Confidentiality

You should know that insurance companies require detailed information about their members’ treatment, and often direct treatment (i.e. type of therapy, length of therapy, etc.)  This also includes providing a psychiatric diagnosis and other sensitive information that becomes part of your mental health record. These records may impact your ability to obtain other medical insurance down the road, as your new carrier may consider you as having a pre-existing condition. 

As a private pay client, you assured that your treatment records are shared only with your prior written consent.
 
Benefit Coverage

Most insurance plans only cover a limited number of sessions per year.  Thus, any sessions scheduled beyond the annual maximum become an out-of-pocket expense. Prior to the start of treatment, you should check with your insurance carrier to see if you have an annual session maximum before deciding to use your insurance.
 
Freedom of Choice

As a private-pay patient, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose any psychologist you want, based on personal preference rather than having to select an unknown provider from your panel.