CT Psychotherapy Guild, CT psychotherapists, Connecticut therapists, CT therapists, Therapists in CT, Find a therapist in Connecticut, Find a therapist in CT, Couples counseling in Connecticut, Couples counseling in CT, Couples therapy in Connecticut, Couples therapy in CT, Marriage counseling in Connecticut, Marriage counseling in CT, Child and adolescent therapy in Connecticut, Child and adolescent therapy in CT, Depression in Connecticut, Depression in CT, Anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders in Connecticut, Anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders in CT, Divorce in Connecticut, Divorce in CT, Grief and loss in Connecticut, Grief and loss in CT, Trauma in Connecticut, Trauma in CT, Substance abuse in Connecticut, Substance abuse in CT, Eating disorders in Connecticut, Eating disorders in CT, Custody evaluation in Connecticut, Custody evaluation in CT, Bipolar disorder in Connecticut, Bipolar disorder in CT, Career issues in Connecticut, Career issues in CT, Douglas Bunnell, Kathleen Conway, Trish Dayan, Wendy Eisenberg, Marta Elders, Andrea Goodman, Robert Horwitz, Peter Kane, Binnie Klein, Patricia Klein, Jay Lasser, Bruce Levi, Michele Lucas, Deborah Mazza, Rita McCleary, Kim Oliver, Elizabeth Prete, Frank Safran, Annita Sawyer, Marilyn Silverman, Jane Sturges, Richard Zelisko
Insurance vs. Self Pay
Why Self-Pay?: Privacy, choice and greater control of your treatment.
Insurance
Self-Pay
Privacy is compromised.  The insurance company may require a therapist to provide information about your history and symptoms. The insurance company usually does not inform the client who has access to this information or how the information may limit your future insurability. Privacy is protected.  Personal information is kept strictly confidential (see Some Basic Concepts).  Your files stay in your therapist’s office.
Choice of therapists is usually limited.  Insurance companies may only pay for therapy with therapists on their provider panels. Panels are often kept small, which limits your choice. A company can drop any provider whose treatment decisions are at odds with company policy. Choice of therapists will usually be broader.  The Guild exists primarily to inform people interested in psychotherapy about therapists willing to accept self-pay clients.  The Guild requires that therapists be licensed by the state but does not restrict their treatment practices.
Treatment decisions are influenced by company policy.  Treatment  is only authorized if it conforms with company policy.  Reviewers at the company determine whether treatment will be authorized or not. Treatment decisions are made by you in consultation with your therapist.  There are no reviewers or company policies to influence treatment decisions.

Company policies are apt to encourage very brief treatment and the use of medication. In order to reduce costs and increase profits, the briefest treatment tends to be preferred. Treatment may not be authorized unless you agree to the company’s treatment recommendations. Although your plan may offer benefits up to certain limits, those benefits will only be paid if they are authorized by the insurance company as “medically necessary.”

 The client chooses the type of therapy that fits his/her needs.  Each situation can be judged on its merits, depending on your preferences and circumstances.
Psychotherapy and medication appointments will usually cost less. Your payments for these services tend to be low as long as you use only a few sessions. Remember that although your plan defines the limits of your benefits, the company will only pay if the benefits are authorized as being “medically necessary.” If you think you might need more than very brief treatment, self-pay with a Guild therapist may be similar in cost to managed care plans.  All Guild therapists offer a fee reduction.  Many therapists have sliding scales which take into account your ability to pay. Find out what your managed care plan covers.  See whether there are cost savings, see how far benefits extend, and decide whether the loss of privacy and control of your treatment are worth what you gain.
A large proportion of your healthcare dollar goes to increased administrative costs, advertising, executive salaries, political lobbying, and profits to shareholders. Nearly all your healthcare dollar goes to providing healthcare. The Guild’s marketing and administrative costs are minimal, and there are no executive salaries or shareholder profits.
Insurance companies emphasize cost containment. Administrators and reviewers interpret company policies to limit reimbursements. Consumers may not be informed of treatment alternatives The Guild emphasizes privacy and tailoring treatment to the individual.  We encourage you to be a well-informed consumer.