Is Psychotherapy Worth the Money?: Therapy Investment, Insurance and Cost-Benefit Analysis

If taken seriously, therapy is a real investment in life transformation. It’s not just about feeling better. It’s about removing burdens that have been holding you back perhaps your whole life. This translates to improved relationships, being more attractive, and often raising your income earning potential. Similar to how buying a house, signing a marriage contract, or choosing an university helps forge a forward life trajectory, therapy does the same. It can also save you a ton of grief and money in the long run.

Because therapy is a true investment,  I fit best with clients who feel their own self-talk has reached a limit of helpfulness, or even worse, sabotages future growth. I also work well with clients who need advanced help with a particularly “thorny” issue and have already tried other avenues. I work well with people who while often stubbornly intellectually defended around their feelings, find themselves especially ready for change.

A Note about Health Insurance
To get started, call your provider and ask them what you are eligible for regarding: 1) An initial consultation (90801), 2) Individual Psychotherapy (90837), 3) Couple Psychotherapy (90847). Ask them if they cover a Marriage and Family Therapist, (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and/or a Psychologist. You should also ask about your deductible and what you are eligible for regarding out-of-network provider benefits. While you are at it, also inquire about what your plan covers for a Psychiatrist consult.

There are many excellent therapists that are “in-network,” but there are also a lot that can’t afford the associated administrative headache and costs.

I was an insurance preferred provider for 4 years and now fall into the latter. I’m a better therapist by remaining fee for service, so I’m open to working with my clients as much as possible since they are choosing me and not utilizing their full insurance benefits.

I provide statements for clients to turn in for out-of-network provider benefits. I am also open to discussing payment plans and/or sliding scale when applicable. I am used to discussing finances with my clients and encourage them to budget their finances, needs and urgency and we can talk about it. Discussing all of this in advance allows clients to start seeing results more quickly.

When I began this occupation, it was very important to me to provide excellent service and I’ve never wavered from that intention and I have set up my practice very mindfully. My rates, non-insurance affiliation, hours, diversified services and continued commitment to my own life’s joy allow me to be authentically present to my clients. I am very selective when choosing my own health care providers and organize myself so I offer my best, helping you yield the best positive return on your investment.

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