Kelly M Hint LMHC
empowering minds, healing hearts
- HSA/FSA cards accepted
- Credit card payments accepted
- Self pay session fee: $150
I am currently a private-pay, out-of-network provider. While I don't accept insurance directly, your insurance plan may have out-of-network benefits, which means that they will reimburse you for a portion of our session cost. I have partnered with a billing company to handle the out-of-network process automatically for you. If you have out-of-network-benefits, you will only have to pay your co-insurance/copay for our sessions, instead of paying my full fee and waiting for reimbursements. This can save you on average 70% upfront on our sessions. During our intake process, I can help you verify if you have out-of-network benefits and how much your co-insurance would be.
Why I Don't Accept Insurance: A Decision in Therapeutic Integrity
As a psychotherapist dedicated to providing quality mental health care, I want to address a common question: Why don't I accept insurance? While it may seem counterintuitive, there are several reasons behind this decision, all aimed at prioritizing the well-being and integrity of my clients' therapeutic journey.
1. Client-Centered Approach: One of the primary reasons I choose not to accept insurance is to maintain a client-centered approach to therapy. When clients pay out-of-pocket for sessions, it ensures that our therapeutic relationship remains solely focused on their needs and goals. There's no involvement of third-party payers influencing the course or duration of treatment.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy: Insurance companies require a diagnosis and treatment plan to approve coverage for therapy. While this may seem standard, it poses a significant challenge to client confidentiality. Also, I have had insurance companies that I have worked with previously audit client files on multiple occasions. This means that your entire record is sent to the insurance company, allowing them to be able to read every therapy note written. This is not a HIPAA violation, as insurance companies are allowed to do so. By you using your insurance benefits, you are agreeing to this practice as the insurance companies are legally allowed to request and read your records. By not involving insurance, I can ensure that your personal information and the details of your therapy remain confidential between us, without being shared with any third parties.
3. Flexible Treatment Options: Opting out of insurance allows for more flexibility in the therapeutic process. We are not bound by the constraints of predetermined session limits or treatment modalities dictated by insurance policies. Instead, we have the freedom to tailor your therapy experience according to your unique needs and preferences, without external pressures.
4. Quality of Care: When therapy is dictated by insurance regulations, there's a risk of compromising the quality of care provided. Sessions may be rushed, treatment options limited, or therapist-client dynamics influenced by bureaucratic requirements. By opting for a private-pay model, I can prioritize delivering the highest standard of care without such constraints.
5. Professional Autonomy: Lastly, not accepting insurance grants me the autonomy to make clinical decisions based solely on what's best for you, the client. I'm not beholden to insurance companies' rules and regulations, allowing me to maintain the ethical integrity of my practice and uphold the values of client-centered therapy.
While I understand that the cost of therapy can be a barrier for some individuals, I believe that the benefits of private-pay therapy ultimately outweigh the drawbacks. However, I'm committed to making therapy as accessible as possible which is why I offer out-of-network services to those needing to use their out-of-network benefits. We can chat about that more during your initial appointment with me.
Ultimately, my decision not to accept insurance is rooted in my dedication to providing you with the highest quality of care, tailored to your individual needs, and free from external influences. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your well-being is always my top priority.