Finding a therapist you like can be hard enough, not to mention finding one who takes your insurance! There are many reasons why therapists might not take insurance, but probably the biggest is low reimbursement rates from insurance that make it difficult for us to earn a paycheck.
I know it can be really frustrating! But, there is another way to see a therapist who is out of network with your insurance. They're called "superbills" and they are receipts you submit to your insurance and then (depending on many factors) your insurance may end up reimbursing you for your sessions with your out of network therapist.
The best way to find out if your insurance does these it to call them and ask "what are my out of network benefits?"
They'll likely have a deductible you need to meet before they start reimbursing. (For example, if your deductible is $1,200, that means you have to pay $1,200 out of your own pocket before your insurance starts reimbursing you.)
They'll then tell you what percentage they'll reimburse. (Let's say they will reimburse you 80% after you meet your deductible. That means when you send in your receipt showing you paid $200 to your therapist for 2 sessions, they will send you a check for $160. The time they take to send this check can vary. But, after all is said and done, your 2 sessions were $20 each (which is hopefully somewhat comparable to a copay as if we were paneled with insurance, but still allows us to make enough to pay our bills).
Make sure to tell them the therapist's fee and ask what you would be reimbursed for each session. (For example my fee is $150 a session. So ask, "Her fee is $150 a session. After I meet my deductible, how much will I be reimbursed?")
If you have any other questions about this, send us an email and we're happy to help!