Answering the Infamous Question...

Do you take insurance? This certainly seems like a simple "yes" or "no" question. But it isn't. It fact, it can be a somewhat complicated answer. Whenever a potential client asks me this question, I try to give them the easy-to-understand answer, "I am an out-of-network provider so it depends on your insurance plan." But even that provokes more inquiry and explanation. Sometimes, behavioral health plans are part of one's medical health plan and sometimes they aren't. If they aren't, then there may be different deductibles and co-pays applied. Sometimes, too, behavioral health plans are covered by a separate health insurance company altogether. So if you have medical insurance covered by Company A, your mental health counseling may be covered by Company B. And Company A and Company B can have different rules, procedures, deductibles, and co-pays. In other words, if you have medical coverage under Company A, they may allow you to see an out-of-network doctor but if your mental health coverage is through Company B, they may not allow you to see an out-of-network counselor. Confused? You're not the only one! And the worst part of all of this is that neither you nor your provider may be aware of this. I had a client recently who found me through her insurance company directory. When the claim was filed, it was denied because her mental health coverage was through another company who chooses not to cover providers outside of their network. We didn't realize this since her insurance card listed me as a provider AND she found me through her insurance company's directory! This doesn't happen all the time but it is something to be aware of. Therefore, when I get a call from a potential client and the discussion unfolds, I encourage them to call their insurance company and ask about their mental health coverage. Or to review their insurance plan paperwork. If they get stuck, I'm certainly happy to call on their behalf. So going back to the question of whether I take insurance? I am an out-of-network provider (except for Aetna) who chooses to seek payment up front and bills on behalf of the client seeking reimbursement. Whether the insurance company reimburses is in the hands of the insurance company. Should you run into problems or need more information about insurance, feel free to contact the CA Dept of Insurance by clicking this link.