So…You don’t take insurance?
That’s right, well, not directly!
I’m considered an “out-of-network provider,” which for me serves as a nice in-between zone. Being an out-of-network provider means that I’m not under contract with any insurance companies. This gives us more autonomy in work together while still allowing clients to use their insurance benefits if they have out-of-network coverage.
Over time, I realized that many of the things I value most as a therapist, including privacy, accessibility, specialized training, and sustainable care, were increasingly at odds with the insurance system.
I get a lot of questions about why I don’t participate in insurance networks. I want to be transparent and share why I’ve modeled my practice in this way. The short answer is that being out-of-network gives me the freedom to build a practice that reflects my values and supports the kind of care I want to offer.
If you’re interested in the longer answer and how out-of-network therapy can support you, keep reading.
While I don’t accept insurance directly, I support you in pursuing reimbursement if that’s something you want! I provide the documentation your insurance company needs to send you reimbursement checks and try to make the process as easy as possible!
Here’s what out-of-network therapy makes possible
I intentionally keep a smaller caseload so I can actually hold space for the people I work with. That means I’m not rushing from session to session, and I have the capacity to stay attuned and mentally engaged with our work throughout the week.
I prepare for every session. I spend time before we meet reviewing what we talked about, noticing patterns, and thinking about where we might go next. It’s not unusual for clients or themes to stay in my mind between sessions. I might revisit something you said a week or two later because it’s still sitting with me, or send over a podcast, article, or reflection when something feels relevant or supportive.
Our work isn’t limited to symptom management or quick fixes. We can slow down and pay attention to what is underneath things like anxiety, shame, masking, burnout, or desire. That includes space for pleasure, depth work, and parts of you that might not have felt centered in other models of care.
If you reach out between sessions, I’m generally responsive and you can expect to hear back the same day for most scheduling or resource needs.
I also have more room for ongoing training and reflection in my work, which means I’m continually bringing in new ideas, approaches, and perspectives that directly shape how I show up in session.
Why I left insurance behind…
Client Privacy and Protection
I work primarily with marginalized communities who are under increasing scrutiny. Moving away from insurance protects client privacy by reducing the amount of information shared with insurance companies.
Specialized Training
Insurance companies do not account for differences in training or specialization. Out-of-network care allows me to practice in a way that is aligned with my training in LGBTQ+ care, sex therapy, and neurodivergent-affirming practices.
Challenging the System
Mental health clinicians are among the lowest-paid professionals in healthcare, despite advanced education and training. Being in-network means accepting rates set by insurance companies, rather than setting fees based on clinical value and care.
Sustainability and Care
As a disabled clinician, private pay allows me to honor my limits, reduce my caseload, and ensure I can provide high-quality, attentive care.
Values Alignment
Private pay supports a non-pathologizing, values-driven approach to therapy. It allows me to move away from care that is overly shaped by diagnosis requirements and toward more client-centered therapy.
Accessibility In New Forms
I’m committed to creating ways for folks to engage with my work that are sustainable and not dependent on insurance systems. This includes no-cost gender-affirming care assessments and letters, community trainings and webinars where no one is turned away, and free resources. My goal is to widen access to therapeutic support in ways that do not rely on insurance approval or clinician overextension.