Why consider private pay?
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To avoid needing to get a pre-authorization which can delay access to therapy.
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To know what the rates are upfront without having to figure out co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible.
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To be able to talk to a therapist for even though you don't have a mental health diagnosis. Insurance companies often require a diagnosis for reimbursement. There are benefits to counseling that do not involve a diagnosis: personal growth, communication, stress, etc.
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To avoid the possibility of a diagnosis being documented as pre-existing condition. It is unclear if health insurance companies can, at some point, use a behavioral health diagnosis as a pre-exsisting condition.
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To be able to work with your therapist to design a treatment plan that works for you without involvement from a third party.
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More control, freedom for self determination and greater anonymity for the client.