Top Reasons Why People Choose Private Pay Therapy in Baltimore
When it comes to therapy, many people conclude that using insurance is the way to go or that all mental health providers accept health insurance. But did you know that many individuals–right here in Baltimore and across Maryland—choose to invest in private pay therapy instead? While insurance can be a helpful tool for accessing mental health care, it also comes with limitations that don’t work for everyone.
At LifeSpring Counseling Services, we accept insurance, but we also offer private pay therapy and specialized self-pay services like Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Extended Brainspotting Sessions, and Brainspotting Intensives. There are many reasons people opt for private pay therapy, and in this blog, we’ll explore the top ones.
More Privacy and Confidentiality
Many people value the extra level of privacy that private pay therapy provides. When you use insurance, your diagnosis, treatment, and session details become part of your medical record. Some individuals—especially those in high-profile careers or licensed professions—prefer to keep their mental health care completely off the books.
Who might care most about privacy?
Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists)
Teachers and educators
Anyone in a highly regulated or licensed profession
Insurance brokers who know the type of data insurance companies consider when deciding whether or not to provide someone with coverage
No Need for a Mental Health Diagnosis
Did you know that in order for insurance to cover therapy, you typically need to be assigned a mental health diagnosis and that your provider must show that there is “medical necessity”? That diagnosis stays in your medical records indefinitely. Some people may not meet the strict criteria for a diagnosis but still want therapy to work through stress, life transitions, or personal growth.
With private pay, you can receive care without meeting criteria for a diagnosis—because your well-being is important, even if it doesn’t fit into an insurance company’s guidelines. After all, many people come to therapy to improve self-confidence, learn to set boundaries, increase self-awareness, communicate better, or become a better partner or parent, and none of these things are covered by insurance.
Greater Flexibility and Control
Insurance companies dictate the terms of your therapy, including:
How many sessions you can have
How long your sessions last (typically 53-60 minutes–or less)
Which therapists you can see (Using insurance means finding an in-network provider)
What issues qualify for coverage
When you pay privately, you and your therapist decide on the length, frequency, and type of treatment—not the insurance company! This is especially important for those seeking specialized therapies like Ketamine-Assisted Therapies, Brainspotting Intensives or Extended Brainspotting sessions, which insurance doesn’t typically cover.
Access to Specialized Therapies
Insurance companies often only cover traditional talk therapy, leaving out more innovative treatments that could be more effective for certain concerns. Many people seek private pay therapy to access treatments such as:
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (for trauma or treatment-resistant depression)
Brainspotting Intensives (for deep trauma work in a shorter time frame)
Extended Therapy Sessions (for those who prefer longer, in-depth sessions)
If you’re looking for therapy options that go beyond the traditional 53-minute session, private pay may be the best way to get the care you truly need.
Faster Access to Care
Unfortunately, long waitlists are common for in-network therapists. Many people turn to private pay therapy because they need help now, not in three months. With self-pay services, you often get quicker access to care, which can make a big difference when you’re struggling.
Therapy That Fits Your Unique Needs
Not everyone seeking therapy is in crisis or meets the criteria for a clinical diagnosis. Many people invest in private pay therapy because they want:
Support through major life transitions (divorce, career changes, grief)
A trusted space to process emotions without labels
If you’re looking for therapy that is tailored to your needs rather than dictated by insurance rules, private pay might be the right option for you.
But What About the Cost?
We recognize that private pay therapy isn’t an option for everyone. At LifeSpring, we aim to make mental health care as accessible as possible. We accept insurance for many of our services while also offering private pay options for those who want greater privacy, flexibility, or access to specialized treatments.
Private pay clients can use:
Credit or debit cards
FSA/HSA cards (for qualified expenses)
Check payments
Is Private Pay Therapy Right for You?
If you’re looking for therapy without insurance restrictions, or if you’re interested in specialized services like Brainspotting, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or therapy intensives, private pay might be the best fit.
At LifeSpring Counseling Services, we’re here to help you find the therapy option that’s right for you. Whether you choose to use insurance or invest in private pay services, our goal is the same: to provide you with the best possible care to get you the results you’re looking for.
Want to learn more? Contact us today to explore your options and find the therapy that’s right for you.
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Interested in Private Pay Counseling for Anxiety, Life Transitions, or Depression?
If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting as a specialized service, and Brainspotting can be done online, too!
Here’s how you can get started! Private pay counseling for anxiety, life transitions, and depression aren’t the only services offered at our Baltimore, MD office.
The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
