Why see a private pay therapist?

Whether we call it private pay or self-pay, we are referring to therapy services that do not go through insurance.

1. You Choose the Right Therapist for You

With private pay, you’re not limited by a provider list. You get to choose a therapist who actually specializes in what you’re going through—and who feels like the right fit. The therapy relationship is so important in order to make progress and reach your goals. If you think about it, it makes sense. We feel the most safe, connected, and able to share with those we have a relationship with. So whether it’s anxiety, OCD, trauma, or something niche like narcissistic abuse recovery, you get access to the best match for your needs.

2. No Deductible Drama

Many insurance plans have high deductibles, meaning you’re paying out-of-pocket anyway until that deductible is met—often thousands of dollars. So even when using insurance, you're paying cash… with less flexibility. Private pay allows you to put those funds toward a therapist who actually meets your needs, not just who’s “in network.”

3. Your Privacy is Protected

Private pay means your diagnosis and treatment details stay private. With insurance, your therapist is required to share certain information (like diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress) with the insurance company, which becomes part of your permanent medical record.

4. No Time Limits or Session Restrictions

Insurance limit how many sessions you can have or require frequent justification to continue care. Private pay therapy allows you to go at your own pace—weekly, biweekly, long-term, or as needed—without anyone else dictating your timeline. You can even see a private pay therapist longer in an appointment. Sometimes 50-minutes is what works, sometimes 90-minutes feels like it is more helpful.

5. Access to Specialized Therapists

Specialized care (like ERP for OCD, trauma-informed therapy, or LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy) is hard to find in-network. Private pay opens the door to clinicians who have deep expertise in what you’re struggling with—not just someone who checks a box on your insurance plan.

6. The Focus is Entirely on You

With private pay, therapists don’t have to spend time doing paperwork for insurance companies or chasing down approvals. That means more time and energy goes into your care, not insurance red tape. You never have to be concerned about providing updated coverage or seeing if you have to stop seeing your in-network therapist as you had to switch insurance providers.

7. See a Therapist Anywhere in Your State

Private pay allows you to work with any licensed therapist in your state, including those who offer telehealth. That means you can find someone who really understands your experiences, even if they don’t live nearby. With a private pay therapist, they may have additional state licenses to see you. Often insurance can get really specific with their plans and make it challenging to even find a therapist in-network. No concerns with this when it comes to a self-pay therapist.

8. Superbills Can Help You Get Reimbursed - Out-of-Network

Many private pay therapists can provide a superbill—a detailed receipt that allows you to potentially get reimbursed by your out-of-network benefits. You get the freedom of private pay plus some of the financial benefit back.

9. Investing in Quality, Not Just Coverage

When you work with a private pay therapist, you’re choosing someone who has built their practice around high-quality care. You’re investing in real progress, personalized support, and someone who isn’t burnt out from seeing 30 clients a week just to make ends meet through insurance rates.