Counseling Fees & Insurance
Denise Pollack, MEd, LPC, NCC
Easton, PA (Lehigh Valley) |
610-392-3862
The Pros and Cons of Using Insurance for Counseling
There are obvious advantages to using health insurance. Insurance plans may pay for some
or all of one's therapy. Copays are often small and manageable. Premiums are costly
and many clients want to fully utilize their benefits.
The disadvantages of using health insurance are less obvious. In order to qualify for benefits,
insurance companies require that the counselor indicate a diagnosis of a mental health
disorder. If a client later applies for life, disability insurance, or other health insurances, his
or her company may need to have access to information about pre-existing conditions. In
addition, insurance companies can limit the number of therapy sessions and request that a
client undergo a medication assessment.
Some clients who have health insurance prefer not to use their benefits for psychotherapy.
By paying for sessions themselves, they can keep personal problems completely private and
avoid generating evidence of a mental health issue. They may choose to come every other
week to keep costs down.
If you prefer to use your insurance I am member of the following insurance networks:
- Capital Blue Cross
- Aetna
- Valley Preferred
- Choice Plus
- ReachEAP
- Horizon
- Anthem
- Highmark Blue Shield
If your insurance plan is not listed you can still come to counseling sessions, but you will
have to pay me directly and then submit your receipt to your insurance company for out-ofnetwork
reimbursement.
Fee
My fee is $120.00 for a 50 minute session, or $160.00 for a 1.5 hour session. I expect payment at the time of service. I accept
cash, credit, and debit cards.