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The hidden "costs" of insurance and mental health "benefits"

Due to increasingly problematic "hidden" privacy concerns attached to mental health "benefits," I encourage new clients to consider discussing a private, "out of network" sliding scale fee agreement as an alternative. After factoring in deductibles, copays, coinsurance, choosing a treatment experience that is free from the constraints of health insurance can be an invaluable investment (and often a comparable or negligible difference in overall cost). Most notoriously notable of these concerns is the compromised privacy and confidentiality of your records when treatment is dictated by third party "managed care" companies with your "informed consent" to access psychotherapy treatment records. If your insurance plan offers "out-of-network" benefits, I will assist in submitting the forms required for reimbursement when necessary.