I want to tell you a secret about your options for Mental Health Care.

I wanted to let you in on something curious about your mental health care. It might sound a bit unusual, but trust me; it's worth considering – paying out of pocket for mental health services. Yep, you read that right!

Now, I know insurance can seem like the go-to option, but let me give you some reasons why opting to pay directly for mental health services might actually be a benefit and better option for you.

Confidentiality and Control:

Paying out of pocket gives you more control over your therapy journey. It means your sessions won't be recorded in insurance databases, preserving your confidentiality. You get to decide who has access to your mental health information.

No Diagnosis Worries:

All insurance options require a mental health diagnosis for coverage AND it must meet criteria or be deemed medically necessary. To be considered medicaly necassary you must be struggling and having symptoms of mental health difficulty to the point that your daily living is signficianlty impacted. But not everyone wants or needs a diagnosis- they just want to improve their mental health or do prevention.

Opting to pay directly means you can focus on personal growth and well-being without worrying about getting a diagnosis attached to your healthcare records. This is the number one reason that prevents you from receiving counseling for preventative measures or even as maintenance for just learning skills to manage your mental wellness.

Flexibility in Therapy Length:

Insurance companies often limit the number of therapy sessions covered due to medical necessity requirements (see point above). Paying out of pocket means you can work with your therapist as long as you both feel it is necessary. It's all about your progress and needs, not insurance restrictions.

Choice of Therapist:

With insurance, you might have a limited pool of therapists to choose from. Paying out of pocket opens up more options and therapist availability. You can select a therapist based on your specific needs, expertise, and the approach that resonates with you. AND many therapist have moved away from accepting insurance leaving them with more availability.

Now, let's talk about Provisionally Licensed/Associate Therapists and Graduate-level Interns as an EXCELLENT option for your mental health care.

Provisionally/Associate Licensed Therapists and Interns:

These professionals are incredibly skilled and passionate about their work. They offer services under supervision from experienced mental health professionals(sometimes more than one), ensuring you receive quality care because you have highly skilled seasoned licsensed clinicians supervising your care.

Affordability and Sliding Scale Options:

You might think out-of-pocket payments are expensive, but it's not always the case. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on your financial situation. Plus, the costs can be much more budget-friendly when working with provisionally/associate licensed therapists or interns. Often not much more than your co-pay AND they have much shorter wait times. Sometimes you can do out-of-network (ONN) billing and have some services covered by your insurance, you would have to check the specifics with your plan. ** If you choose this option, insurance companies still control the type and length of treatment they cover as well as you must meet medical necessity in order for reimbursement to happen.

Fresh Perspectives and Energy:

Provisionally/Associate licensed therapists and graduate-level interns often bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to their work. They stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques, offering innovative approaches to address your concerns with compassion and empathy. They often have speciality niches they have been trained in such as play therapy or trauma informed care.

I want to empower you in your Mental Health journey wether it is for you specificaly or your family members. Opting to pay directly for mental health services puts you in the driver's seat of your journey. It's all about your needs, goals, and preferences, allowing you to feel more empowered in your growth and healing process.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care.

While insurance can be helpful, paying out of pocket opens up a world of possibilities for personalized and confidential therapy experiences. Provisionally/Associate Licensed Therapists and Graduate Interns offer you quality care under the guidance of seasoned professionals, making it a win-win situation.

So, take some time to explore your options and find the mental health path that feels right for you. Your well-being and mental health are worth the investment!

Take care and be kind to yourself,

FYI- Here at Olympia Therapy we have immediate openings for our Associate Licsenced and Graduate Interns, click on the link for more information.