It’s one of the most common questions we get: “Why don’t you take insurance?” And if you’ve never paid for therapy out of pocket before, it might feel confusing—or even frustrating—to hear that a practice is self-pay only. But here’s the thing: choosing not to bill insurance directly isn’t about making therapy harder to access. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s about protecting the quality, privacy, and flexibility of your care.
Your Therapy Should Be About You—Not Insurance Rules
When therapy goes through insurance, there’s a third party in the room: the insurance company. And they don’t just pay the bills—they often get a say in what kind of therapy you can have, how often you can go, and when your sessions should end.
We believe those choices belong to you and your therapist. Therapy should be a space where your goals lead the way—not where you’re checking boxes to meet insurance requirements. By offering self-pay services, we’re able to give you more control over your healing process, not less.
You Don’t Need to Be “Diagnosable” to Need Support
Invest in your Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Here’s something most people don’t know: to use insurance for therapy, you have to be given a formal diagnosis that goes on your permanent medical record. Even if you’re just looking for help managing stress, navigating life transitions, or working through burnout, the system requires you to qualify for treatment by way of a diagnosis.
But not everyone who seeks therapy has a mental illness. And not everyone wants that kind of label attached to their record. Some people choose to self-pay specifically because it allows them to get support without being pathologized.
Life can be hard, and therapy can help—even if nothing is “clinically wrong.”
Privacy Matters
Some people are surprised to learn that insurance companies can request access to your therapy records in order to process claims. While there are limits to what they can see, your privacy isn’t completely guaranteed when a third party is involved.
Private pay therapy offers a greater level of confidentiality. It keeps your mental health care between you and your therapist—no diagnosis codes, no billing disclosures, no outside review.
A More Sustainable Way to Provide Care
Insurance companies often reimburse therapists at rates well below the actual cost of providing care. This can push therapists to overbook, rush sessions, or take on more clients than they can reasonably support—leading to burnout and reduced quality of care.
By using a self-pay model, our practice can maintain a healthier pace. Our therapists are able to bring their full energy and attention to each session, which means better care for you. It also allows for more flexibility in scheduling—like biweekly or monthly sessions if that suits
You are worth it
your needs and budget.
Therapy Is an Investment—And You Get to Choose What You Prioritize
Let’s be real: therapy costs money. But so do a lot of things we choose for our health and quality of life—fitness memberships, weekend getaways, subscription boxes, takeout. Paying for therapy is choosing to invest in your mental and emotional well-being. You’re not just spending—you’re building something.
And you’re worth investing in.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a self-pay therapist might not be the easiest route, but for many people, it’s the most empowering one. It gives you more control, more privacy, and more space to get the care you actually need—not just what’s covered.
If you’re in the Kansas City area and want therapy that puts your needs—not insurance policies—first, we’d love to connect. We’re here to support your growth, at your pace, for your goals.
