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The Abundance Blog

Three Reasons You Might Not Want to Use Insurance for Counseling

8/8/2018

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Disclaimer:  This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your insurance company directly for more specific information. 

Sidenote: We do support insurance-based counseling at Abundant Life Partners.  We highly value accessibility to mental health services and as such are credentialed with most major insurance plans and EAPs in addition to offering cash-based, sliding scale services.  All that said...     

Insurance Reality #1 | It’s Not Exactly Confidential
To process insurance claims, we use an Electronic Medical Record System.  Last year alone, the Department of Health and Human Services recorded approximately 24,000 HIPAA violations. The more information that is disclosed to a 3rd party insurance or technology company, the greater the risk to your information being out there. Additionally diagnoses provided to insurance companies for reimbursement can be disclosed if you or your child eventually needs a federal background check, wants to be a pilot, etc.

Insurance Reality #2 | You (or Your Child) Have to Be Diagnosed
In order to have insurance cover counseling, we have to provide a diagnosis. For better or worse, insurance companies cover counseling based on “medical necessity.”  We believe that counseling can be beneficial for many people for whom a mental health diagnosis is not appropriate.  For example, if a couple comes in for counseling, in most cases one person has to receive a mental health diagnosis and be the "identified patient" for insurance to cover services.  Many children and teens can benefit from counseling.  We love the opportunity to support kids and teens through "normal" developmental challenges without labeling them with a diagnosis that may not be clinically appropriate.

Insurance Reality #3 | They Decide Your Treatment
Insurance companies dictate many of the specifics around treatment delivery. We believe that part of the goal of therapy should be to provide services creatively, effectively, and efficiently to maximize therapeutic benefit.  Insurance companies determine the number of sessions and the frequency. They also can stipulate the location that services can take place.  These types of decisions would optimally be a choice between you and your therapist based upon clinical effectiveness as well as logistical realties.  Sometimes you need shorter sessions or longer ones. Maybe you need them 2x per week or once per month. When an insurance company is involved, they decide payment. Clients who pay directly for services enjoy the freedom to choose how services are delivered.  We want you to get the best quality of counseling treatment!
 
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    Meghan Freeman, LCSW

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​Phone: 757-603-4603
ext. 1 for new clients
ext. 2 for billing department
ALP's Phone Extension Directory

Fax: 757-257-9146
hello@abundantlifepartners.com
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Serving 5 locations in Williamsburg, VA and virtually throughout Virginia
**Please make note of the location of your appointment.**

1315 Jamestown Road, Suite 203
501 Prince George Street, Suite 309
348 McLaws Circle, Suite 3
​ 1001 Richmond Road 
​5248 Olde Towne Road, Suite 10

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Good Faith Estimate Notice
  • Home
  • Services
    • Medication Management
    • Adult Counseling >
      • Specialties >
        • College Students
        • Military Families
        • Grief and Loss
        • Maternal Mental Health
        • Trauma
        • Eating Disorders
    • Child Counseling
    • Teen Counseling
    • Family Counseling
    • Older Adults
    • Couples Counseling
    • Online Counseling
    • Biblical Counseling
    • Spiritual & Pastoral Care & Consulting
    • Group Counseling
  • Client Information
    • Appointment Request
    • Current Clients
    • Locations
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Insurance & Payment
    • Good Faith Estimate Notice
  • Meet the Team
    • All Therapists
    • Licensed Therapists >
      • Meet Ashley
      • Meet Chelsea
      • Meet Christie
      • Meet Craig
      • Meet Danielle
      • Meet Ella
      • Meet Jenna
      • Meet Jennifer
      • Meet Jessica
      • Meet Karen
      • Meet Lauren
      • Meet Lisa Cassidy
      • Meet Lisa Wolanzyk
      • Meet Llorin
      • Meet Meghan
      • Meet Melissa
      • Meet Sarah Merten
      • Meet Sarah Parks
      • Meet Virginia
    • Residents and Supervisees >
      • Meet Annie
      • Meet Brandy
      • Meet Caroline
      • Meet Carson
      • Meet Isaac
      • Meet Joy
      • Meet Kelsey
      • Meet Leah
      • Meet Rachael Scroggin
      • Meet Rachel Richardson
      • Meet Yafi
    • Internship and Practicum Students >
      • Meet Alyssa
      • Meet Bri
      • Meet Penny
    • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner >
      • Meet Rochelle
    • School Counselor and Support Group Specialist >
      • Meet Lynette
    • Spiritual and Pastoral Care Specialist >
      • Meet Anita
    • Administrative Team >
      • Meet Ann Marie
  • Job and Partnership Opportunities
  • Massage Therapy and Reiki