Using Insurance Benefits for Counseling
When You Call Your Insurance Company
There are some questions that you can ask your insurance company when you call:
Do I have out of network mental health benefits with my health insurance plan?
Is there a deductible and what is it?
In order to be reimbursed for out of network mental health services do I need to obtain pre-authorization? And if so, what are the steps needed?
Once I’ve met my deductible, is there an amount or percentage of each session that will be covered?
To be reimbursed do I need a diagnosis?
Is there any limitations on how many sessions I can have over the course of a calendar year?
Are specific diagnoses required for me to be reimbursed?
Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
What credentials does a provider need to have in order to be reimbursed? (Josh is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor supervised by a licensed psychologist).
What is the process for getting reimbursed for out of network mental health services?
Reason #1 Why We Don’t Take Insurance
Narrative therapy believes that you are not the problem, the problem IS the problem. Insurance, no matter what, even if it is not appropriate, there has to be a diagnosis. A diagnosis also leaves a permanent medical record. I believe that everyone needs help from time to time and that this shouldn’t need to lead to a diagnosis.
Reason #2 Why We Don’t Take Insurance
For years, my wife took insurance with her counseling practice and I observed her spending countless hours on the phone with insurance companies, trying to find out her clients’ mental health benefits, what their co-pay was, how many sessions they were eligible for, etc. Sometimes she would get the correct information from the insurance company and sometimes she wouldn’t. She also spent countless hours filling out reimbursement forms, as each company had their own form and process. We believe that our time is better spent giving you the best care that we can whether that is through attending trainings, answering your emails, or reading about the latest research. We believe that you come first, not insurance companies.
Invest in Yourself!
Ultimately, counseling is an investment in yourself. I believe that you are worth the investment. It takes time and energy to drive to an office, attend the counseling session, and drive home. But what you learn about yourself is invaluable and is a gift that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Imagine being able to walk into situations and react differently, or to be more aware of why you are reacting in certain ways. Imagine how life could be different if you felt more confident or less stressed? Wouldn’t that be a gift to yourself and to your loved ones?
Location
Counseling in Westminster, MD