
There can be a lot of paperwork and red tape involved in insurance-related tasks. Not only does this take away from time that could be spent with clients, but insurance companies generally pay therapist much less than the billed amount. This can make it difficult to keep up with expenses or hire someone who can manage the billing and insurance claims for them. This would put even more strain on the system, which is already struggling with limited access to mental health resources. With more time being spent on paperwork and less time for clients, many of the people who could benefit from therapy are left without the help they need.
Insurance companies often dictate how sessions should be conducted
If you’ve ever been to therapy, you know that it’s a process of digging deep and exploring the things that can make you tick. It can be heavy and emotional, but it can also be funny and cathartic. It’s essential for the therapist to be able to build rapport with their clients and create a safe and comfortable space for them to open up. Unfortunately, when insurance companies are involved, they often dictate how therapy sessions should be conducted, which can interfere with the therapeutic process. For example, insurance companies may limit the number of sessions you can have per week or the number of sessions you can have in your treatment plan, they can require a certain type of therapy, or they can specify the length of each session. Placing these restrictions on the therapeutic process means that therapists may not have the time to develop rapport or explore all of the important facets that play a part in your treatment and healing process.
Many therapists don’t feel comfortable dealing with insurance companies
As a therapist, I often find myself in the position of having to deal with insurance companies. And let me tell you, it’s not always a comfortable situation. First of all, there’s the question of reimbursement rates. Insurance companies are constantly trying to low-ball us on the rates they’re willing to pay, and it can be hard to fight for what we deserve. Then there’s the paperwork. It seems like every time I turn around there’s another form to fill out or another piece of documentation to provide. And if I’m honest, I’m not always 100% sure what they’re looking for. But the most challenging part of dealing with insurance companies, for me at least, is the fact that they often seem to view clients more as numbers than as people. They’re focused on cost-effectiveness and efficiency, and it can be hard to remember that there are real human beings behind those numbers. But at the end of the day, that’s why I do what I do – to help people heal and grow. And insurance companies, frustrating as they may be, are just a part of the process.
As anyone who’s ever seen a therapist can tell you, confidentiality is key. You need to feel safe sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings, knowing that they won’t be shared with anyone else. If your therapist accepts insurance, that confidentiality can be compromised. Insurance companies require therapists to provide diagnosis codes for the treatments they provide, and these codes can be used to access your medical records. Additionally, employees of insurance companies often review therapy records to ensure that the treatments being provided are medically necessary. As a result, there’s a risk that your most personal information could end up in the hands of complete strangers or that you are labelled with a diagnosis that may not fit you in order to get your claims processed.
If you’re looking for a therapist, you can find us on our website at https://thattherapyspace.com/, by phone at (509) 800-7129, or email at [email protected]. We are located in Liberty Lake, Washington, just minutes from Spokane, WA and Coeur D’ Alene, ID.