Paying For Therapy
Why Paying for Therapy Feels So Confusing
Figuring out how to pay for therapy can feel confusing, and sometimes overwhelming.
Insurance, deductibles, in-network, out-of-network… it’s a lot to sort through. And if you’ve ever tried calling your insurance company for answers, you know it doesn’t always make things clearer.
The Good News: You Have Options
The truth is, you actually have more than one way to pay for therapy. Insurance is one option, but it’s not the only one.
There are tools like superbills, platforms that simplify reimbursement, and even accounts like HSA or FSA funds that many people don’t realize they can use for mental health care.
Let’s break it down.
Using Insurance (Pros & Cons)
Insurance can definitely make therapy more affordable, especially if your plan covers mental health services. Once you’ve met your deductible, you may only owe a copay, which feels predictable and easier to budget for.
Pros of insurance:
Lower costs once your deductible is met
Predictable copays
Many plans include mental health coverage
Cons of insurance:
Requires a formal diagnosis for coverage
May limit the number, length, or frequency of sessions
Restricts you to in-network therapists, which can make it harder to find the right fit
Sometimes claims are denied- even for services you expected to be covered (often due to insurance rules around “medical necessity” or billing code errors). This can feel frustrating and unpredictable, even if you and your therapist are doing everything right.
Insurance can be a helpful tool, but it sometimes puts the company in the driver’s seat instead of you and your therapist. That’s why it’s worth knowing about other options.
Using Superbills (Out-of-Network Benefits)
If your therapist isn’t in-network with your insurance, that doesn’t always mean you’re out of luck. Many plans offer out-of-network benefits, which is where something called a superbill comes in.
A superbill is basically an itemized receipt your therapist gives you that includes what your insurance company needs (diagnosis code, session dates, fees, etc.). You submit that receipt directly to your insurance, and if your plan covers out-of-network mental health care, they’ll reimburse you for a portion of the cost.
Pros of superbills:
Freedom to choose a therapist who’s the right fit
Possible reimbursement even if your therapist is out-of-network
Cons of superbills:
You pay up front
Reimbursement can take weeks (and isn’t always guaranteed)
Platforms Like Thrizer
If the idea of managing superbills sounds overwhelming, there are programs designed to simplify the process.
One example is Thrizer, a platform that handles out-of-network billing for you. Instead of paying your therapist’s full fee up front and waiting on reimbursement, you’d just pay your copay through Thrizer, and they manage the claim with your insurance behind the scenes.
Why people like it:
Saves time and paperwork
No waiting weeks for reimbursement
What to keep in mind:
Not every therapist uses Thrizer (or similar services)
Not all insurance companies are supported
Using HSA/FSA Accounts
One option that often gets overlooked is using HSA (Health Savings Accounts) or FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) to pay for therapy.
These accounts are designed to cover qualified medical expenses, and yes, that usually includes mental health services.
Why it helps:
HSA/FSA funds are pre-tax dollars
Feels like getting therapy at a discount
Can be used whether your therapist is in-network, out-of-network, or using programs like Thrizer
Not everyone realizes this is available, so if you have an HSA or FSA through your employer or insurance plan, it’s worth checking.
Taking Back Control of Your Care
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your therapy works for you.
Insurance can absolutely help make therapy affordable, but it can also come with limits that don’t always line up with what you need.
Exploring other options, like superbills, platforms such as Thrizer, or using HSA/FSA funds, gives you more flexibility and puts you back in control of your therapy journey.
Because your care shouldn’t be decided by a billing code or an insurance policy. It should be guided by what actually helps you heal and grow.
If you’ve been holding off on therapy because of cost, know that you may have more choices than you realized. And if you’re curious about what options might work best for you, I’m happy to talk through it.
If you’re considering starting therapy and wondering about payment options, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out, you deserve care that feels both supportive and accessible!
