Fees & Payment
Therapy is an investment of time, attention, and care. My fee structure reflects the level of training, experience, depth, privacy, and flexibility of the work we do together.
I work on a self-pay (cash-pay) basis and do not accept insurance directly.
| Payment is due at the time of service. You can pay in session with cash, check, Zelle, or credit card, including HSA/FSA cards. If you prefer to make a payment before our meeting time, need to pay for a missed payment, or use the PayPal Later use the “buy now” button below. That will take you to a PayPal payment screen. You will need to enter the appropriate amount. |
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Advantages of paying for therapy yourself
Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean you have to use it. Sometimes, people find it is better to pay for services without utilizing insurance. There are both advantages and disadvantages of utilizing your health insurance. Obviously, there is an increased cost if you don’t involve your insurance company. However, there are advantages of private pay that may make the expense worth considering.
Additional Confidentiality
Insurance providers require a mental health diagnosis, justification, and clinical treatment planning in order for counseling to be covered. In addition, they have the right to audit your records at any time to be sure they are paying for a justifiable diagnosis with their approved treatment methods. When you pay out-of-pocket, you are guaranteed that the only people who know any of the details of counseling are yourself and your therapist. There is no third party who can audit your records and know the details of what happens in your private sessions.
After 13 years in-network with most insurance companies, I have decided to no longer participate in managed care due to their increased involvement and monitoring of your private treatment. We believe in accessibility, and we understand not everyone has the means to pay out of pocket for therapy, so we do offer an income-based sliding scale. We advise you to contact your insurance company directly to learn what your out-of-network mental health coverage is. You can simplify your claim submission with services like Mentaya.
Finding the Best Fit
A counseling relationship is a different kind of relationship than a medical procedure that insurance companies base their models on. We believe (and the research supports) that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in predicting a successful outcome. Much more than the particular technique or intervention used. We understand that financial constraints might be a factor, which is why we accept some insurance plans; however, we don’t believe you should be limited to therapists within your insurance provider’s network. Find the best fit for you.
Financial Means
Money is a part of life and does impact our well-being. We believe that money should be talked about openly and directly, not outsourced to others to handle. If you cannot afford our fees but feel this is the best fit for you, we can discuss sliding-scale options that may be comparable to what you would pay with insurance. We have a limited number of sliding-scale therapy slots, based on your access to resources and our availability. We can talk about it directly.
Cash-Pay FAQ
Why I Am a Cash-Pay Practice
The work I offer is depth-oriented and relational. It focuses not only on symptom relief, but on meaning, patterns, identity, relationships, and the inner life. This is by nature counter to a surface-level, quick-fix orientation that insurance companies demand.
Insurance companies typically require:
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A mental health diagnosis
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Ongoing documentation justifying “medical necessity”
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Pressure toward short-term, symptom-focused treatment
Working outside of insurance allows the therapy to remain private, flexible, and shaped by what actually matters to you, rather than by the requirements of a third-party system.
Why don’t you take insurance?
Insurance fundamentally changes the nature of therapy. It requires a diagnosis, ongoing reporting, and treatment plans designed to meet insurance criteria rather than the needs of the individual. Insurance companies are involved in your treatment, rather than it being the private, confidential space you deserve. Imagine what it would be like to have someone listening to everything you share in therapy. Insurance companies have the right to review your records at any time.
By working on a self-pay basis, I’m able to:
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Protect your privacy
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Avoid pathologizing normal human suffering
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Let the work unfold at its own pace
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Focus on depth, meaning, and relationship rather than checklists and timelines
Some people prefer insurance-based care, and that can be a good fit in many situations. My practice is designed for those seeking a different kind of therapeutic space.
Can I use my insurance anyway?
You may be able to use out-of-network benefits, depending on your plan. I’m happy to provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Reimbursement rates and eligibility vary by plan, and I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your benefits.
Isn’t cash-pay therapy expensive?
It can feel that way at first—and it’s normal to pause around the fee.
Many clients find it helpful to think less in terms of “cost” and more in terms of priority and alignment. Self-pay therapy offers:
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Full confidentiality
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Control over the direction and length of the work
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Freedom from diagnostic labels
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A space that belongs entirely to you
For many people, those factors matter deeply.
Does paying out of pocket actually make a difference?
Often, yes.
Clients who choose to invest directly in the work frequently report:
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Greater engagement and commitment
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A stronger sense of agency
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Deeper honesty and continuity
This isn’t about motivation or worthiness—it’s about how people tend to relate differently to something they’ve consciously chosen and prioritized.
How do I know if this is the right fit for me?
The best way to know is through conversation.
In an initial consultation, we can talk openly about:
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What you’re looking for in therapy
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Whether my approach fits your needs
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Whether the fee structure feels sustainable and aligned
There’s no pressure to decide immediately. Therapy works best when the agreement feels clear and mutual. You are welcome to schedule a few sessions and see how it feels to work with me.
Do you offer sliding scale or reduced fees?
I keep a limited number of reduced-fee spots available depending on availability and circumstances. You’re welcome to ask about this during an initial consultation.
Questions?
If you have questions about fees, payment, or whether this approach is right for you, I’m happy to discuss them. Please email [email protected] or call 970-829-0478 for your free consultation.