Pros of not using insurance

Contributed by Annie Nicol, MSW, LISW

At Bridges Counseling of Ohio, it is essential to each of us that we are providing the highest quality of care to our clients. In order to do this, we have chosen to abstain from joining insurance networks. In order to help our clients understand why, here are a few of our top reasons: 

1. No diagnosis requirement

Insurance companies mandate that therapeutic treatment is “medically necessary.” This requires practitioners to assign a diagnosis code to each client at the onset of treatment, whether they believe there is a legitimate need to assign the diagnosis or not. Once these diagnoses are in the world of medical paperwork, they follow the person from year to year. At Bridges, we believe life sometimes gets the best of us and needs to be talked through with a professional...and that there should be no long-term label assigned for getting help when going through a difficult season. 

2. Confidentiality 

Insurance companies are the unseen, unheard third parties in the counseling office with us. Auditors review insurance claims to insure that the service is still “medically necessary,” meaning that they have access to the therapist’s records. Assurance of confidentiality is very important to the counselors of Bridges Counseling of Ohio and an essential tenet of the Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist Board’s Code of Ethics.

3 Control for Client 

Insurance companies limit the number of sessions (and sometimes the schedule of such!).  At Bridges Counseling of Ohio we believe the client should have the control for when and how often they schedule sessions. 

But do note, being out of network does not mean clients can't use insurance benefits for their counseling. It simply means that our office won't do the direct billing for sessions.  However, should clients choose to try to use insurance, we will provide receipts that they may submit to their carriers for possible out of network benefits.  Additionally, Bridges Counseling of Ohio accepts Health Savings (HSA) or Flex Spending (FSA) cards too for payment.  

Choosing a therapist is a big decision- they are often a large influence in the lives of their clients and leave a lasting impact.  Before ruling out a therapist due to network considerations, check out the office and practice.  The counselor/client rapport is critical for the success of counseling and that can't be determined by network.  

We have decided to remain out of network to best help our client make sure their health information is protected and to ensure that they are receiving the highest quality of care with whatever they are going through in life!