Here is why people use private pay
There are several reasons a person may prefer to use private pay, or self pay. Private pay (i.e., self pay) means that a person is paying directly out of pocket for their counseling or therapy sessions without using insurance. This form of payment offers several benefits to you as a client.
Below you will see a list of reasons why some people prefer to use private pay, self pay, when receiving mental health services such as counseling or therapy.
Convenience
Depending on the insurance company, private pay or self pay, tends to be a much easier and simplistic form of payment due to not having to deal with the insurance process such as pre-approvals, copays, or deductibles.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Private pay or paying out of pocket provides the client with more confidentiality and privacy. If a person decides to use their insurance, then the insurance company likely has access to your private information such as mental health diagnosis, dates you received services, and type of service you are receiving in therapy. Insurance companies may even request notes from your therapist or counselor.
Freedom
Insurance companies tend to limit therapy. Insurance companies may limit the number of sessions that are allowed or covered as well as the length of each session. Insurance companies commonly limit the types of therapy or therapeutic approaches.
Choice
It is important to note that not all counselors or therapists accept insurance, so private pay or paying out of pocket for your sessions may be an option.
Avoiding Diagnosis
Insurance companies commonly require a mental health diagnosis of the client in order to cover treatment. That being said, some people may not want a diagnosis on their record or the person may not meet full criteria for a mental health diagnosis.
Control
Private pay or self pay provides you, the client, with more control related to your treatment since insurance companies tend to set limitations.