Therapy Is an Investment in You
Therapy can be one of the most powerful ways to care for yourself, create meaningful change, and break patterns that no longer serve you. Starting therapy takes courage and resources. It is an investment of time, energy, and money, and it is also a powerful act of self-respect. This work matters, and the way you pay for it should support your healing, not make it harder. I offer private pay, sliding scale options, and tools to make using your insurance benefits easier so that therapy feels accessible and aligned with your goals.
Why Choose an Out-of-Network Therapist?
Working with an out-of-network therapist offers important advantages that many clients value once they understand the difference.
Greater Flexibility in Care
Insurance companies often limit the number of sessions, require reauthorization, or dictate what concerns are considered eligible for coverage. As an out-of-network provider, I can tailor therapy to your needs, goals, and pace rather than to insurance rules.
More Privacy and Confidentiality
Using insurance typically requires assigning a mental health diagnosis and sharing treatment information with your insurance company. Out-of-network therapy allows us to work without adding a diagnosis to your medical record and keeps therapy notes private between us.
Therapy Beyond a Diagnosis
Many people seek therapy for reasons that do not fit neatly into a diagnosis, such as identity exploration, parenting support, burnout, relationship patterns, or life transitions. Out-of-network therapy creates space for this work without needing to justify it to a third party.
A More Collaborative Relationship
Without insurance restrictions, therapy becomes more collaborative. We decide together how often to meet, what to focus on, and how long therapy lasts based on what feels supportive and sustainable for you.
Using Insurance Without the Limits
If you have out-of-network benefits, you can still use your insurance while maintaining the flexibility of private pay. Mentaya and Thrizer make reimbursement more transparent and manageable.
Using Your Out-of-Network Benefits
If you have health insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement for therapy sessions. Your insurance plan determines how much is reimbursed and whether a deductible applies.
You can use the Mentaya benefits calculator on this page to estimate your coverage before starting therapy. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, Thrizer can handle reimbursement for you on an ongoing basis.
You do not need to figure this out perfectly or on your own. These tools exist to reduce stress, not add to it.
Two Ways to Use Your Out-of-Network Benefits
Option 1: Mentaya Benefits Calculator
Mentaya allows you to quickly check your out-of-network benefits. By entering your insurance information, you can see an estimate of your reimbursement rate and expected out-of-pocket cost.
This option is helpful if you want clarity upfront or prefer to understand your benefits before committing.
Use the Mentaya benefits calculator below to check your coverage instantly.
Option 2: Thrizer, Hands-Off Reimbursement
Thrizer is a service that handles out-of-network billing for you.
Instead of paying the full session fee and waiting for reimbursement, you pay only your co-insurance at the time of session. Thrizer then bills your insurance company directly on your behalf.
This option is helpful if you want to avoid paperwork, insurance calls, and tracking reimbursements.
Some clients use Mentaya first to understand their benefits and then choose Thrizer for ongoing sessions. Others use just one option. We can talk through this together if you are unsure what feels best.
Understanding Out-of-Network Benefits
Out-of-network therapy means that I am not contracted directly with insurance companies. Sessions are paid for privately, and if you have out-of-network benefits, your insurance plan may reimburse you for a portion of the cost.
Many people are surprised to learn that out-of-network therapy can still be affordable. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be reimbursed for a significant percentage of your session fee. Some clients receive between 50 and 80 percent back. Tools like Mentaya and Thrizer can help you understand and use these benefits without added stress.
Being out of network gives you more choice and control over your care while still allowing you to use insurance benefits when available.
Sliding Scale Options
My full fee is $300 per 45-minute session.
I recognize that therapy is a significant investment, and I want to make it as accessible as possible. Sliding scale is offered on an honor system. You do not need to prove hardship or justify your need.
I trust you to choose a rate that reflects your current financial situation. Clients who are able to pay the full fee help make these lower-fee options possible.
If you find yourself questioning whether you deserve a sliding scale spot, you are not alone. Many of the people I work with carry similar concerns. We can talk openly about what feels sustainable for you. I offer a sliding scale ranging from $200 and up, with a limited number of reduced-fee spots at the following rates:
$200 per session (if you have out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed $100–$160 per session, meaning you may only pay $40–$100 out of pocket)
$225 per session (you may be reimbursed $110–$175 per session, meaning you may only pay $50–$115 out of pocket)
$250 per session (you may be reimbursed $125–$200 per session, meaning you may only pay $50–$125 out of pocket)
$275 per session (you may be reimbursed $135–$220 per session, meaning you may only pay $55–$140 out of pocket)
These numbers are examples; your exact reimbursement depends on your insurance plan. You can use the Mentaya benefits calculator on this page to see your actual coverage and estimate what your out-of-pocket cost would be.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You can check your benefits by calling the number on the back of your insurance card and asking:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health?
What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed?
Is there a deductible I need to meet first?
If you would rather not make those calls, the Mentaya benefits calculator and Thrizer can check your benefits for you and let you know exactly what you will pay per session.
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I reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots at $200, $225, $250, and $275 per session. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are intended for those with genuine financial need. Sliding scale is based on an honor system. Clients who pay the full fee of $300 per session make it possible for me to keep these lower-cost options available.
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Working out-of-network allows me to provide care that is more flexible, confidential, and tailored to your needs. Insurance companies often limit the number of sessions or require a diagnosis to cover treatment. This model gives us the freedom to work together in the ways that are most supportive for you.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
If you have the means, paying the full fee of $300 per session sustains the practice and ensures others can access care at reduced rates.
If your resources are more limited, you may request one of the sliding scale spots when available.
If you have insurance, I encourage you to check your out-of-network benefits or use Thrizer to simplify reimbursement.
Taking the First Step
Investing in therapy is an act of courage and self-respect. Whether through full fee, out-of-network benefits, or sliding scale, there is a path forward that can work for you. You deserve the space to heal, reflect, and grow.
If you are ready to learn more about working together, please complete the contact form and include a few details about the kind of support you are looking for. This might include your goals for therapy, your current concerns, or any questions about fees and reimbursement. Sharing this information helps me understand your needs and ensures that our first conversation is as helpful as possible.
