Comments on: 6 Counselor Rumors about Accepting Health Insurance

By: Carrie Johnson

Carrie Johnson — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 03:52:16 +0000

Does anybody know if an independently licensed counselor with a reprimanded lower level license will be barred from insurance panels? Mine was reprimanded because a board member can’t read, and I signed the consent order for the reprimand in order to avoid a trial. I’m worried I may have made the mistake of a lifetime.

By: Erik

Erik — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 19:30:52 +0000

Insurance clients are often less motivated and invested in treatment, because they are in effect not paying for services rendered. Reimbursement also is not as good as with a self-paying client. I feel too many counselors, etc. have become made to think that insurance clients are needed to succeed. Do massage therapists take insurance only clients? Do restaurants that these clients go to take their insurance? Counselors with a medical lean in cohorts with psychiatrists, etc. may do well with insurance, but not all counselors work this way.

By: Russell

Russell — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 18:03:16 +0000

I find the more difficult aspect of beginning a private practice is securing an income during the build up period. You’re new to the area (at least in terms of your counseling practice availability) and while people are finding out about you and referrals begin trickling in, you also have to find a means of supporting yourself and possibly a family. I don’t know what the average start up time is before you accumulate enough clients and return clients to support yourself, but it’s more difficult than I think most realize. Your location and availability of other similar services will significantly impact your bottom line and future as well. Good luck.

By: Thriveworks

Thriveworks — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:31:51 +0000

In reply to Psych doctor.

Greetings Psych Doctor,
Thanks for the comment! I agree–cash pay practice often struggle with retention, as cash pay clients might come less frequently, or terminate counseling early. Using insurance take a lot of the financial burden from clients!

By: Psych doctor

Psych doctor — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:01:34 +0000

I am finding out the hard way that a cash only private practice is VERY difficulty for certain populations and areas in a recession. I am in my second year of private practice and despite getting regular referrals most potential clients just cannot afford to pay the full rate and at times I end up sliding my fee BELOW what insurance would cover to get them in the door. There I have had to cave and apply to get on insurance panels. Its better to have many clients at moderate reimbursement rates than few clients at a high reimbursement rate. It’s the nature of the beast.