What You Need to Know About Mental Health Insurance Benefits
As a mental health provider, I am frequently asked by potential clients if I accept XYZ insurance as mental health insurance benefits. This is a great question and there is a two-sided answer of yes and no. I do not “take” mental health insurance benefits. This means that I’m not contracted with your insurance carrier. However, I can help you use your insurance coverage for my sessions.
Using Your In-Network Insurance Benefits
Here’s a quick explanation:
If I was contracted with your insurance company, then I would be an “in-network provider.” Since I’m not contracted with your insurance company, I’m an “out-of-network provider.” Here’s the catch most people do not understand about insurance. By actually paying the same – or just a little more – you can utilize your “out-of-network” benefits hassle-free.
Using in-network providers doesn’t give you as many options to connect with the right therapist for you. Adding to the problem is that there may be a limited number of in-network providers in your area. This makes it difficult to find one who is accepting new clients. Then finding the right day and time that fits with your schedule and their availability can be equally challenging.
What Out-of-Network Insurance Benefits Mean and How to Use Them
I have come across a service that I am working with to help new and established clients use their “out-of-network” insurance coverage for my sessions. I’m a firm believer, that if you have mental health insurance benefits, why not use them to their fullest potential?
Recently I partnered with Reimbursify to help my clients file for out-of-network health insurance reimbursement. It’s very simple and easy to use. You can submit out-of-network claims to any insurance company with your smartphone in under a minute just by downloading the app.
I like to think of this as a part of my concierge service to you. The great thing is that once the claim has been submitted, the app has intelligent reminders. These help you stay up to date on the status of your reimbursement claims with helpful notifications and reminders.
Whether you work with me as your therapist, utilize an in-network or out-of-network provider, or find other ways to outsource and run your private practice more smoothly, I hope you find the right fit for you.
Lisa Lewis has gained extensive training in the mind-body connection with three certificates in energy healing, Level 2 Reiki certified, and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also part of the Disaster Mental Health Team for the world’s largest volunteer network, the American Red Cross. Lisa is a certified Bereavement Group Facilitator so she has a passion for helping those in need. Get in touch with Lisa at [email protected] or call her for a free consult: 626.319.5076
