Why I Choose Private-Pay Therapy for Children
A thoughtful, individualized approach to your child's care
When you're looking for a play therapist, you may naturally start by checking with your insurance company. I understand that. Therapy is an investment, and families deserve to understand their options.
I often get asked why I don't accept insurance, so I wanted to share a little about how I made that decision.
For me, it comes down to having the flexibility to focus on your child and what they need.
Getting to Know Your Child Before Making Decisions
Children are still learning how to understand their feelings, communicate their needs, and navigate the world around them. Sometimes, what looks like a behavior problem is a child struggling with something they don't yet know how to explain.
I want to take the time to get to know your child, listen to your concerns, and understand the bigger picture. I believe diagnoses can be valuable when appropriate, but I also believe we should be thoughtful about how and when we make those decisions.
I don't want to feel rushed into making a diagnosis simply to meet a payment requirement. I want my clinical decisions to be based on a careful understanding of your child and their needs.
Treatment Should Be Individualized
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping children. What works for one child may not be the right fit for another. Even children who come to therapy with similar concerns may need different kinds of support.
I want the flexibility to adjust my approach as I get to know your child and as their needs change. My goal is to provide care that fits the child in front of me, rather than expecting every child to fit the same treatment plan.
What Does Private-Pay Mean?
Private-pay means families pay directly for therapy rather than having me bill their insurance company.
Insurance plans can have requirements related to diagnosis, medical necessity, documentation, and reimbursement. Those requirements vary by plan, but they can influence how mental health services are covered.
Choosing private-pay gives me greater flexibility in making treatment decisions based on my clinical judgment and your child's individual needs.
This doesn't mean that therapists who accept insurance cannot provide individualized care. It simply means private-pay is the model that best fits how I want to practice.
Can I Use My Insurance Benefits?
Although I don't bill insurance directly, your plan may offer out-of-network benefits that can help reimburse some of the cost of therapy. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement depends on your specific plan, so I encourage you to contact your insurance provider to ask about your benefits before beginning services. I cannot guarantee your insurance will reimburse you.
You may also be able to use HSA or FSA funds for eligible expenses, depending on the applicable requirements and your plan.
My Goal Is to Support Your Whole Child
Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what your child needs. You don't have to have all the answers before contacting a therapist.
I want to partner with you, understand your concerns, and help your child build the skills and confidence they need to grow. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where your child feels understood, supported, and free to work through challenges at their own pace.
If you're wondering whether play therapy might be a good fit for your child, I'd be happy to talk with you and answer your questions.
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