The Benefits of Seeing a Private Pay Online Therapist Instead of Using Insurance

When looking for a therapist, you might wonder whether to use your insurance or pay out of pocket. While using insurance seems like the obvious choice financially, there are significant benefits to seeing a private pay therapist. If you’re considering therapy and weighing your options, here’s why private pay might be the better route for you.

More Privacy and Confidentiality

When you use insurance, your therapy sessions become part of your medical record. Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis to cover your treatment, which can have implications for future employment, life insurance, or security clearances. With a private pay therapist, your sessions remain confidential between you and your therapist—no insurance company involved.

More Freedom in Your Treatment

Insurance companies often limit the number of sessions you can have and dictate the types of therapy they’ll cover. If you’re looking for specialized care like online EMDR therapy for trauma, holistic approaches, or long-term support, private pay allows you and your online therapist to decide what’s best for your healing—without outside interference. Sometimes that may mean that you may be able to see your therapist more than once a week, or engage in a therapy intensive, etc. You have more ownership of your care and options by removing insurance limitations.

You Get to Choose the Right Therapist for You

Many highly skilled therapists don’t accept insurance because of the restrictions and low reimbursement rates. If you’re looking for a BIPOC therapist, a trauma therapy specialist, or someone who truly aligns with your needs, private pay gives you access to a wider range of professionals. Sometimes insurance may also limit how you access your sessions, like they may decide to not cover your online therapy sessions, or if you decide to do a phone session, insurance may not provide reimbursement for that.

Shorter Wait Times and More Availability

Therapists who accept insurance are often overwhelmed with clients due to high demand, leading to long waitlists. With private pay, you’re more likely to get an appointment quickly and have better scheduling flexibility, whether you prefer in-person or online therapy.

No Diagnosis Required

If you don’t meet the criteria for a mental health disorder, insurance won’t cover therapy. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve support. Private pay allows you to seek therapy for personal growth, life transitions, or relationship issues without needing a formal diagnosis and also without having to ass it to your medical record.

Investing in Yourself

Yes, private pay therapy is an investment, but it’s an investment in your well-being. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, or package discounts. When you choose private pay, you’re prioritizing your mental health on your own terms—without limitations.

Mentaya and Thrizer are tools designed to help therapy clients get reimbursed for out-of-network mental health services which is aligned with working with a private pay therapist.

• Mentaya simplifies the process by submitting out-of-network claims on your behalf, allowing you to focus on therapy without the hassle of paperwork. It's great for clients seeing private-pay therapists who want to maximize their insurance benefits.

• Thrizer functions similarly but also offers an upfront discount option, so instead of waiting for reimbursement, you pay a reduced rate at the time of your session. This can make private pay therapy more accessible.

Both platforms are valuable for those wanting the flexibility of private-pay therapy while still utilizing insurance benefits.

Is Private Pay Right for You?

If privacy, flexibility, and high-quality care matter to you, private pay might be worth considering. Whether you’re seeking EMDR therapy, a BIPOC therapist, or the convenience of online therapy, paying out of pocket can give you the freedom to get the support you need, the way you need it.

Your healing is worth the investment.

If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and personal transformation, I encourage you to reach out. I am passionate about trauma-informed care in all spaces as well as creating safety so you can process your experiences at your own pace. Please contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how online trauma therapy can help you achieve your goals.

I am dedicated to helping you create a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and resilience. Let's work together to start your healing journey.