The Elephant in the Room: Let’s Talk About Therapy Fees
It is completely normal to feel a pinch of hesitation when you find a therapist you connect with, only to see their hourly rate. You might find yourself wondering, “Why is this so much? Is it really just for an hour of talking?”
I believe in building our relationship on a foundation of total transparency, and that includes being open about the financial side of healing. Choosing therapy is a significant investment of your time, heart, and hard-earned resources. I want to pull back the curtain on why private practice fees are structured the way they are, and why I’ve chosen to operate as an out-of-network provider to protect the quality of your care.
1. You Are Investing in More Than 50 Minutes
A common misconception is that the fee covers only the time we spend sitting together. In reality, that fee protects the "container" of your care. To show up for you with the empathy and focus you deserve, I cannot treat therapy like a standard 40-hour-a-week desk job.
To remain fully present for your story without becoming exhausted or distracted, I intentionally limit my caseload. Beyond our time together, your fee supports the "behind-the-scenes" work that ensures you receive the best care possible:
Clinical Care: This includes thoughtful documentation and treatment planning tailored specifically to your goals.
Research & Consultation: I spend time staying current on therapeutic techniques and consulting with peers to gain fresh perspectives on how to help you move forward.
The Power of Two Minds: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), I pay for regular clinical supervision. This means a senior, fully licensed clinician reviews my work. You are essentially getting two clinical minds dedicated to your well-being for the price of one.
Creating Access: I reserve several reduced-fee spots for those who cannot afford the full rate. When clients pay the full fee, they aren't just supporting their own growth, they are helping me sustain a practice that offers mental health support to those in less fortunate financial positions.
2. Why I Choose to Stay Out-of-Network
The decision to not bill insurance directly is one I made with your privacy and autonomy in mind. While insurance is helpful for many, it often comes with "strings attached" that can interfere with the therapeutic process.
Your Privacy and Your Record
To bill insurance, I am required to provide you with a formal mental health diagnosis (such as Major Depressive Disorder). This becomes a permanent part of your medical record. For many people navigating grief, life transitions, or relationship struggles, a medical label feels inaccurate or intrusive. Staying out-of-network allows us to focus on you as a person, not a diagnostic code required by a corporation.
Your Autonomy in Healing
When insurance companies pay for your sessions, they often want a seat at the table. They may limit the number of sessions you’re allowed or decide you are "cured" before you feel ready to stop. By remaining out-of-network, you and I decide when our work is done, not a claims adjuster.
Preventing Burnout
Insurances dictate how much they pay therapists in network. They have what is called a contracted rate. Insurance reimbursement rates have remained stagnant for years. To make a living wage, many insurance-based therapists are forced to see 30 to 35 clients a week. This often leads to "compassion fatigue." By charging a private rate, I can safeguard my energy so that I can bring my warmest, most attentive self to every single one of our sessions.
3. How to Make Your Benefits Work for You
Even though I don’t bill insurance directly, you may still be able to get a significant portion of your investment back. Here is how:
Superbills
I can provide a monthly "Superbill" (a detailed receipt). You submit this to your insurance, and if you have out-of-network benefits, they may reimburse you a percentage of the cost. In this case, insurance will need me to give a diagnosis.
HSA / FSA
You can almost always use your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account cards to pay for therapy with pre-tax dollars.
Mentaya
Let’s be honest: dealing with insurance paperwork is a headache. I noticed that many of my clients were missing out on reimbursement simply because they forgot to submit their Superbills or got overwhelmed by the process (hello, ADHD tax!). To solve this, I’ve partnered with Mentaya. This service handles the entire claim process for you automatically, so you don't have to fight with insurance companies to get paid back. You can check your benefits instantly here.
The Bottom Line
I view therapy as an investment in your "future self." My fee reflects the training, supervision, and emotional capacity I dedicate to our partnership. You deserve a therapist who is fully resourced and ready to walk beside you. If you have more questions, book a free 20 consultation with me today.
