Why I Choose to Be Out-of-Network: Protecting Your Story
One of the most common questions I receive is: "Do you take insurance?"
The short answer is no. While I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, which legally restricts me from being paneled with many insurance companies, my choice to remain "out-of-network" is primarily a philosophical and ethical one.
Even seasoned therapists with 20 years of experience are increasingly opting out of the insurance system. Here is why I have joined them in "unlinking" private counseling from the insurance "monster."
1. Your Diagnosis is Permanent
To get a claim paid, insurance companies require a DSM-5 mental health diagnosis. This diagnosis becomes a permanent part of your medical record. While this may seem like a formality, it can have long-term implications for life insurance, certain security clearances, or future healthcare premiums. I believe you should have the right to seek help without being "labeled" by a system that prioritizes codes over people.
2. They Own Your Records
When you use insurance, the company has the legal right to audit your clinical records at any time. This means non-clinical staff—accountants and data processors—can read the intimate details of our sessions to determine if your care is "medically necessary." I believe the only people who should have access to your story are you and your counselor.
3. They Dictate Your Healing
Insurance companies often operate on a "medical model," meaning they want symptoms "fixed" in a specific number of sessions. But healing from narcissistic systems, neurodivergent burnout, or deep-seated trauma doesn't follow a corporate timeline. By opting out, we ensure that you and I decide when you are finished—not an algorithm or a claims adjuster.
4. Protecting Your Data from "Big Tech"
In 2026, we are seeing more clearly than ever how health data is farmed and brokered. By keeping your payment and records independent of major insurance databases and government-linked agencies, I am adding a vital layer of "digital armor" around your identity.