Why We Are Private Pay
Why We Are a Private Pay Practice
Thoughtful Care. Intentional Choice. Better Outcomes.
At our practice, we believe in doing things differently—because mental health care should be as unique and human as the people receiving it. We’ve chosen to operate as a private pay (self-pay or out-of-network) practice, and that decision is grounded in our desire to offer the highest quality of care, the greatest flexibility, and the deepest respect for our clients' privacy and autonomy.
One of the greatest advantages of private pay therapy is the flexibility it offers you as the client. Without insurance companies setting the rules, you and your therapist can collaboratively design a schedule, pace, and style of therapy that fits your unique needs and life circumstances. Whether you want to meet weekly, biweekly, or adjust session length to dive deeper when needed, private pay allows for that freedom. There are no limits on the number of sessions you can have, no requirements to "prove" progress to continue, and no rigid treatment plans dictated by outside parties. This means your care can evolve as you do—intuitively, intentionally, and without interruption.
Here’s why this model is so important—and why it might be the right fit for you.
More Freedom, More Individualized Care
Insurance companies often set the terms for therapy: what issues can be treated, how many sessions are allowed, and even which treatment approaches are covered. In a private pay model, you and your therapist—not an insurance company—make those decisions.
This means:
You don’t need to meet “medical necessity” requirements to begin.
We’re not forced to apply a diagnosis if it doesn’t apply or isn’t helpful.
We can use a wider range of approaches tailored to you, not to a billing code.
You can attend sessions at a frequency that suits your goals, not a company’s budget.
Private pay removes the limitations that often reduce therapy to a checklist, allowing us to focus on healing, growth, and long-term change—not just symptom management.
Your Privacy Matters
When insurance is involved, your therapy sessions are no longer entirely private. They require the submission of diagnostic codes and session notes that become part of your permanent medical record. These records can potentially impact:
Life insurance eligibility
Security clearances
Future health or disability coverage
By choosing private pay, you keep full control of your mental health information. Nothing is shared with third parties unless you request it. Confidentiality stays where it belongs: between you and your therapist.
No Delays, No Red Tape
In-network therapy often involves long waitlists, limited session availability, and bureaucratic hurdles. Private pay allows us to:
Offer quicker access to appointments
Avoid pre-authorizations, coverage reviews, or claim denials
Spend more time preparing for and reflecting on your care—not filling out paperwork
You’re not just another file in a system—you’re a person deserving of timely, respectful support.
Sustainable Care for Therapists = Better Care for You
Burnout in mental health professionals is real, and one of its biggest causes is working within restrictive, underfunded insurance systems. Therapists in private pay practices are more likely to:
Maintain healthy boundaries and manageable caseloads
Have time for continuing education and supervision
Be fully present and emotionally available in session
Build long-term, stable practices that won’t disappear when reimbursement rates change
When therapists thrive, clients benefit. Choosing a private pay provider means you’re investing in a relationship that’s built to last.
Is Private Pay Right for You?
Private pay isn't just for those with abundant resources—it’s for those who value:
Flexibility and customization
Privacy and discretion
Consistent, unhurried care
A deeper, more collaborative therapeutic relationship
We also understand that investing in therapy is a big decision. We’re happy to offer superbills so you can seek potential reimbursement through your out-of-network insurance benefits, and we can guide you through using HSA/FSA funds when applicable.
In Summary: What You Gain with Private Pay
No diagnosis required to begin care
Confidential treatment that stays between you and your therapist
Customized sessions—length, frequency, and approach tailored to your needs
Quicker access and fewer administrative delays
Therapists who are fully present, less stressed, and focused on you
WRITTEN BY JENN BIRCH, OWNER