Therapy With Abby
Abby Hartman MS, NCC, LPC
EMDR Trained Therapist
&
Relationship & Couples Counselor
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Investing In Yourself
I know the cost of therapy is something that can discourage people from trying it. Finances can be a source of stress, and you want therapy to ease your stress, not give you more of it. I want that too.
That’s why I emphasize that at Therapy With Abby, you are in control of your therapeutic process.
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I’m happy to problem-solve with all my clients when it comes to scheduling, whether that means bi-weekly sessions, pausing them, or ending treatment if need be. I try to avoid ending therapy abruptly, if at all possible, which is one reason I encourage open communication.
Knowing where you are at from the get-go can help us as we plan your goals, including how and when you’ll achieve them.
It may help to view therapy as an investment you’re putting into yourself.
Not going to therapy when you need it can result in your symptoms getting worse, potentially resulting in things like missed work, worsening symptoms, and further setbacks.
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I understand that there are many times throughout life where we need therapy but can’t afford it and I happily offer sliding scale sessions for those that need it, just ask!
Self Pay Options
There are major disadvantages to using insurance to cover the cost of therapy. Going through insurance gives companies control over your therapeutic process. It’s up to them whether you need therapy at all, and if so, how much and how often.
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Insurance companies would require me to give you a diagnosis, which may be unfair to you. I may not have thoroughly assessed you enough to give you an accurate diagnosis, or I may need to change it later. I need to report these diagnoses to insurance companies, which means less privacy for you. Sometimes insurance can decide you don’t need therapy anymore and pull the plug, resulting in an abrupt end to therapy. This can be harmful and actually cause worsening of symptoms, depending on where you are in treatment.
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In summary, not working with insurance means we keep your therapy where it belongs:
In my office, not in that of an insurance company. So it gives you greater control and privacy. It also gives you predictability, knowing exactly what each session will cost.
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I know finances can still be a concern, and I want to make therapy as stress-free as possible, even if that means I’m not the right therapist for you! If that’s the case, I’m happy to refer you to someone who meets your needs. Let’s talk about it in our first session so we can make sure you get the most out of your experience at Therapy With Abby.
Question: Why don't you take insurance?
Answer:
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Insurance companies require a diagnosis in order to pay for treatment. This hinders and stigmatizes the population of people who are just having trouble with normal life challenges, or a rough transition, such as grief, or even trauma.
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Insurance companies have the right to access session documents when billing under them. This means that confidentiality would no longer be strictly between the therapist and client. With private pay, the client is reassured that any records of the therapist’s are secured and private.
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The relationship between a client and therapist is sacred. Finding a therapist you connect with is vital to your growth. Many insurance companies give their customers a list of providers that are in network with their benefits. This does not give clients autonomy to see a therapist who may have been personally recommended to them, or with whom they feel connected due to limitations of insurance providers.
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that I can learn more about you, what your needs are, and answer any questions you may have about starting therapy. I believe it is very important that we are a good fit in order to make the therapeutic process successful.