Understanding insurance

I believe it imperative that people have a grasp on how their insurance works. One thing you should know is that in order to use your insurance with a mental health professional, your treatment must be deemed “medically necessary,” which means you must be labeled with a psychiatric diagnosis. Most people I see do experience some symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc., but to be diagnosed, is to have it on your permanent health record; unfortunately, this can be a limiting factor in multiple areas, including career goals. For example, there are certain diagnoses that are disqualifying for entry into the military (among other fields). 

Moreover, there is no diagnostic code for couple’s counseling that insurance companies will accept. This means that, if you are to use your insurance for relationship work, either you or your partner (if covered by your policy) must be diagnosed with a billable medical condition. If your crippling anxiety is contributing to issues in your relationship, this makes sense. If your relationship issues are causing crippling anxiety, things get tricky. 

In my experience, diagnoses are a double edged sword. On one hand, they can help normalize certain struggles and experiences and help professionals hone treatment goals; on the other hand, they can become a crutch and make it difficult to muster the energy needed to create lasting change. Long story short, we all experience life in different ways, and endure challenges and painful times. Having a rough go of it shouldn’t be pathologized.

If you’re unclear about your payment options, please contact me so you can move forward with confidence.