Navigating Insurance as a Therapist in Private Practice

Is it worth accepting insurance as a therapist?

This first question can feel like the most challenging to answer, because your income goals and clinical passions may be at odds. Increasing access to care for the patient populations that you’re passionate about helping is likely to be top of mind. While the private pay model is simpler and may mean more short-term profit for you, it can also create additional barriers for your ideal patients and put a damper on your long-term career satisfaction.

There are also other benefits to taking insurance that you may not yet have considered, from being part of a supportive network of referring providers to the ease of maintaining your caseload over time.

There may be personal factors that are also influencing your own decision, but it can help to look at some of the most obvious factors head-on and document where you stand, which is where this eBook will come in handy. Inside the eBook, you’ll find interactive exercises that will help you think through key aspects of insurance-related decisions.

Which insurance plans should you accept?

Some plans have a track record of relatively streamlined claims processes and competitive therapy insurance reimbursement rates. Others may be known for more arduous documentation requirements and poor support for clients or providers.

The mental health provider credentialing process also varies significantly. Most insurers take 90–120 days, though some platforms can expedite this to 45 days. Some have simple renewal processes; others require extensive re-documentation every few years.

But beyond administrative considerations, the right insurance plans for your practice depends on your specific goals and client focus. If keeping your caseload full is your priority, it may make sense to join plans offered by major employers in your area. If you’re looking to help a specific population, you might want to identify organizations that serve that community and research which insurance providers they partner with.

For providers wanting to strengthen their referral network, researching the most popular insurance providers in your location—or those that cover your unique services—can be a strategic starting point. And if you’re hoping to collaborate with healthcare organizations, knowing which plans they accept can help align your credentialing decisions with your professional goals.

Download the eBook for specific prompts and evaluation criteria to help you identify which insurance plans align with your practice objectives.

What’s the best way to get credentialed in multiple states?

If you’re licensed in multiple states, getting credentialed in two or more is often a smart move, but it does come with considerations. The decision ultimately depends on your client demand, administrative bandwidth, and financial viability.

Keep in mind that multi-state credentialing means separate applications for each state and each insurance provider—essentially doubling your paperwork per provider. Insurance requirements will also differ state-by-state, adding another layer of complexity to track and maintain.

The eBook includes a detailed exercise to help you evaluate whether the time and administrative burden is worth taking on multi-state credentialing.

Gain clarity and more forward with confidence

Your private practice is unique. Your local market, area of focus, client demographics, and operational preferences create a specific combination of factors that require thoughtful consideration. What works perfectly for a trauma therapist in Portland might not make sense for a couples counselor in Atlanta.