Insurance
We do not participate in any private insurance plans. However, in many cases, insurance companies will pay for 50-80% of the cost of therapy through out-of-network benefits. We can provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.
If you need more information, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:
Do I have benefits for out-of-network psychotherapy?
Is there a deductible? How much have I reached? When does the deductible reset (usually January 1)?
What are the out-of-network benefits for CPT codes 90791 (initial assessment), 90834 (individual psychotherapy), 90837 (individual psychotherapy)?
Do I have coverage for therapy via teletherapy (video or phone), with the modifier code 95? This is usually indicated on your receipt or claim by adding "95" to the billing code, i.e. 90834-95 is for an individual session via teletherapy.
Do I need any pre-authorization to receive these services out-of-network?
Can I submit claims electronically? How long does it take to process?
For insurance purposes, our billing zip code (business address) is 19320. Morgan Levine is a clinical social worker in MD, VA, DC, PA, CO, and FL. Katy Levine and Evyan Roberts are a supervisees in social work in Virginia and licensed to practice in MD, DC, and PA (Katy only) under supervision from Morgan.
Why We Don't Take Insurance
As a therapist, I often hear the question, "Why don't you take insurance?" I appreciate this question, as it highlights the financial pressures many face in accessing mental health care. While we do offer temporary reduced rates and provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement, our choice not to accept insurance is a deliberate decision to ensure we provide quality care.
Preserving Autonomy and Confidentiality Insurance companies often impose restrictions on the type and length of treatment they are willing to cover. This can limit a therapist's ability to tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of each client. For example, an insurance company might only cover a certain number of sessions, which might not be sufficient for someone requiring long-term therapy. By not accepting insurance, therapists maintain the freedom to use their professional judgment in determining the most effective course of treatment without external constraints.
Another critical concern is client confidentiality. Insurance companies require detailed records and diagnostic information to process claims. This information becomes part of the client’s permanent medical record, which can be accessed by other healthcare providers and, in some cases, employers or other third parties. Some people feel uncomfortable with this level of disclosure and prefer to keep their mental health treatment private. We let clients decide whether they wish to use their benefits and therefore share their information with their insurance companies or not.
Administrative Burden There is an overwhelming administrative burden it takes to work with insurances including verifying coverage, submitting claims, dealing with rejections, waiting long periods of time for payment, and sometimes even hiring additional staff to manage these tasks. This administrative work can detract from the time and energy that we can otherwise dedicate to our clients. By not taking insurance, we can focus more on providing high-quality care rather than navigating bureaucratic red tape.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity Insurance reimbursement rates are often low, pressuring therapists to see a high volume of clients to maintain profitability. At our practice, we experience this model as unsustainable for providing quality care. By setting our rates to account for all the hidden costs and provide a livable wage, we ensure our therapists can focus on providing meaningful connections and successful outcomes for clients.
In conclusion, while not accepting insurance can present financial challenges for clients, it also offers significant benefits that can enhance the therapeutic experience. It allows therapists to maintain their autonomy, ensure confidentiality, and focus on providing high-quality, personalized care. For these reasons, many therapists, including our team, have made the difficult decision to operate outside the insurance system. Our ultimate goal is to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe, valued, and supported, enabling them to make meaningful progress in their mental health journeys.
If you have any questions or need assistance navigating the options for therapy, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your mental health is a priority, and there are various ways to find the support you need.