In the last 12 months, I’ve had 1 client choose not to work with me because I did not work directly with insurance companies. Once they understand why I choose NOT to work with managed care and how that choice benefits them, they are typically grateful that a professional counselor took the time to fully explain the implications of the choice.

In the event that insurance companies need additional information i.e. clarification about dates of service, diagnosis, or supplemental information, I provide such information only to the client for him / her to submit to the insurance company if s/he chooses to do so.

I have had an insurance company attempt to communicate directly with me about a client by telephone. I simply explain that I have no authorization to confirm / deny that I have a client by the name of ____________ and then I refer them back to their own client for additional information.

“The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to ensure that financial requirements (such as co-pays, deductibles) and treatment limitations (such as visit limits) applicable to mental health or substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits are no more restrictive than the predominant requirements or limitations applied to substantially all medical/surgical benefits.” Here’s are links to a Fact Sheet and a FAQ Sheet on MHPAEA of 2008.

The truth is that the restrictions and limitations of working with managed care are equally applicable to dentists, physicians, and mental health professionals.