Benefits of Seeing an Out-of-Network Couples Therapist
I know that by the time you are researching couples counseling, you have already spent a lot of time and emotional energy on your relationship. Then, you have to wade through the process of finding a therapist that is a good fit on many levels, including financially.
When you’re doing research to find the best couples therapist for you, you will find that therapists fall into two basic categories when it comes to taking insurance: in-network and out-of-network. In-network therapists have contracted with an insurance company to accept a negotiated (i.e. discounted) rate. Out-of-network providers have not contracted with the insurance company. Depending on your insurance plan, you may still be able to see an out-of-network therapist and use insurance benefits. Please see my FAQs for a detailed list of questions to ask your insurance provider.
At first glance, going with an in-network therapist seems easier and less expensive than an out-of-network therapist. However, health insurance is complex and the reasons behind going in-network versus out-of-network are not always straightforward. Below are some benefits of considering an out-of-network couples therapist.
Accessibility
Once you’ve decided it’s time for couples counseling, you probably want to start as soon as possible. But because insurance companies limit the number of therapists in their network, those therapists’ schedules are pretty full and often have a waiting list. Widening the pool to include out-of-network couples therapists can help you get into therapy faster, which is important if your relationship is in a make-or-break stage.
Greater Confidentiality
What you have to share in couples counseling is extremely personal. Going out-of-network affords you the option to keep your treatment completely between you and the therapist. When you utilize your insurance coverage (whether you go in or out-of-network), some information that you share necessarily becomes part of your healthcare record. First of all, the therapist will report if a member of the couple meets criteria for a diagnosis of a mental illness. This is because insurance companies only cover what “medically necessary” and nothing more. Often, couples counseling is not even covered by insurance plans because relational distress alone is not considered a medical necessity.
Even if you do qualify for a diagnosis, there are downsides to having it on your medical record. For many people, having a diagnosis on record is not acceptable, as it can interfere with employment options, acquiring health or life insurance, or serving in the military. Additionally, the insurance company will continuously monitor the therapist’s session notes to determine if the therapy is still medically necessary.
Customized Treatment
A couples therapist who’s not contracted with an insurance company has a lot more freedom to base their clinical decisions on what YOU need - not what the insurance company stipulates. For example, out-of-network therapists can offer longer and more frequent sessions, which might help you resolve your issues faster. This is especially useful for couples therapy, in which having more voices in the room often makes longer sessions necessary. Out-of-network therapists can also keep meeting with you even after you no longer meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Without insurance involved, you and therapist are empowered to design a plan that puts you first.
Goodness-of-Fit
There’s a lot of research that says the relationship between the therapist and client is the greatest predictor of good outcomes. This makes sense when you realize you have to trust and respect your therapist enough to discuss uncomfortable topics and take on suggestions for change. Finding a skillful therapist that you trust is a very personal process. There’s an added layer of complexity when you need a therapist who’s also a good fit for your partner. If you only consider in-network therapists, you might eliminate a therapist who would be a better fit for you, who could help you create meaningful change faster.
Couples counseling is an investment in your relationship and in yourself. Choosing a couples therapist because they’re in-network but not a good fit is ultimately a waste of your money. But more importantly, you and your partner will lose the emotional energy and time that you could have spent repairing your relationship.
I hope this information helps you find the right couples therapist. If you have questions or are wondering if I’m the right fit for you and your partner, then click here to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with me.
I offer couples counseling in Wakefield, Rhode Island, and online everywhere in Rhode Island and Connecticut. I’d love to help you find happiness again in your relationship.
