At The Center for Mind & Relationship, we understand that choosing to invest in psychotherapy is a significant decision. Part of that decision involves understanding how therapy services are paid for. Our practice operates on a private pay (also known as out-of-network) model. This means we do not directly accept insurance, and clients pay for their sessions at the time of service.
We believe this model allows us to provide the highest caliber of specialized, confidential, and personalized care, tailored entirely to your unique needs and goals, without the limitations often imposed by insurance companies. This page explains why we’ve chosen this approach and the distinct advantages it offers you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Our Session Fees
We believe in transparent pricing for our specialized psychotherapy services. Our current fees are as follows:
Initial Intake Session (60 minutes): $200
Standard Individual Psychotherapy Session (53 minutes): $200
Standard Couples Therapy Session (60 minutes): $200
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept checks, credit/debit cards, and cash. For more information on using out-of-network insurance benefits, please see the sections below on this page.
What is Private Pay (Out-of-Network) Therapy?
Private pay therapy simply means that you, the client, pay your therapist directly for services, rather than the therapist billing an insurance company. If you have out-of-network benefits through your insurance plan, you may still be able to receive reimbursement for a portion of the therapy costs. We can provide you with a “superbill” (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for this purpose.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your specific out-of-network benefits for mental health services, including deductibles, reimbursement rates, and any pre-authorization requirements.
The Distinct Advantages of Choosing Private Pay at The Center for Mind & Relationship
Opting for a private pay model for your therapy at our Center offers several key benefits designed to enhance your therapeutic experience and protect your privacy:
Unparalleled Privacy and Confidentiality
- When you use insurance, your therapist is typically required to provide your insurance company with a clinical diagnosis (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder) for services to be covered. This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent health record.
- With private pay, your therapy remains strictly confidential between you and your therapist (within the bounds of legal and ethical mandates regarding safety). No diagnosis needs to be shared with an insurance company unless you specifically choose to seek out-of-network reimbursement. This heightened level of privacy can be particularly important when dealing with sensitive issues related to men’s therapy, sex therapy, or problem sexual behavior.
Greater Choice and Control Over Your Therapy
- Choose Your Therapist Freely: You are not limited to a list of in-network providers. You can choose the therapist whose expertise, approach, and personality best fit your needs and preferences – a critical factor for successful therapy. (Learn more about Jonah Taylor’s approach on our About Page).
- Treatment Tailored to You, Not Insurance Mandates: Insurance companies can sometimes dictate the type of therapy, session length, or number of sessions they will cover, regardless of your actual therapeutic needs. With private pay, your treatment plan is developed collaboratively between you and your therapist, based solely on what will be most effective for you and your unique goals, whether that involves in-depth psychodynamic exploration, specialized EFT for couples, or an integrated approach using mindfulness and Buddhist psychology.
No Requirement for a Formal Diagnosis (for Therapy Itself)
- While we are qualified to diagnose, private pay therapy does not require a formal mental health diagnosis for you to receive services or for us to structure our work. Many individuals seek therapy for personal growth, relationship enhancement, stress management, or navigating life transitions – experiences that are part of the human condition, not necessarily “disorders.” This approach reduces stigma and allows us to focus on your overall well-being and goals.
Potentially More Flexibility and Access
- Session Length and Frequency: We can be more flexible with session length or frequency based on your clinical needs, rather than insurance restrictions.
- Specialized Expertise: Private pay often allows therapists to invest more deeply in specialized advanced training (like our certifications in Sex Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, or advanced training in EFT) that may not be readily available through all insurance networks.
A Focus on Quality and Depth of Care
- By reducing the administrative burdens often associated with insurance billing, we can dedicate more time and energy to direct client care, continuing education, and providing a truly premium therapeutic experience. This supports the in-depth work often necessary for lasting change.
Understanding Fees and Out-of-Network Reimbursement
We are committed to transparency regarding our fees. You will be informed of the session rates prior to your first appointment. Payment is due at the time of service.
Using Your Out-of-Network Benefits:
- Many insurance plans offer out-of-network (OON) benefits that can help cover the cost of therapy.
- How it works: You pay us directly for your sessions. We then provide you with a monthly superbill (an itemized receipt with all necessary information, including diagnostic codes if you consent to their use for this purpose). You submit this superbill to your insurance company, and they may reimburse you for a percentage of the fee, depending on your plan.
- Questions to ask your insurance provider:
- Do I have out-of-network mental health (or behavioral health) benefits?
- What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?
- What percentage of the session fee is covered for out-of-network providers (after the deductible is met)? (Ask about CPT codes typically used, e.g., 90837 for individual therapy, 90847 for couples/family therapy).
- Is pre-authorization required?
- How do I submit claims for out-of-network reimbursement?
Is Investing in Private Pay Therapy Worth It?
We believe that investing in your mental, emotional, and relational health with a highly qualified, specialized therapist with whom you feel a strong connection is one of the most valuable investments you can make. While the upfront cost may differ from using in-network benefits, the potential for deeper, more tailored, and lasting change can be profound. Many individuals find that the quality of care, privacy, and flexibility offered in a private pay setting ultimately provides significant value. If you’re hesitating to start therapy due to cost or other concerns, we encourage you to discuss this during a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Private Pay Model
Your Well-being is Our Priority
At The Center for Mind & Relationship, our primary focus is providing you with exceptional therapeutic care that supports your journey towards healing, growth, and fulfillment. We are happy to answer any further questions you may have about our private pay model during a consultation.
