Counseling in Katy, TX: Benefits of Private Pay Counseling

When seeking counseling in Katy, TX, one of the most important things to consider is how you plan on funding your sessions. Do you think you will use insurance, or do you plan on using a private pay counselor? While insurance may be more cost effective for your pocket book, there are many reasons why private pay counseling may be more successful for you.

Focus on YOU

Insurance companies are working for so many people, spreading their focus over a large number of clients, while directing them toward specific counselors. These counselors that work with insurance have a larger caseload than counselors that are private pay. Having fewer clients, private pay counselors are able to be even more focused on your needs. If you struggle with a complex issue, or if you feel like a greater amount of support is necessary, a private pay counselor can be especially helpful. 

By choosing a private pay counselor, you have the option to choose the counselor that you would like, versus choosing off a list that is given to you by an insurance provider. You have the freedom to really examine what you are wanting to get out of counseling. Is there a specific style of counseling that you feel like you would respond to best? Is there a particular concern that you want to work through? Maybe a specialist is the best choice for you. Private pay counseling puts the luxury of choosing the counselor, and the style of counseling you would like, directly into your hands.

When using insurance to cover the cost of counseling, there are specific guidelines that must be followed. If counseling branches out into different areas of concern, or if a different style of counseling is used, it may not be covered by insurance, and you may be hit with an unexpected bill. Using a private pay counselor, there will never be any hidden costs, copays, or unexpected bills. It can be much easier to budget if the payment never changes.

Privacy

When paying for counseling with the help of insurance, there are boxes that must be checked, and questions that are forced to be answered. An insurance company will request a diagnosis, know when you have counseling sessions, as well as how long they last. They can even ask for the treatment plan and progress updates. Using this information, the insurance company will come to a decision for how long counseling can continue and what type of treatment you ‘should’ be receiving. If counseling sessions are sensitive, you may not want that information being relayed to an insurance company, especially if that information can impact if that insurance company will cover the sessions. With private pay counseling, all of those questions disappear. Your sessions will remain completely confidential with a private pay counselor.

Payment Options

While investing in your mental health is critical, sometimes it gets pushed to the bottom of the list due to monetary reasons. Paying out of pocket can be difficult, so it's important to look at all of your options. Private pay counselors are able to provide you with a superbill- a document that outlines the services received, and the fees charged. You may then submit this superbill to your insurance company, and the insurance company will look at it and decide if you are eligible for any reimbursement. So, even using a private pay counselor, you may be able to be compensated for some of those out of pocket costs depending on your insurance benefits. 

If you have a health savings account (HSA), it can be used to pay for the expenditure of counseling. This can be a great way to save money on counseling, as HSAs offer tax-free contributions and withdrawals.

Client Investment

Have you ever saved money for ages to buy that perfect pair of shoes, or the new video game that came out? When you paid for it, remember how good that felt? You worked for it, and you earned it. Counseling works the same way. Research has shown that when a client pays for counseling out of pocket, they are more likely to take their treatment seriously, and see positive results. When someone feels in control, they are motivated to make positive changes in their lives. 

If you are considering counseling in Katy, TX, I encourage you to explore the option of a private pay counselor. As you can see, there are many benefits to using a private pay counselor, and it may be the best option for you. Let’s work together, today! Let me help you work through the stress that comes with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Learn to overcome those mental and physical blocks for good. I specialize in working with teens, and adults, helping you to live a happy, fulfilled life. Call me today for a free consultation.