Private Insurance information

As a therapist dedicated to supporting first responders, I often get asked about insurance. It's a valid question, and one I want to address openly and honestly. While it might seem counterintuitive in our healthcare system, I've made a deliberate choice not to accept private insurance for mental health therapy. This decision is rooted in my commitment to providing the highest quality, most confidential, and truly individualized care for you – the brave men and women on the front lines.

Here's why:

1. Protecting Your Confidentiality and Privacy:

This is paramount, especially for first responders. When you use insurance, your diagnosis, treatment plan, and even session notes become part of your medical record, accessible to the insurance company. This can raise concerns about:

• Employment implications: While discrimination is illegal, the existence of a mental health diagnosis in your records can sometimes be a source of anxiety regarding future promotions, assignments, or even employment status within your department.
• Stigma: Despite progress, mental health stigma still exists. For many first responders, the idea of a diagnosis being "on file" can be a deterrent to seeking help.
• Loss of control: Your personal journey in therapy should remain just that – personal. When insurance companies are involved, they have a say in your care, and your privacy is inherently compromised.

By operating outside the insurance model, I ensure your therapy is completely confidential. Your journey is yours alone, and our work together remains strictly between us.

2. Eliminating the "Medical Necessity" Barrier and Dictated Care:

Insurance companies operate on a "medical necessity" model. This means they often dictate:

• Diagnoses: For therapy to be covered, you typically need a billable mental health diagnosis. This can feel reductive and pathologizing, especially if you're seeking support for general stress, burnout, or proactive well-being, rather than a severe mental illness.
• Session Limits: Insurance companies often limit the number of sessions they'll cover, regardless of your actual needs. This can abruptly interrupt crucial therapeutic work and force a rushed approach to your healing.
• Treatment Modalities: They may also have preferences or limitations on the types of therapy they'll reimburse, potentially restricting access to the most effective approaches for first responder specific trauma and stress.

My commitment is to provide the care you need, for as long as you need it, using the most effective methods available. This allows for deeper, more impactful work without arbitrary constraints or the pressure to fit into a diagnostic box.

3. Focusing on Your Unique Needs, Not Insurance Requirements:

Without the administrative burden and clinical restrictions imposed by insurance companies, I can fully dedicate my time and energy to:

• Specialized Care: First responders face unique stressors and traumas. My focus is on understanding and addressing these specific challenges with tailored approaches that might not be readily approved or understood by general insurance panels.
• Flexible Scheduling and Approach: We can work at a pace that's right for you, whether that means longer sessions, more frequent meetings during a crisis, or less frequent check-ins for maintenance.
• True Client-Centered Therapy: My priority is your healing and growth, not fulfilling insurance company requirements. This allows for a more authentic, collaborative, and ultimately more effective therapeutic relationship.

4. Streamlined and Transparent Process:

Dealing with insurance claims, denials, and appeals can be a significant source of stress and administrative hassle. By not accepting insurance, we eliminate this complexity. You'll know exactly what you're paying for, with no hidden fees or unexpected bills. This allows us to focus solely on your therapeutic journey.

Investing in Your Well-being

I understand that paying for therapy out-of-pocket is a significant investment. However, I truly believe it's an investment in your long-term well-being, your career, and your family. For first responders, your mental health is as critical as your physical health in your demanding profession.

My decision to operate independently of insurance companies is driven by a deep commitment to providing you with the most effective, confidential, and truly personalized mental health support you deserve. 

I will assist you with checking your out of network benefits prior to the first appointment.  Many times people can receive reimbursement with a "superbill" by utilizing your "out of network" benefits.  

Workers Comp is accepted at this practice.