If you have an insurance policy that allows you to choose your own provider, sometimes called “out-of-network,” you are usually able to receive partial reimbursement for my services. Please check with your plan by calling the Customer Service number on the back of your insurance card to confirm the details for reimbursement.

I am in-network for Aetna. There are several reasons that I am not in-network on many insurance panels. Most importantly, I would be required to share information about your diagnosis and treatment with the insurance company. Sometimes, they submit that information to a national data bank where it is accessible to other insurers and, potentially, other people. I could not guarantee that they would keep that information confidential. The safety that confidentiality provides is essential for you to feel comfortable to share your concerns in therapy!

Second, and equally important, information shared with your insurance company about your treatment may have possible implications for future employment, future insurance, security clearances, child custody and other legal involvements.

A third problem that could occur is improper handling of treatment records by the insurance company if they transmit your information via FAX or electronic transmission.

Finally, your insurance company, and not you and I, determine what is “medically necessary,” who may provide the treatment, and how many sessions you can have to resolve your concerns.

I hope that having this information helps you make an informed decision about whether or not to use third party reimbursement to cover the cost of your treatment.