Many insurance plans offer full or partial reimbursement for counseling services. However, Oakland Hills Counseling is not a contracted “in-network” or “preferred provider” with any insurance agency. Our experience over the last several years would suggest that more and more companies are dropping mental health benefits, and insurance providers are increasingly reluctant to make third-party reimbursements. Additionally, in order to make an informed decision, we believe prospective clients need to understand the down side to using insurance for counseling. In order to receive reimbursement for counseling services, insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis. A mental health diagnosis may become part of your permanent medical record in a national providers database, and typically has a negative impact on future coverage and/or inflated costs for life or health insurance. However, upon request, we will provide counseling service receipts with all required documentation, which you can submit to your insurance provider. To determine if you have mental health coverage, start by contacting your insurance carrier. Some questions to ask:
- Do I have mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session, including deductible?
- How many therapy sessions per year does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- What licensing requirements does the counselor need?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?