I know… it can be so challenging to think you have found the right therapist after going through several directories and numerous phone calls to hear the dreaded words “Sorry, I don’t accept your insurance.” It can be crushing blow and as much as you don’t like it… I don’t like it either.
Using and accepting insurance is far more complex than meets the eye. There are so many reasons why licensed psychotherapists (and other health professionals) have made the tough decision not to. I hope that my list below helps you to understand if nothing else that as your (potential) therapist, I take pride in the work I do, the intricacies of your healing and the rapport that we build that I do not want compromised by a corporation that is not fully invested in your goals.
- Cultural competency is a standard of care that I will not default on. As a Black woman who has experienced oppression, witnessed injustice and has simply been culturally misunderstood within the healthcare system, I have made it my mission to ensure that I provide a therapeutic space in which clients feel safe, heard and grow in a way which honors their cultural backgrounds. Unfortunately, insurance companies will only cover services if approved therapeutic modalities are used that does not include Afrocentric and Eastern psychological approaches.
- I unapologetically utilize a holistic approach. I do not subscribe to the medical model of psychotherapy. I am interested in seeing you as a whole and not just the mental health concerns you may present with. I want to be able to assess your eating patterns, review the environmental factors you experience and understand your history to help you feel fully connected spiritually, mentally and physically.
- We deserve to have creative control over the direction of your care. You and I collaboratively should be able to determine how often we meet and how long our therapeutic relationship will last. Insurance companies often times require what is called an authorization, in which based upon the concerns noted during our first meeting together, they will determine how many sessions you are granted for a specific time frame. The healing journey should not have a required timeframe in which it should occur in my professional opinion. You should have access to therapy not just to help you diffuse challenging situations, but also to help you thereafter to establish and maintain stability in your life.
- Your healing is sacred. During session you are sharing some of the deepest experiences of your life. While I am trained to write clinical documentation concisely, it does not stop insurance companies from potentially requesting a copy of documentation. This is to demonstrate proof of the services held to assess if services need to be continued. No one needs to know your business like that.
- Labels are great for organizing… not for helping people navigate life. When you make the decision to get into therapy (kudos, it is such an act of bravery), it does not always mean that there is a mental health disorder present. Our experiences with life transitions, stress and responsibilities often times require us to seek support and it’s an honor to offer such to you. When utilizing insurance, it is a requirement to provide a diagnosis. This diagnosis can also be utilized to determine how long you will get access to care.
- It takes away from our face to face time. I ventured out into private practice because I really enjoy supporting people in elevating their lives. I am a present therapist. I like to offer resources and homework and occasionally check in in between sessions. When dealing with insurance companies, it limits my ability to such as I have to submit authorization forms, submit billing claims and more. Engaging in such would limit my ability to show up the way I desire to.
- I believe therapy should be accessible to everyone. And the confines of insurance can limit that. As we have been discussing above, insurance companies have the ability to say if what you are going through qualifies for you to receive therapy and for how long. You deserve what you need, when you need it and I look forward to offering that to you.
- I’m not for everyone. My therapeutic approaches may not work for every person seeking mental health support. Insurance panels limit the range of therapists you have access to. While consult calls support us in being able to determine if we are a good fit to work with one another, I don’t want any client to feel as if they are required to work with me because I’m one of few therapists in network. You deserve to have an experience in which you can reach your goals.
- When we view therapy as an investment, we tend to demonstrate a greater commitment. Think about the last thing many of us want to do… that’s waste our money and our time. I’ve found that when we are fully invested in our wellness, we tend to be more consistent, willing to do the work and are in a space to thrive.
- This is a one woman show. Hi, I’m Chalice! I serve as the therapist, administrative assistant, digital media strategist and creative director. Being a solo-entrepreneur brings me much joy and it is also a significant investment of time. As a psychotherapist, I educate clients on the importance of caring for themselves and I have to practice what I preach. As the business expands, I am looking forward to receiving additional supports that will grant me the opportunity to eventually accept insurance.